Daily Inspiration: Meet Jonah McTaggart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonah McTaggart.

Hi Jonah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started in restaurants in 2007, on the floor and behind the bar, learning hospitality from the inside out. Long hours, high pressure, and constant motion taught me how to read people, hold space, and lead with presence. That industry shaped not only my work ethic, but my understanding of how deeply environments influence the way people feel and connect.

Eventually my curiosity expanded beyond food and beverages into the energy of spaces themselves. I became fascinated by how music, lighting, flow, and attention to detail could transform a room into magic. That curiosity pulled me into experiential events, where hospitality becomes immersive, unpredictable, and centered around the human experience rather than transactions.

The story continues with my landing strip at Banshee House, a super-cute venue (literally an old house) tucked into the heart of RiNo, back in 2021. What unfolded there happened organically and unapologetically fast. I entered the project as Beverage Director, moved into Assistant Director, and then quickly stepped into the role of Director. Each transition came with responsibilities I wasn’t fully “qualified” for on paper. There were very few training wheels and the project was evolving just as rapidly as it was growing. The only way forward was hands-on learning and figuring things out in real time. Those moments stretched me in ways nothing else could, forcing growth through action rather than theory.

Eventually, that evolution led to ownership. Today, I’m the owner and operator of Banshee House alongside my partner, my best friend and the love of my life. What we’re building together has grown into a true family business. One rooted in trust, shared ethics, and a deep commitment to our community and to each other. Having my partner as my sidekick in both life and work has grounded the journey and opened up my eyes to what two people that speak the same language are capable of accomplishing together.

My story hasn’t been linear or polished, but it’s been honest. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being ready, it’s about being willing, accountable, and present through discomfort. I’m still evolving, still learning, and deeply committed to building a place where community, creativity, and connection can truly thrive.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. The road has been anything but smooth.

Most of the challenges came from growth happening faster than I was prepared for. Stepping into increasing levels of responsibility without a clear roadmap meant having to learn through mistakes often. I’ve had to navigate burnout, self-doubt, and the pressure of being accountable not just to a vision, but to staff, artists, collaborators, and a broader community that trusts me and trusts the space.

Ownership brings its own set of challenges. Running a queer-owned, community-centered venue means holding high standards while also protecting the heart of the space. There have been moments of financial strain, difficult conversations, and having to set firm boundaries, especially when it came to safety, respect, and values. Learning when to say no, even when it costs time or money, has been one of the hardest but most necessary lessons (that I’m still learning to practice).

On a personal level, balancing partnership, leadership, and sustainability hasn’t always been easy. Building a family business with my partner requires clear communication, trust, and a willingness to grow together through stress and uncertainty. We’ve learned how to take turns supporting each other when one of us is down, without losing ourselves or each other in the work load.

That said, every struggle clarified what mattered most to us. The challenges forced me to slow down, to listen deeply, and build systems rooted in care rather than urgency. None of it was smooth, but it was impactful. And each obstacle strengthened both my leadership and my commitment to creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but safe, intentional, and long-lasting.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At heart, I see myself as an experiential artist and cultural curator. My medium isn’t one thing. It’s people, space, energy, and timing. I work at the intersection of hospitality, art, music, and community, creating environments where connection can happen naturally rather than being forced.

I specialize in translating feeling into form. From the way a room flows to the smallest details, everything is considered thoughtfully. I’m known for creating spaces that feel alive. Places where people can soften, express themselves, and feel safe showing up as they are.

What makes Banshee House so special is its ability to become what it needs to be, for whoever it needs to be for. The space is in constant transformation. Shifting layouts, perspectives, and stages week after week, nothing ever feels redundant. Every time you step into the house, you feel something different because it evolves with the guests inside it.

What I’m most proud of is building something that truly holds people with the care they deserve. Opening our home to friends and neighbors and creating space for them to reconnect with parts of themselves they don’t often get to access in a world shaped by so much uncertainty, fills my cup deeply.

What sets me apart is that I lead with presence, not performance. I’m not chasing trends or trying to go viral. Though visibility does have its place. My focus is building trust, one room and one group at a time. When people leave feeling more connected to themselves and to each other, that’s the art form (from my perspective). And that’s the work I’m committed to continuing.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Support starts in quiet but meaningful ways. Showing up, spreading the word, choosing to gather here, and treating the house with care all help sustain the ecosystem we’ve created. This space exists because of community, and it continues because of community.

We’re also honest about the reality that maintaining a community-centered space takes resources. Financial support through bookings, partnerships, sponsorships, or aligned investments plays a huge role in building momentum and longevity.

Supporting artists and DJs financially is also a vital part of that healthy ecosystem. In a city oversaturated with options, there are only so many places where time, energy, and money can realistically land. When you choose to contribute by attending events and sharing the work happening here, and at other small independent venues, you help circulate resources directly back into artists’ pockets while keeping the lights on in the spaces that hold them.

Ultimately, we’re looking for people who believe in what this space represents and want to be part of its future. Support, for us, isn’t transactional, it’s relational. And when it’s rooted in care, everyone benefits.

Pricing:

• Pricing for the venue fluctuates by group size, days of the week, hours needed, beverage requirements, etc. Please reach out to hello@thebansheehouse.com to get a custom quote tailored to your needs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thebansheehouse.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebansheehouse/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebansheehouse
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/banshee-house/

Image Credits
Anthony Muse
Armando Geneyro Jr.
Abner Gabriel Riviera