When Westword spoke with event producer Julia Tobey in June 2025 prior to the opening of Ballyhoo Table & Stage, her new spot for performance, coffee and cocktails in the former BRDG Project space at 3300 Tejon Street, she was filled with optimism and purpose. “My job is to create joy,” she said. “And joy saves lives.”
Tobey’s tone has changed considerably since then. Ballyhoo, which she had envisioned as a warm and welcoming enclave for anyone who supports diversity, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, is already out of business. An eviction sign is affixed to its door, which last closed to customers on February 12.
Even though more than a month has passed since then, Tobey admits to still feeling stunned by the chain of events that led to Ballyhoo’s shutdown. “I’m taking a huge break as a producer,” she says. “I have no juice left.”…