This is a place where free speech and public debate are welcomed and encouraged. The Speakers’ Corner originated in the mid-19th century at London’s Hyde Park. The concept spread worldwide both physically and now virtually. Here at the Arizona Progress & Gazette, we are presenting this platform in the form of question-and-answer style interviews with people who have had a meaningful impact on the community.
Gem Ray is known as a king of Scottsdale’s nationally known nightlife in Old Town. He is the driving force behind Scottsdale Nights, which has been in business for 15 years. Gem helps individual and corporate clients such as athletes, celebrities, and nightlife enthusiasts that connect with the ultimate Scottsdale experience. As his experience gained in notoriety, he’s kept busy. He’s in business with most of the Scottsdale bars and nightlife venues, and with 4.5 million people in his database, Gem averages around 80 to 100 events per month.
You are often described as a “Nightlife Concierge.” How would you define that job title?
At my job, we wear a lot of hats. We are known as a go-to trusted source of nightlife, and we accommodate all nightlife requests such as itinerary, where to go, VIP bottle and table reservations, special requests, guest-lists, etc. We are well suited for marketing any night or event. Even though our brand is nightlife based, we also do breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour reservations. Finally, we can accommodate any sized group and facilitate anything that they need.
Scottsdale’s nightlife is nationally renowned. What sets it apart nationally? 
Scottsdale Nightlife has evolved immensely over the past two decades, specifically over the past 10 years. Its energy, fundamentals, operations, creativity, and delivery of the product are some of the primary reasons, alongside the demand of the entertainment district.
Is Scottsdale’s notoriety setting any nightlife trends national?
Yes, it is. Over the past 15 years, especially with social media being a staple of marketing, I have received a lot of questions on what and how we do certain things. Scottsdale is a top-tiered market for tourism and the nightlife experience.
Describe a typical day. What time do you start work and what time does your workday usually end?
It varies a lot, and I call a lot of audibles. On my preferred day, I will start my day at 11am, and start my meetings at 2pm. At around 6pm, I will usually start an event, and then kick off the nighttime segment at 9pm. I’ll stay out till 1am and then go home, work for another hour, and then call it a night. This drastically changes on the weekends, especially during football season, where at times we start at 9am.
What has changed most about Scottsdale’s nightlife in the past 15 years?
Many things have changed significantly, with everything being for the better. The city itself has grown and so has the demand for the hospitality business. With that in mind, it is essential that you as a business and your mindset need to adapt. Scottsdale nightlife has done a great job with that and will continue to grow with an upward trend.
What Scottsdale nightclub that is no longer in business do you wish was still around?
Axis-Radius, PCL, Wild Knight, Smashboxx, Dollhouse, American Junkie, Cream, Crown Room and Spanish Fly are just a few of many that I wish were still around.
Do you have a favorite dive bar?
I love the Rock Bar and their staff, and Boondocks is one of the best bars in the city. Any dive bar with good food and a jukebox are a grand slam for me.