PROPRIETOR & DRUMMER
Mark Woodward’s relationship with music began behind a drum kit early in life. Like many musicians, life eventually pulled him in other directions, and the drums were set aside for a time, but the music never left.
Years later, Mark returned to drumming with renewed purpose and a deeper appreciation for the art form, history, and its power to bring people together. What began again as a personal reconnection to begin The Downbeat.
As proprietor, Mark brings a lifelong love of rhythm and improvisation to Hickory, offering a home for vinyl and live performance. His vision is rooted in honoring the musicians, the experience, and the moment that happens with the downbeat.
OWNER & DESIGNER
Holly is the Interior Architect behind The Downbeat and the wife of Mark, with whom she shares a deep love for music, art, and gathering spaces. Together, their vision for the lounge is rooted in creating an environment where people can slow down, connect, and experience live jazz intimately.
Holly is also the Designer and Owner of DASH Home + Kitchen, located just a few doors down. Through her own design practice, she has practiced with some of the best Sound Engineers to cultivate spaces with experiential value and thoughtful audio.
Her work is guided by a belief that great spaces and audio tell stories and bring people together. At the Downbeat she is Chief Operating Officer over design, creativity, and marketing
TALENT SCOUT
A North Carolina native and graduate of Appalachian State University, Chuk has spent most of his years traveling the continental United States immersing himself in the sights, sounds, and history of America.
A modern-day Renaissance man, Chuk walks firmly on this foundation and continues to surround himself with likeminded musicians, artists, and unconventional thinkers.
Balancing work/life as a Project Manager and Local Musician, Chuk can be found after a long day's work for the machine either on stage performing or in the audience supporting his friends, family, and anyone else with a dream.
CHEF
Born and raised in the foothills of Western North Carolina, Chef Jason Trivette brings a deeply personal, family-inspired approach to food and hospitality. Inspired early by his mother and grandmothers, Chef Jason discovered his love for cooking at a young age and entered the hospitality industry humbly as a dishwasher. His relentless work ethic, curiosity, and dedication to the craft quickly propelled him through the culinary ranks. Over the course of his career, he has built a diverse background spanning private chef services, catering, restaurant leadership, and large-scale event execution.
As Founder of Chef Trivette’s Conceptions, curated elevated culinary experiences centered around thoughtful sourcing, refined technique, and genuine hospitality. Through his partnership with The Downbeat, Chef Jason brings that same passion to the culinary experience.
WINE & AUDIO
Matthew brings a unique blend of technical expertise, hospitality experience, and wine knowledge to The Downbeat. Originally from California, he and his wife Donna moved to Newton three years ago.
Matthew joins the team with a distinguished background in high-end audio, where he developed a refined understanding of sound production and acoustics which has been an invaluable asset in shaping the immersive music experience at The Downbeat.
In addition to his technical background, Matthew has extensive experience in the restaurant and wine industries, having worked within the tasting room of a prominent California winery. Matthew will help us to curate wine selections and thoughtful complements to both the menu and the musical experience.
OUTSIDE SALES
Pamela brings more than 30 years of experience in design and sales to her role as Outside Sales Associate where she is helping spearhead our event space, corporate rentals, catering, and rental programs. A Hickory native, Pamela has a deep appreciation for the community and lifestyle that make Western North Carolina so special, and she is passionate about building meaningful relationships through thoughtful hospitality and personalized service.
Outside of work, Pamela is passionate about wellness and Pilates and is a certified mat Pilates instructor. She loves to travel and is always drawn to the mountains, but home remains her favorite destination. Her style is comfortable, casual, and centered around family, friends, and gathering together. She enjoys a glass of wine on the back porch overlooking beautiful lake and mountain views. In the kitchen, Pamela’s favorite comfort food is her signature chili during the cooler months, while spring and summer are all about grilling and roasting seasonal vegetables with family and friends.