STAFF
Publisher, Editor-in-Chief
Jan Ramsey
Jan Ramsey started OffBeat and its associated entities over three decades ago as an effort to improve and expand local music culture and business. Known for her scathing “Mojo Mouth” essays, Jan has been a music activist since the early 1980s, loves local music and culture, and is most turned on by making sure music is in the forefront of the minds of everyone who lives here or wishes they live here. She is a native New Orleanian and a (former) good Catholic girl…and she used to have flaming red hair, which is now snow white. Email Jan
Managing Editor, Business Manager
Joseph Irrera
Joseph Irrera, a native of Brooklyn, is living proof that “real men” listen to opera. Joseph, whose forebears came from Sicily, has composed hundreds of pop songs few human beings have been privileged to hear, although he recently performed a song he composed for his wife (Jan Ramsey) at their wedding. He’s also an aficionado of and expert on classical music and opera, as well as European and mid-20th century U.S. pop music.
Email Joseph
Consulting Editor – In Memoriam
John Swenson
John Swenson started writing about popular music in 1967. He joined OffBeat‘s staff in 1999 before editing the award-winning website jazze.com for Knit Media, then returned to OffBeat in 2005. He has worked as an editor at Crawdaddy, Rolling Stone, Circus and Rock World and was a syndicated music columnist for more than 20 years at United Press International and Reuters. Swenson wrote 14 published books including biographies of Bill Haley, the Who, Stevie Wonder and the Eagles and co-edited the original Rolling Stone Record Guide with Dave Marsh. He was also the editor of The Rolling Stone Jazz and Blues Album Guide. His most recent book, New Atlantis: Musicians Battle for the Survival of New Orleans, was named Book of the Year by Jazz Times magazine. John was beloved in the New Orleans music community. He passed away on March 28, 2022. He will be missed professionally and personally by all of us.
Digital Content Manager and Social Media
John Geraghty is an accomplished artist manager and digital marketing coordinator with over six years of experience in the music industry.
Johnny Geraghty
In addition to his current role at OffBeat as Social Media and Digital Manager, John works for Downtown Music Services as an A&R Consultant where he discovers, connects with, and pitches a wide variety of up-and-coming artists. John graduated summa cum laude from Loyola University New Orleans’ Music Industry Studies program. He is skilled in talent discovery, journalism, and advertising, including social media, digital marketing, and Spotify playlisting. John is known for his outgoing personality, love for music, and his commitment to shining light on undiscovered artists. In his free time, John enjoys going to concerts and playing basketball with friends. Email Johnny.
Web Editor and Photo/Video specialist
Noé Cugny
OffBeat‘s resident Parisien has been a U.S. resident for over a decade. He joined OffBeat after pursuing a degree in journalism at the University of Southern Mississippi, and is an accomplished photographer, writer and videographer. Take a look at OffBeat‘s YouTube channel or subscribe to the Weekly Beat to see his work.
Ruby Begonia
Ruby Begonia (aka Ruby, RooRoo, the Rubester, Monstro and Cutie-Pie) is OffBeat‘s newest non-human staffer. She’s a Havanese Silk Dog by breed, and quite a lively handful, who not only will bark loudly at new acquaintances, but will also attempt to lick (kiss) them to death. One thing you can say about Ruby: she loves everyone, and will welcome you wholeheartedly into her new domain at the New Orleans Jazz Museum (in the Old U.S. Mint). Unfortunately, Ruby does not respond to email, only scratches and treats.
In Memoriam
Poppy
Poppy, a mix between a Maltese and a Poodle, arrived at OffBeat in 2006. She quickly demonstrated her ability to relieve stress. She provided excellent social support and made it virtually impossible to stay in a bad mood. Our dear little Poppy died suddenly on Christmas Day, 2014, to the severe distress of her parents, Jan Ramsey and Joseph Irrera. She was our little baby, and is irreplaceable to us. Only those who have had a beloved 24/7 pet will understand how terrible her loss is to her mama and daddy, to the OffBeat staff, and to the many visitors she welcomed to our office over the many years she was with us. There was never a sweeter or more beloved puppy dog. We will always miss you, Pup-Pup.
