Our Team


Nick Thomas: Owner / Creative Director

For nearly decade, Nick Thomas was the Director of Programming and Marketing at Republic NOLA, launching the highly successful Throwback, TRAP, BOUNCE, and other event series; booking and marketing of thousands of live shows; and building relationships with outside event producers to bolster an electric lineup of high-profile talent and top-notch event design, collectively bringing Republic to the forefront of live music venues in the US.

Nick acquired Republic NOLA in 2015 before implementing sweeping changes to the facility, programming, and staff. In addition to the floor-to-ceiling renovation of the space, Nick’s vision for the relaunch of Republic also included a significant change to the programming, steering away from Republic’s nightclub past and towards event-based programming and a new emphasis on private events. Since that renovation, Republic has become a preeminent venue in the US, offering a premiere and eclectic lineup of electronic, rock and rap; unparalleled production quality; comprehensive and hands-on event planning; and a renewed commitment to customer service to ensure the best experience for all our guests.

Nick oversees all aspects of high-level operations, creative content production, relationship building, and business development. He aims to make Republic a second home to its guests, while constantly innovating to ensure that each experience is unique and unforgettable.

Nick is a classically trained upright and electric bass player and was a studio musician and touring performer while growing up in Seattle, WA. In 2003, he took his passion for music performance to Loyola University New Orleans, where he majored in Music, Business, and Music Business. Working closely with the head of the Music Business Department, Nick cofounded five businesses, known in academia as entrepreneurial units, including Loyola’s sound company, recording studio, radio station, and publishing company. While completing his degrees, he worked as the Director of Operations for Basin Street Records and started buying talent and marketing shows at Republic. During this time, Nick also cofounded the New Orleans Indie Rock Collective, which aimed to bolster and unite the disjoined indie rock scene in New Orleans, producing the flagship annual event, foburg fest. Additionally, he has lead multiple departments of over a dozen music festivals, including an 8-year run at Rehage Entertainment as the head of the Volunteer and Intern Program at Voodoo and Essence, and worked with WCP/AEG to develop the Special Moments Department at BUKU.

In 2017, Nick acquired the beloved Spanish Moon in Baton Rouge, is actively working on a variety of other venue developments, and is involved in a wide array of non-music-related businesses. In his free time, Nick enjoys attending music festivals and industry events, traveling, taking his “Taco Boat” out on the water, and playing kickball in a number of leagues.


Christopher Folse: Director of Public Events

Chris is responsible for booking and marketing all public events/shows for the venue. He joined the Republic NOLA team in 2013 and strives to provide the patrons of New Orleans’ with the best music experiences possible.

Born and raised along Bayou Lafourche in the small town of Lockport, LA, Chris always has had a passion for music and grew up playing guitar. After spending some time exploring potential career paths, Chris moved to New Orleans in 2012 to immerse himself in the music industry and absorb everything he could possibly learn. Upon meeting Nick Thomas at a show at Republic, the two hit it off and Chris began working for the venue in the Box Office with the goal of eventually becoming Nick’s apprentice and following in his footsteps. Once Nick purchased the venue in 2015, Chris’ dream came true and he was promoted into his current role.

Outside of work, Chris is the self-titled “Meme King” and enjoys shopping for over priced athleisure-wear, eating, staying up too late playing video games, eating, riding his motorcycle at speeds your mom wouldn’t like, eating, and snapchatting his dog, Ollie.



Taylor LeGrand: Special Events Coordinator

Taylor handles execution-related tasks and vendor relations for all private parties, weddings, and corporate sponsored events. She began her role at Republic NOLA in May 2018 and enjoys learning and growing with a team that puts guests’ experiences first.

Throughout school, Taylor held a variety of restaurant service positions that made her realize her love of hospitality and taking care of people. In 2015, while completing the Hospitality Management and Tourism program at Northwestern State University, Taylor became the Event Director for KNWD Radio on campus and successfully coordinated a two-day music festival--a project that encouraged her to pursue a career with music and logistics at its core. Additionally, she acquired a minor in Music Performance for the trumpet, which she has played for 15 years. After graduating, she moved to New Orleans and landed a Marketing and Promotions internship at The House of Blues (Live Nation). Her well-rounded background in service, marketing, and music have made Taylor an excellent new addition to the Republic NOLA team!

Outside of work, Taylor enjoys exploring the art and culture of New Orleans, hiking, traveling, and practicing yoga and meditation. She has a newborn daughter and two dogs that keep her active and on her toes!


Sabrina Taylor: Director of Daytime Operations

Sabrina facilitates daily venue operations by managing human resources, accounting, establishing and maintaining vendor relationships, and managing all VIP Sales and Reservations. She has been a part of the Republic family since shortly after its inception, and enjoys developing a repeat customer base from which she has formed some of her closest friendships.

A New Orleans native, Sabrina was raised in the hospitality industry due to her mother’s 23 year stint as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the original Brennan’s Restaurant. She gained personal experience there, as well as restaurants under Tastebuds Management Group and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse throughout her high school and college years. In early 2007, Sabrina started at Republic as a VIP Bottle Service waitress while in the Business Marketing program at the University of New Orleans, and eventually went on to work at several other properties for Republic’s former parent company (LePhare, Ste. Marie). In 2011, an Administrative Assistant position opened and she returned to Republic full time. Upon Nick Thomas’ acquisition of the venue in 2015, Sabrina was promoted to her current management role.

Outside of her time at Republic NOLA, Sabrina enjoys indulging in the NOLA food-scene with family & friends, running off to the nearest beach, spending time on the “fun side” of the VIP table, and cooking with her sous chef, Tyson McNugget.



Staff Spotlight:

Nolan Bell, The Seventh

Nickname: Nahhhh fam

Republic Team Member Since: We lost a bet

Motto: “Got u dawg”

What’s your favorite memory at Republic? I don't remember many of them, but I know I had a blast.


Republic NOLA