Music business

Another victim in Newton fire

by Mike Miliard

Gamelan Interactive owner and talent buyer Andrew Stahl won't soon forget the ravenous fire that swept through his office building near Newton's Mall at Chestnut Hill last Wednesday. "In half an hour, I watched the building come undone," he says. "We lost everything."

Though the tragedy is still fresh, Stahl has focused his attention on rebuilding his production company, which has brought acts as diverse as rappers Das EFX, jam band Jiggle the Handle, and bluegrass legends Bela Fleck and David Grisman to Boston venues such as the Middle East, Harpers Ferry, and the Orpheum. "We're working really hard to get back on track," Stahl reports. "We're set up at my partner's house, we're rebuilding our data, we all have cell phones, and we've found new office space. . . . It's actually a better space. People are really working to help us out."

As many as 30 businesses were destroyed in the fire, and federal, state, and local officials have talked of aid packages. Stahl hasn't heard anything yet.

Nonetheless, Stahl has no doubts about the future of Gamelan Interactive. "We're going to be better than ever," he says. "We're very dedicated, hard-working, and we love what we do. Neither floods nor fires can destroy Gamelan. I want to express my sincerest gratitude and thanks for the support we've received. It's overwhelming."

Stahl expects all upcoming shows to proceed as planned, but suggests a visit to the company's Web site for any inquiries.