James Jimenez is redefining nightlife in Tempe with Skysill Rooftop, a high-rise concert experience designed to be more than just entertainment. Inspired by years immersed in dance music culture and the legacy of venues like Shady Park, he’s created an open-air space that blends intimacy, energy, and intention. By prioritizing community, championing local talent, and curating diverse lineups, James is building not just a venue — but a cultural gathering place where connection, discovery, and shared experience take center stage.
James, Skysill Rooftop has quickly become one of the most talked-about new venues in Tempe. What was your vision when creating a rooftop concert experience on the 18th floor?
From the beginning, the vision was to create something that Arizona was in desperate need of, an elevated music experience rooted in intention, not just entertainment. A lot of that comes from my personal journey. I have been part of the dance music scene for the past seven years, not just working in it, but living it as an attendee. I fell in love with the people, the culture, and the sense of connection it creates, and that perspective shaped how I approached building this.
That is what I wanted to bring into Skysill. Not just a venue, but a space that feels like it is built by and for the community. Being 18 floors up gives it a surreal, almost escape-like feeling, but the foundation is still very grounded. It is about people coming together with purpose, creating shared moments, and feeling like they are part of something bigger than just a night out.
I have a lot of respect for what Shady Park built. It was one of my favorite venues and a cornerstone of the scene here, something that really helped shape the culture and community in Phoenix. With it now unfortunately gone, I feel both an opportunity and a responsibility to carry that torch forward in some way, especially as one of the only open air venues in the city.
There is something about the open air experience that you just cannot replicate indoors. It creates a natural energy that feels more alive, more connected, and more immersive. Being outside with the music, the people, and the environment all working together brings a sense of freedom that makes the experience feel more authentic and memorable.
As the only rooftop concert venue in the area, how does that unique setting shape the energy and overall experience for both artists and audiences?
The setting completely transforms the experience. Being surrounded by the skyline with a full 360 panoramic view of the entire valley adds a different dimension to the way people engage with the music. There is a sense of freedom and presence that you do not get in more traditional venues, and it allows the night to feel more dynamic and alive.
Because I have spent years in the crowd myself, I think a lot about what makes an experience stick with people. It is not just about production or talent, it is about how it feels in the moment. The rooftop amplifies that connection. Artists feel more engaged with the audience, and the audience feels more connected to each other.
At the same time, the capacity plays a big role in that. Being around 350 people keeps the experience intimate, but still gives you enough energy in the room for it to feel like a real party. You get that balance where it feels personal, but never small. It creates a shared energy that turns a show into something people remember long after it ends.
You’re bringing in a mix of national, international, and local talent. How do you approach curating a lineup that appeals to such a wide audience?
I approach it with intention and inclusivity. The goal is not just to book names, it is to build experiences that reflect the full spectrum of the dance music scene. That means bringing in global talent while staying deeply connected to what is happening locally and giving people a sense of both familiarity and discovery.
I try to cater to a wide range of genres and sounds because the culture itself is so diverse. We want to create nights where someone can come for an artist they already know and leave having discovered something new. There is always new and upcoming talent that deserves a platform to be recognized and appreciated, so it is important for us to create space for that alongside more established acts.
At the same time, we want to build a level of trust with our audience where people feel confident showing up even if they are not familiar with the artist playing. The goal is for people to know that if they come to Skysill, they are going to experience a certain level of energy, atmosphere, and overall vibe that guarantees a good time. It is about creating consistency not just in who we book, but in how every night feels.
Supporting local artists seems to be a big part of your mission. Why is it important for you to create space for emerging talent alongside bigger names?
Because that is how a real music culture is built and sustained. Local artists are the foundation of the scene. They are the ones showing up consistently, building relationships, and shaping the sound of the community over time.
Creating space for them is not just important, it is necessary. When you give them opportunities to play alongside bigger names, you are helping them grow while also strengthening the overall ecosystem. It builds trust within the community and reinforces the idea that this is a shared space. At Skysill, we want every artist, regardless of where they are in their journey, to feel like they have a place here.
With the venue gaining momentum, what’s next for Skysill Rooftop and how do you see it evolving in the live music scene?
A big focus for us is consistency and building something people can rely on, similar to what we are doing with concepts like Sunday Service. It is about creating a weekly rhythm where people know they have a place to go, a space to connect, and an experience they trust every time they walk in.
We are focused on continuing to grow intentionally. That means expanding our programming, exploring new sounds, and collaborating with artists and brands that align with our vision. At the same time, we are staying grounded in what matters most, which is the community.
Long term, I see Skysill becoming more than just a venue. I want it to be recognized as a cultural hub for dance music, not just in Arizona, but beyond. A place where people come not only for the music, but for the feeling of belonging and the shared experience that defines what we are building here.
Link:
- Website: www.Skysillrooftop.com
