Our History
Founded in Phoenix, Arizona, as an idea between two partners with a shared passion for music but no outlet during COVID-19, the brand began to take shape. Johnathan Mellan brought technical expertise in sound and a deep passion for DJing, while Danica Gross contributed a strong sense of community and exceptional communication skills.
Starting with nothing more than a vision, their goal was simple: to bring an electric, vibrant energy back to the Valley.
This was the creation of Electric Production.
The first time our brand appeared on a flyer marked a major step forward. Set in the forests of Flagstaff, this event served as a hidden gathering for those seeking an escape from the city. It gave us the opportunity to connect with future collaborators and offered a glimpse into the kind of experiences we aspired to create ourselves.
This marked the first event we organized and hosted independently. As a multi-stage underground gathering in the woods, it was already a milestone. However, due to a miscommunication around pricing, more than 1,000 attendees arrived under the impression that the event was free. In response, we quickly transitioned to a donation-based model, allowing the night to continue seamlessly.
Although the outcome left us at a financial loss, it ultimately reshaped the trajectory of our brand in ways we could not have anticipated. The momentum from that night expanded our reach overnight, building a network that stretched from Flagstaff to Tucson and opening doors to opportunities we had never imagined possible.
First independent showcase | 09/03/2021
Danica’s passion has always been rooted in community, which led her to develop the volunteer-driven side of the brand, called We Are Home. Volunteers would gather at designated locations—often areas of the desert impacted by frequent dumping—and, with sponsorship from Milton’s Moving, collectively remove over 2,500 pounds of debris and waste each event.
As the sun set, snacks and refreshments were provided to recharge, followed by a pop-up event in the same space featuring local talent—transforming previously neglected areas into places of connection, music, and shared experience.
Founding | 04/18/2021
First Supporting collab | 06/11/2021
Founding of the kidz next door | 04/21/2022
As the business grew, we welcomed new faces into the team. With many of our partners drawn to the community and brand-building aspects, we established a collective under our umbrella called The Kidz Next Door. The name was inspired by how our neighbors referred to us on platforms like Citizen and Nextdoor, when referencing our (regrettably) loud and late community nights.
This collective became a hub for connection and collaboration, focusing on strengthening the local community through initiatives such as flow group meetups, open studio sessions, mixing mentorships, and more.
Even after the separation, Electric Production and Venom Events continued to collaborate closely on many events. Their last joint project, Bass Oasis, served as a full-circle moment—returning to the exact location of their very first festival for one final celebration.
This event marked the last festival Venom Events produced in Arizona, leaving that chapter behind.
Venom events was born | 02/25/2023
Last event in Az | 10/13/2023
As the brand evolved, founding member Johnathan Mellan—one of the original partners—envisioned a different direction for Electric Production, with a focus on advancing equipment and hosting events in private venues. With mutual respect and appreciation, Electric Production and The Kidz Next Door made the decision to part ways. Agreeing to allow Johnathan Mellan to move forward with the brand gave the remaining members an opportunity to rebrand.
From this transition, Venom Events was born. The name was inspired by a tattoo on one of the members—reading “venom” in one direction and “women” in another. With an all-women board and a shared commitment to fostering safe, inclusive spaces within the scene, this marked a clear and intentional new direction for the brand.
hq relocation | 09/20/2025
Following a series of personal milestones, including graduation and an engagement, Venom Events relocated its headquarters to Santa Cruz, California. While the transition came with its challenges, it ultimately aligned more closely with the long-term vision of founding member Danica Gross.
With a strong sense of community and a thriving local music scene, Santa Cruz provided fertile ground for growth, allowing Venom Events to expand its presence and begin rebuilding its network.
creation of The midnight theory | 01/12/2026
Shortly after moving to Santa Cruz, it became clear that keeping events active in two cities wasn’t sustainable. With most of the production equipment now based in Santa Cruz, the decision was made to dissolve the board, ending that chapter of the brand to a close with love and gratitude.
With founding member Danica Gross remaining as the sole member of the board, this transition allowed for a complete realignment with her original vision—focusing on building community and fostering meaningful connection at a local level.
First sponsored event | 03/15/2022
we are home | 04/05/2022
One of the opportunities Electri-City opened for us was being sponsored by the Phoenix Mural Festival. Through this, we were entrusted with both production and DJ talent for the Honeycomb Stage, as well as hosting the official afterparty. This experience marked a pivotal moment in our growth, allowing us to expand our reach, strengthen our presence in the scene, and further define our identity as a brand.