James Neufeld is the co-founder and co-producer of Beautiful House Gallery Lounge. Founded together with Shainin Hudda in September 1999, the two produce special events of independent music and art in Vancouver every few months while working on their own businesses.

James Neufeld has been a resident of Marpole since 1989 and is the owner of Magnetude Media, an internet development and marketing company in the area. James founded his company in the spring of 1997 and is branching out in many directions including the chief experience officer for gallerylounge.com, corporate websites, musician websites, and CD cover design.

It has been a long time vision of James to see a multi-disciplinary art and music venue in his neck-of-the-woods. Part of his inspiration came from walking into a few restaurants over the years in Marpole and finding pockets of entertainment including spoken word evenings at the former Procope Restaurant years ago (now knowns as Marpole's Grill) and live music by Chico at Appy Hour in the late 90's.

"Over the years I've gone to a variety of parties, art gatherings, night clubs, live music venues, plays, poetry readings, and raves." says James. "I've taken elements that I've enjoyed and added them into the evolving mixture that I refer to as 'bH'".

"I remember John and Julie, a couple from Orange County, California that began throwing raves in Vancouver in the early 90's. They lived in Marpole for a short time and I had them over during the Christmas holidays - we had mandarin oranges - those Orange County folk love their oranges! John and Julie were in the business of throwing raves that doubled as CD release parties and while Beautiful House is far from a rave, there are elements of the 'rave concept' that are positive and full of celebration that I want to focus on with Beautiful House."

"I remember chatting with my friend Chani aka 'Honey', producer of Deepen at Lotus Sound Lounge several years ago. Chani has produced a variety of latenight events over the years and I remember her saying to me that the 'space' that she creates provides a meeting place for people with common interests who might never meet otherwise. Spaces like that help to foster the artistic community."

Other inspirations of his include The Sugar Refinery, The Blue Lizard Cocktail Club, The Church of Pointless Hysteria, The Alibi Room, Electrolush Lounge, and countless events in the early and mid 90's. See our Links Page.

"We hope to take the positive elements of the gatherings we've been to over the years and provide a warm and inviting environment for the arts and to build community spirit." says James. As he looks toward the future of gallerylounge.com - the online community of independent music + art with a beautiful vibe for your soul - he hopes to expand into global artist promotion and CD distribution online while continuing to grow the independent arts community through the semi-regular Vancouver events.

James can be reached at (604) 720-3040, Extension #1 or visit magnetude.com.