Brittany Bam Melson believes that everyone should feel welcome. As the leader of the Syndicate’s Safety Team, her objective is to ensure patrons and attendees are safe and well looked after. Within her group of friends, she’s always been a momma bear carrying items that alleviate symptoms of distress. Advil for headaches, antacid for upset stomachs, water for dehydrated bodies, and other articles of the like. Regardless of whether you’re feeling out of sorts because of something you took, or something that’s going on in your life, Brittany isn’t the type to abandon a person. Nope! That’s not what homies do, and her philosophy for how people should be cared for is at the center of her ideals.

Brittany has been working with Suburban Sound Syndicate since very nearly the beginning. Like many within the Syndicate’s ranks, she found friendship with the founding members during the heyday of Cairo Ale House. It was right around the time of Covid when she joined Cairo’s staff as a bartender. During that period, there were a lot of hoops to jump through in hosting events. Businesses weren’t really allowed to be open, but Cairo found a way to forage forward. They implemented a plan that respected mask mandates and social distancing parameters by hosting performing acts indoors and broadcast the action onto a screen in the parking lot where patrons sat at tables. It wasn’t ideal, but Cairo made it work. They were the only ones trying to do anything of this sort. When asked what Cairo was like around that time, Brittany reflects, “Beautiful Chaos.”

In a way, being a bartender has helped make Brittany who she is today. As a member of the service industry, she’s responsible for the atmosphere patrons enjoy, and a bartender has many roles they assume beyond slanging drinks. They’re a therapist, a life coach, a comedian, a nutritionist, and a research assistant, along with serving a myriad of other roles. What a bartender really is at the core is attentive and amicable to the needs of another. With this focus in mind, one can definitely see there’s plenty of overlap between the service she provides and her leadership of the Syndicate’s Safety Team.

Brittany wants to be there for others when they need it. She quotes Griz, who said it best, “Show love, spread love.” If you’re ever in distress at a Suburban Sound Syndicate event, take heart knowing Brittany and her team are keeping watch. Whether you’re lost in the sauce, or struggling in your head, you can approach any member of the Safety Team for help knowing you’re in caring and considerate hands. Brittany welcomes all with open arms, and she hopes you’ll do the same in giving assistance to others. Whether you need Pepto Bismol or a pep talk, Brittany and her team have got you covered. Bam!

Exuding consideration and compassion transforms the spaces that we inhabit. Brittany believes that everyone has the right to be their own person, and she wants to see everyone rising towards their best. Brittany is a staple at Suburban Sound Syndicate events and a cornerstone of the community she loves and supports. Say hello if you see her, and you can find her on Facebook if you want to further connect.