Sari Delmar sits in The Horseshoe Tavern’s back room. There’s one hour to show time, and her clients, The Balconies, have yet to do their sound check. The band’s lead singer, Jacquie Neville, has been sick in bed all day and is strewn across a bench nearby, preserving her energy. Still, Delmar is composed. For her, this is everyday stuff.

By the time The Balconies hit the stage, The Horseshoe is packed with music industry professionals, musicians and music fans dancing along to the Ottawa band’s catchy pop-rock melodies. Lead singer Neville plays to the crowd, her wide eyes batting and distinctive voice ringing through the venue.

At the centre of it all is Delmar, a short woman with pale skin, long black hair, tattoos and a sweet voice. She works the crowd, greeting everyone with a hug. As the publicist for The Balconies, it’s her job to ensure that people go to her clients’ shows, buy merchandise and enjoy themselves. She delivers.