Michael Dorf

Entrepreneur; Founder of The Knitting Factory & City Winery

Travels From Travels From:
New York, NY, USA
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Michael Dorf Biography

Michael Dorf is an entrepreneur first recognized as a pioneer in the music production industry with his multifaceted company Knitting Factory, and later expanded his empire into a widely successful winery, City Winery.

As Knitting Factory Chairman and CEO, Dorf helped bring the concert house to global prominence by expanding into Europe and Asia via tours, branded festivals, and record production and sales. Dorf produced over 200 recordings, a television series, and built a new venue in Los Angeles. In 2002, he left his operating responsibilities and sold his equity position to pursue other endeavors, including a Carnegie Hall concert fundraiser series, founding a Hebrew school, and winemaking.

By 2008, Dorf had conceptualized a venue that brought his love for both the making and enjoyment of wine under one roof and created City Winery –Manhattan’s first fully-functional winery, restaurant, music venue and private event space. He later expanded his company in 2012 with the opening of City Winery Chicago, and set up shop in multiple locations, including Nashville, Atlanta, Boston, and Washington DC, Hudson Valley and Philadelphia in 2019.

Dorf has become one of the most prolific independent promoters in New York, an important music impresario, and according the The New Yorker, he has “perfected the art of the tribute concert.” Over 13 years, the fundraiser series has honored legends like Aretha Franklin, Leonard Cohen, and Prince while raising over $1.5 million for such music education programs as the American Symphony Orchestra's Music Notes, Church Street School for Music and Art, Young Audiences New York, Fixing Instruments for Kids in Schools, Little Kids Rock and the Center for Arts Education.

Dorf also has very strong ties to the Jewish Community. He created Tribeca Hebrew, an after-school program in Lower Manhattan and developed the school to 150 children before it merged with JCP in 2009.

Michael Dorf Videos

  • Michael Dorf on His City Winery Empire
    From founding the influential NYC music venue The Knitting Factory, to creating his hospitality empire City Winery, Michael Dorf knows how to create...
  • Michael Dorf - City Winery and The Knitting Factory
    Michael Dorf tells his story of coming to New York in the 80s, founding one of New York's rock and roll institutions, The Knitting Factory, and then...
  • Keynote Speaker Michael Dorf-Oregon Wine Symposium 2015
    City Winery strives to deliver a unique high-end culinary and cultural experience to guests who are passionate about wine, music, and dining. By...

FAQs on booking Michael Dorf

  • How do I book Michael Dorf to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Michael Dorf

    Speaking fees for Michael Dorf, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Michael Dorf are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Michael Dorf, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Michael Dorf speak about?

    Michael Dorf is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Business, Business Growth, Business Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Executive Leadership, Faith & Religion, Hospitality, Jewish Heritage, Leadership, Music.
  • Where does Michael Dorf travel from?

    Michael Dorf generally travels from New York, NY, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Michael Dorf for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Michael Dorf for your next private or corporate function.
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Michael Dorf is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Michael Dorf for your event is available upon request. Michael Dorf generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Mark Cuban, Jon Steinberg, Diane Prince Johnston, Sherry Lansing and Anastasia Soare. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Michael Dorf for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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