American Entertainment Magazine - September/October 2012

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ASE C W O SH

EB S A C SHOWOBER 2 OCT

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CONTENTS:

WELCOME

Volume 11, #1: AEP’s Second Signature Event

It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to AEP Worldwide, the first organization to completely encompass all the buying divisions for the entertainment trade. If you joined us last year, you had to be impressed with the dedication that key buyers from all these segments put into making the first conference a success. It was a small collective group but represented immense buying power.

Not only was business done at the conference, but these buyers continued to interact with agencies and acts that were part of the initial membership to search for their talent needs throughout the year. I was impressed as deals were made among the membership that would have never happened at other conferences. At this conference, newly elected vice-chair, Doug Hall will explain his concept for the AEP Buyer’s Network which will encourage members to buy within the organization. This is an idea that Doug birthed along with Anthony Gibson from the Beau Rivage Casino (MGM) and Stephen Bailey from the Grand Opera House.

18 AEP WORLDWIDE 2012 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE......................................4 EXHIBIT LAYOUT/ BOOTH ASSIGNMENTS/ NATIONAL BOARD.................6 A VISIT WITH RESTLESS HEART..........................................................................8 SHOWCASE SCHEDULE.......................................................................................11 BOARD MEMBER PROFILE: MARK FELIX......................................................12 THE AMAZING MIKE RAYBURN..........................................................................16 FEATURED ARTISTS: RECYCLED PERCUSSION.........................................18 EXPERIENCING THE EDGE EFFECT.................................. ..............................20 2012 SHOWCASE PROFILES...............................................................................22 BRUCE IN THE USA...............................................................................................26

Print and Digital Online Edition © 2012, Cameo Publishing Group - All Rights Reserved Editorial and Subscriptions: (800) 728-2950 Advertising and Artist/Agency Relations: (803) 712-1429 Main Office: 15420 Newberry Rd/., Blair SC 29015 • (803) 712-6903 Newberry Office: PO Box 509, Prosperity SC 29127 • (803) 276-1635 Fax: (803) 712-6703 • On The Web www.americanentertainmentmagazine.com AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF AEP WORLDWIDE

PRIVACY NOTICE: AEM does not sell, barter or trade information on our subscribers to any outside sources.

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Leona, Ian and myself along with the distinguished members of your board want you to know that this is your association and everyone has a voice. Too many associations seem to have great ideas and then later miss the mark. Here the membership speaks and the board represents each and every segment of the entertainment marketplace. You will find our ears to the ground and our eyes wide open because no one knows this business better than those of you who are in the trenches every day.

We want you to enjoy yourself here. Learn from your colleagues and share your battles and experiences as well. This is a place where even the most seasoned buyer or agent can learn. There are four excellent showcases being presented and after each you can visit with the artists and the agents at a Meet & Greet on the floor of the Ovation theater. This will be an excellent time to discuss possibilities for future events where these acts might satisfy your needs. The last morning of the conference will host a Major Agency Panel that will give you the chance to discuss issues and concerns you might have with booking celebrity entertainment and learn more from the agency side of the deal. Thank you for being part of this conference and the future of AEP. We are glad to see you here.

Watus C. Kirby, Jr., Partner , AEP Worldwide

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2012 AEP Conference Schedule MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2012

12 NOON - 4:00 PM AEP Worldwide Advisory Board Meeting 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM New Member Meeting / Estancia C 6:00 PM - Until AEP Social Gathering / Lobby Bar TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2012

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Conference Registration- Estancia F Ballroom 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Coffee Talk & Vendor Market Place- Estancia F 9:30 AM - Conference Welcome and Remarks - Estancia F

Andrea Michaels President, Extraordinary Events, Sherman Oaks, CA and AEP Worldwide Vice-Chairperson

9:45 AM - Friending Each Other ... LIVE - Estancia F

Another rip roaring session hosted by the phenomenally funny Jen Kober. It will be networking on steroids so bring your best 30 second elevator speech and enjoy meeting new associates or seeing old friends.

11:00 AM- 12 NOON - Ethical Resource Sharing and Entertainment Buying in the New Age - Estancia F

Facilitator: Doug Hall, Principal, TalentPlus Entertainment, LLC, St. Louis, MO & AEP Worldwide Board Member Panelists: Jackie Knobbe, APA Talent and Literary Agency (APA), Beverly Hill, CA & AEP Worldwide Board Member Anthony Gibson, Executive Entertainment Director, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (MGM Resort), Biloxi, MS & AEP Worldwide Board Member

A discussion about how to properly apply networking resources, personal relationships, and the internet when sourcing and purchasing talent. The discussion will also focus on how these topics relate to the message and mission of the Association of Entertainment Professionals (AEP) and how your membership can help in pooling such resources.

12 NOON - 1:00 PM - Vendor Market Place - Estancia F 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Networking Lunch - Estancia B & C 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Artist Showcase "A" - Ovation Casino Level Meet & Greet Follow Showcase 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Embracing The Next Generation - Estancia F

Facilitator: Barbara Meyer, President, Admire Entertainment, Palisade, NY and AEP Worldwide Board Member Panelists: Joseph McGibboney, Program Coordinator, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL & AEP Worldwide Board Member ; Troy Pederson, Casting Director, Walt Disney Company, Lake Buena Vista, FL & AEP Worldwide Board Member

Connecting the dots....... in this rapidly changing world how do you offer appropriate talent options that will be embraced by all generations. Our panelists will share their thoughts and experiences.

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM -Vendor Market Place - Estancia F 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Dinner On Your Own 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM - Artist Showcase "B" - Ovation Casino Level 11:00 PM - 11:30 PM - Meet & Greet and Social Gathering - Ovation WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2012

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Conference Registration - Estancia F Foyer 9:00 AM - AEP Coffee Talk & Vendor Market Place - Estancia F 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM - Entertainment: What’sHot? - Estancia F

Facilitator: Nancy Hays, President, Nancy Hays Entertainment, Chicago, IL & AEP Worldwide Board Member Panelists: Scott Gartner, AEG LIVE Events, West Palm Beach, FL; Deborah Smith, Executive Director, Newberry Opera House, Newberry, SC & AEP Worldwide Board Member; Dorene Collier. President, Event Show Productions, Tampa FL

This is a timely discussion about who and what is "hot" in the entertainment industry that impacts bookings for performing artist facilities, corporate events, fairs, festivals, theme parks, and college/university venues. The audience will have an opportunity to participate in an open discussion as well as ask specific questions to each of the panel members.

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Vendor Marketplace w/Spotlights - Estancia F 11:45 AM - 12 NOON Break - Estancia F 12 NOON - 1:30 PM Networking Lunch - China Spice Restaurant 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Artist Showcase "C" - Ovation Casino Level with Meet & Greet 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM - Open Mic/ Current Issues- Estancia F

Facilitator: Steve Bailey, Executive Director/CEO, The GRAND, Wilmington, DE and AEP Worldwide Board Member Panelist: Brian Hansen, Creative Director, Fuze Entertainment Solutions, Calgary, Alberta Anthony Gibson, Executive Entertainment Director, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (MGM Resort), Biloxi, MS and AEP Worldwide Board Member

A favorite ...This is your opportunity to discuss current issues with your colleagues. So bring topics that you would like discussed by our panelists, seasoned talent buyers representing a wide spectrum of the entertainment industry.

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Dinner On Your Own 8:30 PM-11:00 PM AEP's Signature Artist Showcase - Ovation Casino Level 11 PM - 11:30 PM Artist "Meet & Greet" & Social Gathering - Ovation THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2012

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Conference Registration - Estancia F Foyer 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Coffee Talk & Vendor Market Place- Estancia F 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Conference Report Card - Estancia F Facilitator: Andrea Michaels, President, Extraordinary Events. Sherman Oaks, CA and AEP Worldwide Vice Chairperson

AEP Worldwide is a member driven organization, so this session is designed to get your thoughts about this year's conference, listen to what you would like to see in the future; and discuss location(s) for our 2013 conference.

10:30 AM - 12:00 NOON BUYER/AGENCY PANEL - Estancia F

Facilitator: Mark Felix, Director Drury Entertainment Group, Drury Dynamics ,Inc. , New York, NY & AEP Worldwide Board Member. Panelist: Zach Radoski , Agent, International Creative Management (ICM): Christianne Weiss, Agent, APA Talent and Literary Agency (APA); Jackie Knobbe, Senior Vice President, APA Talent and Literary Agency (APA), Beverly Hills, CA and AEP Board Member

Speak face to face with major agents. This open dialogue format will allow conference attendees to ask agents questions about booking talent and for agents to talk about how they view the future of the entertainment business.

12 NOON - 2:00 PM National Advisory Board Wrap Up - Estancia B

OUR SHOWCASES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE AEP EXPERIENCE. THEY ALLOW YOU TO SEE A WIDE VARIETY OF ARTISTS FROM ALL SECTORS OF THE INDUSTRY. PLEASE SHOW UP ON TIME AND GIVE THESE ACTS THE ATTENTION THEY DESERVE. THEY HAVE PAID TO PEFORM BEORE AN ELITE GROUP OF ENTERTAINMENT PROFESSIONALS. PLEASE BE ATTENTIVE AND COURTEOUS DURING THEIR PERFORMANCE TIME.

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2012 AEP Exhibit Area / Board 2012 EXHIBIT LOCATION: Estancia F Booth

Booth 1 Booth 2 Booth 3 Booth 4 Booth 5 Booth 6 Booth 7

THE MARKETPLACE IS OPEN DAILY AND IS ATTACHED TO AEP’S MEETING ROOM FOR EASY ACCESSIBILITY TO VENDORS.

Agency

Metropolis Productions Harmony Artists Admire Entertainment Vox Audio Miracle Conerts Neon Entertainment Penguin Entertainment

Artist(s)

The Edge Effect (SC) Steve Solomon Jen Kober (SC) Vox Audio (SC) The Jumpers Orchestra Nick Pike (SC) Pop Fusion (SC), Michael Barimo (SC), Quattro Four Divo (SC) Booth 8 Penguin Entertainment Motowon In Motion (SC), Eye Candy w/ Jessica D (SC), Romanitco Duo (SC) Booth 9 The Standards The Standards (SC) Booth 10 APA Talent & Literary Agency Ron Pearson (SC) Booth 11 Associated Ent. Consultants Alter Ego (SC) Booth 12 Classical Entertainment Vox Indigo (SC), Dirk K (SC) Booth 13 Classical Entertainment` The Phat Pack (SC), Beijing Tri (SC) Booth 14 About Entertainment Bronkar Lee (SC) Booth 15 Craig Neier Associates Bruce In The USA (SC) Mitchell Zeidwig (SC) Booth 16 Brand N Music Restless Heart (SC) Tim Rushlow (SC) Booth 17 OZ Software Session Demo Carmen Tomasetti SPECIAL GUESTS: Recycled Percussion • International Creative Management (ICM) Mike Rayburn • See-Agency (SC) = SHOWCASING THIS EVENT (ALT) = ALTERNATE (Will be invited to perform if a slot opens)

AEP National Advisory Board & Staff AEP NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

• Jackie Knobbe, Senior VP of Comedy Agency For The Performing Arts, Beverly Hills, CA • Troy Pederson, Casting Director for Disney Properties The Walt Disney Company, Lake Buena Vista, FL • Tom Faessel, Assoc. Director of Residence Life & Programming, University of Akron, Akron OH • Judy Thee, National Entertainment Director The Freeman Company Worldwide, Orlando FL • Nancy Hays, President Nancy Hays Entertainment, Chicago IL • Steve Bailey, Executive Director and CEO The Grand Opera House & related properties, Wilmington DE • Robert Hulsmeyer, Senior Partner Empire Force Events, New York NY • Andrea Michaels ( AEP Vice Chair), President Extraordinary Events, Sherman Oaks CA • Joseph W. McGibboney, Program Coordinator, Office of Dean of Students, Florida Gulf Coast Univ, Fort Myers, FL

• Deborah Smith, Executive Director The Historic Newberry Opera House, Newberry SC • Douglas Hall, Principal (AEP Vice Chair) Talent-Plus Entertainment LLC, Saint Louis, MO • Sam Trego, President Imagination Entertainment, San Diego CA • Jane Neitz-Singleton, Assistant Director, University of Nevada, Las Vegas NV • Donielle Ojeah Bell, Senior Program Advisor University of Georgia, Athens GA • Rick Stowe, Partner, EastCoast Entertainment, Atlanta GA • Anthony Gibson, Executive Director of Entertainment Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (MGM), Biloxi MS • Barbara Meyer, President Admire Entertainment, Paslisades, NY • Mark Felix, Director Drury Design Dynamics, Inc., New York, NY • Jon Michaels, Vice President Extraordinary Events, Sherman Oaks, CA

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AEP WORLDWIDE LLC STAFF • Leona Plaugh, Executive Director, AEP Partner 73 Somerton Place, Columbia SC 29209 (803) 782-1947 • W.C. Kirby, Jr., AEP Partner Cameo Publishing Group American Entertainment Magazine Campus Activities Magazine® 15420 Newberry Rd, Blair SC 29015 (800) 728-2950 • Ian Kirby, AEP Member/Conference Relations Editor, American Entertainment Magazine and Campus Activities Magazine® 15420 Newberry Rd, Blair SC 29015 (803) 312-1551 AEP CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS: • American Entertainment Magazine • EastCoast Entertainment • Bog Higa • Barbara Banta

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Restless Heart is one of those bands that surprises us, because when you see them, you slap yourself in the forehead and say ‘Oh yeah! I remember them!’ Most famous for their mainstream crossover smash hit “When She Cries,” this band has been huge success in their heyday with 4 albums certified gold and 25 charted Billboard hits, including 6 number ones.

In their prime between the mid eighties and early nineties, they were playing the largest venues in the country and sharing the stage with some of the biggest

acts. After a brief hiatus in the nineties, all five original members of the band regrouped in the early 2000s and focused their energies on playing not only dates for their still loyal fans, but also in putting on great shows for private audiences.

Larry Stewart, the lead voice and frontman of RH, sits down with American Entertainment Magazine, just before their showcase Tuesday, October 2, to talk about the group’s history and how they’ve now come back leaner and meaner and retooled to entertain in every market that will have them.

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“We started back in 1983, meeting in Nashville. We knew each other in pairs (laughs), Paul our bassist and John our drummer played in a band, and Dave our keyboard player and I were in a band as well and working in the studio. Most of the guys are from Oklahoma, so we always joked about how it was like an Oklahoma Music Mafia,” he chuckles. Larry looks back sounding perhaps a bit wistful and definitely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an act that has been doing what they love for 30 years. “When they asked me, I was the last one

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to join. We recorded in the first weekend of April 1984. We signed with RCA later that year and released our first single.”

When that single, “Let The Heartache Ride” was released in January of 1985 and quickly went top 25, Restless Heart incredibly had never played a live show together. The song was quickly followed by three releases breaking the top 10, in “I Want Everyone To Cry,” “(Back To The) Heartbreak Kid” and “Til I Loved You.” Larry explains the ebb and flow of the

music industry at the time saw a much higher turnover in Radio singles. “Back then, your typical single had a shelf life of about 8 weeks,” he says, in the Western twang you might expect from a band with roots in Oklahoma. “We were immediately in the studio recording the ‘Wheels’ album and released ‘That Rock Won’t Roll’ which, much to our surprise, went to number one.”

All of a sudden the band was in a rehearsal hall preparing for a tour. A landslide of hits cascaded out of them and for the next three years the charts would

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treat them as if painted with magic. “We ended up having 7 number ones in a row. It was quite a whirlwind,” he laughs, 25 years later still sounding almost a little bit in disbelief. “Through 1991, we were on the road opening for all the big artists. It was an amazing journey for us. It was a very traditional time in country music; Randy Travis exploding on the scene, The Judds, Ricky Skaggs, and on and on. Here comes this long-haired contemporary band (laughs) that jumped on to the scene and somehow radio at the time accepted our music with open arms, to be honest with

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you. We had no idea what we were doing, we just wanted to record the best songs and the best records we could and the five of us lived in the studio trying to do that. It was a great run.”

The band took a break in the mid 1990s, and then got back together a few years later. “We did a greatest hits package with 4 of the 5 of us in 1998 and toured with Vince Gill for that year, but decided it didn’t quite feel right and took another break. All five of us got together a few years later to go out and do a few shows just to see if anyone still cared. That was around 2001 and here it is 2012 and we are still trying (laughs). We are touring as much as ever and getting ready to celebrate our 30th anniversary together.”

It’s quite an accomplishment, but the group isn’t sitting back on their laurels, but still actively pursuing new endeavors. “There are only two bands out of Nashville that have been together for the last 30 years and they are Restless Heart and Diamond Rio. We are proud of that and we are trying to extend that run as long as possible. We have two or three projects going. We are in the studio now

recording in between touring and trying to plan on releasing a project in 2013, as well as a Christmas album this year. We are having a great time.”

Now that Restless Heart is well into their second wind, they are a more experienced and smarter group. This includes going from a band thriving on only ticketed sales to converging their show into catering to the various trade markets of corporate, performing arts, casino and other privately booked dates. “When you are in the midst of the success whirlwind (and in a bandnot as a solo artist) there are many different directions to go; it’s hard to agree on things sometimes with so many people’s opinions in the mix. Now, it’s a lot different because we’ve made some mistakes, and we’ve done some things right but, either way we learned a lot. One of those things was how many more opportunities there would be for us to continue working if we opened up to different types of dates. Now we are split pretty evenly between several different markets and it keeps us busy and more stable than relying solely on public support as we have in the past.”

The group is one that can cater to you no matter what your market or audience is. A hard-pressed antagonist may be able to find somewhere Restless Heart wouldn’t fit in, but it wouldn’t be easy. This is a mainstream band in a very mainstream genre, with tons of talent, experience and hard-earned wherewithal. “We primarily play performing arts halls and casinos now, but that also includes quite a few corporate dates which we love doing as well. We love people and we appreciate it when they ask us to come play for them and their groups. We are definitely at a point in our lives where this is something we would like to do a lot more of. We look forward to ploughing right on through for as many more years as our supporters will have us.”

Check out Restless Heart for a big name band that won’t break your budget, yet has enough chart topping hits to get your crowd on their feet. Contact Greg Burns at Brand N Music at 615-562-3726 or greg@brandnmusic.com SHOWCASE B OCTOBER 2

RESTLESS HEART

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2012 AEP SHOWCASE SCHEDULE SHOWCASE A 2:30- 5:00 PM • OCTOBER 2 Pop Fusion Michael Barimo Quattro Four Divo Motown In Motion Eye Candy featuring Jessica D Romanitico Duo

SHOWCASE B 8 PM- 11:30 PM • OCTOBER 2 Mike Rayburn (Emcee) Bruce In The USA Steve Solomon Dirk K The Jump Orchestra The Edge Effect Restless Heart

SHOWCASE C 1:30- 5:00 PM • OCTOBER 3 Ron Pearson (Emcee) Vox Indigo The Phat Pack Mitchell Zeidwig Beijing Trio Vox Audio Recycled Percussion

SHOWCASE D 8 PM- 11:30 PM • OCTOBER 3 Jen Kober (Emcee) The Standards Bronkar Lee Tim Rushlow (Little Texas) Nick Pike Alter Ego

YOUR CHANCE TO MEET THE ARTISTS AND THEIR AGENCIES AND DO SOME BUSINESS HAPPENS AT THE “MEET & GREET” FOLLOWING EACH SHOWCASE IN THE OVATION THEATER. DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO INTERACT AND GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED.

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alling Mark Felix a key player in the corporate entertainment field would not be an understatement. As the Director of the Drury Entertainment Group, he works with some of the most prominent companies in the world and books some of it’s most famous performers. He’s been with the privately held corporate communications company for a dozen years. Responsible for all the entertainment and guest speaker business for Drury’s meeting and events, he works with For-

C

tune 500 companies like IBM, Walmart, Johnson & Johnson, Google, BristolMeyers Squib, etc.

As the Director of Drury Entertainment Group, Mark has a support staff working with him as he oversees all the planning and buying for their clients’ events. “Basically I am responsible for finding new talent, guest speakers, entertainment trends and sharing them with our corporate clients. One little success story we have is being one of

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the very first to book Team iLuminate in the corporate market.”

Mark is someone with a long history in the business and is proud that his tenure and extended relationships give him the ability to get projects done that would otherwise not be feasible. “I have said for years, we are totally in a business of relationships. I like to think I have some of the best relationships in the industry. I actually used to be an agent myself, first at William Morris and then at ICM, before

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jumping over to the other side of the fence where I have been exclusively buying and producing talent for the last 20 years or so. I truly know both sides of the equation and that perspective, along with being at it quite a while, has led to many opportunities.”

Mark is one of the few in the business of entertainment that didn’t land here tangentially from another path by accident. “When I was attending Ithaca College in upstate New York as a business major, I was always into music but wasn’t sure what to do with my life. I somehow found out about the concert committee there that was part of the campus activities program. I’m dating myself now (laughs) but I still have posters framed in my basement to prove it. Going back to 1977 or so, we were putting on concerts by these up and coming acts that no one had ever heard of at the time, like Billy Joel, Elvis Costello and Bonnie Raitt.”

If you want someone who knows everything there is to know about a particular business, find the one who worked his way from the ground up, not graduated into the field. “I started on the stage crew, literally as a stage hand, I was a grunt, a laborer, putting on these shows. I worked myself up to the level of concert chairperson my senior year of college, and I knew by that point this was what I wanted to do. Something related to entertainment, booking, live events, maybe even representing talent as an agent.” When it comes to sourcing talent, Mark has a few aces up his sleeve and tips to give out, but it isn’t always as easy as 12-3. “I think it starts with knowing about a million people,” he jokes. “I don’t really look for unsolicited material, but having an agent or a manager or someone at a record company send me a CD sometimes surprises me. Mainly though, it’s

word of mouth, again having the relationships and connections that result in conversations and emails where ideas get passed on. Effective networking is the most important thing one can do when it comes to sourcing the best new talent.”

Mark keeps his eyes peeled on the mainstream of course, watching shows like “America’s Got Talent,” “The Voice,” and others, but his well-trained and discerning eye makes it easy for him to find what he likes quickly. “I look at everything, I watch everything that crosses my desk and I usually know within two minutes if it’s really good or really bad.” Mark reads all the industry publications he can get his hands on as well. “From this magazine to Variety, Billboard and Rolling Stone, I read everything I can. You never know where you’ll stumble upon something that will strike a nerve.”

Mark’s specialty focuses on entertainment that is centered on business meetings. While stand-alone concerts are not out of their realm, talent with a message is especially effective for his needs, which splits his time between A-list names and relatively unknown emerging talent. “We do an awful lot of entertainment that is a part of a meeting. Maybe it is a cool, unique act to open a meeting and grab attention, or an act that will perform interstitially throughout the event. These are acts you have probably never heard of. There are many great acts out there who might not have the widespread recognition yet but are phenomenal performers, whether it is an act like Project DJ SlaM or Bella Electric Strings. We use acts like that all the time. On the other hand, we are also producing and booking a lot of big name talent, acts like Maroon 5, Train, The Goo-Goo Dolls, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Crosby, Stills & Nash, etc.”

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“The same goes with speakers; I work with guest speakers, from complete unknowns with amazing stories to tell that become speakers you'll never forget, to big name guest speakers like Steve Wozniak, Peyton Manning, Malcolm Gladwell, and countless others.” Mark doesn’t take a ton of time off, but when he does, he likes to jam out. “In my downtime, I am a frustrated musician. I am happily married with two kids and two dogs, and I’ve owned a drum set for 30 years that I keep in my basement and whenever I get a chance I pop in a CD, turn the volume to 12 and wail away. I also sit in with any bands that will let me. It’s nothing professional, just fun.”

Mark is new to the board of the Association of Entertainment Professionals this year and is eagerly anticipating this year’s conference. “I have to tell you, foremost, I am probably one of the people who actually enjoys sitting in the entertainment showcases for 3 or 4 hours a night! I love seeing the talent, especially new talent and as I said, I can tell pretty quickly if it’s talent that is right for me and my clients or not. For me, AEP is about the showcasing, and of course the networking and schmoozing. I mean, I’ve been in this business a long time, and I’m still learning. It is a great learning opportunity.” If you’re an event planner who wants an expert to weigh in, an experienced producer looking for new insights, or someone putting on an event with major talent that would like a heavy hitter at the plate for them, give Mark Felix at Drury Design Dynamics a call at 212-213-4600 ext 211 or m.felix@drurydesign.com

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nce widely known as “The World’s Funniest Guitar Virtuoso,” Mike Rayburn has taken an incredibly successful career as a pure entertainer, earning awards and accolades everywhere he played and turned it into an even more successful career as a speakertainer. So much so, that Mike is now not only a Certified Speaking Professional with the National Speakers Association, but has been inducted into their Hall of Fame as one of the youngest ever to be honored as such. The funny thing is, despite a paradigm shift in Mike’s attention, he says that not much really changed for him, other than the epiphany of going after speaking in itself. He still considers himself an entertainer – he always was – just one with a message. Now though, he is able to craft and deliver that message more poignantly to audiences who eagerly apply it. He still does pure entertainment dates when requested, but the power of the message he conveys is only truly utilized in the proper setting, when he is able to empower and motivate.

The truth is, whether Mike is at his regular performing arts dates, the occasional campus, or his bailiwick in the corporate market, there’s not all that much difference between those shows, and the show that made his bones (and him Campus Activities Magazine’s Entertainer of The Year 3 times). “I have always had at least a little bit of a message, even as an entertainer back in the college market. Around 2001, a friend of mine said, ‘Hey Mike, you’re clean, you’re funny, you have a message...you’re a speaker and you don’t even know it!’ I said, ‘What’s a speaker?’ (laughs), ‘Like motivational?’ That was kind of a strange feeling for me.”

Mike is likely referring to the layperson’s view of what a ‘speaker’ is. When he was in the college market, of course there were speakers around, but that was also higher ed.

It’s not difficult to realize that most people on the outside perceive speakers in a corporate or special event setting as the typical Tony Robbins knockoff, not seeing the layers of depth there before knowing first hand, and not realizing just how much business is out there for qualified presenters. “I joined the National Speakers Association and decided then I would use the entertainment foremost. There is no less entertainment value in my corporate presentation than anything else I have ever done.” Those familiar with Mike’s music and comedy know this is a big statement. “The difference is, I use the entertainment value not just to entertain, but to illustrate the three tools that for me made the difference between playing for seven people in a bar in Virginia and becoming a regular headliner at Carnegie.”

and Power Point. I don’t. I use guitar and comedy, but I am still making the points and sharing actionable tools, concrete information and powerful content that professionals can use in their organizations to increase their bottom line, increase performance and open people’s minds up so they can get past their own limitations. Relaying all of this with music and comedy instead of charts and graphs is very well received.”

Standing O’s at eight command performances so far. Mike decided to craft a message to others, teaching them the principles he applied in getting there. “It is really all about possibility thinking and peak performance. But my angle, which I think is pretty cool and unique, is that every other presentation of this ilk uses statistics

Mike’s other tools are just as effective. Check out his website at www.mikerayburn.com for lots more information, as well as videos of Mike’s presentations. Then, give Christa Haberstock of See Agency a call at 310-903-1971 or christa@seeagency.com

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Mike usually does opening and/or closing keynotes. “I almost always open and close the conference. I do some stuff in the middle sometimes; I do awards shows, really anything anyone needs me for, but I’m tapped most for those keynotes. The show works so well in that capacity, it has just taken off.”

Mike’s message of “What IfA?” has been one that sticks with audiences without a handout. “The key is I make the tools memorable the same way a hit song is memorable. They can sing the hook back. The number one tool people walk away with from my show, is the mantra ‘What IfA?’ which is in fact the name of the entire program. I live life based on this question. What if I could play a song on guitar without picking the strings? Sound crazy? I do it for the audience. What if Led Zeppelin sang Dr. Seuss? What if Travis Tritt sang Pink Floyd? What if I could play Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ on acoustic guitar? I do them all. I apply that same principle in so many different examples, that it becomes a mantra through the rest of the conference. All of a sudden people are walking out as possibility thinkers, folks that were not before. It is the coolest thing and I get so many emails from people who apply the principle and it works.”

SHOWCASE B EMCEE OCTOBER 2

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W

hen it comes to the term “junk rock,” many acts have ended up in the junk yard, but if there is one which has managed to claw their way to the top of the heap and stay there, it’s Recycled Percussion. The group of four guys has risen to fame from small New Hampshire roots, appearing on numerous television programs, including a 2009 run on “America’s Got Talent,” where they placed third out of over 100,000 acts and became the highest placed non-vocal act ever to compete in the show’s history. Recycled Percussion began gaining success in 1999 when they were featured on the cover of USA TODAY. Just two years later in 2001, the band began touring the country performing over 250 shows a year at colleges, NBA halftimes, corporate

events, and any other venue that can contain them. Recycled Percussion received awards yearly (6 time national Act of the Year, 3 time Best Major Performer of the Year, 4 time Best Live Act) and has been seen on many popular shows such as The Today Show, Carson Daly, Talk Soup, Crook and Chase and many more. Created in 1995 for a high school talent show by Justin Spencer, their first performance gave birth to a new style of music. “It started out as a totally new concept and quickly blossomed into being the premier act on the college market,” Justin says. “The show includes three drummers and a DJ and these guys are at the top of their art form. When we started, we were just looking for something alternative at the time - a show with tons of energy

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and something that was fun. We also wanted to develop an act where the drummers were at the forefront rather than in the background.” They certainly achieved that because RP has helped revolutionize the way audiences think about drumming. They are currently headliners at the Tropicana Las Vegas. Their all-ages venue has a massive stage that allows them to take their show to another level, but don’t think they can’t still rock out at your event anywhere in the world. What you hear when you book Recycled Percussion doesn’t come easy. “There are rigorous rehearsal sessions. There were many long arduous hours that went into what we believe is a drummer’s masterpiece. It took about eight weeks sitting in

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a large rehearsal space to come up with the concepts for our current show...and we’re talking 70-80 hour weeks of nonstop blood and sweat putting all this together.

Recycle’s show tried to use the most aggressive sound possible merged with the most alternative instruments imaginable. Alternative it is. They play on everything, INCLUDING the kitchen sink. “We use anything we can assault with a drumstick. It’s the magic of Recycled Percussion that makes it great, not just the unorthodox assortment of tools of the trade. Any one instrument by itself may not sound that good. Collectively they make a musical arrangement that sounds awesome.” In October 2010 Recycled Percussion was the only American band selected to perform

on the finale of “China’s Got Talent” which was broadcast live from Shanghai Stadium for an audience of 80,000 with 610 million viewers watching from home. The band has also performed at the 2010 Latin Grammy's, World MMA Awards, NBA & NFL halftime shows, convention general session openers, corporate events, colleges, performing arts centers, casinos and more.

They spent three months performing at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas and one month performing at MGM Grand Foxwoods in Connecticut. In 2010, the group became the first true band to have a show on the Las Vegas Strip when they signed a deal with MGM Grand to have their own nightly show at Studio 54.

Recycled Percussion’s show features

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gritty assaults on buckets, power tools and ladders along with high-flying athleticism and a touch of humor that is one of the best interactive shows in Las Vegas. Audience members are given drumsticks and unconventional instruments and are encouraged to play along with the band during the show. Have Recycled Percussion bring this interactive, energizing and addictive command performance you your next event. Contact Zach Radoski at ICM at 310-5504049 or ZRadoski@icmpartners.com for more information on how RP can psych up your audience. SHOWCASE C, OCTOBER 3

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If you wanted to assemble a dream team a cappella act, and then take a genre stretching leap further, you’d get The Edge Effect.

This is a great act, made up of six individual voices with pedigrees beyond the pale, but what really separates this act from the rest of their ilk is their innovative shrugging off of the chains that most of this type of act hinges success on: the novelty of using only the power of the human voice. If you want that act, The Edge Effect can deliver it bar none as well as any, but why not take the same powerful, emotive capability of the pure human voice and beef it up with some musicianship as well? Two of the bands members, Daniel Alan and Sean Gerrity tell us why this is “Not Just A Boy Band.”

Dan opens with some pedigree. “The group is comprised of what we think is an all-star lineup from other bands and a cappella groups and shows around the world. We all got kind of tired of what we were doing and wanted to start something new. We keep all of our roots in a cappella and harmony is where our base is, but we pride ourselves in being more than just that. We realized that rather than trying to lean on that alone, if we wrote a song that calls for a guitar, then we’ll use a guitar. If it calls for keyboard, the same. We found that it creates a very nice sound texture that people aren’t really used to yet, it has given us a bit of a cutting edge feel. When you have a drum set playing with a beat boxer, there’s a new element, just like when you have a vocal bassist playing with a real guitar.” An a cappella act selling their act on the basis of using no instrumentation is a bit

like a magician selling himself based on how hard his tricks are, not by their impact on the audience. “That is a great analogy,” Sean says. “At some point, the novelty of not having any instruments wears off, and then the question is, ‘What kind of effect are you leaving the audience with?’ We think a very healthy mix of a cappella and the full band performances combined makes a much heavier impact than relying on a cappella alone.”

climb the ladder in the events world, they may have many imitators, but you saw it here first so get your hands on them now and have a truly unique a cappella experience for your audience. Contact Lisa Compton at Metropolis Productions at (407) 541-0553 ext. 2010 or lisa@metropolis-productions.com for more information. SHOWCASE B OCTOBER 2

The group has only been together for about a year, so this is a concept not found easily elsewhere and one that buyers can be sure will be fresh. “We have charts for all of our music, so we can get a band to accompany us at any date and give the event producer the ability to have a full scale production type show. That’s something most a cappella acts can’t deliver.”

The band includes members from MTV’s “America’s Top Pop Group”, Boyz II Men’s “Next Great A Cappella Group” and finalists from “America’s Got Talent,” and who have shared the stage with Prince, Tony Bennet, Pussycat Dolls, Stevie Wonder, John Legend and Jay Leno. These types of connections have led them to some very high profile events. “We got the chance to do a really cool show for The Jett Travolta Foundation for the premiere of John Travolta’s newest movie Savages. We got to open that premiere, walk the red carpet and entertain in the VIP premiere section with John Travolta and Kelly Preston and the local luminaries. That was a great opportunity and a very high profile event for us and very exciting.” Check out notjustaboyband.com and see why this act is one of a kind. As they

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SHOWCASES: Tuesday Afternoon

NOT NECESSARILY THE ORDER OF PERFORMANCES

POP FUSION: FRESH! YOUNG! HIP! A CAPPELLA!

MICHAEL BARIMO: Part Caruso, part Canary' -

EYE CANDY Featuring Jessica D: The

MOTOWN IN MOTION: A thrilling high-energy tribute to some of the finest American music ever produced. This cast is gorgeous young and wildly talented. Explosive choreography! Featured at Disney conventions, EPCOT and major performing art centers in the Southeast. Book the full show or individual acts. Available with tracks or live band. PENGUIN ENTERTAINMENT, (407) 539-1333

These energetic young Americans reflect modern diversity. Diverse in heritage! Diverse in musical style! As seen at Disney's EPCOT, 7 days a week for the past several months. Lightly choreographed, casual in look and amazing vocals. POP FUSION is Glee-ful! PENGUIN ENTERTAINMENT, (407) 539-1333

voice. The heart. Jessica's' show-stopping vocals and powerful delivery dazzled audiences on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Walt Disney World conventions and shows, Hershey Park, Bush Gardens and nationwide music festivals. Jessica sings any style of pop from any era! PENGUIN ENTERTAINMENT, (407) 539-1333

New York Times. Compelling vocal artist and world champion whistler, Michael Barimo has received rave reviews from performances at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Letterman and more. Multi-lingual! Multi-talented! Available with tracks or band or orchestra. PENGUIN ENTERTAINMENT, (407) 539-1333

AEP WORLDWIDE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES EASTCOAST ENTERTAINMENT AND RICK STOWE FOR ALL THE WORK THEY PUT INTO PLANNING OUR 2012 SHOWCASE EVENTS.

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QUATTRO FOUR DIVO: Four handsome singers perform in the style of IL DIVO only QUATTRO FOUR DIVO sings in Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and English. This act has been featured at major conventions including those presented by Disney Event Group. PENGUIN ENTERTAINMENT, (407) 539-1333

ROMANTICO DUO: Experience beloved Neapolitan songs, thrilling arias, and Sinatra standards, Top 40 hits as well as pop classics, enchanting guitar solos from an act that is classy, exciting and polished. PENGUIN ENTERTAINMENT, (407) 539-1333

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SHOWCASES: Tuesday Evening

NOT NECESSARILY THE ORDER OF PERFORMANCES

BRUCE IN THE USA: This high-energy

musical experience is a note-perfect and visually accurate recreation of a Bruce Springsteen & The E St. Band show. Matt Ryan, from the World Famous “Legends In Concert” cast, began playing the Springsteen character in 2000. The Bruce In The USA Band consists of seasoned world class professional musicians, from such acts/bands as Queen/Paul Rogers, Meatloaf, Blue Oyster Cult, Hall and Oats, Joe Cocker, The Ojays, Aretha Franklin, David Cassidy, The Temptations, SlashC and so many more. This high end, powerhouse, band has made the World’s #1 Tribute to the E Street Band’s musical legacy. Bruce’s legendary concerts (in the largest arenas) sell-out within hours of their announced sale. The Bruce In The USA show was born on the Las Vegas Strip in the winter of 2004, with its debut at the Aladdin Hotel and Casino’s majestic “V Theatre”. CRAIG NEIER ENTERTAINMENT, (973) 227-8787

MIKE RAYBURN: The World's Funniest Guitar Vir-

tuoso , Mike is one of the youngest Inductees into the Speakers Hall of Fame and an expert on personal development & human potential. He has performed at Carnegie Hall and is a Las Vegas Headliner. He has been featured in USA Today (business section), Billboard, Gig, American Entertainment, & Successful Meetings magazines . SEE AGENCY, (310) 903-1971

THE JUMPERS ORCHESTRA: The Jumpers Orchestra performs a dazzling and energetic stage show of America's most beloved Rock, Pop , Swing and Standards. Featuring Radio City performers and musicians. The Jumpers Orchestra delivers high flying Family entertainment for all ages! MIRACLE CONCERTS, (203) 208-3166

THE EDGE EFFECT: Winners of MTV's "Top Pop

Group" and Boyz II Men's "Next Great A Cappella Group", The Edge Effect combines pop, R & B, jazz, rock, and funk in a show unlike any other. Their sound blurs the genre line and weaves a colorful tapestry of infectious beats, intricate harmonies, and spectacular vocal acrobatics. METROPOLIS PRODUCTIONS, (407) 541-0553

DIRK K: Dirk K is an accomplished guitarist blending Jazz, Flamenco, and Brazilian music. He has received a Shaq Hero Award from Shaquille O'Neal, and toured with Randy Brecker, Al Jarreau in Los Angeles, opened for Sonny Rollins in Belgium and various additional musical accolades, too numerous to mention. CLASSICAL ENTERTAINMENT, (702) 558-2973 RESTLESS HEART: Surely one of the

most anticipated showcases of the conference, buyers can’t wait for these guys to turn on the hits, and hits they have. Tentysix Billboard charting songs with six maing it to the top spot on the country music charts and fourteen making it to the prestigious Top Ten.

STEVE SOLOMON: Stand up comedy with ex-

cerpts from his Off-Broadway show, 'My Mothers Italian, My Father's Jewish and I'm in Therapy'. Join the fun as Steve carries you into his own unique world of outrageous laughs and more. BLACK BOX BOOKING, (561) 906-0430

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Prepare yourselves for an evening of music that spans more than four decades of country music history including Grammy, CMA and ACM Nominations.

Known for their clean and enduring ballads, Restless Heart can still make the magic that audienecs are craving. Perfect for across the board buyers looking for that special attraction. BRAND N MUSIC, (615) 562-3726

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SHOWCASES: Wednesday Afternoon

NOT NECESSARILY THE ORDER OF PERFORMANCES

RON PEARSON: Ron is hitting on all cylinders!

VOX INDIGO: This is an ensemble of four virtuoso vocalists and one guitar sensation dedicated to unique versions of both classic and contemporary songs. One is a favorite local jazz diva singing in multiple languages, one sings nightly at the Bellagio in the Cirque production "O", and two sing nightly in the Cirque production of "Mystere". CLASSICAL ENTERTAINMENT, (702) 558-2973

THE PHAT PACK: Inspired by the spirit of The Rat Pack, three guys who met while performing in “Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular” decided it was high time they got to perform the songs they love and have a great time doing it. Expect side splitting original songs, favorite American standards, Las Vegas hits, and Broadway treasures. CLASSICAL ENTERTAINMENT, (702) 558-2973

VOX AUDIO: Vox Audio - 5 voice acappella sen-

MITCHELL ZEIDWIG: He journeyed on to enormous critical acclaim throughout the world not only as a concert pianist, but as a comedian and composer. The press described Zeidwig's work as "Breathtaking," "Poetic," "Genius," "Sensational," and "Perfect."He has appeared in over 100 Prime Time television shows and has several sold out performances at Carnegie Hall. CRAIG NEIER ENTERTAINMENT, (973) 227-8787

BEIJING TRO: Comprised of three virtuoso Chinese

His keeping it clean brand of humor recently earned him three Telly Awards. He also recently knocked the audiences dead at the Chelsea Lately Show and has been touring theaters with the Apostles of Comedy. AGENCY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (APA) (310) 888-4291 • JACKIE KNOBBE

sation Vox Audio has travelled the globe entertaining and amazing audiences everywhere they go. They are a staple in the corporate and special events market and are known for their creative reditions of America’s most belocfed music. VOX AUDIO • (407) 963-4376

RECYCLED PERCUSSION: From his roots in New Hampshire, Justin Spencer took his idea and spanned the globe with it.

First starting as an attraction in the Campus Market and moving on to corporate audiences, the group gained critical acclaim for their performance on “America’s Got Talent” which rendered them a casino contract here in Vegas.

Best described as a version of Blue Man on steroids, this show is nothing but entertainment and high energy. The stunts are both awe inspiring and remarkable as these musicians turned athletes wow their audiences. ICM, (310) 550-4049 • ZACH RADOWSKI

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musicians, Collectively the artists have traveled the globe, representing the best of Chinese musical tradition and folklore, now bundled with a zest and appreciation for their American lifestyle, and enjoying the benefits the new technological age has to offer. CLASSICAL ENTERTAINMENT, (702) 558-2973

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE MEET & GREET FOLLOWING EACH SHOWCASE! Meet The Acts And Their Agents. Talk About Future Business.

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SHOWCASES: Wednesday Evening

NOT NECESSARILY THE ORDER OF PERFORMANCES

JEN KOBER: Jen Kober's powerful performances

THE STANDARDS: The human voice, that's how it all started for five brothers who shared a passion for music.

NICK PIKE: Nick's one-man show is a combination

BRONKAR LEE: is the world's only Rhythmic Jug-

weave together a southern-style tale of love lost at the buffet, road trip adventures at The Waffle House and midnight mishaps at Wal Mart. Jen has performed with Damon Wayans, Dane Cook, Chris Tucker, Wayne Brady, Kevin Pollack, Dana Carvey, Roseanne, Sinbad and others. ADMIRE ENTERTAINMENT, (877) 236-4738

of juggling, acrobatics, fast paced comedy, hilarious audience participation and stunts so dangerous no one else in the world performs them. For over 10 years Nick talents have taken him around the world and also landed him a spot in America’s Got Talent Season 5 quarterfinals. NEON ENTERTAINMENT, (716) 836-6366

Singing together at an early age, they began the makings of this one-of-a-kind vocal group, forging a relationship beyond brotherhood and taking harmony to perfection. Today, they are known as The Standards. If you are yet to see this intruiging act, you won’t want to miss this showcase. A Capella perfected. ELECTRIC HOUSE MANAGEMENT, (615)-330-1410

gling Beatboxer. He's a headlining act on Disney cruise lines, has been featured on TV shows around the world from Global TV to NBC to CBS and Univision and he has even toured as Ring Master of Switzerlands infamous Circus Monti. Welcome the vocal prince of percussion. ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT, 310-880-6034

ALTER EGO: This is Montreal’s

hippest party band. It’s a non-stop all dance repertoire featuring the best of 70’s disco, 80’s rock, & 90’s Pop, and even Lady Gaga. With the 7 dancer/lead singers and 95 dazzling costume changes, this act has a MTV feel to it. When Alter Ego takes the stage it is evident that the party has begun. Their show is designed to interact with the audience and keep them on the dance floor. And for those who don’t wish to dance, Alter Ego’s show is very entertaining to watch! The gorgeous costumes, the high energy choreography, the Top 40 hits, the flashing lights.....this band certainly sends an audience into overdrive. ASSOCIATED ENTERTAINMENT CONSULTANTS (650) 348-7972

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TIM RUSHLOW:Don’t miss this intimate collection of Tim’s best known hits. The former lead singer of Little Texas has sold more than 11 mi9llion reciords including the well known ballad, “God Bless Texas.” Hear him explore some of country music’s most revered songs. GREG BURNS, (615) 562-3726

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE MEET & GREET FOLLOWING EACH SHOWCASE! Meet The Acts And Their Agents. Talk About Future Business.

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Most of tribute acts exist in a sphere completely separate from the talents they imitate, with the original artists not condoning and sometimes even condemning the tributes. It would be a pretty sharp guarantee of quality then if a tribute act were actually endorsed by members of the act they emulate then, wouldn’t it? “The Greatest Tribute!” Clarence Clemons, E-Street Band

Bruce In The USA is the real deal. This isn’t some hodgepodge of musicians pegged together to try to fit square act into a marketable round hole, this band is made up of world class musicians that have supported artists like Queen, Paul Rogers, Meatloaf, Blue Oyster Cult, Hall and Oats, Joe Cocker, The O’Jays, Aretha Franklin, David Cassidy, The Temptations, Slash and more. The group is led by Matt Ryan, who played Bruce Springsteen in Legends In Concert on the Las Vegas Strip for 7 years before starting this show.

The act has been together for almost 10 years, and it has been quite a successful run so far. “We have been doing corporate events all over the world from exotic locales to all the big cities in the U.S.,” Matt says. “The way we see it, this is an insanely successful corporate act, everywhere we take it.”

Essentially the act is a recreation of a Springsteen show that has been successful on and off the strip. “It is a very accurate show; we

sound like, look like and behave like the characters we portray.”

The band comes in and plays the show the audience wants to hear. Not only do they belt out all the big hits but upon request, the band can roll out any of the hundreds of deeper album cuts and B-sides for the hardcore fans. “In a corporate environment, we deliver in the in-your-face hits, all the radio songs and any special requests. We do everything we can to create a rock concert environment wherever we are. This is not a wedding band delivery, it’s a high-end international touring act that fits in performing arts centers, theaters, casinos, fairs or any public venues as well as being easily translated into a private environment.”

Bruce Springsteen still regularly reigns the kingdom of concert sales all over the world. It’s not necessarily easy to get a ticket, let alone have The Boss show up at your event, even if you’re in that kind of budgetary ballpark. This act can be an exceptional substitute, so much so that not only the fans of Bruce Springsteen have approved, but even the official E-Street Brand has given their sanction. “Folks expect to see a tribute act or impersonator on the Vegas Strip, but I personally was a little apprehensive at the thought of taking this across the country in public venues where the real hardcore Bruce fans are. It could have been met with some backlash, like something was being taken instead of given. What happened was once we had this

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show and on the Strip, Bruce’s inner circle including Clarence Clemons got wind of it. They brought us to New York City where they rented out the Hard Rock in Times Square on a Saturday Night. It was a very intimidating gig. They took video of the gig, where we backed up Clarence (who ended up a dear friend that we played private events with and was a very supportive part of the show) and played this show, which they sent to an island where Bruce was with his family. He couldn’t be there, but they did a simulcast where they joked with Bruce like ‘Hey, we don’t really need you anymore!” all in good fun. “When he found out the show existed, he was very supportive, to the point he would play giant stadiums on the West Coast (especially during the “Rising” tour when this was really fresh to him), and tell his huge audiences about us and joke ‘Hey man, I don’t know why anyone would want to be me.’ or look over at Stevie Van Zandt and say ‘Yeah, I heard his band was better than mine.‘ So right from the start he has been a great friend and it has been a huge blessing to have him on our side.”

This is the real deal folks. This is the closest act to the real thing and this show is calibrated to suit exactly your audiences’ need. Give Craig Neier a call at 973-227-8787 or cneier@aol.com for more information on making your next event totally Boss. SHOWCASE B, OCTOBER 2

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