Campus Activities Magazine by Watus Kirby

READER’S CHOICE AWARDS 14 Here’s Your Chance To Vote! With well over 12,000 nominations, this year’s awards will be exciting to say the least. JOEY & GRANT 18 Take an interesting look at a father and son and one of the deepest rooted families in the campus business.

2009 HOT ACTS FEATURE STORY: BLACK VIOLIN 38

If you haven’t had Black Violin on your school yet, just what are you waiting for? Meet the most requested act playing the campus market over the last twelve months. These guys are blessed with talent and a unique audience rapport making them one of the market’s hottest tickets.

GIRL TALK 32 It’s a special limited engagement campus tour and your chance to become part of one of the hottest acts in the youth market. THE HEYDAY 54 They are the newest group from Aware Records, the company that introduced us to John Mayer and Dave Matthews.

D E P A R T M E N T S

From the Publisher On The Road Empowering Women Reader’s Choice Ballot

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Artist Report Cards Agency Profile 2009 Rock ‘n Road Show

ONLINE EDITION: campusactivitiesmagazine.com

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RANDOM THOUGHTS & OTHER MINDLESS DRIBBLE Looking For A Better New Year! I would never pretend to be a prophet but by all accounts, 2009 will be a better year than 2008. While huge government give-aways only fueled the fire of major companies asking for money with little or no results on Wall Street or Main Street, most agree liberal government policies and greed on Wall Street are responsible for the melt down. Fortunately falling fuel prices helped stem even a more drastic and devastating plunge for most Americans. But many financial analysts believe that it isn’t the government or any legislation that will save us in 2009, but the availability of US currency sparked by the Treasury Department. With as much as 70% more money in circulation, credit will loosen and Americans will be able to buy

again and hopefully get out of crisis mode.

As far as student involvement, in the 2009 Reader’s ChoiceAwards Nominations, we experienced an 82% increase. 12,942 nominations were received to make up this year’s ballot, well out-distancing any awards nomination process in the history of the industry. Now that the ballot has been set, we are expecting record-breaking voting in this year’s contest.

stituted our privacy policy in 2003. Prior to that time, like every other magazine and association in the marketplace, we made available our list of schools and agencies for a small fee and that was a decent profit center for us. But it soon became clear that even though buyers trusted the magazine as a non-partisan, objective source for emerging talent in the marketplace, they were not happy that information collected from their subscriptions could be leased to any agency or artist with a few bucks. We decided to stop cold turkey. On June 1, 2003 we notified artists, agencies and schools that we would no longer offer information on our subscribers to any outside sources. From that point forward, all information collected became the property of Cameo Publishing Group. Our allegiance from schools dramatically increased and for the most part, agencies who did business with us understood the need to protect that information.

Personally, I have seen a dramatic increase in director and student involvement since we in-

The number of schools currently receiving Campus Activities Magazine® is at its highest

For the most part, from our perspective, the campus entertainment market remains strong. While it is true that artists and agencies have had to become more aggressive in marketing their talents, schools seem to be responding. Most directors, because of annual budgets, have not seen any major declines. There is hope that even a mild rebound for the economy before June of 2009 will allow “business as usual.”

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possibilities of doing business.

rate in our 17-year history with many colleges and universities ordering extra subscriptions for various other departments within their institutions. We are proud of being the best-read, widest distributed publication for campus activities and student involvement in the world and realize that was time to take that reputation to the next level.

Bryan Waldrop will be available with Campus Activities Magazine® to answer any questions and deal with any issues you might have as we move forward with this program. He can be reached at (803) 712-1429 Monday through Friday from 10am to 5pm EST.

An All-New Way To Look At Buying Entertainment For Campuses

There are also feedback links on the site as well as blog capabilities. Artist Report Cards will be submitted on line and those ratings will be available in numerous formats to assist you in making your buying decision from the artist’s appearance at another campus.

On January 20, 2009, Campus Activities Magazine’s® all new web site will go live. In development for nearly a year, this site will change the way schools find and book entertainment. Not only will the site have a complete, easy to navigate E-Zine that will display the entire current issue, but it will offer a complete range of other services never before universally avaliable in one place. An easy BUYERS GUIDE section will allow student buyers to locate artists by name, category and agency. They can view their entire current tour schedule and cooperative rates. View their photos, bios and videos right on the page to assist you in making a buying decision.Adirect link pulls up the responsible agent’s email address and you can make an offer or indicate a strong interest with just a click. You have access to all information available without having to track down an agent or check multiple sites.

www.campusactivitiesmagazine.com

It’s Completely Up-datable! Agents have instant access to their information and can add and delete artists from their rosters, update tour information, change pricing, add video content and photos, change phone numbers and addresses at any time with their password. As with any new website with this much functionality, we are allowing artists and agencies to sign up first. This will help us work through any glitches in the system prior to going live. On January 20, any campus buyer can sign up online and request a log-in name and password. Then you can explore all the

The Best Part: While the investment in this site is substantial, we are making it FREE to Artists, Agencies and Campus Buyers for a full year from the date they sign up. After the first year there is a modest annual fee for campuses and a nominal monthly fee for artists or agencies to help defray the cost on managing the site. Test Drive It For A Year For Free. Let us have your feedback and what we can do to make it more user-friendly for you. We want to give you the same quality experience you have with our magazine.

January 2009, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, 5

My Aggression Confession

On the evolutionary clock, human beings are still in their infancy; scientists estimate that of the 4.54 billion years Earth has existed, man has only been stomping around a scant 195,000 years (whereas the platypus, a rather docile creature, has existed for some 80 million years).

Although “homo sapiens,” a vain species if there ever was one, profess supreme superiority by citing the advancement of human civilization, it is undeniable that many of our primal aggressive animal instincts lay buried just below our civil veneer, frequently surfacing to commit atrocities a platypus would be ashamed of. Freud claimed aggression is inevitable and innate – a process void of thought patterns, and driven solely and entirely by our instincts. Thus, some men find pleasure in shooting defenseless animals, while others like to smash a white ball with a stick, and others still combine the two by smacking baby seals. Whether it is bitch-slapping a whore in Grand Theft Auto or watching Freddy Krueger and Michael Myers slice-n-dice teenagers, apparently all men need some outlet to vent our instinctual aggression. Mine consists of watching twentytwo mutant glandular cases (often hormonally enhanced by perform-

ance drugs) wage war over, of all things, a scrap of pig hide. Football: the beautiful ballet of organized violence designed to induce spectators into a state of group temporary insanity. Grown men, otherwise logical and respectable, will scream obscenities from painted faces, beneath hats that hold beers, and feel compelled to remove their shirts in subfreezing temperatures. These are my people!

If aggression is necessary, as some scientists claim, as a means of maintaining social order, this principle is clearly illustrated in the game of football, where dominance is achieved through aggressive brute force. I confess I not only love football, I need it. I shudder to think of what crimes against humanity I might commit if I did not have football as my release valve. For 16 weeks each year (and occasionally, the post-season) I gather before a television like a Roman at the Coliseum allowing my bloodlust to boil so it can safely drain away. I shed all civility to go back in time and embrace my primal primitive passions with nary a shred of dignity or shame. I am addicted to these afternoons of legal lunacy because when the final whistle blows, regardless of the outcome, I find the day-to-day

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frustrations and thwarted desires of modern life just a little bit easier to endure.

Although some men of science debate if aggression is a matter of nature or nurture, I can attest that the passion I have for my aggression outlet has nothing to do with my upbringing. My father was one of the rare men who have zero interest in sports. Many years after his death, my dear mother made the mistake of remarrying on December 28th, only to discover that her new husband, like most men, wanted to watch the football bowl games that take place this time of year. By the time he got to the Rose Bowl four days later, my mother officially became a football widow and had her marriage annulled. True story. Unlike my father, football has always been my guilty pleasure of choice (to this day I will not allow the girl I’m dating to see me watch a football game unless I’m certain it will not end our relationship). I recall, one August, asking my (then) wife if there was anything she “wanted to discuss before football season started?” I doubt a lingerie-clad Angelina Jolie could fully keep my attention once I hear the opening notes to the National Anthem. Football embodies all the princi-

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Football embodies all the principles that make America great! The freedom of speech allows me to shout slanderous statements at strangers. The freedom of the press allows newspapers in places where gambling is illegal to publish the NFL betting lines. The freedom of religion is evident when a field goal kicker can be like Billy Graham and make 90,000 people jump to their feet and shout, “Jesus Christ!” Football promotes equality by being the great economic level, where the poverty stricken can find solace watching millionaires get hurt for their entertainment. God bless football! (This would be a good place to reveal my favorite team, but I will not, for the same reason I never wear their logo on stage: I know there are other football fanatics out there, and as any true fan recognizes, football is a love-hate relationship. The full enjoyment of the sport is twofold: the love of your favorite team combined with the unabashed hate-fest for their rivals… and their fans. So rather than risk making life-long enemies via my association with one team, who is no doubt hated by others, I will just write about the sport in general.)

People of high moral and spiritual character denounce hate in all forms, but I politely beg to differ. I can not begin to express the joy I feel when witnessing the misfortunes of a team I hate. I confess my wrath is not limited to the field of play, as mentioned above, my aggression is directed to fans as well; I can see some poor guy trip and fall flat on his face and immediately feel concern and compas-

sion, however, if he is wearing the jersey of a team I hate, I confess I get an uncontrollable urge to giggle with glee.

The limits of my ire are not bound by time; I do not hate from opening kickoff till final gun, I hate for eternity. Whenever I read of a former player for one of the handful of teams I despise running afoul of the law I feel the same pleasure I imagine the family members of a murder victim must feel when they watch the criminal sizzle in the electric chair. For when my team loses they do so for one reason: the other team cheated; each time a yellow flag hits the turf I am quick to proclaim at the top of my lungs “That team cheats!” So when one of them eventually gets arrested I feel overdue justice is finally being served.

I also confess that to me, football is like dancing, I enjoy it more when I am not sober. And drinking is also like dancing, I enjoy it more with others involved. I have no problem getting people to join me because I have friends who have confessed they attend my football parties not to watch the game, but to watch my outrageously shameful behavior (the same mentality as the folks that go to a car race just to see a crash). I often try to promote such behavior in my guests by turning football into a drinking game, serving shots when my team scores. I will slur vulgar insults at the TV and wish extreme ill-will on the opposing team’s players (and their mothers) all to the giddy delight of those around me. Perhaps witnessing my barbaric display of tequila-fueled rage provides the same sick spectator thrill that Michael Vick got watching pit bulls fight? For those who doubt the notoriety of my football parties, let me point out that the television show, Good Morning

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America, once placed a full camera crew in my living room to record my reactions to the Super Bowl. True story.

I confess I often take my verbal abuse too far and do something I am deeply ashamed of: I cheer injuries. Not career-ending injuries, but game-ending ones that might increase my team’s odds at victory. I freely admit this cruel habit is horrid. I especially cheer the self-inflicted injury because it questions the player’s intelligence, or rather, lack thereof. One of my cherished memories was watching an opposing team’s quarterback celebrate a touchdown by headbutting the end zone wall, causing him to sit out the remainder of the game with a neck sprain. I’m getting a chuckle just writing about it. So this is my confession in black and white for all to see: for three hours on Sunday I do a Jekyll and Hyde transformation into a meanspirited loudmouth Neanderthal. Perhaps you know someone like me? Maybe it’s you? If by chance you support the same team I do, I hope you know I consider us family, forever bound. But if by chance you root for one of our rivals, I hope you get a paper-cut reading this… Are you ready for some football?

Spanky has twice been voted “Campus Comic Of The Year,” and once the “Campus Performer Of The Year.”

He is looking for friends at myspace.com/campuscomic. He is represented by Red Planet Productions (212-514-5741).

If you were amused or bemused by the above, please write to: forgiveplease@hotmail.com www.campusactivitiesmagazine.com

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January 2009, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, 11

2009 OFFICIAL BALLOT FAX OR MAIL THIS BALLOT NOW DEADLINE IS MIDNIGHT FEBRUARY 28.

FAX TO (803) 712-6703 • MAIL TO: CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, PO BOX 509, PROSPERITY SC 29127 VOTE ONLINE AT campusactivitiesmagazine.com School/Agency: _____________________________________ Your Name: ___________________________________

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ONLY ONE BALLOT PER READER. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO VOTE IN EVERY CATEGORY. UNSIGNED BALLOTS WILL NOT BE COUNTED.

#1 BEST SMALL VENUE ARTIST K Five Times August K Michael Kent K Jason LeVasseur K Ellery K Gabriella Garcia Medina

#6 BEST MALE PERFORMER K David Coleman K Daniel Martin K Wayne Hoffman K Frederick Winters K Justin Kredible

#11 BEST DIVERSITY ARTIST K Preacher Moss K Matt Glowacki K Jessica Pettitt K N*gger, W*tback, Ch*nk K Michelle Buteau

#3 BEST COMEDY PERFORMANCE K Michael Palascak K Jay Black K Jeff Dunham K Lynne Koplitz K Alexandra McHale

#8 NEWEST RISING STAR K Daniel Martin K Michael Kent K Erica Upshaw K Jonny Zavant K Adult Circus

#13 AGENCY OF THE YEAR 2009 K The College Agency K Bass/Schuler Entertainment K CAMPUSPEAK K GP Entertainment K Coleman Productions

#2 BEST MUSICAL PERFORMANCE K Sean McConnell K Chapter 6 K Florez K Meg Allison K Jared Campbell

On the pages that follow, each reader will have the opportunity to vote for the top artists, agencies and campuses in the student activities field. Look at each category carefully and record your vote on the next page or VOTE ONLINE AT WWW.CAMPUSACTIVITIESMAGAZINE.COM. Any reader may vote. Artists and Agencies may solicit your vote but they may not vote for you. All votes, including those submitted online are subject to verification. All votes must be received by midnight FEBRUARY 28, 2009. You may mail or fax your ballots using the form that follows on the next page but no votes received after the deadline will be counted. Online voting allows you more time to consider your choices. Winners will be featured in the APRIL 2009 issue of Campus Activities Magazine®. Remember that you do NOT have to vote in every category but all mailed and faxed ballots must be signed and include school or company information. Online ballots automatically create an online signature. Your private information will not be shared.

#4 BEST SPEAKER K C.L. Lindsay K David Coleman K Elaine Pasqua K Erica Upshaw K Matt Glowacki

#5 BEST FEMALE PERFORMER K Alexandra McHale K Erin Weed K Natalie Stovall K Lynne Koplitz K Jen Kober

#7 BEST MAJOR PERFORMANCE K Emerson Drive K Third Eye Blind K Jason Mraz K Frank Caliendo K Black Violin

#9 BEST LIVE NOVELTY ARTIST K Daniel Martin K Justin Kredible K Show Off Show K Adult Circus K Wayne Hoffman #10 BEST NOVELTY / GAMES K Grant Edmonds K ThinkFast K Tune-In K Travelinʼ Max K Live Band Karaoke

#12 CAMPUS OF THE YEAR 2009 K Marshall University K Boston University K Central Michigan University K Ohio State University K Roanoke College

#14 ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR 2009 K Daniel Martin K Dane Cook K Wayne Hoffman K Justin Kredible K Mike Super

PLEASE BE SURE YOU HAVE SIGNED YOUR BALLOT.

Your privacy is protected. We do NOT sell, barter or trade your information to any outside sources.

FIVE TIMES AUGUST

Five Times August, a name with a reputation as one of the most important commodities in the music industry’s new business model for up and coming artists is the completely unsigned 24 year-old Dallas, Texas native Brad Skistimas. After selling over 100,000 digital downloads without a record label, having every single song from his last album placed on various popular television programs, he became the first unsigned act sold in Wal-Mart stores nationwide.

MICHAEL KENT

Michael Kent is a likeable smart@$$. In a style reminiscent of a late-night talk show, he invites the audience to laugh with him at the absurdity of a modern-day magician. He combines his sarcastic, irreverent sense of humor with magic in a way that lets the audience “in on the joke.” Across the country, Michael’s audiences are experiencing what its like when a stand-up comic performs (and occasionally pokes fun at) the art of magic.

ELLERY

In 2006 Ellery was nominated for three Cincinnati Entertainment Awards, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Folk/Americana Band of the Year. In 2007, they released their live CD What I've Said Out Loud, as well as the live concert DVD, An Evening with Ellery airing on PBS stations across the country. 2007/08 has brought Ellery more recognition, with extensive touring and several successful Nashville shows.

MICHAEL PALASCAK Michael Palascak (PAL-a-sack) draws from his lifelong experiences of living at home with his parents, dorm life, and frequent trips to the local Dunkin’ Donuts. His likeable, innocent persona allows audiences to really appreciate the simple humor in their own lives. Michael has performed at clubs and colleges all around the country including the World Famous Improv and trained at The Second City in Chicago

LYNNE KOPLITZ

GABRIELA GARCIA MEDINA

JAY BLACK

ALEXANDRA McHALE

Gabriela has been participated in festivals at many prestigious Colleges. She performed at the Yale University Peabody Museum, The Latina Youth Empowerment Conference, The Social Justice Summit and all over the country she has been invited to perform for Women’s History Month, Latino Heritage Month, Human Trafficking Awareness Week, Palestine Awareness Week, AIDS Awareness Week among others.

JASON LeVASSEUR Jason LeVasseur has a reputation as being today's best college solo performer and songwriter. He was awarded Campus Activities MagazineAward for Best Small Venue Artist in 2006 and in 2007. Jason mixes smart lyrics with poignant arrangements to form a foundation of songs that are sure crowd pleasers. He has performed on street corners, in classrooms, coffeehouses, clubs, auditoriums, and sold-out concert halls.

Jay Black started life as a high school teacher. Realizing that he had only one shot at his dream of being a stand-up comic, he quit his teaching job in November of 2006. Each day since then has been an adventure -- Jay has gotten to be on TV, act in a movie, meet some famous people, and, most importantly, perform at a bunch of really great colleges. His goal for 2008 is to keep moving forward with his career and, hopefully, not starve.

Lynne graduated from Troy State in Alabama. She is currently starring in the hit comedy “Z Rock” on IFC. Credits include: Comedy Central Presents…, Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, The Greatest Joke Ever Told with Lewis Black, and Life & Style. Go to www.lynnekoplitz.com for more information

Alexandra McHale was thrilled to make her network debut on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She has performed on CBS’s The Late Late Show, as well as Comedy Central’s Premium Blend. Alex is a frequent commentator for VH1, offering her unique view for shows such as “I Love the 80’s” and “Supersecret TV Formulas.” She was honored to be chosen by HBO to perform at The 2007 Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen.

JEFF DUNHAM

Jeff Dunham is a ventriloquist whose talent and skill make him a master. His puppets portray characters with intense and colorful personalities. He brings along his sidekick Peanut who will entertain and fascinate any audience. Peanut is a self-described comic genius. Jeff has been featured on shows such as Entertainment Tonight and Good Morning America and he even shared the couch with Johnny Carson on The Tonight

SEAN McCONNELL

MEG ALLISON

C.L. LINDSAY

ERICA UPSHAW

CHAPTER 6

JARED CAMPBELL

DAVID COLEMAN

MATT GLOWACKI

Within 2 short years of signing his publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music, Sean’s songs have already been recorded by artists such as Tim McGraw & Brad Paisley. Last year Sean was humbled when he was named “Best Small Venue Performer” by CA Magazine. To be nominated again this year is amazing. If he wins this year he is donating all the prize money to charity. What, there is no prize money? Ok, forget that part. Their comedy-infused blend of pop, jazz, gospel, and rock brings spontaneous bursts of laughter and applause throughout the show. High-energy performances feature freshly-arranged swing standards and pop/rock covers, to signature pieces such as Ode To Krispy Kreme, Queens Bohemian Rhapsody, and their own version of The Wizard Of Oz. Enjoy contagious energy and spirit as they share great music and harmony.

FLOREZ

A seamless merge of two distinct voices and personalities over a backdrop of driving guitar. The combination produces a fresh, saucy vibe, laced with charm. FLOREZ combines solid musicianship with vocal charisma with a pop rock you’d expect from these handsome boys next door. Erik lays groundwork with a smooth bass heartbeat and Alex stirs the audience with spirited guitar licks and singing in English, French, and Spanish.

Meg Allison is a born storyteller and performer. Her songs are not only inspired by her life, but by the artists she most admires such as Martin Sexton, Patty Griffin, Ryan Adams, and Ray LaMontagne. Her debut album, Missing Piece has received critical praise and her song “Old Soul” recently won Songwriters Universe “Best Song” competition. She was also recently picked from over 20,000 applicants to appear on 2007’s season of USAnetwork’s Nashville Star. Jared Campbell, a 25 year-old singer-songwriter from Binghamton, NY, has developed himself as a fixture in the independent music scene.By connecting with his audience on a personal level, Jared has not only built a loyal fan base but has also sold over 17,000 CDs. Jared has shared the concert stage with national acts such as Jason Mraz, Gavin DeGraw, Journey, Matt Nathanson, and Sister Hazel.

It was just about ten years ago that C.L. Lindsay walked out of his law office in New York and set up, what he thought would be a small nonprofit that would help a handful of students with their legal problems. He never thought CO-STAR would lead to so many incredible opportunities: writing a book (The College Student's Guide to the Law); authoring a nationally syndicated column; or speaking at 130 campuses each year. David Coleman, “The Dating Doctor” and “America’s Real-Life Hitch," has been honored as Speaker of the Year 11-Times! His programs resonate long after he leaves campus and his advice is featured on radio, television and in print media such as Us, People and The USA Today. David has been described as “the closest there is in the college market to a sure thing!” Get your cure from “The Dating Doctor” today!

ELAINE PASQUA

Elaine Pasqua’s ability to connect and engage an audience with her infectious energy has college students talking for weeks. Her entertaining, informative, and uniquely interactive programs motivate students to assess the life-altering consequences of alcohol abuse, unprotected sex, sexual assault, and HIV/AIDS. Elaine’s hilarious commentary elicits strong responses from students, with many stating that she changed their lives.

Erica does a fantastic job of speaking to students from a point of view close to theirs. Using videos, first-hand stories, and talking about her and her brother’s risky behavior, she helps students realize that a party-centric attitude in college can be deadly. She reminds them that 1,700 college students die from alcohol related deaths each year. Erica empowers her audience to take action, talk to each other, and question abuse of alcohol and drugs. Matt’s variety of programs and outlook on life makes him one of the most sought-after speakers today. His program, “Diversity According To South Park and Family Guy,” has been requested by campuses Nationwide as Matt shows just how educational and diverse these television shows can be. Students have a whole new look on what the word, “Diversity,” really means after spending just a short time in Matt’s presence.

ALEXANDRA McHALE

ERIN WEED

Erin Weed is a professional speaker, author, violence prevention advocate and self-defense instructor. She specializes in educating people about their personal safety and motivating them to become their own best protectors. She uses humor, empowerment and cutting edge research for the best programming possible.

LYNN KOPLITZ

JEN KOBER

Jen Kober has bounded onto the national stage bringing crowds to their feet with her original blend of stand-up, story telling, and improvised rock-n-roll comedy. Her hardhitting hour is phenomenally funny as Kober commands the stage and dares you not to laugh. Jen has appeared on Showtime, HBO, Comedy Central, NESN, TBS & Oxygen, and she is featured in the new movie Heckler.

NATALIE STOVALL

EMERSON DRIVE

FRANK CALIENDO

THIRD EYE BLIND

BLACK VIOLIN

With a work ethic the size of Texas, Emerson Drive emerged from Canada into the Nashville music scene with a brand of hip country combined with stellar musicianship and signed with Dreamworks, Nashville. They are one of the VERY bands ever signed to a major label who have the distinction of playing their own instruments on ALL of their records. They humbly accept this honor because they are true intrumentalists. Third Eye Blind is comprised of Stephan Jenkins – Vocals, guitar; Arion Salazar – Bass, vocals; Tony Fredianelli – Guitar, vocals; Brad Hargreaves - Drums. Third Eye Blind is a band that has always found inspiration in authenticity and that is an essential place for their music. The band spent the mid 90s coming together, falling apart and then coming together again. But success was in the cards and their newest CD proves just that.

FRANK CALIENDO is a high energy performer who has a knack for imitating famous people and switching between them at a frantic pace. Armed with well over 100 impressions and voices, Frank likes to talk about the movies, television shows, and commercials the stars were in -as well as the projects they should focus on next.

They were discovered by Grammy Award winning Linkin Park’s frontman Mike Shinoda, who enjoyed their sound so much, he invited them to embark on a world-wide tour. They have appeared with Alicia Keys, P.Diddy, Kanye West and Fifty Cent in addition to Rock 'n Roll and Soul icons Areosmith, Tom Petty, Eagles, Michael Bolton, Aretha Franklin and George Michael from Dubai to Las Vegas, Boston to Bangkok, Miami to Mumbai.

JASON MRAZ

Natalie has lived in Nashville all her life and has made a living in entertainment since she was five years old. She was a child performer in the Opryland Kid's Club and performed on such programs as the Oprah Winfrey Show, Nashville Now, Crook and Chase. She even performed solo on the Grand Ole Opry. Her music has started to take shape in some songs as a throwback to old school soul and blues a la Dusty Springfield and Bonnie Raitt.

Jason's first studio album, Waiting For My Rocket To Come went platinum Since then Jason has released the live CD/DVD Tonight Not Again, Grammy award winning MR.A-Z and a digital only live album Selections For Friends in 2006. His current release We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. Debuted at #3. The first single “I’m Yours” is a smash hit across the globe with over 20 million plays on You Tube.

DAVID COLEMAN

FREDERICK WINTERS

DANIEL MARTIN

JONNY ZAVANT

DANIEL MARTIN

JUSTIN KREDIBLE

MICHAEL KENT

ADULT CIRCUS

David Coleman, “The Dating Doctor” and “America’s Real-Life Hitch," has been honored as Speaker of the Year 11-Times! His programs resonate long after he leaves campus and his advice is featured on radio, television and in print media such as Us, People and The USA Today. David has been described as “the closest there is in the college market to a sure thing!” Get your cure from “The Dating Doctor” today! Daniel Martin is becoming one of the most in-demand entertainers in the country. Daniel’s show is interactive, visual, and is unlike anything you have seen! His high energy and original performances have captivated the attention of countless audiences, campuses and Fortune 500 companies. Utilizing astonishing sleight of hand, interactive mind reading and innovative illusion, audiences are left mesmerized.

WAYNE HOFFMAN

Wayne is ranked one of the top entertainers in his genre and one of the top ten mentalists in the world! He started to perform professionally at the age of fifteen. By the age of eighteen Wayne was touring the US performing his show "Mind Candy.” He appeared on NBC's hit TV show "Phenomenon" where he performed for millions of viewers! He has also appeared on various other television networks including TLC and the Discovery Channel.

Frederick Winters has made comedy hypnosis hotter than ever! He’s consistently ranked as one of the top 5 campus acts in the country. And after performing over 3,000 perfectly chiseled and wildly popular shows, you could say Frederick Winters is legendary! Fasten your seatbelt for a show that has been designated one of the very best on college campuses for nearly a decade!

Justin Kredible's vigorous mix of comedy and magic has quickly established him as one of America's premiere performers. As a regular correspondent on the “Rachael Ray” show and a crowd favorite at colleges around the country, Justin lives up to his backto-back titles of ‘Entertainer of the Year 2007 & 2008’ from Campus Activities Magazine.

Daniel Martin is becoming one of the most in-demand entertainers in the country. Daniel’s show is interactive, visual, and is unlike anything you have seen! His high energy and original performances have captivated the attention of countless audiences, campuses and Fortune 500 companies. Utilizing astonishing sleight of hand, interactive mind reading and innovative illusion, audiences are left mesmerized. Michael Kent is a likeable smart@$$. In a style reminiscent of a late-night talk show, he invites the audience to laugh with him at the absurdity of a modern-day magician. He combines his sarcastic, irreverent sense of humor with magic in a way that lets the audience “in on the joke.” Across the country, Michael’s audiences are experiencing what its like when a stand-up comic performs (and occasionally pokes fun at) the art of magic.

ERICA UPSHAW

Jonny Z was voted Psychic of the Year 2017 for his unique and dynamic approach to mind reading. He makes people from the audience the stars of the show, and cultivates abilities they didn't know they had. Jonny Z might be a punk rock mind reader, but he's a super nice guy who treats everyone in the show with respect and loves meeting new people. If you see him, make sure to say hi. He'd love it!

The Adult Circus is a fast paced, audience interactive variety show featuring an all-original presentation of Magic, Juggling, Telepathy, Circus & Sideshow Stunts all wrapped in a blanket of Comedy! In 2008, they were the featured entertainment for an exclusive NBC Universal event held in NYC, performing for many celebrities including Steve Carell, Conan O'Brien, Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon, Brooke Shields and many others.

DANIEL MARTIN

ADULT CIRCUS

PREACHER MOSS

N*GGER WETB*CK CH*NK

JUSTIN KREDIBLE

WAYNE HOFFMAN

MATT GLOWACKI

MICHELLE BUTEAU

Daniel Martin is becoming one of the most in-demand entertainers in the country. Daniel’s show is interactive, visual, and is unlike anything you have seen! His high energy and original performances have captivated the attention of countless audiences, campuses and Fortune 500 companies. Utilizing astonishing sleight of hand, interactive mind reading and innovative illusion, audiences are left mesmerized. Justin Kredible's vigorous mix of comedy and magic has quickly established him as one of America's premiere performers. As a regular correspondent on the “Rachael Ray” show and a crowd favorite at colleges around the country, Justin lives up to his backto-back titles of ‘Entertainer of the Year 2007 & 2008’ from Campus Activities Magazine.

Preacher Moss has been a fixture on the college comedy and lecture circuit. His “End of Racism” Tour has been hosted throughout the United States. A veteran comedian, lecturer, activist and writer; he is a strong voice in creating a dialogue for diversity, equality and uplifting of the human condition. With his insight on "racial understanding vs. racial interaction" he is the funniest social commentator on the college scene today.

Matt’s variety of programs and outlook on life makes him one of the most sought-after speakers today. His program, “Diversity According To South Park and Family Guy,” has been requested by campuses Nationwide as Matt shows just how educational and diverse these television shows can be. Students have a whole new look on what the word, “Diversity,” really means after spending just a short time in Matt’s presence.

SHOW OFF SHOW

GRANT EDMONDS Comedy Variety Game Show! is a hybrid of "Whose Line"/ "Double Dare"/"American Idol" where every contestant wins money! Now in its sixth year and still going strong after 100's of Campus performances, Grant hosts this show that has students dance, date, model(males only) and participate in an air-band where the big winner can win up to $100. Grant is also host of the interactive relationship show LoveG.E.A.R.S. and Author of LoveG.E.A.R.S.

THINKFAST

Our goal is to be known as the best at what we do; by offering excellent service, superior events, and making sure that you know that we need you more than you need us. This year we added a new survey feature into our ThinkFast software. This allows you to anonymously collect information from the participants during the game on various topics, including their interest in your scheduled programs, to their beliefs on drug and alcohol issues at your college.

TUNE-IN

Tune In was the creation of Mark Scheff, America's Game Show Comedian and the follow up to Bevmark’s extremely popular Punchline! The Comedy Game Show. With the success of these two shows, Bevmark now offers ten original, in-house produced game shows to their clients. Like Tune In, All of the shows are fun, high tech and totally interactive. At every performance, $500.00 in Cash & Prizes is a bonus students don't mind winning.

Michelle is the no-holds-barred comic you may have seen on MTV, VH1, Oxygen, HGTV and Bravo. You can catch her on Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend”, where she also interviewed the host, Damon Wayans, for Comedy Central’s website. She just wrapped the ten-city comedy tour “5 Funny Females” and when she is not on stage bringing the funny, she’s covering the country’s local hot spots for “Travel Zoo Unleashed” on TravelZoo.Com

JESSICA PETTITT

The SHOWOFF Show is an interactive experience that will leave you with your gut busted, your mind blown, and your noodle tweaked. These showoffs are your guides on a bizarre journey where comedy, circus style stunts, and pranks collide. Evan, a juggler, and Jonathan, a contortionist, have combined their talents to create a production that is truly unique. The audience becomes part of the action when they learn skills that they are encouraged to TRY AT HOME!

GRANT EDMONDS

Rafael, Miles and Allan rock the stage with their true-life stories to tackle one of the most challenging issues of our time – race - with humor and authenticity. Seen at over 100 campuses in just the past 2 years, N*W*C continues to thrill audiences from coast to coast. As they travel on the college and performing arts circuit, the group also teaches workshops for all ages as part of their educational outreach program

Referred to as the "Margaret Cho" of Diversity Trainers, Jessica blends politics, humor, identity, and local flair with big city passion and energy through direct, individualized, and interactive conversations. Her workshops, seminars, and keynotes leave participants invigorated , inspired and motivated to follow through with action to create change. Jessica uses her take on life to lead through a safe but confrontational process of examination, self reflection, and open dialog .

TRAVELIN’ MAX

Ask ANYONE who has had The Travelin' Max Show at their event... They'll tell you it's the ultimate audience participation act! Each show comes with tons of giveaways, prizes, props, conga lines, singalongs, dance music, and over 800 songs from every decade! He brings the audience on stage, and gets out into your audience. He hosts ridiculous & fun contests and it’s all 100% clean!

MARSHALL UNIVERSITY

SAPB has been recognized for programming excellence, educational programs, and service programs. Our events allow students to develop leadership skills, improve our sense of community at Marshall University, and enhance student character, citizenship, and respect for diversity. They go out of our way to provide the best service to our students and achieve this by developing relationships with agencies and performers that benefit everyone.

LIVE BAND KARAOKE

BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Combining silly fun of karaoke with energy of a live rock band, Live Band Karaoke allows anyone to fulfill a rock-and-roll fantasy. Watching others perform their own renditions of rock's greatest songs contributes to hilarity. Some singers belt out tunes, while others make up for a lack of ability with a rowdy stage presence. Either way, irony and humor work on many levels as a kick-ass band rocks out the songs true to their original recording.

Programming Council is Boston University 's largest programming board. As one of the most active student groups on campus, they plan many concerts, comedy shows, and other entertainment . They provide students with the opportunity to attend openmic nights, movie screenings, and celebrity meet & greets. They provide quality entertainment to the students of Boston University, and a sense of community among our large and diverse student body. CMU’s Proposed New Events Center

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIV.

Central Michigan University as it had come to be known was established in Mount Pleasant, Michigan in the spring of 1892. Officially the Student Activities Board began the fall of 1928. Today, Program Board is well known as one of the strongest programming groups on campus, providing a wide range of entertainment, large and small. Committees include: Cinema, Concerts, Comedy, Lectures, Daytime/Special, and Cultural.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

The Ohio Union Activities Board (OUAB) is OSU’s premiere programming board with 160 members executing 117 events from start to finish for 71,000+ students last year. Past artists include Will Ferrell, Jon Stewart, Ludacris, Al Gore, Zach Braff, Bill Nye the Science Guy, Dave Chappelle, Dane Cook, and many more! We are so honored to be nominated for this incredible award! Feel free to check us out at .ouab.osu.edu for info on the last 23 consecutive years.

ROANOKE COLLEGE

Everyone at Roanoke College may be a member of this organization. CAB is responsible for producing the majority of the entertainment on campus. Traditional events sponsored by the board include: Welcome Back Weekend, the Family Weekend Show, WinterFest, and Spring Fling. Other events include One Nite Stands, Recreational Tournaments, and Blanket Movies.

THE COLLEGE AGENCY

GP ENTERTAINMENT

BASS/SCHULER ENT.

COLEMAN PRODUCTIONS

Founded in 2003, this Midwestbased agency is quickly making a name for itself. Staff members include Denise Wallace Heitkamp, Craig Heitkamp, Melissa Carlson, and Sue Boxrud. With an awardwinning roster including InPulse, Salsa Magic and Dominic Gaudious (2007 CAM Reader’s Choice Nominee for Best Small Venue Performer); this agency is one to watch.

Bass/Schuler Entertainment works with hundreds of colleges and universities around the country. Awardwinning acts & establishing strong working relationships has made Bass/Schuler “Agency of the Year” in Campus Activities Magazine numerous times, including 2008. All of us at Bass/Schuler Entertainment are thankful for the support over the years and look forward to continuing our working relationship in the future!

Tim Moyer & Rich Nikodem formed GP Entertainment in early 2004. Their roots are embedded in working the college marketplace where they have established long term relationships with clients. Their diversified lineup of programming includes Justin Kredible, John Zaffis, Joshua Seth, and Jason & Grant from the TV series “Ghost Hunters” along with cutting edge game shows. They go out of their way to make sure you have the most pleasureable programming. "Where is it said that learning can't be fun and entertainment can't be life-changing!?" Our motto is "Great Entertainers... Exceptional People!" and after working with us, we think you'll agree. If we’ve not worked together, you’re simply a friend we haven’t made yet! You’ll find our artists and staff to be courteous, versatile, genuine, and accommodating… or your program is free!

CAMPUSPEAK

CAMPUSPEAK has won the Campus Activities Reader’s Choice Award for Best Agency three of the last four years. With a full-time staff of seven, a roster of 40+ speakers, a facilitator team of 50 higher ed. pros, CAMPUSPEAK is a higher education consulting company. Founded by two campus speakers, T.J. Sullivan and David Stollman, CAMPUSPEAK has developed a reputation for attention to customer satisfaction.

DANIEL MARTIN

DANE COOK

Dane Cook is a success that the college market can claim as their own. Dane started doing campus comedy dates and won a true allegiance among student buyers and audiences alike. From here he solidified his success on Comedy Central and later moved to the big screen. It was withCampus Activities Magazinethat he launched his historic “Tourgasm” tour in 2004, performing 20 free shows in 30 days.

WAYNE HOFFMAN

JUSTIN KREDIBLE

MIKE SUPER

Mike was unanimously voted by Uri Geller, Criss Angel and the American Public as the #1 mystifier in the world. NBC searched the globe for the 10 best mystifiers and over 5 weeks the American public voted on their favorite entertainer. With ELECTRIC performances on LIVE Network TV, that reached out and ENCHANTED the public, MIKE SUPER was chosen as the BEST of the BEST and given the title of THE PHENOMENON.

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“Love & Fear” may seem somewhat of a dramatic title, perhaps imparted to draw attention. But upon closer inspection, it is entirely apparent that the insinuation is an apt one for the program we would like to introduce you to. Many, (if not all), of us working in the campus entertainment field already know of Joey

Edmonds and his agency JOEY EDMONDS Presents. He’s been booking comedy in the campus market for 35 years and before that was a legendary name in campus comedy himself with the famed EDMONDS & CURLEY Comedy Team (2,500 College shows)!

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Joey has spent a lifetime as an acute closet claustrophobic. Driven to finally talk and write about his experiences and thoughts on the debilitating condition, he Authored Claustrophobic: My Stories & Others. Based on the overwhelming success and positive feedback of his book, he designed and hosts a program entitled "Fears & Phobias" FUN-Seminar that exposes and enlightens us to the fears a majority of us experience everyday. Grant Edmonds has come to know campus market acclaim in his own right, primarily through the success of his Comedy Variety Game Show, but additionally through the rising interest in his LoveG.E.A.R.S. interactive lecture which he has recently condensed into a book of the same title. Now, father and son are teaming up to offer a dual presentation to students in the college market (though either of the following programs can be booked independently).

This is one of those shows where you want to try and have a student introduce the program and exit stage left, because once Joey comes out, he does so with true dramatic flair as he begins his presentation. “You have got to be taught to hate and fear,” he says. “You have to be taught from year to year, you’ve got to be carefully taught… Then in SONG he concludes his Diversity Intro. “After nine months we come into this world with no fears, no phobias…” he continues. “It’s an opening that is a little different and people have been reacting like ‘Whoa’. Especially from the people who know of me and are surprised I can actually sing (laughs).” An interesting aspect of Joey’s presentation is the fact that this is a guy who knows how to be silly and have fun. “We

enter the world to be happy and have fun! As long as I can remember, I have always had fun… as long as I can remember I have always been terribly afraid of being enclosed. I then recreate some of my classic claustrophobic ‘moments’.” One such classic claustrophobic ‘moment’ occurred when Joey was planted at the root of the folk music scene in London, England. “The year was 1964, The Beatles became famous. (As it turns out, I ended up at a rather large party with The Beatles, not even knowing who they were! That’s how unaware the kid from Oshkosh, WI was of the music scene in 1964). (laughs). But I digress. I was half of the Folk Singing duo Buzz & Joey. There were still many folk clubs around. One of them was named The Attic. My

partner Buzz played stand-up bass and I banjo and guitar. When we got to the venue we were instructed to go up to the second floor and when we got there, in the middle of the room was a ladder,” he says with the sense of impending doom in his voice still sounding nearly as strong today as it must have felt forty years ago. “It went up through what was a five-foot rectangular hole in the ceiling. I thought ‘What the devil is this?!’ Buzz struggled to lift his bass upward through the hole followed by Buzz. I handed my guitar and banjo through the same hole and began my climb. As I put my head through the opening I was looking at a dimly lit ATTIC packed with an audience of 30 plus enthusiastic new fans. A Claustrophobia ‘moment’ just nailed me. As if by design to further compound my dismay, the hole was then covered and we sang & played on top of it. That was our stage!

Joey’s entire lecture is interactive, involving the audience nearly every moment. “There is a whole bunch of silliness where the audience can see ‘Wow, this guy is really doing it!’ When I tell stories about getting claustrophobic inside a football helmet or in an airplane lavatory, the audience really gets to share the emotion of that moment with me.” Joey’s presentation culminates in the truly interactive portion in which he takes anony-

mous audience submissions about their own personal fears. “I give a card out to everybody and on the top of it, they put their birth date and their fear. We never use names. As I tell my funny stories (I try to keep everything in the presentation tinged with humor) I will occasionally pick a card out read the birth date and the fear listed on it. I then ask a ‘birthday person’ to share their fear or phobia. If I do not get a response I move on. I refer to the seminar as a Safe-Haven for that reason. You do not need to ‘reveal’; however, others now have been informed of another fear/phobia.” “The essence of the FUN- Seminar happened during one of the first programs when a student revealed his ‘fear’ was ‘being alone’and the student seated next to him said, “I thought I was the only one!” Some people won’t talk when we first begin, but by the end, everyone has opened up and is excited about getting involved.” Joey’s presentation wraps up with a discussion of one of the most common phobias that surely afflicts nearly every student in college today: a fear of the future. An optimistic and exciting end to the program culminates with Joey talking about dreams and how to follow them, giving the students a great experience and a complete perspective of their fears and ways to deal with them.

Joey’s presentation on fears & phobias brings students into an open and relaxed state-of-mind, preparing them to talk about the fears they may have never related to others. “You are not alone” is a phrase repeated consistently during the seminar. This proves a perfect formula to prepare students for open channels of communication in Grant’s LoveG.E.A.R.S. interactive program.

This is where Grant steps in and the LoveG.E.A.R.S. program swings into full um, gear. Generally the first third of the program is used to open students up. That is greatly augmented when “Fears & Phobias” FUN-Seminar is presented in conjunction with LoveG.E.A.R.S. “I talk probably most during the first portion of my show where I discuss some of the basic things people need to be happy. I try to give students tools for finding happiness and I think one of the fundamentals is knowing yourself well enough to know what happiness is for you. There is an entire process to this, but I think the fears we all carry with us are one of the first things we have to break down in order to move on to better things. You have to understand your fears, accept them and move on. By doing that, everyone is putting himself or herself in a great position to have not only intimate relationships, but any other platonic relationships or casual or even formal relationships. If you yourself are comfortable with who you are, then all of the relationships you have in your life are just

“Both of our programs focus on interactivity and I think “Fears & Phobias” is the ideal way to get audiences warmed up,” Grant says. “Which is great for my show too. In the stand-alone version of LoveG.E.A.R.S., the first third of the show is pretty much spent trying to accomplish what Joey specifically focuses on with his lecture. Both of our programs also focus on how to better know yourself and how knowing yourself well helps with every aspect of life, whether it is relationships, communication or dealing with an intense fear. Another way to look at it is that you really need to know who you are and what your fears are so you can ‘clear your slate’ so to speak, and be free to love.” The best insight into the effectiveness of both these programs comes through a detailed look into the process of the programs themselves. First comes “Fears & Phobias” FUN-Seminar. 28, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, January 2009

The roof was so low that when we began to play my banjo would bump the rafters. We immediately started singing and I was okay, but when we got to our last number which was a really up-tempo song, everyone got into it and the place started to shake. When we finished, the entire room jumped to their feet and while Buzz was saying ‘Thank You! Thank You!’ I was busy screaming ‘Sit Down! Sit Down!’ I could not wait to get out of that attic.”

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that much easier.” Whether it’s the result of the familial relationship or simply because humor is such an effective form of communication, either way Grant likes to take a light-hearted approach to the work, similar to his dad. “I make things kind of goofy. The name of my show might throw people a little bit; while it is an acronym for Grant Edmonds ActivityBased Relationship Show, it still has very

help them cope with nearly any situation. I won’t tell everyone ‘Okay, do this, this and this and say this and your relationships will all be saved.’ It’s not about that. It’s all about using your own tools and gifts appropriately.” You can’t get what you want until you KNOW what you want and, sometimes that’s a more elusive thing than we may imagine. “I’ll get some students up and ask

“Bachelor/bachelorette” questions ensue. “After they make their selection, we see how well they did (based on their needs), because there are a lot of people that get up there and actually have some really good questions. Every now and then you’ll see someone come up and ask ‘Well, what would you want to do on a first date?’ or ‘How big are your boobs?’ or some other equally as unimportant question. Sometimes we have to ask ‘OK, is this really a need of yours?’ because it once again helps to challenge the questioner to figure out exactly who they are and what it is they need. So many people go through life without considering what it is they really need in a relationship; they are focused only on what they want in the moment. A big part of my program is helping them to see past that and to focus on what’s really important.” After focusing on individual needs, Grant then continues the rest of the show by focusing on problem-solving and communication techniques, one of which is the “mirroring technique”(also detailed in his LoveG.E.A.R.S. book). “I save the best and most useful stuff for last, so it sticks in everyone’s mind…hopefully for a long time.”

much a comedic element to it.” Grant tells students that the gears in a relationship work like the gears in a motor vehicle. “I talk about how there are different gears in a relationship, whether you are moving slowly, taking it fast, stuck in neutral or going backwards. I tell everyone I have been there and through it all. I am no expert but I have made a lot of mistakes others can learn from. I know each student I speak to is the expert in their own lives, but I do know the fundamentals. This is something I have learned gradually over the years through personal experience, counseling and research. I want only to help, put that all together and impart it to others.” Grant doesn’t launch into complex theories of love or try to split hairs in the little time he has on stage. “I want to keep things very basic because if people can keep track of these basic fundamentals throughout their lives it can

them point blank, ‘What are your needs physically, what are your needs mentally, spiritually and emotionally?’ Sometimes the students can just rattle them off, but a lot of times they can’t, because it is stuff we don’t normally think about. We are so used to focusing on other people or focusing on the superficial things in life that a lot of people don’t really sit back and think about who they are, especially at that age. So, it is a way to challenge them a little bit while keeping it simple and easy to deal with. We won’t go over anyone’s head.” Once Grant helps the audience to address their needs, they have to figure out how to go about fulfilling them. “That’s when the interactive portion of my show begins. I go into a sort of ‘Dating Game’ by picking a student out of the crowd and have them announce a few of their needs in a relationship to me.” One participant is blindfolded and the

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There’s little doubt that when it comes down to it “Love & Fear” could be a great way to help your students develop all of their interpersonal relationships. While well suited for nearly any atmosphere where students are willing to listen, imagine the profound impact a set of programs such as this could have in a freshmen orientation! Your incoming students could not only find help addressing some of the fears and anxieties in their new surroundings, but also form quicker and stronger new relationships. Consider either one or both of these programs for your campus’ next enlightening experience hoping to affect positive change at your institution. BOOK IT! For more information contact Kate Edmonds 818.426.1279 Info@joeyedmonds.com Joey Edmonds: Host of “Fears & Phobias” FUN-Seminar! www.JoeyEdmondsClaustrophobic.com GrantEdmonds LoveG.E.A.R.S. www.GrantEdmonds.com

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Imagine this scene: You are living the fantasy. A veritable sea of people stretches itself out before you as far as the eye can see; the world almost closes in on itself. So surreal is the experience you feel like you’re in a movie, or maybe it’s a dream. In a giant raft, you’re racing across the surface of the multitudes; the ebb and flow of the energy of the crowd is just like that of a current in the sea. The winds, waters, fates and fortune guide the pseudoethereal vessel back to its hub and the center of the stage. Your journey complete, you reassume your position on your throne as king of the moment; this is a buzz that will last forever. While most of us would simply wake up from this dream, pinched and snapped harshly back into the average reality of the common existence, Gregg Gillis, a.k.a. Girl Talk has been there and done that. He has seen the masses, felt the vibes and ridden the waves. “In the past year, it feels like it has been non-stop new highlights and exciting things going on,” he says. “But the peak of peaks for me was playing at Lollapalooza this past summer.” 32, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, January 2009

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Gregg says aside from the masses of people there, the venue and tour had particular favor in his eyes as well. “I went to the event as a kid in 1995 and it was kind of a big day in my life. I was turned on to a lot of new bands and it was something that I know I’ll never forget. So, when I was invited to play Lollapalooza last year, it meant a lot to me.” Let’s not forget our little boat ride. “To top even the invitation, I had a spot at about five o’clock in the afternoon (and I had shown up a little bit late unfortunately) and I wasn’t sure how it was going to go down. I came out on stage and it was just packed. It was one of the biggest crowds I have ever played in front of and people were going nuts.” It was one of those inane, random, spur-ofthe-moment decisions from earlier in the day that would turn this particular performance into a ride to remember. One of the guys who helps me book shows bought a raft… we had been talking about ideas for things to do with it and at the last minute we decided to just blow the thing up at the very

end of the show and see what happened. I played the set and everything went perfectly, people were really fired up. “At the very end, I got in the raft, launched it into the audience and people just kind of took off with it. They crowd surfed me throughout this crowd of thousands upon thousands of people. The software I use for my music is somewhat loop-based, so I can leave my computer and the same thing will play on loop over and over. So, as I was riding through the crowd, I heard the end of my last album that fatefully enough ends with a Journey song. I made it through the entire audience, this mass of bodies and made it back to the soundboard and was able to fade my set out and end it perfectly. It was definitely a peak moment as far as the last few years go. It was great, because the raft thing was just so arbitrary that it could have just as easily not happened at all. But, it turned into the knockout punch. Looking at the video in retrospect its hard to believe it even went down.” Gregg is a master of the mash-up, some-

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thing that is easy to understand upon listening but difficult to explain on paper. Suffice it to say that it is an even more evolved form of sampling, the art of looping a particular audio clip of music over and over again and writing another song over it. This is most commonly seen in techno or usually hip-hop. Think P-Diddy’s use of the music from Sting’s “Every Breath You Take” for a very mainstream and grossly under simplified example. Now, to get into the realm of Girl Talk and the mash-up, we take things a step further. Use the music of popular songs spanning nearly any genre and timeline you can imagine as the backing music track. These are strung together into an eclectic medley of songs that keep the listener rapt to see what the next song will be. So, for example Girl Talk’s latest album Feed The Animals is a full-length album of ten tracks designed to be listened to consecutively, preferably with no pauses. Embedded within these ten tracks are literally dozens of song clips. Now the coup de grace, and the best ex-

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ample of the talent and technical ability required for this unique musical style, the foreground track. In Girl Talk’s case this is made up generally of hip hop or rap tracks, with the selections once again as eclectic as the music. Combine all of this and you’ve got the mash-up. It took over 200 words to describe here, but 15 seconds of listening at Girl Talk’s artist profile on campusactivitiesmagazine.com’s artist database will tell you all you need to know. But, an artist’s view of his or her own work can always lend perspective. “To me it is a big audio collage. I grew up listening to a lot of hip-hop where people used samples as an instrument all the time. Then I got into music from a more experimental direction, listening to people that would just piece together pre-recorded medium to make something new out of it. “I basically take pop music from the last 60 to 75 years, chop it up, collage it together, speed it up, slow it down and really manipulate a lot of familiar elements to stir it all up. I then try to present it as something that would then be (ideally) transformative.”

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When you listen to Girl Talk, you get a sense of an incredible musical pool from which you are only hearing interspersed drops. When bearing in mind also that this is the work of a single person, one starts to understand the virtual human music library it must take to create these masterpieces. “I’m just a person that’s always categorized myself as a music nerd. I have always been into music; when I was younger I was very into the underground scene, more obscure and experimental things. When I started this project, I knew I wanted to base it around pop music. I am always listening to things on the radio and I like the idea of people making songs that are intended for everyone to like.” Along with that, Gregg has slowly immersed himself into the history of pop music, learning and listening to more and more as time went on. “Everything I sample from I am a big fan of and all forms of pop are interesting to me. Theoretically, if there is a song that a mass of people like, I am already interested in it, even if I haven’t heard it yet.” Listening to a Girl Talk album in its entirety,

you almost have to view them as you would a symphony, the orchestration, arrangement and continuity make it all like one large masterwork. It takes someone who has the gears turning 24/7, but there is also a method to the madness. “It’s a constant work process, it never stops. I am always working on little pieces that will eventually go on to be woven into a live show (which is really what my music is all about by the way). Everywhere I go whether it’s a car, store, TV whatever, there are always endless sources of pop music material to draw ideas from. Even if it is only a small piece of a song, like an interesting snare sound or a cool keyboard breakdown, it can become an element in a new song. So, it is something where I am constantly working, I go home and work on little bits every day and try to introduce new elements for the live show, which eventually influences what will be on records.” OK, so there’s pretty much no purpose in leaving a glaring hole in this whole story by glazing over or ignoring the issue of artist’s rights and copyright law. Obviously if sampling their music in a hip-hop song gets

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some artists upset because of creative control, financial and copyright reasons, then surely mash-ups will have them going ape sh**. Heck, the New York Times even specifically referred to Gillis’ work as “A lawsuit waiting to happen.” So, where does Girl Talk stand on the argument? It’s clearly not a new question or issue for Gregg. “In my mind, if you take a step back and look at the broader history of music, everything in music (and art) is based on previous ideas. This dates back to folk music and Beethoven. I mean, everyone plays upon familiar themes and then you manipulate them. Even if you are playing the guitar or the drums, you are doing something that has technically been done before and basing that playing on previous ideas, unless of course you have never heard music before, which is basically impossible. “With this in mind, I feel like you can take a previous recording and manipulate it to make something new out of it in the same way you can take a guitar (an instrument you didn’t invent) and play notes in a rhythmic structure that most likely has been done before by now. If you are making something that is re-contextualized to the point where it is transformative and is new and is not negatively impacting the potential sales of the source material, then I don’t see any issue with it. From a legal and ethical standpoint, I think it should be a completely open tool for everyone to use.”

Even before the Internet became widely available there was sampling in rap music and the Audio Home Recording Act of 1992 expressly gave permission by Congress and President George H.W. Bush for amateur audiophiles to trade mix tapes back and forth. The Internet, Napster and opensource file sharing networks like Limewire may merely be an extension of that, though no one could have predicted the exponential implications of it at the time. “I believe in the idea (even prior to the Internet, but especially now) that anyone who is connected can basically hear any pop song for free. Whether it’s from a file sharing network or just hearing it on YouTube, no longer does just hearing music hold any financial value.” Hence the interesting strategy Gregg and his label Illegal Art have adopted. Essentially, anyone can go to IllegalArt.net and download “Feed The Animals” for free. This gives you basic tracks in MP3 format, however if the user is so inclined, more can be had based on a tiered pricing structure. Just fill in the blank for how much you want to pay. $5 and you get one continuous track of the album (the way it was intended to be heard). Pay

There is no way you could listen to anything Girl Talk has done and think it actually would negatively impact the original artist’s sales. Nothing is close enough to substitute that. In fact, the opposite may be true, as listening to Girl Talk may remind many people of those songs you used to love but forgot about, prompting potentially boosted sales for those artists. There is certainly little doubt however that there is more than one way to view the issue. 36, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, January 2009

$10 and you are pre-ordering a physical copy of the CD that will be mailed to your door upon release. “You can download my songs for free or you can buy them, whichever you prefer depending on your stance. Either way, buying music seems more and more optional so what’s clear is that the focus is on the live performance. More and more younger crowds are coming out to my shows and it seems the Internet and wide availability of my material has just made it that much more accessible for the people that show up and support me in person.” The final word seems to come down to a fundamental personal belief within each of us one way or another whether artist’s rights and creative control supercedes the masses’ perceived right to free and open media. In Girl Talk’s case, perhaps the best closing is in Gregg’s own words. “I get so many people who are asking about the samples on all my albums like ‘What was that song?’ or “Where did you find that beat?’ and people get really excited about listing all the source material on Wikipedia. I think if anything, I am probably turning a lot of people on to older music. In the same way that when people first discover Nirvana they trace roots back through the Pixies and Sonic Youth. I think they follow those same paths when they hear my music and that can only benefit the original artists as well as myself and the people who enjoy Girl Talk’s music.” Girl Talk is certainly one of the most innovative and cutting edge acts you could find for your campus. Concert Ideas, a leader in making great shows more widely accessible to all campuses, has an exclusive block reserved for campus dates for Girl Talk in the spring semester and can help your activities board figure out how to bring this truly unique act in for your students. BOOK IT! For more information on bringing Girl Talk in for your next great concert, contact Concert Ideas at (800) 836-2000. For virtual links, log on to our website at campusactivitiesmagazine.com

www.campusactivitiesmagazine.com

STORY BY IAN KIRBY

celebrity fantasy for less than mega-campuses (no offense intended to you mega-campuses out there of course).

In the process of writing Campus Activities Magazine®, I personally have interviewed dozens of activities boards for our monthly Campus Activities Live! feature, where we explore the trends, practices and histories of the various institutions around the country, large and small (if you’d like to have your school featured, email me at ian@cameopublishing.com).

Black Violin, made up of Wil B. and Kev Marcus, is an act unto its own; not quite able to be dropped so conveniently into one of our popular mass musical genres, this act defines itself. “Black Violin is basically a fusion between classical music and hip-hop,” says Wil B, who makes up one half of this dynamic duo. “We really try to bridge the gap between those genres and fill in everything in between. That can cover funk, jazz, pop, soul, R&B and who knows what else. We represent good music man. We understand that our fans cover a very broad range, from 80 year-old grandmothers to 3 year-old babies, so we try to always be consistent and professional when it comes to our music and our performances.”

During these interviews with schools, a commonly asked question is “Which were the best acts your board has booked?’ Over the past year or so, independently and unequivocally one name has been the choice of 4 out of 5 schools. This act has shared the stage with some of the biggest legends in pop, rock, R&B and hip-hop, including Alicia Keys, P Diddy, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Aretha Franklin and the Eagles. The real boon to you programmers out there is that this IS a college act and not an unaffordable 38, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, January 2009

This is a group that knows when it comes down to it, being a great act means more than just going through the motions; it means doing what it takes to make sure www.campusactivitiesmagazine.com

www.campusactivitiesmagazine.com

January 2009, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, 39

everyone has a great time. “Anybody who is in the audience, no matter who they are or how old they are can come in and have a good time and jam and leave all that stress at home. Come to a Black Violin concert and have a good time; that’s what we are about. Good music, happy times, stress free experiences and bringing people together.” The two performers came together before even their college careers ensued, commonly bonded by a shared orchestra class. “That’s where we met,” Kev says. “We hung out playing classical music but then split up and went our separate ways as we went to college.” Eventually coming back together before both were finished with school, they decided to start this original act with influences ranging from Bach to Nas. “We kind of just stumbled on it,” Kev explains. “Hip hop has always been within us, so it was easy to do this, as classically trained musicians. It was a natural fusion for us.”

started the season and won 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Then in 2005 they clinched it and won the Apollo Legends title in the final.” It was this major victory that then set in motion a chain of events that has yet to completely unfold in the bright career of this talented young act. “The same day we won the Apollo finals, I took them over to meet with Alicia Key’s management team and they performed in the lobby. They called us back in October to get us on the tour with her.” The group has been extremely successful to date in the six years since their inception and a familiarity with the college market goes part in parcel with this. Not only has the group spent a significant portion of their live-show careers playing dates in the college mar-

ket, but also even one of their premier performances was given on campus. In March 2005, BV opened a show for Lil’ Wayne and Lloyd Banks at the University of North Florida. Thus began a string of college dates now almost 200 strong, much thanks to the connections Ice was able to make among familiar college circles. “During the same week after the Apollo finals when they met with Alicia’s team, BV came and met with me as well,” Ice says. “Because of my association with some of the bigger-name hip-hop artists, Black Violin came to me. Some of the larger acts we were working with were having some real success in the college market, so I started to use my leverage with some of them to get Black Violin some prime opening slots. They really started out opening bigger shows, with us trying to find a

few extra hundred bucks in the budgets to get them on the ticket. Not only did we know it would be well worth it for the school’s extra money, but it was invaluable experience and exposure for these guys. On top of that, we knew we could dump all the work we could on them, because their work ethic is amazing. They are not (and never have been) afraid to put in the true amount of hours and practice it takes to be great. When you are touring constantly and involved in shows several hours of the day, it takes real dedication to go outside of that and then practice even more. These guys do that.” It didn’t take long with BV opening for other artists that it was widely suggested they get into a showcase and involved with NACA. Between this and Ice finding support from Concert Ideas

“We are very familiar with the college market because that is where we perform the most. I think we have done over 100 colleges this year and it has been a blessing for sure,” Kev comments. The name Black Violin may seem a little bit obvious and while on the surface

the moniker certainly does carry a lot of raw descriptive weight for the act, the meaning goes much deeper. “I was actually studying at Florida International University,” Kev says. “And my professor, Chauncey Patterson, gave me a tape on my first day of class. It was of a guy named Stuff Smith. My professor was also a black man and a violist, as was I at the time, so he had a lot of influence on me. When he gave me this tape of Stuff Smith, he told me how Stuff’s playing changed his life.” Kev listened to the tape on his way home from the class and it did the same thing for him. “It changed my life; the way that I view music, the violin, black people, everything you know?” He says laughing. “I had never heard a violin played that way, I still can’t really capture it. It was just so left field, but then it had soul. I loved the way it (the violin) sounded and I loved the way he manipulated it. The guy’s name was Stuff Smith and the name of the album was Black Violin.” There’s more than one reason most of us do anything, as is the case with BV’s reasoning for focusing on our little niche market. “I think a) It’s an interesting mix for us and b) we can provide a unique experience for students. We are sort of educational, with the classical influences coming in which can cater to staff and administrators and alumni, while the hip-hop element lends itself to a younger crowd. Colleges are very open to this, they love it. It has been a great audience for us and will always be something that we want to do.”

While the two were attending separate universities in Florida, they were making music, though somewhat indirectly. “They started off as a production camp,” Says Sam G., the group’s manager. “They were in the studio producing different tracks and got their first break when we (their team) decided to try and showcase their sound to the rest of the world. We wanted to launch it and let people know what hip-hop on violins could be.” BV’s very first public show was at rapper Timbaland’s birthday party around 2002, a door they were able to get into largely because of their partnering with Jeremiah “Ice” Younossi and A-list Talent Agency, a relationship which would lead them on to other incredible stage slots with some of the biggest acts in hip-hop. “We did that party on South Beach,” Sam says. “And with that first performance we realized how intricate and powerful a violin performance could be when given in this manner.”

Black Violin’s debut album was released recently and is available on iTunes and Amazon and is a shining example of their eclecticism. “It’s all good music,” Wil says. “It’s everything you want to hear. The first track on our album is the classical track, then the next 3 are R&B, then hip-hop and funk, there’s jazz, be bop, everything, you know? It’s anything that’s good music from a violinist’s perspective. That is how we can categorize it, if that’s possible.” Both Wil and Kev are multi-talented,

In late 2004, the duo started that year’s season of the Apollo theater’s world famous Amateur Night. “In 2004 they 40, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, January 2009

(see also story on page 32), Black Violin was set to hit the college market by storm. “I looked at which college agent I was getting the most offers from,” explains Ice. “And I had a really solid relationship with Concert Ideas at that time we made the commitment to work with them in the campus market. Their relationship with the market was really strong and they got it going, no doubt Black Violin was able to hit the ground running. Now we are running 200 college dates into the group’s career.”

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January 2009, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, 41

but our album of original music just didn’t seem to come together for a while.” A dogged determination and creative drive from the core made sure BV would eventually create and produce their own album. “We are artists at heart and we wanted to put together something that we thought would really blow people away; I think it does.” It was no simple task however, because there were no corners cut here. In the day and age of being able to get nearly any sound out of a computer,

not all producers will go out of their way to get the true organic sound of real instrumentation. “It took us I think about 16 months to record the entire thing, including full orchestration, but its hip-hop like you’ve never heard it before. It was a pleasure to do it and I hope that anyone who has the album really enjoys it.” What makes the amount of time, attention and detail the guys paid to the album all the more impressive is the fact they did all of it on their own without major label support. “We have our

42, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, January 2009

combination of the above. Their spring semester dates are sure to be filling up fast, so don’t hesitate to find out how to make them the next big musical hit of your campus today! BOOK IT! For more information on bringing Black Violin to your campus, contact Concert Ideas at (800) 8362000. For virtual links, log on to our website at www.campusactivitiesmagazine.com

www.campusactivitiesmagazine.com

AGENCY COOPERATION

PROMO

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE BOX SCORES

ROAD CREW/ MGMT

“Because of my association with some of the bigger name hip hop artists, Black Violin came to me. Some of the larger acts we were working with were having some real success in the college market, so I started to use my leverage with some of them to get Black Violin some prime opening slots. So, they really started out opening bigger shows, with us trying to find a few extra hundred bucks in the budgets to get them on the ticket. Not only did we know it would be well worth it for the school’s extra money, but it was invaluable experience and exposure for these guys...”

If you want to know how good an act might be that you plan on booking, just ask another campus where they have played. Here are reports from our readers on recent playdates. No report may be submitted older than ninety (90) days at the time of our deadline for the issue. If you would like to report on a performance, complete a form on our website at campusactivitiesmagazine.com, use a form in this issue or request one at (803) 712-1429. Forms can easily be submitted online, by mail or fax. All forms online must have complete verifiable information. Mailed and fax forms must be signed. Agents and/or acts have the right to respond to negative reports. No reports will be accepted from agencies. All reports must be submitted by the school where the date was played.

COOPERATION/ATTITUDE

Black Violin is an exciting act for the campus market and while certainly not “green,” is fresh enough to the scene to bowl a lot of new audiences over. They may be headed to superstar status and acclaim, but right now they are a viable option for any college programming board that wants to feature a great act with awesome musicianship, material, diversity, personality, integrity, experience or any

RELATIONSHIP TO AUDIENCE

While this is Black Violin’s first full-length studio offering, they have been prolifically creating original material in the past. “We started off with mix tapes.” Wil says. “We were just a group that performed locally at first. Once Apollo hit, we were able to get out there. We wanted to record our album, but scheduling has always been an issue. We have always been known for our mix tapes, we’d take a Jay-Z record or a Kanye record and remix it and put it on a tape. We have about six of those,

THE RATING SYSTEM: 5= EXCELLENT 4= VERY GOOD 3= AVERAGE 2= FAIR 1= POOR

ARTIST'S ABILITY

own label,” Kev says, again laughing. “I like to think of us as our own label. Seriously though, we did finance everything in-house through not only ourselves but also a couple of independent producers who helped us on the project. No Def Jam’s or Universal’s or an of that big time influence stuff. Just Di Versitile Records.”

ORIGINALITY

lending more to the songs than just excellent musicianship. “Both of us are vocalists,” says Kev. “We’ll both sing on some tracks, I rap on some tracks and Wil also beat boxes. There is a lot more to it than just the violin, it’s a fusion of not only all styles of music, but all aspects of those styles as well.”

S P E A K E R S

BARRY DRAKE Barry Drake Enterprises

Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC Noah Rawls, 11/18/08

The show was awesome and a lot of people left w/ a more open mind and wanting more. Great show!!

His presentation was ok- I personally enjoyed previous performances by other “ghost hunters” that were better.

Student feedback was very positive- liked interaction and performance and said they have a better understanding of topic.

Very passionate about what she does and in her performance. Engages the audience in meaningful ways they relate to.

Elaine is a great friend of the college and her wealth of knowledge and ability to speak to the students at their level is well-received.

CHRIS MOON: HAUNTED TIMES GP Entertainment

Manchester Community College, Manchester, NH Tara Sanders, 10/21/08 Herkimer CCC, Herkimer, NY Vicki Brown, 10/22/08 DEL SUGGS Saltwater Music

Hillsborough Community College, Tampa, FL Ken Turley, 10/10/08 ELAINE PASQUA Pasqua Productions, Inc.

Mount Naysius College, Cresson, PA Larry Brugh, 9/24/08 Univ of Mass. Lowell, Lowell, MA Joan Lehoullier, 10/9/08

Gwynedd-Mercy College. Gwynedd Valley, PA Jennifer Liberato, 10/16/08

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January 2009, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, 43

College of NJ, Ewing, NJ Hannah Knight, 11/3/08

Elaine was an excellent speaker. Lots of new information in a fascinating form and everyone in the audience in laughter and tears.

James Madison Univ., Harrisonburg, VA Tiffany Hall, 11/11/08

Elaine was great! Really related to students. Program is interactive and puts things in true perspective. May want her back in spring.

George Mason University, Fairfax, VA Nena Rogers, 11/12/08

Elaine was punctual and full of personality. I recommend her services to any college in need of a voice to connect w students.

Piedmont VA CC, Charlottesville, VA Heather Wydock, 11/12/08

Elaine was very knowledgeable and related well to the audience. She spoke passionately but kept the audience glued by her humor.

Boston University, Boston, MA Logan Hamilton, 11/19/08

Elaine was outstanding. She kept our 400+ student athletes fully engaged after a long day of class and practice.

FAST HORSE Wally’s World Of Entertainment

Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL Sarah Zirkle, 11/21/08

GABRIELLA GARCIA-MEDINA The College Agency

FCCJ North Campus, Jacksonville, FL D. Kerry Roth, 10/15/08

South Florida Community College, Avon Park, FL M. Ichenerd, 11/5/08 GHOST HUNTERS W/ JASON AND GRANT GP Entertainment Wilkes University, Wilkes Barre, PA Gabrielle Lamb, 10/17/08

Penn State, Dubois, PA Marly Greeley, 10/22/08

Bradley University, Peoria, IL Isaiah Collier, 10/28/08

This was a great event! Jason and Grant are not very interesting, but incredibly funny & entertaining. We will have them back.

Mohawk Valley Comm College, Utica, NY Sandy Cummings, 10/8/08 Teikyo Post University, Waterbury, CT Allison Panissidi, 10/16/08

Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA Billie Eaves, 10/21/08

Was fantastic with students who loved him and he went above and beyond.

EVERYONE BOOK THIS GUY he was fabulous!

We were very satisfied. We had a great attendance for the event.

John drew a phenomenal crowd! A must see!

Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ JoAnn Arnholt, 11/20/08

SW MN State Univ., Marshall, MN Shannon Stark, 10/16/08

The speakers were very informative and knew what they were talking about. Kept the audience interested and let them participate.

Supposed to be bipartisan but very slanted toward Democratic party. Rachel not very dynamic like she appeared at conference.

I wish we had a larger group attend but she did a wonderful job with the smaller group.

The University Of Akron, Akron, OH Steve Pagios, 11/5/08

Univ. of IL, Urbana, IL Jessica Smith, 10/24/08

Kyle & Lindsey great to work with/ took time to learn about UNK. Used in show so well audience thought they were UNK students.

Amazing show! Loved it!

Lasell College, Newton, MA Jennifer Granger, 10/23/08 SUNY, Potsdam, NY Alice A. Sorensen, 10/25/08 PITT, Johnstown, PA Missy Evanko, 10/27/08

Penn State, DuBois, PA Marly Greeley, 10/28/08 LORI HART EBERT CAMPUSPEAK

MATT GLOWACKI Coleman Productions

MTV’S RACHEL ROBINSON- ROCK THE VOTE GP Entertainment SUNY, Cortland, NY Laura Beilman, 9/23/08

Post Univ., Waterbury, CT Allison Panissidi, 10/7/08 MICHAEL GERSHE G.G. Gregg Agency

Very flexible & easy to work with. Comments were positive, but talk about wanting something more tangible/specific for cause.

Greg really connected to students. Great to work with.

The lecturer was a pleasure to have on campus, our students walked away with some valuable knowledge.

JOHN ZAFFIS - GODFATHER OF GHOSTHUNTING GP Entertainment Penn State, Mont Alto, PA DM, Act. Coord., 10/2/08

John was terrific! He was extremely respectful to the students and took us on a terrific ghost hunt!

Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA Frank Bruno, 10/23/08

RACC, Reading, PA Sue Gelsinger, 9/26/08

GREG BAIRD Bass/Schuler

Spokane Community College, Spokane, WA Alison Ninmann, 10/14/08

PROMO

AGENCY COOPERATION

ROAD CREW/ MGMT

PROMO

COOPERATION/ATTITUDE

AGENCY COOPERATION

RELATIONSHIP TO AUDIENCE

ROAD CREW/ MGMT

ARTIST'S ABILITY

COOPERATION/ATTITUDE

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE BOX SCORES

SEX SIGNALS Bass/Schuler Entertainment

John was absolutely wonderful! His presentation is non-stop and he captivated our audience the entire time. Students loved it.

This was an amazing show and the students loved it.

Wonderful- our students loved it!

John kept the audience engaged for 3 1/2 hours! A standing room only event!

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PATRICK BURNS GP Entertainment

www.campusactivitiesmagazine.com

Univ. of NE, Kearney, NE Laurel McKellips, 10/1/08 UNO, Omaha, NE Tyler Micek, 10/1/08

A. Atlantic State Univ., Savannah, GA Marco Tapia, 10/16/08 SE OK State Univ., Durant, OK Jane McMillan, 10/22/08

www.campusactivitiesmagazine.com

Provided valuable information about subject of date rape in a way our students could relate to. Students are still talking about it!

ORIGINALITY

RELATIONSHIP TO AUDIENCE

St. Joseph’s College, Brooklyn, NY Jaime Vacca, 10/21/08

ORIGINALITY

ARTIST'S ABILITY

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE BOX SCORES

January 2009, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, 45

MICHAEL PALASCAK Bass/Schuler Entertainment

Waldorf College, Forest City, IA Nicole Blaser, 11/4/08

PETE LEE The College Agency

LaGrange College, LaGrange, GA Tara Kermiet, 11/19/08

TIM YOUNG Summit Comedy

Univ of Akron, Akron, OH Steve Pagios, 11/20/08

WILL MARFORI Summit Comedy

Univ of Akron, Akron, OH Steve Pagios, 11/20/08

PROMO

Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, NY Jessica Williams, 11/25/08

University of Akron, Akron, OH Steve Pagios, 11/13/08

Wake Technical Community College, Raleigh, NC Twana Fogg, 11/20/08

University of Akron, Akron, OH Steve Pagios, 11/13/08

North Dakota State Univ., Fargo, ND Palleap Hour, 11/24/08

Very good show, would have him back again.

Would have liked color posters sent via mail.

REBECCA LOEBE Auburn Moon Agency

SALSA MAGIC The College Agency

VALERIE CUSTER Wally’s World of Entertainment

WALKIN’ CANE Modern Arts and Music

CAHILL Wally’s World of Entertainment

Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, NY Lauren Wentworth, 11/14/08 ELLIS Peppermint Booking Agency

Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, NY Lauren Wentworth, 11/14/08 LESLEY PIKE Degy Booking Intl

Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, NY Lauren Wentworth, 11/14/08

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P E R F O R M I N G

A R T S

BRAD CLARK The Smith Agency

MN West College, Granite Falls, MN Del Bresson, 11/18/08 FL Intl Univ., Miami, FL Diana Newman, 10/21/08

BLUE JUPITER The College Agency

Mass. College of Liberal Arts, North Adams, MA Jihan Leonard, 11/19/08

ORIGINALITY

PROMO

AGENCY COOPERATION

ROAD CREW/ MGMT

COOPERATION/ATTITUDE

RELATIONSHIP TO AUDIENCE

ARTIST'S ABILITY

CLAIRE BERGER The College Agency

FRANK ROCHE BCA Entertainment

Penn State Berks, Reading, PA Jeff Fazio, 11/17/08

MEGAN SLANKARD Modern Arts and Music

Alabama College Association Conference, Mobile, AL Kristi Phillips, 12/1/08

AGENCY COOPERATION

ROAD CREW/ MGMT

COOPERATION/ATTITUDE

RELATIONSHIP TO AUDIENCE

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE BOX SCORES

ARTISTʼS ABILITY

ORIGINALITY

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE BOX SCORES

FUNNY T-SHIRTS & PICTURES TOO The Smith Agency 5

Gloucester County College, Sewell, NJ Angelica Pachini, 11/17/08 University of Mary, Bismarck, ND Katharine Frantes, 10/01/08

HIGH ROLLER CASINO NIGHT GP Entertainment Misericordia Univ., Dallas, PA Darcy Brodmerkel, 9/24/08

Artist’s mail was late. Also a bit impatient w/ students. I don’t feel my contact with agency is professional and letters are misspelled.

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January 2009, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, 47

AGENCY COOPERATION

PROMO

PHOTO SNOWGLOBES Fun Enterprises

UT, Tyler, TX Jennifer Skinner, 10/27/08

Show went great! Students really enjoyed themselves from start to finish.

Good show- students seemed to enjoy it and there was always a line. Keeven was very self-sufficient.

Great show.

Did not know what to expect. It was the first time we had this show and I, as a coordinator, felt unprepared.

Keeven was great! Would love to have him back for future events.

Students really got into this event- they had a blast!

Students loved it Very entertaining! Great opener for our Welcome Week.

The show was awesome. Host Stefano was really funny, worked great with the students and really knew how to get them involved.

Show was great! Students loved it. Steven was a great entertainer.

Very energetic and tried to include everyone, would definitely recommend.

Excellent! Kept the students engaged.

Performers were flexible, friendly and a pleasure to work with. Students had a wonderful time.

Well-received by the students. Good info for future events after the show. Thanks!

Extremely Friendly. No hassle; event is self-contained.

Engages the crowd, excellent set-up.

Crew made derogatory comments to students throughout event. Used product for personal use. Failed to use hotel room provided.

Lesley University, Cambridge, MA Mike Fog, 11/6/08

Oakton Community College, Des Plaines, IL Kristian Harris, 11/25/08

Rowan University, Gossboro, NJ Monica Bell, 12/4/08

THE REAL DEAL CRAZY GAME SHOW The Smith Agency

Univ. of Akron, Akron, OH Steve Pagios, 12/4/08

PRICE IT RIGHT GAME SHOW GP Entertainment Excellent! Our students loved it! No promo provided, but none asked for.

PSYCHIC FAIR GP Entertainment

Mesa State College, Grand Junction, CO Dain Gotto, 8/18/08 Parkland College, Champaign, IL John Eby, 8/25/08

South Side VA CC, Keysville, VA Letina Giles, 9/4/08

Mercer County Community College, West Windsor, NJ Karissa Kozlok, 9/10/08

Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, NY Amanda Cunningham, 11/10/08

Although started late, artists stayed to be sure every waiting student had one-on-one session. Students come back every year!

PUT IT WHERE YOU WANT IT Cutting Edge Productions

Universal Tech. Institute, Houston, TX Leatta Watson, 10/15/07 Devry Univ., Columbus, OH M.H., 11/04/08

SATURDAY NIGHT CASINO NIGHT Auburn Moon Agency University of Akron, Akron, OH Steve Pagios, 10/8/08

Thanks Scott! Dan- you were great!

Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL Sarah Zirkle, 8/28/08

The show was exceptional. The line moved along quickly- good turn-around time. Crew very polite and interactive w/ students.

Arkansas State U., Beebe, AR Neil Outar, 9/5/08

Excellent experience overall. Very impressed with crew’s attitude and service.

These guys were great to work with! We would like to have them come back!

SAU College of Albany, Albany, NY Mike D., 10/9/08

Saint Francis University, Lonetto, PA Zachary Christian, 10/13/08

Artist was great interacting with the crowd.

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www.campusactivitiesmagazine.com

SMARTER THAN A FRESHMAN GP Entertainment Rensselaer Polytech Inst., Troy, NY Robin Foster, 8/22/08 Farleigh Dickenson, Teaneck, NJ J., Asst. Dir Stu. Life, 8/25/08 Wells College, Aurora, NY Elly Ventura, 8/26/08

DeSales University, Center Valley, PA Marcie Tom, 8/27/08

Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY Alana Nolan, 8/28/08

www.campusactivitiesmagazine.com

ORIGINALITY

PROMO

AGENCY COOPERATION

ROAD CREW/ MGMT

COOPERATION/ATTITUDE

RELATIONSHIP TO AUDIENCE 4

NE IL Univ., Chicago, IL Delia Bleahu, 11/26/08

Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL Sarah Zirkle, 11/21/08

UT Permian Basin, Odessa, TX Rolanda J. Dinz, 9/11/08

ROAD CREW/ MGMT

P.E.E.R.S. D.U.I. SIMULATOR P.E.E.R.S.

Shenandoah University, Winchester, PA Becca Myers, 8/20/08

Centre College, Danville, KY Megan O’Brien, 11/11/08

Lincoln College, Lincoln, IL John Stoltzenburg, 8/17/08

SUNY, Potsdam, NY Alice Sorensen, 10/25/08

OUTDOOR MOVIE MANIA Bass/Schuler Entertainment

Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY Alanna Nolen, 10/27/08

Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL Sarah Zirkle, 11/21/08

North County CC, Saranec Lake, NY Daniel Harris, 11/5/08

Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, NY Amanda Cunningham, 11/10/08

Bethany College, Bethany, WV Elizabeth Delong. 8/23/08

COOPERATION/ATTITUDE

MUSIC VIDEO MANIA Neon Entertainment

RELATIONSHIP TO AUDIENCE

Artist was personable and interacted well with students. They enjoyed program however the photos were a bit outdated.

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE BOX SCORES

ARTISTʼS ABILITY

Lake Erie College, Painesville, OH Travis R. Rose, 11/5/08

ARTIST'S ABILITY

FUNNY FOTOS The Smith Agency

ORIGINALITY

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE BOX SCORES

January 2009, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, 49

Larry was super to work with. He has the students’ interest in mind at all times. The pet was outstanding!

Great job. Worked well with a limited crowd.

Great show! Fun Time!

Thank you so much, you got the audience involved. Professional and kind from beginning to end. Will definitely recommend.

College of NJ, Ewing, NJ Jessica Clear, 9/18/08

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM TOURNAMENT GP Entertainment Bethany College, Bethany, WV Elizabeth Delong, 8/23/08

THE TATTOO PARLOR Goodtime Activities Inc.

CCAC Boyce Campus, Monroeville, PA Linda Neubauer, 8/19/08 Parkland College, Champaign, IL John Eby, 8/27/08

Valdosta State Univ., Valdosta, GA Jessica Lynn, 9/25/08

Volunteer State Comm College, Gallatin, TN Gina Garera, 10/21/08 National Park CC, Hot Springs, AR Ron Chesser, 10/29/08

Tiffin University, Tiffin, OH Laura Green, 9/29/08

Can rely on show to be a big hit w students. Can rely on Goodtime Activities to be very easy to work with.

Students really loved this attraction and the company representative (Michael) was punctual and efficient.

Great show. He was busy all day. We will definitely have him back again.

Would have event again. Agency could have better communication with school.

TOTALLY TATTOOS Goodtime Activities Inc.

Ivy Tech CC, South Bend, IN Lori A. Hicks, 8/27/08

TOTALLY T-SHIRTS Goodtime Activities Inc. UACCH, Hope, AR Demechia Rowe, 9/9/08

He was rude/borderline racist to students. Obscene- his van had a curse word on it. Not very friendly, not family oriented.

A larger variety of airbrush tattoos would have been nice. Overall, very good.

Northern IL Univ., Dekalb, IL Karla Neal, 10/13/08 THE SHOW-OFF SHOW Big Name Entertainment

Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, NY Amanda Cunningham, 11/10/08

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PROMO

AGENCY COOPERATION

ROAD CREW/ MGMT

COOPERATION/ATTITUDE

RELATIONSHIP TO AUDIENCE

Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, NY Amanda Cunningham, 11/24/08

Univ. of Akron, Akron, OH Steve Pagios, 10/6/08

Kankakee Community College, Kankakee, IL Sarah Zirkle, 11/21/08

Bradley University, Peoria, IL Amanda Theiler, 11/13/08

WAX HAND ART Fun Makers, Inc.

ORIGINALITY

Fantastic show, one-of-a-kind, great for orientation. Can’t wait to bring it back. Great to work with Larry and Marie. My favorites :-)

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE BOX SCORES

ARTISTʼS ABILITY

SNAKES ALIVE G.G. Gregg Agency

PROMO

Univ. of Pittsburgh, Bradford, PA Romaine Harrod, 9/3/08

AGENCY COOPERATION

Springfield College, Springfield, MA Karen Friedlander, 9/3/08

ROAD CREW/ MGMT

Herkimer County Community College, Herkimer, NY Marc Cianciola, 9/2/08

COOPERATION/ATTITUDE

University of Pittsburgh, Titusville, PA Stephanie Thomas, 9/2/08

RELATIONSHIP TO AUDIENCE

Albany College Of Pharmacy, Albany, NY Liz McGarry, 8/29/08

ARTISTʼS ABILITY

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE BOX SCORES

University Of Akron, Akron, OH Steve Pagios, 10/8/08 WAX TO THE MAX The Smith Agency

Richland Community College, Decatur, IL Gail Bowman, 8/19/08

Phil & Jim were great to work with.

WE CAN MAKE YOU LAUGH COMEDY SHOW Kramer Entertainment Keuka College, Keuka Park, NY Christina Nyman, 9/29/08

L I V E

N O V E L T Y

AARON BLACK Aaron Black Productions

CRAIG KARGES Karges Productions

Texas A&M University, Commerce, TX Amber Ramoz, 11/7/08 Univ. of Findlay, Findlay, OH Samantha Holmes, 11/17/08

CHRISTOPHER CARTER- FREAK OUT ARTIST Bass/Schuler Entertainment

DANIEL MARTIN Bass/Schuler Entertainment

Mount Union College, Alliance, OH Allison Wiggins, 11/13/08

KY Wesleyan College, Owensboro, KY Megan Bradstreet, 12/2/08 JIM WAND- HYPNOTIST Wand Enterprises

Jackson State Community College, Jackson, TN Lisa Kincaid, 9/15/08

www.campusactivitiesmagazine.com

Great!

January 2009, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, 51

he College Agency has proven itself as one of the premier entertainment entities within the campus market. With a rock-solid roster of a variety of acts, great work ethic and values and the real world experience it takes to know what their clients need, this is one agency you can count on to provide all of your entertainment needs.

These characteristics encapsulate the basic tenets the company was founded on. “There are three really important components to the College Agency that I think kind of separate us from some other agencies out there,” says Denise Wallace Heitkamp, owner of the establishment. “First and foremost, when we designed this agency, we did so with

the philosophy in mind that we wanted to be a full service agency.” For The College Agency, this meant being able to serve their campus clients in much more than just the limited capacity of a single booking. “We wanted to be able to cover a school’s programming needs for the entire year, not just an isolated cut-and-run date. We knew we wanted to be useful to each institution many times throughout the year, so with that in mind we made a commitment as an agency to have not necessarily a large quantity of acts, but a selection of quality acts within every genre of campus entertainment.” This idea makes the agency’s roster extremely well rounded. “We represent everything a college would need

from poetry to magic, music, hypnosis, speakers, novelty, comedy, you name it. We have a little bit of everything.” It may seem trying to umbrella over an entire series of genres would make things cumbersome but not so in this case; TCA has painstakingly taken steps to prevent agency “juggernautitis.” “We really don’t focus on quantity as much as quality. While we have acts that meet every need, we have just a handful of those acts and they are the very best of their class acts at their price points, all of which are specifically meant to cater to the college market.” This enables the agency to offer top-level campus acts without the top-level dollars. The second fundamental core of TCA’s

set-up is their ethical values. “We wanted to make sure everyone here is always a professional, honest and ethical. We want to be an agency that people can trust.” This idea lends itself pretty handily to the first value of the company, since unethical treatment of clients doesn’t usually (or shouldn’t at least) lead to repeat bookings. “We have found that when schools work with our agents, they immediately build a really great relationship with that agent. Along with that comes a level of trust. Schools love to be able to do business with agencies they know they can trust and won’t hassle them. They trust our agency and most importantly, they have fun. Students and directors know they can have a really good time working with our agents and it keeps them coming back.”

whole deal. They understand from years of experience on both sides of the issue exactly what the process is.”

The third key to The College Agency’s strategy was to make sure that everyone who worked within the group has the experience to back up their promises. “It’s not just about booking; it’s about understanding from point A to point Z, start to finish – what does a school need to make that booking experience work? You have to have people that work within your agency that have the experience to really understand everything that goes into the process for the college, not just ‘Here’s an act! Have at it!’ you know?’

The agency includes 5 full time staffers including their 2 agents. “As the owner, I take it upon myself not only to manage, but to always look to the future and plan what is best for the agency. Craig Heitkamp is our artist relations person and he also does all of our design, promotional materials and web sites in-house. Our two agents are Sue Boxrud and Melissa Carlson and they have the country split in half. They do all of the day to day calling with schools. Then we have Libby Murphy who handles a lot of the office management details. Joanne Pavlik does all of our bookkeeping. We consider her a full fledged part of the team because she makes sure everything is flowing smoothly financially. It is a pretty active office on a daily basis.”

When Denise talks about having an experience level, she doesn’t mean one that’s somehow vaguely or loosely tied to entertainment. No, she is referring to people who have high levels of experience involved directly with the college market. “Our agents come from the student programming background. They were student programming officers at their colleges the entire time they were there, presidents of boards and the 52, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, January 2009

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The agency has a unique perspective from the third side of the triangle as well, the artist’s perspective. “Craig was on tour with the band Fade to Shade as an artist himself. They were nominated for music act of the year in the college market for numerous years and played well over 200 campus dates per year for a while as well. And so, having lived on the road and having been an artist, there comes an understanding of what not only our artists need to remain happily on our roster, but also what the schools need specifically from those artists. This can really help guide all of our artists and that perspective is rarely found within an agency and makes us somewhat unique.”

Obviously many readers would like an idea of the various kinds of entertainment TCA offers and Denise is happy to oblige us with a few prime sugges-

tions. “One of the most exciting acts on our roster is Judson Laipply, a motivational lecturer who speaks on change but is also well known for ‘The Evolution of Dance.’ “We have numerous comedians that have had a lot of television experience. We have a great comedy magician in Derek Hughes, who is really unique because he is not only great at magic, but is a great pure stand-up act as well, which is rare. Comedians Pete Lee and Tracey Ashley both have been featured on numerous television things. “In the area of music we have lots of great acts as well. We have an a cappella act with the group InPulse. Almost all of our groups have been nominated for many awards and have done a tremendous amount of work across the country.” There is little doubt The College Agency is one of the most complete and thorough full-service agencies in the campus market in nearly every genre. A full roster of a great variety of acts, dependable core values and tons of experience in the college market make them a perfect fit for filling your next event’s (or semester’s) entertainment needs. BOOK IT! For more information on booking one or more of The College Agency’s great entertainment offerings, contact them at (952) 440-4777. To see their complete agency profile on our website, log on to campusactivitiesmagazine.com and click on their name in the “Agencies” section under the “Buyer’s Guide” tab at the top.

January 2009, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, 53

The Heyday is a ground breaking and fresh act for the campus market- or any other for that matter. With a cutting edge pop rock sound, a band full of members only two years out of high school and a hardcore drive to play, this band is perfect for the college market. The Heyday was brought to us and is backed by A-Squared Management, a division of Aware Records. Some may 54, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, January 2009

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remember Aware for their popular compilation albums that, over time, helped to launch the careers of a few musical acts you may have heard of. John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Hootie & The Blowfish, Train and others are included, many of which were featured in the pages of this very publication when they were practical choices for the college market. www.campusactivitiesmagazine.com

January 2009, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, 55

The Heyday is one of their newest offerings and this band is definitely on the way up. Their story is unique because this Colorado-based group has had such a quick window of success. Randy Ramirez, lead singer and front man of The Heyday tells us more about this five-man outfit. “We all grew up in or around Denver, for the most part,” he says. “We all had been playing music for a while, whether through jazz band

With all of the members of The Heyday coming in at around the same age and graduating thusly, things seemed to naturally fall in place to keep the group together beyond the extent of a short-term teenage fancy. In the post-graduation summer season when the guys could have taken the time to relax and cut loose for a while, they got serious and made themselves into a real band. “We had some free time there during the

Once the first cuts were down and in the can, The Heyday jumped back on the live show bull. “Once those songs were recorded we played a couple of shows and ended up coming into contact with a producer named Chris Jak who helped us put our first full-length record out.” Not only did the band rerecord the first set of songs they had written, but they also laid down five new tracks to complete the record.

“...a lot of our songs have an undertone of change and moving on. It’s something we were all going through with trying out college where things didn’t seem to work out for us. A lot of those themes are being on your own and living a life that’s changing in a world that’s changing – things about not knowing what’s coming, but still being optimistic.” at school or independently through our own hobbies. Looking back, we feel we all always wanted to do music as a career and keep it in our lives beyond just high school. As we were graduating, we were realizing that.”

summer and we spent nearly every morning writing and rehearsing songs. We decided to hold off on playing shows for that entire summer for the sole purpose of concentrating on writing some original material and getting ourselves a really good recording down.”

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It’s only been in May of 2006 since the crew graduated high school, so its obvious things have happened in a relatively short time-frame although the ingredients for this brew were coming together before then. “Some of us, like Jeff (our keyboardist) and I have known

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each other for a few years through school. This also includes Bryan, our guitarist, although he was someone we knew of more than actually knowing him well for a long time. Sean and Peter, the drummer and bassist have known each other for quite a while, going back to middle school. We all have roots with each other and get along great, so as far as the stability of the band goes, I don’t think we have any serious worries (laughs).”

sound like this artist’ and I try simply to describe it as rock or pop rock with kind of a roots rock or Americana vibe.”

An analysis of an artist’s influences can often (but not always) betray their sound, but The Heyday’s primary inspirations are eclectic enough to make that a difficult task indeed. “We listen to a pretty wide range of things but I think we all fall pretty commonly under influences like Bryan Adams and a lot of the great singer/songwriters. I’m a big fan of Tom Petty and I hear people make comparisons in that regard when it comes to our live performances.”

Randy says that everyone participating helps the band to feel the songs out. “Once all of the music is done I normally come up with the melody and sing along. From there, the lyrics usually just come.”

Some of the more recent comparisons Randy says The Heyday are held to include bands such as The Format and Limbeck. “We got a chance to play with Limbeck a couple of months ago, which was really awesome. All the bands I mentioned are those we really enjoy, but its hard to say ‘Yes, we

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Usually guitarist Bryan and lead singer/lyricist Randy originate the beginnings of the band’s songs. “Usually Bryan and I will come to rehearsal with a core progression or some sort of lick on the guitar and we normally take it from there with everybody collaborating on their own parts.”

When it comes to subject matter, The Heyday’s songs don’t carry any exclusivity in content. A diverse array of songs and subject make their debut offering a good listen. A little bit of wellplaced marketing know-how also really helps the band’s chances with a broad selection of audiences- a definite plus for any campus activities board. “With a lot of the songs I write, the one thing I keep in mind is letting the song be universal. I want it to be something that everyone can connect with and I guess that can especially lean towards

people our age and our fan base’s age. That is of course not to say that our songs don’t have some deeper meaning for me, but I try to allow space for people to connect to them.” Randy is quick to point out this qualification can tend to boil things down a little bit. “It can often come down to relationships, whether it be romantic or otherwise, but a lot of our songs have an undertone of change and moving on. It’s something we were all going through with trying out college where things didn’t seem to work out for us. A lot of those themes are being on your own and living a life that’s changing in a world that’s changing – things about not knowing what’s coming, but still being optimistic.” Of the ten songs on their first release, a diverse songwriting base should keep listeners interested. The Heyday are touring as much as they can, with all of the members of the band able to dedicate to the band full time. “We just got back from a pretty big tour for us which included the Midwest, Southeast and Northeastern regions. That was a lot of fun and is really good experience for us right now. To be able to get out on the road and meet as many people as possible and work on building a fan base on our own

January 2009, CAMPUS ACTIVITIES MAGAZINE, 57

in a real grassroots style is exciting. That is what we are focused on. We just want to get the music out there and do whatever we can.” Randy and the band know and appreciate the inherent value in having good people backing them up. “We are working with a really good management and booking team in A-Squared Management and they are helping to really get things on track for us.” It’s only been in the last half a year or so that all of the members of the band have been able to launch their full-time music careers. “In the last six months we have been touring a lot, but before that we were all living in a house together and working side jobs. At that point we were basically just hibernating and trying to perfect our live show. That’s not to say we’re absolutely perfect now, but we just want to be able to give our audiences and fans something special so that every time we play it is something they will remember.” The band spent a year playing shows

around Denver and practicing to make sure their chops were up to snuff for any gig they would or will need to play. Focusing on a great live show is something that has given The Heyday the edge they need to continue to develop new fans everywhere they perform. “There is a certain amount of energy and excitement that can come from a show. We have always known it’s hard to do, but we almost want our shows to make the crowd feel like the sixth member of the band. If the crowd is there and they are participating; whether by singing along or clapping or whatever, those are the best shows. We do whatever we can to encourage that.” The college market is bound to be a natural home for The Heyday and they look forward to a busy spring schedule playing for students. “We are doing a lot of different colleges which is really cool because not only does it allow us to continue building our fan base, but also because the audiences are so diverse. That is awesome.”

ing a college date and then trying to tie in more shows afterwards in the local market. “There have been a couple of times where we have been able to do a college show with a college radio interview and turn around and use that to play a club show later that night or the next day. That is really great for us because it allows us to make the most out of every trip we make.” The Heyday is ready to tackle any and all dates in the campus market they can take on. With a hip sound, college market age appeal and a great rate making them available to just about any campus entertainment budget, this is the perfect act to book for your spring semester. BOOK IT! For more info on bringing The Heyday to your campus, contact Josh Terry at A-Squared Management at (847) 424-2000. For virtual links, log on to www.campusactivitiesmagazine.com

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