The Industry’s Magazine For The Business of Entertainment 2014 AEP CONFERENCE EDITION
BRAZILIAN 2WINS: This unlikely duo has gained popularity rather quickly. They have astounded audiences in the campus market developing a huge following. Now they are setting their sites on AEP’s diverse group of buyers.
FEATURE STORY: Page 8 THE UNPLUGGED BAND:
When we were asked to take a look at these guys, we were instantly impressed and we believe that you will be too. They are perfect for almost any venue and they blend favorites adding their own twist. Closing Showcase Saturday Night.
WELCOME........................................................................4 AEP CONFERENCE SCHEDULE.....................................6 AEP STAFF AND EXECUTIVE BOARD..........................11 2014 MASTER SHOWCASE SCHEDULE..................... 11 2014 PRESENTERS AND SPECIAL GUESTS...............12 ACTS ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON/ SHOWCASE A......... 16 ACTS ON FRIDAY EVENING/ SHOWCASE B............... 17 ACTS ON ON SAT AFTERNOON/ SHOWCASE C.........18 SIGNATURE SHOWCASE, SAT EVENING....................19 American Entertainment Magazine is publishing quarterly by Cameo Publishing Group, Blair SC For Advertising Information, Editorial Support and Booking Information call (800) 728-2950. Find us on the web at americanentertainmentmagazine.com. © 2014 Cameo Publishing Group. Email us at biz@cameopublishing.com • AEM is the Official Publication of AEP Worldwide.
KEVIN VINER: This 28-year-old has made
his mark in a relatively short time by captivating audiences for major national clients. His show not only includes magic but mentalism and mystery too.
THE PASSING ZONE: If you have never ex-
perienced The Passing Zone, it is about time you did. Jon Wee and Owen Morse will have you rolling in the aisles with their crazy comedy while exposing you to some sensational juggling.
WELCOME If this is your first time at AEP, let me be the first to welcome you. If you are returning, as most of you are, welcome back.
You will find AEP to be completely different from almost any other organization you are associated with probably because we are a somewhat elite group of buyers, agents and artists from all different sectors of the entertainment industry, striving to find a way to work together. We understand that while different parts of the industry are unique in the way they do business, there are a lot of things we can share and learn from each other that will make us more than passing stars in a huge galaxy and a lot of us are learning more creative ways to do business as a result.
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits is that members really enjoy doing business with other members. We meet at this conference and we learn about each other and when we are looking for a magic act in Cincinnati and we are in Orlando, we can throw it out in an email to the membership and help is on the way. This happens over and over and over again. Just ask Troy Pederson from Disney, Andrea Michaels from Extraordinary Events, Mark Felix from Drury Design Dynamics, Sam Trego from Imagination Entertainment and others. The way we are positioned, we may never be the “big dog” in entertainment’s back yard but we do want to be the dog that everyone wants to pet because he/she is kind and accommodating.
This organization represents huge buying power from some of the best facilities and companies in the world. Not only will you find corporate producers, buyers from independent companies, special events, casinos and theme parks, but performing arts venues, colleges and specialty buyers as well. In our first three years we introduced some great new talent that found their way to corporate gigs, cruise lines, theme parks, colleges and other venues. We gave you new things to consider and re-introduced you to some old friends you probably hadn’t thought about for a while. This year, we have not only teamed up with Carnival Cruise Lines and George Lopez’s Punchliner Comedy Clubs to showcase some cutting edge talent, but we are going to give you more social time plus cutting edge technology that will wow your audiences and your clients. On behalf of the staff at AEP and American Entertainment Magazine, as well as our prestigious National Advisory Board, thanks for being part of this conference and an organization whose sole purpose is to help make your business great. Kindest regards,
W.C. Kirby, Jr. Publisher, American Entertainment Magazine Campus Activities Magazine® Partner, AEP Worldwide
2014 AEP Conference Schedule THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2014
SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2014
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM AEP Advisory Board Meeting …. Wesler Room 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Table Top Exhibitor Load-in 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEP's Social Gathering (New Member Welcome) …………......… Baby Grand Lobby
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Conference Registration The Baby Grand Lobby
FRIDAY JUNE 20, 2014
9:30 AM – 9:35 AM AEP Remarks: Studio One
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM AEP's Coffee Talk & Vendor Market Place Studio One Deborah Smith, Executive Director, Newberry Opera House, AEP Vice Chair
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Conference Registration Baby Grand Lobby
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM AEP's Coffee Talk & Vendor Market Place Studio One
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Conference Welcoming & Opening Remarks Studio One
9:35 AM - 11:00 AM Entertaining Through Technology Studio One
Doug Hall, Principal, TalentPlus Universal & AEP Chairman
10.00 AM - 11:30 AM WHAT’S HOT IN NATIONAL BUYS Studio One
Listen to top entertainment buyers and agents share what’s “in” and what’s “out”, who they’re booking and why. What they share may surprise you.
Mark Felix, Director of Drury Entertainment Group, Drury Design Dynamics, New York, NY Ken DiCamillo, Personal Appearance Department, William Morris Agency, Inc., New York, NY Laura Ishum, Director of Entertainment, Pinnacle Entertainment, Las Vegas, NV Stephen M. Bailey, Executive Director/CEO, The Grand Opera House, Wilmington, DE
11:30 AM -12 Noon Break / Cyber Café AEP Conference Planning Committee Meeting Wesler Room (The Grand)
12:30PM – 1:45 PM Delegate Networking Lunch Studio One
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Transition to The Baby Grand Theater
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Showcase A Sponsored By Carnival Cruise Lines and The George Lopez Punchliner Comedy Clubs The Baby Grand Theater
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Showcasing Artists Meet & Greet/ Social Gathering Baby Grand Lobby 5:30PM - 6:00PM AEP Membership & Outreach Committee Wesler Room (The Grand) 6:00 PM - 8PM Dinner On Your Own 8:00 PM -11 PM Showcase B The Baby Grand Theater
11:00 PM - 1:00 AM Showcasing Artists Meet & Greet and Late Night Jam The Baby Grand Lobby
Explore different ways technology can be used as entertainment, branding, messaging component and how it supports the world of concerts and stage shows and moves it into all types of events. Come hear from a pioneer in pre-visualization, a recognized creative “tour de force” with a focus on large scale entertainment and a visionary in the field of illuminated entertainment who founded a work that spans both corporate as well as public performances. Jon Adcock, President/CEO, PTE Productions, Orlando, FL Greg Russell, Owner, Tandem Digital Entertainment, Calabasas, CA Michael Marlin, Owner, LUMA Theater, Hawaiian Islands
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM What’s Trending & The Influence of Social Media Studio One Changing demographics and the proliferation of social media are significant programing and marketing factors in all segments of the entertainment industry.
Robert Hulsmeyer, Senior Partner, Empire Force Events, New York, NY (Moderator) Troy Pederson, Casting Director, Walt Disney Company, Lake Buena, FL Jessica Goldberg, Dir. of Tourism, Clarksville Montgomery County, CVB, Clarksville, TN Jim Coarse, Web Manager & SEO Specialist , Mobius New Media, Inc., Wilmington, DE
12:30 AM -2:00 PM Lunch on Your Own
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Tabletop Exhibitors Load-out
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM AEP Showcase C The Baby Grand Theater 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Showcasing Artists Meet & Greet Cyber Café / Baby Grand Lobby 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM 2015 Showcase Committee Wesler Room (The Grand) 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM Dinner On Your Own
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM AEP's Signature Showcase Baby Grand Theater Sponsored by Carnival Cruise Lines & The George Lopez Punchliner Comedy Clubs
11:00 PM - 11:05 PM AEP Leadership Closing Remarks and Special Thanks The Baby Grand Theater 11:05 PM - 1:00 AM Showcasing Artist "Meet & Greet” and Late Night Jam The Baby Grand Lobby
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2014 TABLE- TOP EXHIBITORS • Dick Hall Productions Discover Michelangelo • Houla Entertainment with Brian Getz Live Demo • Hotel California "A Salute to the Eagles” • Mobius New Media, Inc.
• Off Sides Entertainment, Inc. • BiCoastal Productions • Full Circle Entertainment Group • BMG Artists • Sophie K Entertainment • The Asia Project • CTO Artists
Visit Vendors In STUDIO ONE During Coffee Talk Friday and Saturday
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AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT MAgAzINE, 2014 AEP CONFERENCE ISSUE 7
The Unplugged Band has become one of the most active cover bands in Quebec City. They’ve made quite a name for themselves with their acoustic renditions of songs one wouldn’t normally expect to hear played acoustically. Known for their tongue-incheek humor and entertaining live shows, this band is on a roll! From staff parties to weddings, from tailgates to festivals, and with weekly gigs at the biggest clubs and bars in and out of town, these four guys from the true north strong and free have started developing something that they initially never even aimed for...a genuine fan base! It’s not surprising that there are plans for the band to start working on a full length cover album.
“I don’t get it,” says frontman Paul Di Giacomo. “We sell t-shirts...T-shirts of us with our faces on them...We’re a cover band! Who the hell wears T-shirts of a cover band? I must be really good-looking!”
The Unplugged Band started out as a dare. A few years ago, on a warm summer evening around a campfire, Paul and Olivier casually started jamming their favorite 90’s classics from “back-in-the-day” with an acoustic guitar and a djembe. After a while, one of their inebriated friends, Rémy, said to them: “You guys rock! If I was your manager, I could make you some decent cash with covers like that!” Of course, Paul and Oliver never gave it a second thought, dismissing Remy’s re-
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marks as just drunken talk. But one week later, lo and behold! Remy called them up telling them he had booked them a gig as a duo for a staff party for an impressive 600 dollars! “I couldn’t believe it,” Paul recalls, “I thought he was joking. But then he tells me that the gig is in 10 days! And in those 10 days, we have to prepare a 90 minute set! And I was like: do you know how much work that is? And he told me not to sweat it and to just do what we did around the campfire.”
“So we decided to run with it and practiced our asses off all week. Once we got to the gig, everybody asked who we were and what our band name was. And of course, like a couple of inexperienced dimwits, we hadn’t thought
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SATURDAY SIGNATURE SHOWCASE CLOSING ACT
of band name.” But that didn’t slow Remy down. He started booking Paul and Olivier more and more, on bigger and bigger gigs. Very soon he had major tailgates with Budweiser lined up, with gigs at concert halls for special sporting events in front of thousands of people! At this point, the duo really needed a name, so they quickly came up with a temporary name The Unplugged Band.
“It’s not very original. It was just supposed to be our name for a few shows, the time needed to get a real band together rather than a sloppy duo. And now, 200 shows later, we still haven’t changed our name,” sighs the drummer. “I think we’re stuck with it!”
“But it suits us because we don’t know what to do with distortion and electric guitars and stuff that all the cool bands use,” Paul adds. “Anyway, in the clubs, by the time we usually finish our shows, people are so drunk that they can’t tell the difference between an acoustic guitar and an electric one!” Last year, once the four-piece line up was complete with lead guitarist Mathieu Roy-Lortie and bassist Sebastien “Harry” Deschenes, the band decided to launch their Facebook page and official YouTube channel. They produced videos for a few songs that they’ve had success with live, including the popular mashup of Bloodhound Gang’s “The Bad Touch” and Skrillex’s “Kill Everybody.” Now
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open to the entire world, the band wants to take their local secret to the next level.
“We saw at least two really cool comments on YouTube that were written by someone other than my Mom saying that we were amazing! That just boosted our egos even more! So now we want to be bigger than Justin Bieber and be able to one day play in Antarctica like Metallica! As they say, go big or go home!” This is one band you definitely don't want to miss! For more information, contact Michel Gratton with GO-Musique at (514)-597-0636 or email at mgratton@go-musique.com
AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT MAgAzINE, 2014 AEP CONFERENCE ISSUE 9
Brazilian 2Wins are an exciting new blend of traditional classical music techniques and the hottest contemporary sounds.
Walter and Wagner Caldas lead the group. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, the twins studied classical music as children but didn’t realize the potential enjoyment and prosperity they would attain with the infusion of pop music. With bass, drums, violin, ukulele and vocal harmonies, this act has a very unique format.
The group definitely has humble beginnings and its creation can be credited to quite a bit of happenstance as well. “Everything started when we were 11,” Walter says. “Our father was a violin maker, but he cannot play. So, he used us as his guinea pigs (laughs). Back then when we started it was horrible, ugh. We came from a very poor place and violin was just not common there. It
was difficult to find the training and other people to play with. After three or four years of playing we started to enjoy it more and soon after we found out we could play pop songs as well –music we actually enjoyed much more.” The two first came to the United States to play a show in Des Moines, Iowa, and didn’t speak a word of English at the time. “The show was amazing and everyone liked what they saw, so we got invited on a scholarship to the University of Northern Iowa to study music.” That was 7 years ago. I comment that they are speaking better English than this writer would be speaking Portuguese in seven years and Wagner’s comment is “Well, we are pretty amazing (laughs).”
Between learning English and studying and playing music, these were a set of hard-working brothers. They haven’t slacked off any since then. “When we first got here, we quickly began playing
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more and more gigs. We represented the University and got many other gigs because of the way we play. We were still playing classical music then, but we would spice up the arrangements and have a lot of fun performing, so more and more people would ask us to play. By the sheer demand, we started to think this could maybe be a career. That’s when we came up with the idea of the band and tailoring a show around the contemporary music.”
The group now plays all sorts of event from theaters, fairs, festivals, colleges, corporate engagements, special events and more. Be sure to catch their showcase at this year’s AEP conference and see for yourself what makes them so infectious. For more info, contact Lee Mayer with Houla Entertainment at (865) 414-9266 or leemayer@houlaentertainment.com
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2014 AEP SHOWCASE SCHEDULE SHOWCASE A (Sponsored by Carnival &
George Lopez’s Punchliner Comedy Clubs)
2:00- 4:00 PM • JUNE 20, 2014 Eric Lyden (Emcee) CTO Tribeca (CTO SoHo) The Asia Project Cactus Honey Habana Sax Kevin Viner Rhythm6
SHOWCASE B (Sponsored by Carnival & George Lopez’s Punchliner Comedy Clubs) 8 PM- 11:00 PM • JUNE 20, 2014
Wali Collins, (Emcee) The Hit Men Tim Decker Joe Neary Band Joel Meyers Don Reed Hotel California “A Salute to The Eagles”
SHOWCASE C 2:00-4:00 PM • JUNE 21, 2014
Jason O Urban Instrumentalists The Passing Zone Bob Stromberg Rob Rasner Marcus Terrell and The Serenades LUMA
A MEET & GREET WILL FOLLOW EACH SHOWCASE IN THE BABY GRAND LOBBY
Please take this chance to personally meet the artists and their agents after each performance.
SHOWCASE D 8 PM- 11:00 PM • JUNE 21, 2014 Dena Blizzard (Emcee) Bradley Fields John Cassidy Brazilian 2Wins Tony DeSare Roonie G The Unplugged Band
AEP National Advisory Board & Staff AEP NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
• Tom Faessel, Assoc. Director of Residence Life & Programming, University of Akron, Akron OH • Judy Thee, National Entertainment Director The Freeman Company Worldwide, Orlando FL • Nancy Hays, President Nancy Hays Entertainment, Chicago IL • Steve Bailey, Executive Director and CEO The grand Opera House & related properties, Wilmington DE • Robert Hulsmeyer, Senior Partner Empire Force Events, New York NY • Andrea Michaels ( Past Chair), President Extraordinary Events, Sherman Oaks CA • Deborah Smith, Executive Director (AEP Vice Chair) The Historic Newberry Opera House, Newberry SC • Douglas Hall, Principal (AEP Chair) Talent-Plus Universal, Saint Louis, MO
• Rick Stowe, Managing Partner, EastCoast Entertainment, Atlanta gA • Anthony gibson, Executive Director of Entertainment Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (MgM), Biloxi MS • Mark Felix, Director Drury Entertainment group, New York, NY • Sam Trego, President Imagination Entertainment, San Diego, CA (Immediate Past Chair) AEP WORLDWIDE LLC STAFF
• Leona Plaugh, Executive Director, AEP Partner 73 Somerton Place, Columbia SC 29209 (803) 782-1947 • W.C. Kirby, Jr., AEP Partner Cameo Publishing group American Entertainment Magazine Campus Activities Magazine® 15420 Newberry Rd, Blair SC 29015 (800) 728-2950
• Ian Kirby, AEP Member/Conference Relations Editor, American Entertainment Magazine and Campus Activities Magazine® 15420 Newberry Rd, Blair SC 29015 (803) 312-1551 AEP 2014 CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS: • Carnival Cruise Lines • George Lopez Punchliner Comedy Clubs • American Entertainment Magazine • EastCoast Entertainment • The Higa Group, Inc. • Banta Creative • Campus Activities Magazine® • Mobius New Media, Inc (Media Sponsor) • TalentPlus Universal (Social Media Sponsor) • APA Music & Pictures • The Historic Grand Opera House
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR AEP MEMBERSHIP: Volunteer on A 2015 Conference Committee. Be A Part Of Making AEP History! www.americanentertainmentmagazine.com
AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT MAgAzINE, 2014 AEP CONFERENCE ISSUE 11
2014 AEP SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTERS WHAT’S HOT IN NATIONAL BUYS Session One: Friday June 20, 10am
An Interactive session with agents and buyers discussing what’s “in” and what’s “out”. Agents will talk about acts that are selling and buyers will talk about what they are buying and why.
ENTERTAINING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY Session Two: Saturday June 21, 9:35am
Exploring how technology is used as entertainment, branding,etc., and how it supports concerts, stage shows and all types of events
Mark Felix (Moderator)
Personal Appearance Department William Morris Agency New York, NY
Laura Ishum
Director of Entertainment Pinnacle Entertainment Las Vegas, NV
Stephen Bailey
Executive Director/CEO Grand Opera House Wilmington, DE
Interact with the panel of experts to find out more about how buying national acts and emerging talent works – what is accepted and what is not.
Learn about securing talent, how to make an offer and what might effect the price from both sides of the table (agents and buyers).
Changing demographics and the proliferation of social media are significant programming and marketing factors in all segments of the entertainment industry.
Jon Adcock
Director of the Drury Entertainment Group Drury Design Dynamics New York, NY
Ken DiCamillo
THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA Session Three: Saturday June 21, 11am
Robert Hulsmeyer (Moderator)
CEO/President PTE Productions Orlando, FL
Senior Partner Empire Force Events New York, NY
Greg Russell
Troy Pederson
Owner Tandem Digital Entertainment Calabasas, CA
Casting Director All Disney Properties Walt Disney Company Lake Buena Vista, FL
Michael Marlin
Jessie Goldberg
Owner, Luma Theater Pahoa, HI
Director of Tourism Clarkesville/Montgomery County CVB Clarkesville, TN
Come hear from a pioneer in pre-visualization, a recognized creative “tour de force” with a focus on large scale entertainment and a visionary in the field of illuminated entertainment who founded a work that spans both corporate as well as public performances.
ALL SESSIONS TAKE PLACE IN STUDIO ONE GRAND OPERA HOUSE
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Jim Coarse
Web Manager & SEO Specialist Mobius Media Inc. Wilmington, DE
Join in a discussion about what is trending in the casino, festival, theme park, corporate, campus and performing arts markets and the influence of Facebook, YouTube, twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Tumblr, etc.
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Kevin Viner is a rising mentalist in the corporate market who has been training his entire life to enjoy the success he has achieved today. At only 28 years old, he has performed for companies including IBM, JPMorganChase, Toyota, Sony, and General Electric. In fact, Jack Welch called Kevin “the best magician I’ve ever seen.” He holds a degree in mathematics from UC Irvine (more on that later), and understands what companies expect from a great entertainer. This means that he can deliver custom requests, even if the material is technical in nature.
“I’ve been fortunate to find a market that I love. And I know that my audiences love it too. Standing ovations don’t lie,” quips
Viner. But Kevin has proven his worth in more than just the private and corporate markets --- he has performed for magic enthusiasts at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood for years, and more than holds his own with the best magicians in the world. In 2011, Kevin competed at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas, where he was judged by hundreds of peers as an international close-up magic champion.
Kevin has also appeared multiple times on national television, on both Masters of Illusion and the PBS documentary “Johnny Carson: King of Late Night.” “This is the only job I have ever had,” he says. “I started magic when I was five. It’s
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a pretty standard version of the story. Kid gets magic set, kid becomes a magician. But I always had a business sense, even from a young age.
By the time Kevin was 13, he was regularly performing paid gigs. “I started performing street magic at the Farmer’s Market after school. My dad would drop me off and I would work for tips and learn how to talk to people. When I was 15, I was seen by an executive at Qualcomm and they hired me on the spot to do my first corporate holiday party.”
You won’t find many entertainers with such a jump start on learning the business. “I remember being at that event and
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seeing how amazing the setting and production was. I was hooked.”
Since then, Kevin has gone on to travel nationally for corporate programs and colleges, and recently sold out a 400 person theater program in San Diego. “Mind-reading, stage magic, illusions, you name it, it was in the show. The audience response was overwhelming. Bringing so many people to their feet with a self-produced show was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.” Kevin also performed to a sold out crowd at last year’s Fringe Festival. “As I’ve pursued this career, I’ve learned that it’s all about people. Make them laugh. Make them question. Make them wonder. My real job is to change the way
people feel --- the performance is a vehicle to do that.”
Today, Kevin performs an interactive mentalism show, drawing from his variety of backgrounds (including memory stunts, mathematics, music, hypnosis, and pick-pocketing). “I realized there was a limit to what one can do as a magician. If I make your card appear or disappear, that’s it. It’s there, and it’s gone. Done. But if I read you mind, if I tell you your innermost thoughts, that’s something else entirely.” When asked how it works, Kevin responds cooly, “I use a variety of methods. It really depends on the routine. Some rely on body language and people reading, some rely on statistics and crowd behaviors, and
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some rely on a combination of the two mixed with simple sleight of hand. All that matters is that it feels real to my audiences.” His mathematics background works its way into a good portion of his show. “It’s not a rapid calculations thing, or tons of arithmetic onstage. It’s more understanding the way that numbers can influence people’s behavior. It’s behavioral statistics, but more importantly, it’s good entertainment.” To request booking information:
Phone: 760.586.3947 Email: kevin@kevinvinermagic.com. Web: www.KevinVinerMagic.com
AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT MAgAzINE, 2014 AEP CONFERENCE ISSUE 15
SHOWCASES: Friday Afternoon
ERIC LYDEN: Eric uses his lower middle class ex-
CTO TRIBECA: This exquisite ensemble is led by
Maylyn Murphy, a sultry, bluesy torch-singer who is also an accomplished pianist. Her innate sensuality and vocals have been compared to the likes of Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Vanessa Williams and Sade. She is truly a ground breaking artist in today's music industry. agenlina@cto.com • 267-474-4869 • $10,001-15,000
HABANA SAX: A breathtaking and energetic concert experience, Habana Sax synthesizes Afro-Cuban, Salsa, Latin jazz, and Brazilian rhythms. With amazingbreadth, direct from Havana - they are anything but traditional. Habana Sax offers something for everyone in a symphonic musical tour. Stephen Bailey • 302-657-2150 • habansax.com/1.html
THE ASIA PROJECT: As one of the highest booked acts in the college market, The Asia Project is the premier spoken word artist in the country. With over 350 schools in the past 3 years, an HBO Def Poetry appearance and a TEDx speaker, it's no wonder why he continues to set the bar for all spoken word. 305-450-5221 • pavdogent@gmail.com www.TheAsiaProject.com • up to$5,000
KEVIN VINER:Kevin Viner is a unique force in
RHYTHM6: Rhythm6 is a six-piece high-energy cover
istence and lack of success as a focal point of his comedy. He gives his audiences someone to laugh with and relate to. Eric made his national TV debut on Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen and works the circuit of well-known New York City clubs. Bruce Smirnoff • 786-877-6300 smirnoff@dcptalent.com 5,001 - $10,000
the entertainment industry. His show presents a compelling blend of magic, mind reading, and comedy that has garnered praise from the public and his peers. In 2011, he was awarded the title of World Magic Seminar Champion in a Las Vegas competition judged by over 500 peers. Kevin Viner 760-5863947 • kevin@kevinvinermagic.com • up to $5,000
dance and show band featuring three lead singers (male and female front singers plus guitarist sings). Andy Kushner • 301-869-8855 • andy@andykushner.com $5001-$10,000
A SPECIAL THANKS TO: CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES AND
GEORGE LOPEZ’S PUNCHLINER COMEDY CLUBS FOR SPONSORING OUR SHOWCASES. CACTUS HONEY: Separately these two have
climbed mountains musically, but now they've joined forces and voices to create a sound so unique that never has there been a more riveting audi-licious find since the burlap and burgundy of Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie. Corine Couwenberg • 714-272-4900 corine@fcentertainmentgroup.com • $5,001 - $10,000
MEET WITH BUYERS AND ACTS AND AGENCIES AT THE “MEET & GREET” AFTER THE SHOW
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SHOWCASES: Friday Evening
WALI COLLINS: Collins' television stand-up credits include HBO, Comedy Central's "Premium Blend", and ABC's "The View" to name a few. David Letterman caught Wali's act and recruited him to warm-up for his show. Later that season Wali was featured performer on the Late Show with David Letterman, where as quoted by GQ magazine "Wali's true purpose becomes evident" as a comedian. Ben Carrizzo • 631-544-0333 • walicollins.com bcarrizzo@gmail.com • $5001- $10,000.
THE HIT MEN: former stars of Frankie Valli & The
JOE NEARY BAND: A four piece pop/rock group,
JOEL MEYERS: Joel Meyers, a young interactive comedy illusionist who has already taken the world by storm. Performing a progressive brand of magic for celebrities and audiences of all types and ages worldwide. Newsweek magazine says Joel quite simply "will capture your imagination.” GP Entertainment • 315-794-5961 • up to $5000
that emerged on the Milwaukee music scene in late-2012 and has quickly gained the reputation of putting on a high quality live show. One of the fastest rising local bands, they received the 2014 WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) Award for New Artist of the Year. Lee Mayer 865-414-9266 • leemayer@houlaentertainment.com www.joenearymusic.com • 0-$5,000
Four Seasons plus former members of Tommy James and the Shondells, The Critters, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Elton John & Kiki Dee, and Jim Webb among others. Their show is an amazing look back through rock and roll history featuring former members of these mega-star acts performing your favorite songs. Ron Gartner 212-268-6969 • ron@bicoastalproductions.com •thehitmenlive.com • $15,001 - $20,000
TIM DECKER: Prepare to be amazed as nation-
ally touring speed painter Tim Decker whips up masterpieces in minutes. This is more than a show, it is an experience as he blends music, humor, and audience interaction all while creating giant portraits of legendary icons within minutes. Tim Decker • 407-545-7157 • booking@timdecker.com • $5,001 - $10,000 timdecker.com
DON REED: Opened for national icon Jay Leno, performing standup as the Tonight Show audience warmup comedian for over 1,000 episodes. He can read a room and deliver. He truly is unique, as Jamie Foxx stated, "Nobody does what Don Reed does." His style is simply so universal it captures a broad range from Justin Bieberettes to Betty White fans. 407-299-0996 • lee@peytonentertainment.com • $5,001 - $10,000
SPECIAL THANKS TO
HOTEL CALIFORNIA: A SALUTE TO THE EAGLES: A spirited blend of originality and the pursuit of excellence have given HOTEL CALIFORNIA marquee value and name recognition equal to many gold and platinum recording artists. With inspired vocal harmonies and authentic instrumentation, this exciting presentation is one of the most successful touring acts in the world. Hotel California 'A Salute to the Eagles' is also the only group of it's kind, with written authorization to perform the complete catalog of Eagles music. George C. Dickinson 3 • 909-336-9393 • GCD123@aol.com www.hotelcal.com • $10,001 - $15,000
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AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT MAgAzINE, 2014 AEP CONFERENCE ISSUE 17
SHOWCASES: Saturday Afternoon
THE PASSING ZONE: Jon Wee and Owen Morse, The Passing Zone, are one of the most accomplished comedy duos in the nation, and they've done it by focusing on three success principles. Those same principles can help any group achieve fantastic results through The Passing Zone's hilarious, energetic, and inspiring performances. 646-434-0332 • lisa@conceptspeakers.com
ROB RASNER: is known for his side splitting com-
edy and astounding magic and has been enjoyed by audiences worldwide, headlining in venues throughout US, Europe and Asia. Rob was accepted to and studied at the prestigious Mystery School in Las Vegas and has performed at the world famous Magic Castle. Celebrity clients include, Jack Black, Adam Sandler & Nicole Kidman. Barbara Holliday • 818-845-9271 bookings@h2fcomedy.com • RasnerMagic.com
URBAN INSTRUMENTALIST: features con-
temporary violinist, Daniel Davis. The band consists of a keyboardist, percussions and bassist. Their musical backgrounds range from pop, classical, R&B, jazz and everything in-between. The band has expandability by adding a DJ, horn section and vocalist as needed. Reggie Davis • 843-696-4305 • ddpromusic777@gmail.com ddproductionsllc.com • $5,001 - $10,000
MARCUS TERRELL: BACK TO REALITY: A personal and musical journey through the ups and downs of reality television. Marcus Terell & The Serenades celebrate the music of Motown, classic Rock N Roll and Soul and share their own experiences while competing on some of the nation's top talent competitions. Bruce Smirnoff • 786-877-6300 smirnoff@dcptalent.com • $5,001 - $10,000 • dcptalent.com/artiste.php?artiste=309&marcusterell-&-the-serenades
BOB STROMBERG They call him “The Shadow
Guy!” Bob will hit the mark with his powerful performance arsenal of standup, physical comedy, and yes, even hand shadows, which the London Metro described as, 'Stunning!' Bob's unique, timeless, comedic style engages audiences in uproarious laughter, inspires with simple truth and always leaves people wanting more. Tim Grable 615-283-0039 • thegrablegroup.com • up to $5000
LUMA: LUMA uses the darkness as a canvas and with a large selection of light technology and physical disciplines etches on that canvas images, patterns and textures. Innovative illuminated illusions from the lyrical to the dynamic propel the viewer’s imagination into their own visions. Jules Fisher , eight-time Tony Award winner for lighting put it this way, “LUMA has a lyrical mysticism that connects you with your own creativity--and it is always entertaining”. keith@geodesicmanagement.com • www.lumatheater.com 646-415-9234 • $15,001 - $20,000
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE MEET & GREET FOLLOWING EACH SHOWCASE IN THE BABY GRAND LOBBY!
JASON O: Jason incorporates the most advanced
technology using the guitar, bass, vocals, harmonies, percussion, piano, harmonica, ukulele, and trumpet into his live performances. His creative execution, stage presence, along with his original music reveals a rare ability to bridge the generation gap, appealing to all ages. 865-414-9266 • leemayer@houlaentertainment.com
Meet The Acts And Their Agents. Talk About Future Business.
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SHOWCASES: Saturday Evening
DENA BLIZZARD: is a combination of stories,
JOHN CASSIDY: John Cassidy is a comedian, magi-
BRADLEY FIELDS: Actor, director and one of the
BRAZILIAN 2WINS: An incredibly high energy live music experience that have been drawing enormous attention from fans all over the world. With a lead violin and ukulele, the twin brothers captivate audiences through their unique appearance, diverse approach and enticing sound. You have never seen or heard anything like this. The Brazilian 2wins are redefining live music Lee Mayer 865-414-9266 leemayer@houlaentertainment.com
ROONIE G: Roonie G. continues to focus on devel-
TONY DESARE: DeSare has won critical and popu-
anecdotes, music and videos about how much life changes after having kids. Showcase includes an opening video clip, followed by stories from Dena live on stage and ends with a final video presentation. 609-828-9857 • onefunnymothershow.com $5,001 - $10,000
cian and Guinness World Record Holding Balloon Sculptor. He has been seen on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, the Today Show, and Live with Regis & Kelly. John's 'Balloon Freak Show', with its own unique mixture of comedy, magic has received rave reviews. Kate Magill • 212-2689583 • kate@sophiek.com • www.johncassidy.com up to $5000
oping live visual art and boldly go where no entertainer has gone before! His innovative style combines the use of Audio and Visual and is mesmerizing, creative and highly entertaining. From main stages with the likes of Snoop Dogg, 3 Doors Down, Diddy, and Kid Rock, Roonie is an artist, craftsman and innovator. 407-306-0871 • djroonieg,com • $5,001 - $10,000
most acclaimed magicians in the world, Bradley Fields has headlined in theatres, performing arts centers and cabarets to rave reviews, sold-out houses, and standing ovations. He has appeared on Broadway, London's West End and in major venues world-wide. Bradley Fields Productions • 800-449-6284 • bradley@bradleyfields.com www.BradleyFields.com • $10,001 - $15,000
lar acclaim for his concert performances throughout the United States, as well as in Australia, Japan and Hong Kong. From jazz clubs to Carnegie Hall to Las Vegas headlining with Don Rickles, Tony has brought his fresh take on old school class around the globe. Peter Throm 734-222-8030 • peterthrom@me.com. • tonydesare.com $5,001 - $10,000
THE UNPLUGGED BAND: This year’s Signature Showcase closer is from Canada and they are a widely acclaimed “show-stopper.”
"We left our electric guitars at the house...That's our excuse, but it doesn't matter because we don't much know what to do with electric guitars anyway. We are "The Unplugged BAND," the best acoustic rock-pop cover band of all time (we just don't know how to play with electric guitars)!" That's a direct quote from the band themselves. Tongue-in-cheek and entertaining, The Unplugged Band delivers solid live acoustic performances that will have you rocking out more than most bands that actually use distortion! With unique takes on rock, pop, hip-hop and metal songs, the band mashes up Eminem, Kanye West, Adele, Lady GaGa to the likes of AC/DC, Nirvana, Metallica, Aerosmith and much more. This is one band you definitely don't want to miss! From the same agency that brought you Bodhaktan at last year’s conference If you like rock ‘n roll, you are going to love The Unplugged Band. Michel Gratton • Go-Musique.com • mgratton2@me.com • 514-597-0636
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AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT MAgAzINE, 2014 AEP CONFERENCE ISSUE 19
THE PASSING ZONE
Sometimes entertainment is enough. After all, allowing a group to take their minds off of the learning and the breakouts and the strategy discussion and and financial reports and new initiative - letting them let their hair down and just have some fun - should be an important part of every event. Even so, many meeting professionals have figured out that clients want entertainment with some meaning behind it. Fun has value, but most conferences are about more than having fun. People are coming together to find ways to move their company or organization forward. Here are 5 reasons clients need some meaning behind their entertainment choices.
1. Their budget is limited, so they can’t afford to spend money on “fluff.” (Trust us, we’re not crazy about that term either, especially when it describes the comedy and skills we’ve spent a lifetime developing!) 2. Attendees want to feel that their time is being spent helping them perform their job better. They can find entertainment anywhere, but at this event they need some take home value. 3. Last year they had an entertainer who made them think, and everyone commented on the value that added to their experience. It was a winning formula last time, so they’ll stick with what works.
4. In recent years, the meetings industry has received criticism for spending money unnecessarily. That criticism may be off base in plenty of cases, but savvy planners cannot afford to have their event look like it’s just an excuse to blow some cash on fun. Even if fun is the goal, it doesn’t look good to outsiders. Gotta make it look like learning!
5. You get two for the price of one! If you want to motivate your attendees by making them think, and you also want to entertain them, will you have to hire a serious speaker to do one, and a comedian to do the other? Absolutely not! Hire one act that accomplishes both goals.
to us, but they are crucial to any corporate audience. We didn’t subtract one ounce of the entertainment and laughter (which was our primary goal from the beginning), but we added real things that we ask the audience to think about. “Innovation is the only way to stay competitive, and beat the competition.” “When you Collaborate well with those around you, you will be able to leverage the best of what everyone has to offer, and do far more than you could accomplish alone.” “If you Execute your plan to the best of your abilities, and actually use the new ideas, initiatives, and connections you’ve made at your event, your group will be unstoppable!
We have learned that if you do both well, there will always be a demand for your services, and your clients will be doubly thrilled about the results. That is why we created “The Passing Zone on ICE: Innovation, Collaboration, and Execution.” We looked at what our performance was truly demonstrating, even without words, and realized that those principles are not only important
SEE THE PASSING ZONE SHOWCASE AT AEP SATURDAY AFTERNOON JUNE 21, 2014
But be careful! Not every entertainer who claims to do both is actually good at it! Sometimes an “entertaining speaker” is someone who motivates, and is only mildly entertaining. Or, a “speaking entertainer” may be hilarious, but there really isn’t anything meaningful behind it, regardless of what his or her promotional materials say!
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There are plenty of entertainers out there who do a great job delivering a fabulous experience of fun, laughter, and creativity, while at the same time giving your group some real motivation and actual thoughts to help them move forward. Comedians, magicians, mentalists, jugglers, musicians, acrobats, artists, poets, and yes, even mimes. And there are some professional speakers who are so hilarious, so engaging, that they truly cross over into the entertainment category. Find those people, book them, and you will have happy (and repeat!) clients wherever you go!
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AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT MAgAzINE, 2014 AEP CONFERENCE ISSUE, 21
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