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The supremely talented Deanna Bogart once introduced me as "a musician's friend". I took great pride in that then and continue to do so now. While I've been in the business world for a number of years, I realized very quickly that the music business is, more so than any other business, a very personal one built on trust. Couple that with my regard of the arts as being a somewhat heroic endeavour; and the result is that I try to lend a personal touch to everything I do. In the end it's the only way this middle class Italian - Canadian white boy can relate. Here's how I add value: Booking Agent I source both festival and club gigs on behalf of artists that I work with, (on a non-exclusive basis), with a local, National, and International perspective. I currently work with: Byther Smith (Chicago) Darrell Nulisch (Dallas via Boston) Erin McCallum Fathead Johnny Max Band Lou Pride (Chicago) Reba Russell Band (Memphis) Rusty Zinn (Oakland) Tad Robinson (New York via Indiana)
I've also booked the following artists at various times: Chico Banks, Clarence Spady, Deanna Bogart, Harmonica Shah, Jimmy Burns, Johnnie Bassett, Johnny "Yard Dog" Jones, Johnny Rawls, Larry Garner, Michelle Willson, Roxanne Potvin, The Severn Records Soul & Blues Revue
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Promoter Blues For A Big Town was initially started as a promotion company (sourcing and hiring talent, administration, event planning and coordination, media relations including development of press materials). Since 1997 I've prided myself in introducing a number of dynamic Blues artists in Canada. I established what RJ Spangler referred to as "The Blues For A Big Town Circuit": Ottawa (usually at The Rainbow Bistro), Peterborough (The Legendary Red Dog), and Toronto (the Silver Dollar Room). At various times other stops were also added: Quebec, Montreal, Kingston, Kitchener, Brantford, and Wingham. Although there have not been many BFABT productions as of late, it's a labour of love, and remains an itch just begging to be scratched. Here are some acts / shows that I've been involved with that, as soon as the lights went up, everyone in the room knew it was going to be special... Big Joe & The Dynaflows Byther Smith Carl Weathersby Clarence Spady Chico Banks Darrell Nulisch Deanna Bogart Deborah Coleman Harmonica Shah James Armstrong Jimmy Burns John Primer Johnnie Bassett & The Blues Insurgents Johnny "Yard Dog" Jones Larry Garner Larry McCray Melvin Taylor Michelle Willson & The Evil Gal Orchestra Paul deLay & The Rockin' Johnny Band Reba Russell Band Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers Sugar Ray Norcia Tab Benoit Tad Robinson
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Media & Promotion I compose bios, press releases, and can get the word out on CD releases and appearances through my carefully developed network of contacts. I have done the North American publicity for CD releases for: Chris Murphy, I'm A Happy Guy Fathead, Livelier Than Ever!; Building Full Of Blues Johnny Max Band, A Lesson I've Learned I also provide press releases and website bios for the respective festivals I work with and, in particular, handle all the media relations for Waterfront Blues, (formerly The Distillery Blues Festival). And, I'm always ready to offer my opinion, guidance, and encouragement to artists, (when asked).
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Stage Management My definition of stage management is more far reaching than the function suggests. In addition to the coordination of the event the day of, I also include the duties of talent procurement, relations, and administration, (advancing of shows and preparation of regulatory paperwork as required). Of note is Waterfront Blues where I assume full responsibility of programming, booking, media relations, and stage management. I've stage managed the following events The Beaches International Jazz Festival (including PartiGras!) 2000- present Waterfront Blues (formerly The Distillery Blues Festival) 2005-present The Barrie Waterfront Festival 2005-present Wasaga Beachfest 2006-present The Mix 99.9 BeachFest 2000- present The 95.3 New Country Canada Day Jam 2000- present The Y108 Picnic In The Park 2006-present The Maple Blues Awards 2003-2006 The Steam Whistle Brewery Blues & Bar-B-Q Festival 2002, 2003 The Dudley George Benefit Concert at Massey Hall 2003 |