I've been overwhelmed today (11/30) by the tons of birthday wishes I've received in the mail, on the telephone, by email, text message, on MySpace, Facebook, Linked In, PlaxoPlus, etc.
Many of you have asked if I had special plans. Of course! And what would a day in my life (and I'm sure yours) be without the gift of music.
I am going to see Dave Koz and Friends in concert. This is Dave's 10th Anniversary Smooth Jazz Christmas Tour. Joining Dave are Jonathan Butler, Wayman Tisdale, and Kimberley Locke. Dave's Holiday CD "Memories of a Winter's Night" is #1 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz album chart.
The saxophonist is one of the most successful instrumentalists in the world, and if you want to put together a platinum library of his releases here's a list of selected titles:
2007: "Memories of a Winter's Night" and "At the Movies"
2003: "Saxophonic"
2002: "Golden Slumbers"
2001: "A Smooth Jazz Christmas"
1999: "The Dance"
1997: "December Makes Me Feel This Way"
1996: "Off the Beaten Path"
1993: "Lucky Man"
If you don't get to see Dave on his Christmas tour you can hear him on The Dave Koz Radio Show, also celebrating its 10th anniversary on the air in about 120 markets.
Tonight Dave will be blowing on the sax and I'll be blowing out candles.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Wonder
Lucinda (http://www.lucindaworld.com/), an artist I represent, called to tell me she was going to see Stevie Wonder at Mohegan Sun, Friday, November 16th.
I told her I first saw "Little Stevie Wonder" on August 30, 1963 at a Murray the K Labor Day Spectacular Show. To the best of my recollection, there were eight other acts on the bill:
The Tymes ("So Much in Love")
The Shirelles ("Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, " "Soldier Boy")
Randy and the Rainbows ("Denise")
Jay and the Americans ("Only in America")
Ben E. King ("Stand By Me")
The Chiffons ("He's So Fine")
The Drifters ("Save the Last Dance for Me," "Up On the Roof," "On Broadway")
The Miracles (lead singer at the time was Smokey Robinson, performing "Shop Around," "You Really Got a Hold On Me," and "Mickey's Monkey")
Now if you were blind since birth and 13 years old at the time and had to perform on this bill, you might have found it a bit intimidating -- but not "Little Stevie Wonder." He took center stage and performed the first of what would be many number one hits "Fingertips Part 2" and blew the roof off the Brooklyn Fox Theatre.
Stevie has provided millions of memories since then with his repertoire of hits, been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1989), received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1996), and a Billboard Century Award (2004).
I have been inspired by many great artists over the years, but Stevie's spirited "Fingertips Part 2" that day ranks in my Top 10 Platinum Performances.
Fast forward to Friday, November 16, 2007 and read Lucinda's moving account of how Mr. Stevie Wonder continues to elicit great awe and rapt admiration:
So, this guy's last name isn't "wonder" by accident. For ANYONE who is a performing musician, a songwriter, or at least thinks a little too highly of themselves, it should be mandatory to experience Stevie Wonder live as a LIFE LESSON..he is beyond stellar, beyond brilliant, beyond engaging and captivating, his talent is almost to the outer edge of ridiculous.
I have seen a lot of people live that have moved me. but this show CHANGED me. I have never been so inspired by a performer in a live situation like that before.
Not only was his music incredible but his connection to the audience, the intimate stories he told of his life, 3500 people and you thought he was speaking directly to you. His opening story was about the very painful death of his mom and how she was the reason for this tour. He said he could hear her saying "Get off your ass and stop crying and get out and play."
He went on to say he called his agent at CAA and told him he wanted to go on tour. The agent said "Sure Stevie, how about next year?" and Stevie said "Uh, no, how about in a couple of weeks." The agent told him that it was "impossible" and Stevie told him that the "impossible happens."
That shot through me like a lightning bolt, and it was just the kick in the ass I needed. I cried like a baby through the whole 2 hours and 45 minutes that he performed.
From "Golden Lady" to "Do I Do," the place went nuts. I am sure everyone in the arena had a fabulous time. but I am not sure they got out of it what i did.
The impossible happens.
Damn right it does. And I am going to make sure of it.
I told her I first saw "Little Stevie Wonder" on August 30, 1963 at a Murray the K Labor Day Spectacular Show. To the best of my recollection, there were eight other acts on the bill:
The Tymes ("So Much in Love")
The Shirelles ("Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, " "Soldier Boy")
Randy and the Rainbows ("Denise")
Jay and the Americans ("Only in America")
Ben E. King ("Stand By Me")
The Chiffons ("He's So Fine")
The Drifters ("Save the Last Dance for Me," "Up On the Roof," "On Broadway")
The Miracles (lead singer at the time was Smokey Robinson, performing "Shop Around," "You Really Got a Hold On Me," and "Mickey's Monkey")
Now if you were blind since birth and 13 years old at the time and had to perform on this bill, you might have found it a bit intimidating -- but not "Little Stevie Wonder." He took center stage and performed the first of what would be many number one hits "Fingertips Part 2" and blew the roof off the Brooklyn Fox Theatre.
Stevie has provided millions of memories since then with his repertoire of hits, been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1989), received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1996), and a Billboard Century Award (2004).
I have been inspired by many great artists over the years, but Stevie's spirited "Fingertips Part 2" that day ranks in my Top 10 Platinum Performances.
Fast forward to Friday, November 16, 2007 and read Lucinda's moving account of how Mr. Stevie Wonder continues to elicit great awe and rapt admiration:
So, this guy's last name isn't "wonder" by accident. For ANYONE who is a performing musician, a songwriter, or at least thinks a little too highly of themselves, it should be mandatory to experience Stevie Wonder live as a LIFE LESSON..he is beyond stellar, beyond brilliant, beyond engaging and captivating, his talent is almost to the outer edge of ridiculous.
I have seen a lot of people live that have moved me. but this show CHANGED me. I have never been so inspired by a performer in a live situation like that before.
Not only was his music incredible but his connection to the audience, the intimate stories he told of his life, 3500 people and you thought he was speaking directly to you. His opening story was about the very painful death of his mom and how she was the reason for this tour. He said he could hear her saying "Get off your ass and stop crying and get out and play."
He went on to say he called his agent at CAA and told him he wanted to go on tour. The agent said "Sure Stevie, how about next year?" and Stevie said "Uh, no, how about in a couple of weeks." The agent told him that it was "impossible" and Stevie told him that the "impossible happens."
That shot through me like a lightning bolt, and it was just the kick in the ass I needed. I cried like a baby through the whole 2 hours and 45 minutes that he performed.
From "Golden Lady" to "Do I Do," the place went nuts. I am sure everyone in the arena had a fabulous time. but I am not sure they got out of it what i did.
The impossible happens.
Damn right it does. And I am going to make sure of it.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Berklee Music Blog Network
Eric Beall's Music Publishing and Songwriting blog (Berklee Music Blog Network) is always a great read, and I was surprised and flattered to find myself mentioned in his latest entry:
http://ericbeall.berkleemusicblogs.com/2007/11/14/stepping-out-of-the-iso-booth/
http://ericbeall.berkleemusicblogs.com/2007/11/14/stepping-out-of-the-iso-booth/
Monday, October 29, 2007
Third Quarter Year To Date Ticket Sales (US)
Third Quarter Year To Date Ticket Sales (US)
(As reported to Pollstar for shows played between 1/1/07 and 9/30/07)
Hopefully, you are only a hit or two away from being a major touring artist, playing a top club, amphitheatre, theatre, or arena that is backed by a Platinum promoter.
Let's look at who is topping the charts:
Top Tours (million plus tickets sold)
*Justin Timberlake 1,529,610
*The Police 1,519,286
*Kenny Chesney 1,135,679
*Roger Waters 1,060,375
Top Promoters (million plus tickets sold)
*Live Nation 27,930,137
(Represents the combined totals of Live Nation, House of Blues, and The Next Adventure)
*AEG Live 8,520,678
(Represents the combined totals of AEG Live, Concerts West, TMG, Goldenvoice, and Moore Entertainment)
Top Arena Venues (US Top 5)
*Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
*HP Pavilion at San Jose, San Jose, CA
*Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
*Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
*The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, MI
Top Theatre Venues (US Top 5)
*Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV
*Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA
*Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY
*Gibson Amphitheatre, Universal City, CA
*Broward Center Au-Rene Theater, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Top Amphitheatre Venues (US Top 5)
*Filene Center at Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA
*Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO
*Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts, Mansfield, MA
*PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
*Verizon Wireless Music Center, Noblesville, IN
Top Club Venues (US Top 5)
*9:30 Club, Washington, DC
*The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA
*Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO
*House of Blues, Chicago, IL
*House of Blues, Anaheim, CA
I'll be looking for your name on the marquee -- Good Luck!
(As reported to Pollstar for shows played between 1/1/07 and 9/30/07)
Hopefully, you are only a hit or two away from being a major touring artist, playing a top club, amphitheatre, theatre, or arena that is backed by a Platinum promoter.
Let's look at who is topping the charts:
Top Tours (million plus tickets sold)
*Justin Timberlake 1,529,610
*The Police 1,519,286
*Kenny Chesney 1,135,679
*Roger Waters 1,060,375
Top Promoters (million plus tickets sold)
*Live Nation 27,930,137
(Represents the combined totals of Live Nation, House of Blues, and The Next Adventure)
*AEG Live 8,520,678
(Represents the combined totals of AEG Live, Concerts West, TMG, Goldenvoice, and Moore Entertainment)
Top Arena Venues (US Top 5)
*Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
*HP Pavilion at San Jose, San Jose, CA
*Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
*Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
*The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, MI
Top Theatre Venues (US Top 5)
*Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV
*Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA
*Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY
*Gibson Amphitheatre, Universal City, CA
*Broward Center Au-Rene Theater, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Top Amphitheatre Venues (US Top 5)
*Filene Center at Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA
*Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, CO
*Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts, Mansfield, MA
*PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ
*Verizon Wireless Music Center, Noblesville, IN
Top Club Venues (US Top 5)
*9:30 Club, Washington, DC
*The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA
*Fillmore Auditorium, Denver, CO
*House of Blues, Chicago, IL
*House of Blues, Anaheim, CA
I'll be looking for your name on the marquee -- Good Luck!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Social Networks
Social Networks are being hailed as a great place to build a fan base for your music career. A recent survey (Nielsen Online, October 2007) indicated these are the leading sites:
*MySpace
*Facebook
*Classmates
*Windows Live Spaces
*AOL Hometown
*Reunion
*LinkedIn
*AOL People Connection
*ClubPenguin
*Buzznet
There are various ways to interact with your current and future fans:
*Chat
*Instant Messaging
*Email
*Video
*Voice Chat
*File Sharing
*Blogging
*Discussion Groups and more
Turn your virtual community into an SRO crowd at your next Platinum performance!
*MySpace
*Classmates
*Windows Live Spaces
*AOL Hometown
*Reunion
*AOL People Connection
*ClubPenguin
*Buzznet
There are various ways to interact with your current and future fans:
*Chat
*Instant Messaging
*Video
*Voice Chat
*File Sharing
*Blogging
*Discussion Groups and more
Turn your virtual community into an SRO crowd at your next Platinum performance!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Epic's Spotlight to Stardom
Epic Records is hoping to discover a future Platinum artist in a unique way.
Do you have what it takes to join these current Soundscan charted Epic artists?
*Fray "How to Save a Life" (2.2 million and on the charts for 91 weeks!)
*Sean Kingston "Sean Kingston"
*Jennifer Lopez "Brave"
*Hellyeah "Hellyeah"
If so, read on:
Epic, Spotlight Live To Launch Talent Competition
BILLBOARD October 22, 2007
By Chris M. Walsh, N.Y.
Epic Records signed a two-year deal with interactive karaoke restaurant Spotlight Live in Times Square.
As a result of the deal, Spotlight Live is kicking off its first international "Spotlight to Stardom" competition, where karaoke contestants will compete for a record single deal with Epic.
The competition is set to kick off November 8 and will run each Thursday night, until a to-be-determined date in February. Performances will be available and voted on through Spotlightlive.com. Each week two finalists, one chosen by the judges and one chosen through online votes, will advance to the next round, and a winner will be crowned in the last week.
"There's no such thing as a traditional record company anymore which is why this partnership with Spotlight Live is so appealing," says Charlie Walk, president of Epic Records in a statement.
Spotlight Live is a 23,000 square foot space karaoke restaurant, which opened its doors April 2006.
Do you have what it takes to join these current Soundscan charted Epic artists?
*Fray "How to Save a Life" (2.2 million and on the charts for 91 weeks!)
*Sean Kingston "Sean Kingston"
*Jennifer Lopez "Brave"
*Hellyeah "Hellyeah"
If so, read on:
Epic, Spotlight Live To Launch Talent Competition
BILLBOARD October 22, 2007
Epic Records signed a two-year deal with interactive karaoke restaurant Spotlight Live in Times Square.
As a result of the deal, Spotlight Live is kicking off its first international "Spotlight to Stardom" competition, where karaoke contestants will compete for a record single deal with Epic.
The competition is set to kick off November 8 and will run each Thursday night, until a to-be-determined date in February. Performances will be available and voted on through Spotlightlive.com. Each week two finalists, one chosen by the judges and one chosen through online votes, will advance to the next round, and a winner will be crowned in the last week.
"There's no such thing as a traditional record company anymore which is why this partnership with Spotlight Live is so appealing," says Charlie Walk, president of Epic Records in a statement.
Spotlight Live is a 23,000 square foot space karaoke restaurant, which opened its doors April 2006.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Who Says You Can't Go Gold?
If you are trying to compete in the pop/rock/adult top 40 marketplace, here are a few CDs worth listening to that have hits and are selling (500,000 units equals Gold):
Daughtry (self-titled) 2,779,675 (30 weeks)
Maroon5 (It Won't Be Soon Before Long) 801,485 (4 weeks)
Gwen Stefani (Sweet Escape) 1,368,201 (28 weeks)
Nickelback (All the Right Reasons) 5,465,775 (89 weeks)
Carrie Underwood (Some Hearts) 5,660,163 (83 weeks)
Pink (I'm Not Dead) 822,057 (25 weeks)
Nelly Furtado (Loose) 1,835,473 (52 weeks)
Hinder (Extreme Behavior) 2,410,281 (71 weeks)
Fray (How to Save a Life) 2,104,621 (75 weeks)
Avril Lavigne (Best Damn Thing) 812,726 (9 weeks)
KT Tunstall (Eye to the Telescope) 1,070,434 (70 weeks)
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (Don't You Fake It) 659,898 (48 weeks)
Fergie (Dutchess) 2,0388,823 (39 weeks)
Linkin Park (Minutes to Midnight) 1,125,177 (5 weeks)
Incubus (Light Grenades) 608,097 (29 weeks)
Amy Winehouse (Back to Black) 633,872 (14 weeks)
*Nielsen Soundscan Charts week ending 6/17/07 (weeks on chart)
Daughtry (self-titled) 2,779,675 (30 weeks)
Maroon5 (It Won't Be Soon Before Long) 801,485 (4 weeks)
Gwen Stefani (Sweet Escape) 1,368,201 (28 weeks)
Nickelback (All the Right Reasons) 5,465,775 (89 weeks)
Carrie Underwood (Some Hearts) 5,660,163 (83 weeks)
Pink (I'm Not Dead) 822,057 (25 weeks)
Nelly Furtado (Loose) 1,835,473 (52 weeks)
Hinder (Extreme Behavior) 2,410,281 (71 weeks)
Fray (How to Save a Life) 2,104,621 (75 weeks)
Avril Lavigne (Best Damn Thing) 812,726 (9 weeks)
KT Tunstall (Eye to the Telescope) 1,070,434 (70 weeks)
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (Don't You Fake It) 659,898 (48 weeks)
Fergie (Dutchess) 2,0388,823 (39 weeks)
Linkin Park (Minutes to Midnight) 1,125,177 (5 weeks)
Incubus (Light Grenades) 608,097 (29 weeks)
Amy Winehouse (Back to Black) 633,872 (14 weeks)
*Nielsen Soundscan Charts week ending 6/17/07 (weeks on chart)
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