aep 2014 conference edition

The Industry’s Magazine For The Business of Entertainment

2014 AEP CONFERENCE EDITION

FEATURE STORY: Page 8THE UNPLUGGED BAND:When we were asked to take a look at these guys, we were instantly impressedand we believe that you will be too. They are perfect for almost any venue andthey blend favorites adding their own twist. Closing Showcase Saturday Night.

WELCOME........................................................................4AEP CONFERENCE SCHEDULE.....................................6AEP STAFF AND EXECUTIVE BOARD..........................112014 MASTER SHOWCASE SCHEDULE..................... 112014 PRESENTERS AND SPECIAL GUESTS...............12ACTS ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON/ SHOWCASE A......... 16ACTS ON FRIDAY EVENING/ SHOWCASE B............... 17ACTS ON ON SAT AFTERNOON/ SHOWCASE C.........18SIGNATURE SHOWCASE, SAT EVENING....................19

BRAZILIAN 2WINS: This unlikely duo hasgained popularity rather quickly. They have as-tounded audiences in the campus market devel-oping a huge following. Now they are setting theirsites on AEP’s diverse group of buyers.

KEVIN VINER: This 28-year-old has madehis mark in a relatively short time by captivatingaudiences for major national clients. His shownot only includes magic but mentalism andmystery too.

THE PASSING ZONE: If you have never ex-perienced The Passing Zone, it is about time youdid. Jon Wee and Owen Morse will have yourolling in the aisles with their crazy comedy whileexposing you to some sensational juggling.

American Entertainment Magazine is publishing quarterly by Cameo Publishing Group, Blair SCFor 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 [email protected] • AEM is the Official Publication of AEP Worldwide.

WELCOMEIf 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 asomewhat elite group of buyers, agents and artists from all different sectors of the entertainment industry, striving to find a way to worktogether. We understand that while different parts of the industry are unique in the way they do business, there are a lot of things wecan 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 cre-ative 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 andwe 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 emailto the membership and help is on the way. This happens over and over and over again. Just ask Troy Pederson from Disney, AndreaMichaels 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 everyonewants 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 cor-porate producers, buyers from independent companies, special events, casinos and theme parks, but performing arts venues, collegesand specialty buyers as well. In our first three years we introduced some great new talent that found their way to corporate gigs, cruiselines, theme parks, colleges and other venues. We gave you new things to consider and re-introduced you to some old friends youprobably 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 somecutting edge talent, but we are going to give you more social time plus cutting edge technology that will wow your audiences and yourclients.

On behalf of the staff at AEP and American Entertainment Magazine, as well as our prestigious National Advisory Board, thanks forbeing 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 MagazineCampus Activities Magazine®Partner, AEP Worldwide

6 AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT MAgAzINE, 2014 AEP CONFERENCE ISSUE www.americanentertainmentmagazine.com

THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2014

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM AEP Advisory Board Meeting …. Wesler Room4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Table Top Exhibitor Load-in5:00 PM – 7:00 PM AEP's Social Gathering

(New Member Welcome) …………......… Baby Grand Lobby

FRIDAY JUNE 20, 2014

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Conference Registration Baby Grand Lobby

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM AEP's Coffee Talk & Vendor Market PlaceStudio One

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Conference Welcoming & Opening Remarks 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, NYKen DiCamillo, Personal Appearance Department, William Morris Agency, Inc., New York, NYLaura Ishum, Director of Entertainment, Pinnacle Entertainment, Las Vegas, NVStephen M. Bailey, Executive Director/CEO, The Grand Opera House, Wilmington, DE

11:30 AM -12 Noon Break / Cyber Café AEP Conference Planning Committee MeetingWesler Room (The Grand)

12:30PM – 1:45 PM Delegate Networking LunchStudio 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 Linesand The George Lopez Punchliner Comedy Clubs The Baby Grand Theater

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Showcasing Artists Meet & Greet/ Social GatheringBaby Grand Lobby

5:30PM - 6:00PM AEP Membership & Outreach CommitteeWesler 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 & Greetand Late Night JamThe Baby Grand Lobby

SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2014

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Conference Registration The Baby Grand Lobby

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM AEP's Coffee Talk & Vendor Market Place Studio One

9:30 AM – 9:35 AM AEP Remarks: Studio One Deborah Smith, Executive Director, Newberry Opera House, AEP Vice Chair

9:35 AM - 11:00 AM Entertaining Through Technology Studio One

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 aswell as public performances.

Jon Adcock, President/CEO, PTE Productions, Orlando, FL Greg Russell, Owner, Tandem Digital Entertainment, Calabasas, CAMichael 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 andSpecial Thanks The Baby Grand Theater

11:05 PM - 1:00 AM Showcasing Artist "Meet & Greet” and Late Night JamThe Baby Grand Lobby

2014 AEP Conference Schedule

• Dick Hall Productions Discover Michelangelo• Houla Entertainmentwith 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

2014 TABLE- TOP EXHIBITORS

www.americanentertainmentmagazine.com AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT MAgAzINE, 2014 AEP CONFERENCE ISSUE 7

Visit Vendors In STUDIO ONE During Coffee Talk Friday and Saturday


The Unplugged Band has become one of themost active cover bands in Quebec City.They’ve made quite a name for themselveswith their acoustic renditions of songs onewouldn’t normally expect to hear playedacoustically. Known for their tongue-in-cheek humor and entertaining live shows,this band is on a roll! From staff parties toweddings, from tailgates to festivals, andwith weekly gigs at the biggest clubs andbars in and out of town, these four guys fromthe true north strong and free have starteddeveloping something that they initiallynever even aimed for...a genuine fan base!It’s not surprising that there are plans for theband to start working on a full length coveralbum.

“I don’t get it,” says frontman Paul Di Gia-como. “We sell t-shirts...T-shirts of us with ourfaces on them...We’re a cover band! Who thehell wears T-shirts of a cover band? I must bereally good-looking!”

The Unplugged Band started out as a dare. Afew years ago, on a warm summer eveningaround a campfire, Paul and Olivier casuallystarted jamming their favorite 90’s classicsfrom “back-in-the-day” with an acoustic gui-tar and a djembe. After a while, one of theirinebriated friends, Rémy, said to them: “Youguys rock! If I was your manager, I couldmake you some decent cash with covers likethat!” Of course, Paul and Oliver never gaveit a second thought, dismissing Remy’s re-

marks as just drunken talk. But one weeklater, lo and behold! Remy called them uptelling them he had booked them a gig as aduo for a staff party for an impressive 600 dol-lars! “I couldn’t believe it,” Paul recalls, “Ithought he was joking. But then he tells methat the gig is in 10 days! And in those 10days, we have to prepare a 90 minute set!And I was like: do you know how much workthat is? And he told me not to sweat it and tojust do what we did around the campfire.”

“So we decided to run with it and practicedour asses off all week. Once we got to the gig,everybody asked who we were and what ourband name was. And of course, like a coupleof inexperienced dimwits, we hadn’t thought


of band name.” But that didn’t slow Remydown. He started booking Paul and Oliviermore and more, on bigger and bigger gigs.Very soon he had major tailgates with Bud-weiser lined up, with gigs at concert halls forspecial sporting events in front of thousandsof people! At this point, the duo really neededa name, so they quickly came up with a tem-porary name The Unplugged Band.

“It’s not very original. It was just supposed tobe our name for a few shows, the timeneeded to get a real band together rather thana sloppy duo. And now, 200 shows later, westill haven’t changed our name,” sighs thedrummer. “I think we’re stuck with it!”

“But it suits us because we don’t know whatto do with distortion and electric guitars andstuff that all the cool bands use,” Paul adds.“Anyway, in the clubs, by the time we usuallyfinish our shows, people are so drunk thatthey can’t tell the difference between anacoustic guitar and an electric one!”

Last year, once the four-piece line up wascomplete with lead guitarist Mathieu Roy-Lor-tie and bassist Sebastien “Harry” Deschenes,the band decided to launch their Facebookpage and official YouTube channel. They pro-duced videos for a few songs that they’ve hadsuccess with live, including the popularmashup of Bloodhound Gang’s “The BadTouch” and Skrillex’s “Kill Everybody.” Now

open to the entire world, the band wants totake their local secret to the next level.

“We saw at least two really cool commentson YouTube that were written by someoneother than my Mom saying that we wereamazing! That just boosted our egos evenmore! So now we want to be bigger thanJustin Bieber and be able to one day play inAntarctica like Metallica! As they say, go bigor go home!”

This is one band you definitely don't want tomiss! For more information, contact MichelGratton with GO-Musique at (514)-597-0636or email at [email protected]

SATURDAY SIGNATURE SHOWCASE CLOSING ACT


Brazilian 2Wins are an exciting newblend of traditional classical music tech-niques and the hottest contemporarysounds.

Walter and Wagner Caldas lead thegroup. Originally from Rio de Janeiro,the twins studied classical music as chil-dren but didn’t realize the potential en-joyment and prosperity they wouldattain with the infusion of pop music.With bass, drums, violin, ukulele andvocal harmonies, this act has a veryunique format.

The group definitely has humble begin-nings and its creation can be credited toquite a bit of happenstance as well.“Everything started when we were 11,”Walter says. “Our father was a violinmaker, but he cannot play. So, he usedus as his guinea pigs (laughs). Backthen when we started it was horrible,ugh. We came from a very poor placeand violin was just not common there. It

was difficult to find the training and otherpeople to play with. After three or fouryears of playing we started to enjoy itmore and soon after we found out wecould play pop songs as well –music weactually enjoyed much more.”

The two first came to the United Statesto play a show in Des Moines, Iowa, anddidn’t speak a word of English at thetime. “The show was amazing andeveryone liked what they saw, so we gotinvited on a scholarship to the Universityof Northern Iowa to study music.” Thatwas 7 years ago. I comment that theyare speaking better English than thiswriter would be speaking Portuguese inseven years and Wagner’s comment is“Well, we are pretty amazing (laughs).”

Between learning English and studyingand playing music, these were a set ofhard-working brothers. They haven’tslacked off any since then. “When wefirst got here, we quickly began playing

more and more gigs. We representedthe University and got many other gigsbecause of the way we play. We werestill playing classical music then, but wewould spice up the arrangements andhave a lot of fun performing, so moreand more people would ask us to play.By the sheer demand, we started tothink this could maybe be a career.That’s when we came up with the idea ofthe band and tailoring a show aroundthe contemporary music.”

The group now plays all sorts of eventfrom theaters, fairs, festivals, colleges,corporate engagements, specialevents and more. Be sure to catchtheir showcase at this year’s AEP con-ference and see for yourself whatmakes them so infectious.

For more info, contact Lee Mayer withHoula Entertainment at (865) 414-9266 [email protected]

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 ProjectCactus HoneyHabana SaxKevin VinerRhythm6

SHOWCASE B (Sponsored by Carnival &George Lopez’s Punchliner Comedy Clubs)8 PM- 11:00 PM • JUNE 20, 2014

Wali Collins, (Emcee)The Hit MenTim DeckerJoe Neary BandJoel MeyersDon ReedHotel California “A Salute to The Eagles”

SHOWCASE C 2:00-4:00 PM • JUNE 21, 2014

Jason OUrban InstrumentalistsThe Passing ZoneBob StrombergRob RasnerMarcus Terrell and The SerenadesLUMA

SHOWCASE D 8 PM- 11:00 PM • JUNE 21, 2014

Dena Blizzard (Emcee)Bradley FieldsJohn CassidyBrazilian 2WinsTony DeSareRoonie GThe Unplugged Band

A MEET & GREET WILL FOLLOWEACH SHOWCASE IN THEBABY GRAND LOBBY

Please take this chance to personallymeet the artists and their agents aftereach performance.


2014 AEP SHOWCASE SCHEDULE

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, DirectorDrury 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 Partner73 Somerton Place, Columbia SC 29209(803) 782-1947

• W.C. Kirby, Jr., AEP Partner Cameo Publishing groupAmerican Entertainment MagazineCampus Activities Magazine®15420 Newberry Rd, Blair SC 29015(800) 728-2950

• Ian Kirby, AEP Member/Conference RelationsEditor, American Entertainment Magazineand 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

AEP National Advisory Board & Staff

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR AEP MEMBERSHIP:Volunteer on A 2015 Conference Committee.

Be A Part Of Making AEP History!


2014 AEP SPECIAL GUESTS/PRESENTERSWHAT’S HOT IN NATIONAL BUYSSession One:Friday June 20, 10am

An Interactive session with agents andbuyers discussing what’s “in” and what’s“out”. Agents will talk about acts that areselling and buyers will talk about whatthey are buying and why.

Interact with the panel of experts to findout more about how buying nationalacts and emerging talent works – whatis accepted and what is not.

Learn about securing talent, how tomake an offer and what might effectthe price from both sides of the table(agents and buyers).

Mark Felix (Moderator)Director of the Drury Entertainment Group Drury Design DynamicsNew York, NY

Stephen BaileyExecutive Director/CEOGrand Opera HouseWilmington, DE

Laura IshumDirector of EntertainmentPinnacle EntertainmentLas Vegas, NV

Ken DiCamilloPersonal Appearance DepartmentWilliam Morris AgencyNew York, NY

ENTERTAINING THROUGH TECHNOLOGYSession Two:Saturday June 21, 9:35am

Exploring how technology is used asentertainment, branding,etc., and how itsupports concerts, stage shows and alltypes of events

Come hear from a pioneer in pre-visu-alization, a recognized creative “tour deforce” with a focus on large scale en-tertainment and a visionary in the fieldof illuminated entertainment whofounded a work that spans both corpo-rate as well as public performances.

Jon AdcockCEO/PresidentPTE ProductionsOrlando, FL

Michael MarlinOwner,Luma TheaterPahoa, HI

Greg RussellOwnerTandem DigitalEntertainmentCalabasas, CA

THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIASession Three:Saturday June 21, 11am

Changing demographics and the proliferation of social media are significant programming and marketing factors in all segments of the entertainment industry.

Join in a discussion about what istrending in the casino, festival, themepark, corporate, campus and perform-ing arts markets and the influence ofFacebook, YouTube, twitter, LinkedIn,Instagram, Tumblr, etc.

Robert Hulsmeyer(Moderator)Senior PartnerEmpire Force EventsNew York, NY

Jim CoarseWeb Manager & SEOSpecialistMobius Media Inc.Wilmington, DE

Jessie GoldbergDirector of TourismClarkesville/MontgomeryCounty CVBClarkesville, TN

Troy PedersonCasting Director All Disney PropertiesWalt Disney CompanyLake Buena Vista, FL

ALL SESSIONSTAKE PLACE IN

STUDIO ONEGRAND OPERA HOUSE


Kevin Viner is a rising mentalist in the cor-porate market who has been training hisentire life to enjoy the success he hasachieved today. At only 28 years old, hehas performed for companies includingIBM, JPMorganChase, Toyota, Sony, andGeneral Electric. In fact, Jack Welch calledKevin “the best magician I’ve ever seen.”He holds a degree in mathematics fromUC Irvine (more on that later), and under-stands what companies expect from agreat entertainer. This means that he candeliver custom requests, even if the mate-rial is technical in nature.

“I’ve been fortunate to find a market that Ilove. And I know that my audiences love ittoo. Standing ovations don’t lie,” quips

Viner. But Kevin has proven his worth inmore than just the private and corporatemarkets --- he has performed for magic en-thusiasts at the world famous Magic Cas-tle in Hollywood for years, and more thanholds his own with the best magicians inthe world. In 2011, Kevin competed at theWorld Magic Seminar in Las Vegas, wherehe was judged by hundreds of peers as aninternational close-up magic champion.

Kevin has also appeared multiple times onnational television, on both Masters of Il-lusion and the PBS documentary “JohnnyCarson: King of Late Night.”

“This is the only job I have ever had,” hesays. “I started magic when I was five. It’s

a pretty standard version of the story. Kidgets magic set, kid becomes a magician.But I always had a business sense, evenfrom a young age.

By the time Kevin was 13, he was regularlyperforming paid gigs. “I started perform-ing street magic at the Farmer’s Marketafter school. My dad would drop me offand I would work for tips and learn how totalk to people. When I was 15, I was seenby an executive at Qualcomm and theyhired me on the spot to do my first corpo-rate holiday party.”

You won’t find many entertainers withsuch a jump start on learning the busi-ness. “I remember being at that event and


seeing how amazing the setting andproduction was. I was hooked.”

Since then, Kevin has gone on to travelnationally for corporate programs andcolleges, and recently sold out a 400person theater program in San Diego.“Mind-reading, stage magic, illusions,you name it, it was in the show. The au-dience response was overwhelming.Bringing so many people to their feetwith a self-produced show was one ofthe most rewarding experiences of mycareer.” Kevin also performed to a soldout crowd at last year’s Fringe Festival.“As I’ve pursued this career, I’ve learnedthat it’s all about people. Make themlaugh. Make them question. Make themwonder. My real job is to change the way

people feel --- the performance is a ve-hicle to do that.”

Today, Kevin performs an interactivementalism show, drawing from his vari-ety of backgrounds (including memorystunts, mathematics, music, hypnosis,and pick-pocketing). “I realized therewas a limit to what one can do as a ma-gician. If I make your card appear or dis-appear, that’s it. It’s there, and it’s gone.Done. But if I read you mind, if I tell youyour innermost thoughts, that’s some-thing else entirely.” When asked how itworks, Kevin responds cooly, “I use avariety of methods. It really depends onthe routine. Some rely on body lan-guage and people reading, some rely onstatistics and crowd behaviors, and

some rely on a combination of the twomixed with simple sleight of hand. Allthat matters is that it feels real to my au-diences.”

His mathematics background works itsway into a good portion of his show. “It’snot a rapid calculations thing, or tons ofarithmetic onstage. It’s more under-standing the way that numbers can in-fluence people’s behavior. It’sbehavioral statistics, but more impor-tantly, it’s good entertainment.”

To request booking information:

Phone: 760.586.3947Email: [email protected]: www.KevinVinerMagic.com

SHOWCASES: Friday Afternoon

ERIC LYDEN: Eric uses his lower middle class ex-istence and lack of success as a focal point of his comedy.He gives his audiences someone to laugh with and relateto. Eric made his national TV debut on Comics Unleashedwith Byron Allen and works the circuit of well-known NewYork City clubs. Bruce Smirnoff • [email protected] 5,001 - $10,000

CTO TRIBECA: This exquisite ensemble is led byMaylyn Murphy, a sultry, bluesy torch-singer who is alsoan accomplished pianist. Her innate sensuality and vo-cals have been compared to the likes of Norah Jones, Ali-cia Keys, Vanessa Williams and Sade. She is truly aground breaking artist in today's music industry. [email protected] • 267-474-4869 • $10,001-15,000

RHYTHM6: Rhythm6 is a six-piece high-energy coverdance and show band featuring three lead singers (maleand female front singers plus guitarist sings). Andy Kushner • 301-869-8855 • [email protected]$5001-$10,000

HABANA SAX: A breathtaking and energetic con-cert experience, Habana Sax synthesizes Afro-Cuban,Salsa, Latin jazz, and Brazilian rhythms. With amazing-breadth, direct from Havana - they are anything but tradi-tional. Habana Sax offers something for everyone in asymphonic musical tour.Stephen Bailey • 302-657-2150 • habansax.com/1.html

CACTUS HONEY: Separately these two haveclimbed mountains musically, but now they've joinedforces and voices to create a sound so unique that neverhas there been a more riveting audi-licious find since theburlap and burgundy of Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicksand Christine McVie. Corine Couwenberg • [email protected] • $5,001 - $10,000

KEVIN VINER:Kevin Viner is a unique force inthe entertainment industry. His show presents acompelling blend of magic, mind reading, and com-edy that has garnered praise from the public and hispeers. In 2011, he was awarded the title of WorldMagic Seminar Champion in a Las Vegas competi-tion judged by over 500 peers. Kevin Viner 760-586-3947 • [email protected] • up to $5,000

THE ASIA PROJECT: As one of the highestbooked acts in the college market, The Asia Project is thepremier spoken word artist in the country. With over 350schools in the past 3 years, an HBO Def Poetry appear-ance and a TEDx speaker, it's no wonder why he contin-ues to set the bar for all spoken word.305-450-5221 • [email protected] • up to$5,000


A SPECIAL THANKS TO:CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES AND

GEORGE LOPEZ’S PUNCHLINER COMEDY CLUBSFOR SPONSORING OUR SHOWCASES.

MEET WITH BUYERS AND ACTS AND AGENCIES AT THE “MEET & GREET”

AFTER THE SHOW

SHOWCASES: Friday Evening

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 • [email protected] • $10,001 - $15,000

JOEL MEYERS: Joel Meyers, a young interactivecomedy illusionist who has already taken the world bystorm. Performing a progressive brand of magic for celebri-ties and audiences of all types and ages worldwide.Newsweek magazine says Joel quite simply "will captureyour imagination.”GP Entertainment • 315-794-5961 • up to $5000

DON REED: Opened for national icon Jay Leno, per-forming standup as the Tonight Show audience warmupcomedian for over 1,000 episodes. He can read a roomand deliver. He truly is unique, as Jamie Foxx stated, "No-body does what Don Reed does." His style is simply souniversal it captures a broad range from JustinBieberettes to Betty White fans. 407-299-0996 • [email protected] • $5,001 - $10,000

JOE NEARY BAND: A four piece pop/rock group,that emerged on the Milwaukee music scene in late-2012and has quickly gained the reputation of putting on a highquality live show. One of the fastest rising local bands,they received the 2014 WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music In-dustry) Award for New Artist of the Year. Lee Mayer865-414-9266 • [email protected] • 0-$5,000

THE HIT MEN: former stars of Frankie Valli & TheFour Seasons plus former members of Tommy Jamesand 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 rollhistory featuring former members of these mega-star actsperforming your favorite songs. Ron Gartner 212-268-6969 • [email protected] •thehitmenlive.com • $15,001 - $20,000

WALI COLLINS: Collins' television stand-up creditsinclude HBO, Comedy Central's "Premium Blend", andABC's "The View" to name a few. David Letterman caughtWali's act and recruited him to warm-up for his show. Laterthat season Wali was featured performer on the Late Showwith David Letterman, where as quoted by GQ magazine"Wali's true purpose becomes evident" as a comedian.Ben Carrizzo • 631-544-0333 • [email protected] • $5001- $10,000.


TIM DECKER: Prepare to be amazed as nation-ally touring speed painter Tim Decker whips upmasterpieces in minutes. This is more than a show,it is an experience as he blends music, humor, andaudience interaction all while creating giant por-traits of legendary icons within minutes. Tim Decker • 407-545-7157 • [email protected] • $5,001 - $10,000 timdecker.com

SPECIAL THANKS TO

SHOWCASES: Saturday Afternoon

LUMA: LUMA uses the darkness as a canvas and with alarge selection of light technology and physical disciplinesetches on that canvas images, patterns and textures. Inno-vative illuminated illusions from the lyrical to the dynamicpropel the viewer’s imagination into their own visions. JulesFisher , eight-time Tony Award winner for lighting put it thisway, “LUMA has a lyrical mysticism that connects you withyour own creativity--and it is always entertaining”. [email protected] • www.lumatheater.com646-415-9234 • $15,001 - $20,000

MARCUS TERRELL: BACK TO REALITY: Apersonal and musical journey through the ups anddowns of reality television. Marcus Terell & TheSerenades celebrate the music of Motown, classicRock N Roll and Soul and share their own experi-ences while competing on some of the nation's toptalent competitions. Bruce Smirnoff • [email protected] • $5,001 - $10,000 • dcptalent.com/artiste.php?artiste=309&marcus-terell-&-the-serenades

THE PASSING ZONE: Jon Wee and Owen Morse,The Passing Zone, are one of the most accomplished com-edy duos in the nation, and they've done it by focusing onthree success principles. Those same principles can helpany group achieve fantastic results through The PassingZone's hilarious, energetic, and inspiring performances.646-434-0332 • [email protected]

BOB STROMBERG They call him “The ShadowGuy!” Bob will hit the mark with his powerful performancearsenal of standup, physical comedy, and yes, even handshadows, which the London Metro described as, 'Stun-ning!' Bob's unique, timeless, comedic style engages au-diences in uproarious laughter, inspires with simple truthand always leaves people wanting more. Tim Grable615-283-0039 • thegrablegroup.com • up to $5000

URBAN INSTRUMENTALIST: features con-temporary violinist, Daniel Davis. The band consists of akeyboardist, percussions and bassist. Their musical back-grounds range from pop, classical, R&B, jazz and everythingin-between. The band has expandability by adding a DJ,horn section and vocalist as needed.Reggie Davis • 843-696-4305 • [email protected] • $5,001 - $10,000


DON’T MISS OUT ON THE MEET & GREET

FOLLOWING EACH SHOWCASE INTHE BABY GRAND LOBBY!

Meet The Acts And Their Agents.Talk About Future Business.

ROB RASNER: is known for his side splitting com-edy and astounding magic and has been enjoyed by audi-ences worldwide, headlining in venues throughout US,Europe and Asia. Rob was accepted to and studied at theprestigious Mystery School in Las Vegas and has per-formed at the world famous Magic Castle. Celebrity clientsinclude, Jack Black, Adam Sandler & Nicole Kidman. Barbara Holliday • [email protected] • RasnerMagic.com

JASON O: Jason incorporates the most advancedtechnology using the guitar, bass, vocals, harmonies, per-cussion, piano, harmonica, ukulele, and trumpet into hislive performances. His creative execution, stage pres-ence, along with his original music reveals a rare abilityto bridge the generation gap, appealing to all ages.865-414-9266 • [email protected]

SHOWCASES: Saturday Evening

DENA BLIZZARD: is a combination of stories,anecdotes, music and videos about how much lifechanges after having kids. Showcase includes anopening video clip, followed by stories from Denalive on stage and ends with a final video presenta-tion. 609-828-9857 • onefunnymothershow.com $5,001 - $10,000

BRAZILIAN 2WINS: An incredibly high energylive music experience that have been drawing enormousattention from fans all over the world. With a lead violinand ukulele, the twin brothers captivate audiencesthrough their unique appearance, diverse approach andenticing sound. You have never seen or heard anythinglike this. The Brazilian 2wins are redefining live musicLee Mayer [email protected]

JOHN CASSIDY: John Cassidy is a comedian, magi-cian and Guinness World Record Holding Balloon Sculp-tor. He has been seen on Late Night with Conan O’Brien,the Today Show, and Live with Regis & Kelly. John's 'Bal-loon Freak Show', with its own unique mixture of comedy,magic has received rave reviews. Kate Magill • 212-268-9583 • [email protected] • www.johncassidy.comup to $5000

ROONIE G: Roonie G. continues to focus on devel-oping live visual art and boldly go where no entertainerhas gone before! His innovative style combines the useof Audio and Visual and is mesmerizing, creative andhighly entertaining. From main stages with the likes ofSnoop Dogg, 3 Doors Down, Diddy, and Kid Rock, Roonieis an artist, craftsman and innovator.407-306-0871 • djroonieg,com • $5,001 - $10,000

THE UNPLUGGED BAND: This year’s Signature Showcase closer is from Canada and theyare 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'tmuch know what to do with electric guitars anyway. We are "The Unplugged BAND," the bestacoustic 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 UnpluggedBand delivers solid live acoustic performances that will have you rocking out more than most bandsthat actually use distortion! With unique takes on rock, pop, hip-hop and metal songs, the bandmashes up Eminem, Kanye West, Adele, Lady GaGa to the likes of AC/DC, Nirvana, Metallica, Aero-smith and much more. This is one band you definitely don't want to miss! From the same agencythat 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 • [email protected] • 514-597-0636


BRADLEY FIELDS: Actor, director and one of themost acclaimed magicians in the world, Bradley Fields hasheadlined in theatres, performing arts centers and cabaretsto rave reviews, sold-out houses, and standing ovations. Hehas appeared on Broadway, London's West End and in majorvenues world-wide. Bradley Fields Productions • 800-449-6284 • [email protected] • $10,001 - $15,000

TONY DESARE: DeSare has won critical and popu-lar acclaim for his concert performances throughout theUnited States, as well as in Australia, Japan and HongKong. From jazz clubs to Carnegie Hall to Las Vegas head-lining with Don Rickles, Tony has brought his fresh takeon old school class around the globe. Peter Throm734-222-8030 • [email protected]. • tonydesare.com$5,001 - $10,000


Sometimes entertainment is enough. After all,allowing a group to take their minds off of thelearning and the breakouts and the strategydiscussion and and financial reports and newinitiative - letting them let their hair down andjust have some fun - should be an importantpart of every event. Even so, many meetingprofessionals have figured out that clientswant entertainment with some meaning be-hind it. Fun has value, but most conferencesare about more than having fun. People arecoming together to find ways to move theircompany or organization forward.

Here are 5 reasons clients need some mean-ing behind their entertainment choices.

1. Their budget is limited, so they can’t afford tospend money on “fluff.” (Trust us, we’re not crazyabout that term either, especially when it de-scribes the comedy and skills we’ve spent a life-time developing!) 2. Attendees want to feel that their time is beingspent helping them perform their job better. Theycan find entertainment anywhere, but at thisevent they need some take home value.3. Last year they had an entertainer whomade them think, and everyone commentedon the value that added to their experience.It was a winning formula last time, so they’llstick with what works.

4. In recent years, the meetings industry has re-ceived criticism for spending money unnecessarily.That criticism may be off base in plenty of cases,but savvy planners cannot afford to have theirevent look like it’s just an excuse to blow somecash on fun. Even if fun is the goal, it doesn’t lookgood to outsiders. Gotta make it look like learning!

5. You get two for the price of one! If you wantto motivate your attendees by making them think,and you also want to entertain them, will youhave to hire a serious speaker to do one, and acomedian to do the other? Absolutely not! Hireone act that accomplishes both goals.

But be careful! Not every entertainer who claimsto do both is actually good at it! Sometimes an“entertaining speaker” is someone who moti-vates, and is only mildly entertaining. Or, a“speaking entertainer” may be hilarious, but therereally isn’t anything meaningful behind it, regard-less of what his or her promotional materials say!

We have learned that if you do both well, therewill always be a demand for your services, andyour clients will be doubly thrilled about the re-sults. That is why we created “The Passing Zoneon ICE: Innovation, Collaboration, and Execu-tion.” We looked at what our performance wastruly demonstrating, even without words, and re-alized that those principles are not only important

to us, but they are crucial to any corporate audi-ence. We didn’t subtract one ounce of the enter-tainment and laughter (which was our primarygoal from the beginning), but we added realthings that we ask the audience to think about.“Innovation is the only way to stay competitive,and beat the competition.” “When you Collabo-rate well with those around you, you will be ableto leverage the best of what everyone has tooffer, and do far more than you could accomplishalone.” “If you Execute your plan to the best ofyour abilities, and actually use the new ideas, ini-tiatives, and connections you’ve made at yourevent, your group will be unstoppable!

There are plenty of entertainers out there who doa great job delivering a fabulous experience offun, laughter, and creativity, while at the sametime giving your group some real motivation andactual thoughts to help them move forward. Co-medians, magicians, mentalists, jugglers, musi-cians, acrobats, artists, poets, and yes, evenmimes. And there are some professional speak-ers who are so hilarious, so engaging, that theytruly cross over into the entertainment category.Find those people, book them, and you will havehappy (and repeat!) clients wherever you go!

SEE THE PASSING ZONE SHOWCASEAT AEP SATURDAY AFTERNOON

JUNE 21, 2014

THE PASSING ZONE

www.americanentertainmentmagazine.com AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT MAgAzINE, 2014 AEP CONFERENCE ISSUE, 21

Cameo Publishing Group USA AE 6/14PO Box 509Prosperity SC 29127

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aep 2014 conference edition

Documents

evening showcase

afternoon showcase

signature showcase

cameo publishing group

aep staff

master showcase schedule

entertainment industry

passing zone