IEBA

So what is an IEBA? While is sounds like something from the old Bugs Bunny/Roadrunner cartoons, it actually stands for International Entertainment Buyers Association. We attended their annual conference in Nashville this past week where we had the chance to visit with talent agents, promoters, and artists all looking for work. The one thing that sets this conference apart from the others that we attend is that bands actually perform as a part of the conference schedule! Several years ago these performances actually took place in the clubs of lower Broadway in Nashville but now everything has moved to the historic War Memorial Auditorium. The acts typically featured are either up and coming performers (who end up as opening acts on our larger shows) or artists who are no longer arena level acts. As you might imagine, most of the artists are country (Thompson Square, Steel Magnolia, Eli Young Band, Gary Allan) but some rock acts (Barenaked Ladies, Leon Russell, Hinder, 3 Doors Down) also performed. And where else but at an entertainment conference could one run into celebrities like Charley Pride and Paula Abdul in the elevator? What can we expect from attending the conference? It's hard to say but we did meet the people responsible for shows like Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Reba, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown while we were there. We left town knowing that one major concert announcement will take place soon with more possibly to follow. Stay tuned for more information!

we're back!

So sorry for the extended break in the blog. No real excuse for it; I've just been incredibly busy and it seems that once you get out of the habit of doing something it becomes that much harder to get back into the routine. I'll do my best to make this a weekly post from here on out.

Here's a sample of what we've been working on in the arena. Credit for this idea goes to our promoter friends at Live Nation, who pulled me aside during last February's sold out Jason Aldean concert and pointed out the dingy white walls behind the stage that detracted from the stage view. Ever notice how baseball fields always have a wall in center field to allow the batter to better see the ball coming towards him? Same concept here. We'll get an added benefit of more sound absorption with the additional 6,000 square feet of curtains. I'd call that a win/win! We're also working on our calendar for 2012 and beyond. Upcoming events include the Tupelo Fair September 27-30, Sesame Street Live October 2-3, and Bill Gaither and Friends November 9.