The markets we're pursuing at this point are all without local participation, mainly because this is a new concept and somewhat overwhelming to folks who have never promoted a concert event. In order to maximize our potential for research grants we are working on utilizing local well-known artists for our shows in some markets. We're working on an event in Honolulu for next January which will most likely be headlined by local performers, since Hawaii is such a unique musical market and the cost of bringing in mainland entertainers is quite high. In another market we're working on, we'll use a well-known local group (sorry to be cryptic, but until we nail this down a little better I can't really talk about it much) with me as an opening act. We have the support of a very well-known radio personality for this event, so that will be a great boon to promotion. We're also working on another event here in Denver at an outdoor venue that we've conceived as a day-long folk extraganza and we're hoping to use a couple of high-profile folk names as well as a variety of regional acts. Now that doesn't really answer your question, and I don't know if I can give you a really good answer. What we're seeking is markets where we can do a successful promotion based on some form of community or local celebrity support. The venue is not really an issue - it's more about promotion. For example, in Hawaii, having the support of our friend, Dr. Richard Kelley, who is like God in Honolulu, has opened doors that we couldn't get through otherwise. Once we have the comfort level of this kind of promotional base and a good connection with the community, then we can spread the word about our cause and hopefully sell lots of tickets. So, my best suggestion is to come up with a good connection in your market, a public celebrity of some kind (political, media, business, entertainer, etc.) who is willing to come on board and lend his/her name to the event and help us open doors to sponsors and give the event a high profile focal point. With this kind of local support in place, we then go to work to guide the production through its various phases. Concert production is not easy and carries no guarantees for success. So our approach is more about getting a solid footing with the local media and community networking mechanisms than about presenting any particular act. Theoretically, we should be able to produce a successful fund-raiser with any decent artist in any decent venue based on the cause we're promoting. Two of the aspects of our concept that very much enhanced our Colorado shows in December were the VIP dinner and the silent auction. We raised nearly 1/3 of our total revenues from these added elements alone. To that end, we're looking for venues that have a banquet room and catering company in-house, or within easy walking distance, as well as a room to set up the silent auction. A convention center or performing arts complex is ideal. Even a large hotel with a room that can be utilized as a concert hall. Also, we're looking for a venue that will give us a good rental rate based on our charity status. There's some info to chew on - you're always welcome to call us for ideas and guidance. Of course, we're ready to jump in and start making connections once we have a starting place, which may or may not be the local Parkinson's orgainzation.
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