Thursday, April 4, 2013
Please contact your state legislator to support three bills critical to the growth and vitality of Texas music.
The intent of these bills is to create an incentive for venues to book more live music, thus contributing to the economy and culture of our state. These bills will also boost sales of sound and lighting equipment and the associated labor used to present live music. They will cut in half the TABC tax on music venue alcohol sales if a venue presents live music four or more times each week. They will amend the exemption authorized by Section 151.3185 of the tax code for producers of audio recordings to include an exemption for these venues that present live music 4 or more times a week, and exempt them from paying sales tax on certain items related to the performance of live music such as sound and lighting equipment and labor related to music-related equipment or materials including sound mitigation.
Senate Bill 1179, introduced by Sen. Deuell
relating to a reduction in the mixed beverage tax for certain venues that present live music; authorizing a fee.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=SB1179
Senate Bill 1498, introduced by Sen. Deuell
relating to a sales tax exemption for certain items sold to or used by certain venues that present live music.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/history.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=SB1498
House Bill 3095, introduced by Rep. Strama (which combines SB 1498 and SB 1179)
relating to a reduction in the mixed beverage tax for certain venues that present live music; authorizing a fee.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=83R&Bill=HB3095
The recording industry has decreased nearly 60 percent since 1999, leaving musicians and music businesses with less opportunities for income. Live music has since emerged as the industry’s primary business driver. There are several financial barriers that venue owners such as nightclubs, dancehalls, restaurants and bars face in presenting live music, including start-up costs, high taxes and copyright fees. Currently there are no incentives by law for presenting live music.
We urge you to contact your legislator to express support for these bills. To find out your representative's and senator's phone number, go to: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/Address.aspx
S.T.E.P. thanks you for your support of these important pieces of legislation.
For more information, contact Sparky Sparks, S.T.E.P. Director of Legislative Affairs.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Must Have Christmas CD's
Christmas in the Heart
by Bob Dylan
If On a Winter's Night...
by Sting
A Cherry Cherry Christmas
by Neil Diamond
Ultimate Christmas Collection
by The Jackson 5
Very Special Christmas
Vol. 7
Have Yourself a Meaty Little Christmas
by Aqua Teen Hunger Force
Putumayo Presents:
A Family Christmas
Gold and Green
by Sugarland
Family Force 5 Christmas Pageant
by Family Force 5
My Christmas [Deluxe Edition]
by Andrea Bocelli
A Very Monkey Christmas
Curious George
Christmas In Texas by Various Artists Featuring Tejas Brothers new Christmas song:
"No Lovin' on Christmas"
Christmas in the Heart
by Bob Dylan
If On a Winter's Night...
by Sting
A Cherry Cherry Christmas
by Neil Diamond
Ultimate Christmas Collection
by The Jackson 5
Very Special Christmas
Vol. 7
Have Yourself a Meaty Little Christmas
by Aqua Teen Hunger Force
Putumayo Presents:
A Family Christmas
Gold and Green
by Sugarland
Family Force 5 Christmas Pageant
by Family Force 5
My Christmas [Deluxe Edition]
by Andrea Bocelli
A Very Monkey Christmas
Curious George
Christmas In Texas by Various Artists Featuring Tejas Brothers new Christmas song:
"No Lovin' on Christmas"
Sunday, October 11, 2009
KEN-RAN IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THEIR NEW EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS
MAREN MORRIS
Her style transcends Rock, Country, Blues and Pop styles, with soulful vocals that invite yet defy comparison to current and past musical performers. Maverick Magazine (UK) said Maren "...conjures Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt and Natalie Maines" while the Fort Worth Weekly called her "...a tiny hurricane of blue-eyed soul." Whatever you call her Maren's innate vocal phrasing, intuitive writing and solid guitar performances stun audiences at live shows and shine through in her recordings.
Seven Fort Worth Weekly Music Awards, including Best Female Vocalist, Songwriter of the Year & Texas Music Artist of the Year.
#1 - Texas Music Charts
Three Charting Songs on Texas Music Charts
TEJAS BROTHERS
The best way to define the Tejas Brothers sound is to say that it is "Genuine Texas Music". It's a winning combination of musical influences from around the Lone Star State. Imagine listening to traditional Texas blues from T-Bone Walker & Freddie King, the Rock and Roll of Buddy Holly, the Country soul of Buck Owens, and the Tex-Mex sounds of The Texas Tornadoes...all at the same time!.
"Best Emerging Artist" Finalist for Lone Star Music.com
"Best New Band of 2008" The Dallas Observer
"Best Tejas Band of 2009" The Dallas Observer
#2 on the Americana Charts
Three Top 20 Songs on the Texas Music Charts
PAULA NELSON
When your dad is a founding father of outlaw country and a major musical legend, at some point, you realize resistance is futile: Even if you don't seek a career in music, eventually, it's gonna seek you. Like the Cash and Jennings kids, Paula Nelson picked up "Papa Bear" Willie's way with a song early on - along with her aunt Bobbie's skill on piano, which Paula started playing at age 7. Although her dad once advised her, "Remember to watch everything I do and do the exact opposite," she drew influences from his Highwaymen pals and contemporaries such as Kris Kristofferson's then-wife, Rita Coolidge, whose bluesy, supple vocal style provided one of Paula's earliest templates as she found her own voice. Texas Monthly has called that voice "torchy," and the Los Angeles. Times praised, "There's no missing the unforced power of Paula's singing."
MAREN MORRIS
Her style transcends Rock, Country, Blues and Pop styles, with soulful vocals that invite yet defy comparison to current and past musical performers. Maverick Magazine (UK) said Maren "...conjures Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt and Natalie Maines" while the Fort Worth Weekly called her "...a tiny hurricane of blue-eyed soul." Whatever you call her Maren's innate vocal phrasing, intuitive writing and solid guitar performances stun audiences at live shows and shine through in her recordings.
Seven Fort Worth Weekly Music Awards, including Best Female Vocalist, Songwriter of the Year & Texas Music Artist of the Year.
#1 - Texas Music Charts
Three Charting Songs on Texas Music Charts
TEJAS BROTHERS
The best way to define the Tejas Brothers sound is to say that it is "Genuine Texas Music". It's a winning combination of musical influences from around the Lone Star State. Imagine listening to traditional Texas blues from T-Bone Walker & Freddie King, the Rock and Roll of Buddy Holly, the Country soul of Buck Owens, and the Tex-Mex sounds of The Texas Tornadoes...all at the same time!.
"Best Emerging Artist" Finalist for Lone Star Music.com
"Best New Band of 2008" The Dallas Observer
"Best Tejas Band of 2009" The Dallas Observer
#2 on the Americana Charts
Three Top 20 Songs on the Texas Music Charts
PAULA NELSON
When your dad is a founding father of outlaw country and a major musical legend, at some point, you realize resistance is futile: Even if you don't seek a career in music, eventually, it's gonna seek you. Like the Cash and Jennings kids, Paula Nelson picked up "Papa Bear" Willie's way with a song early on - along with her aunt Bobbie's skill on piano, which Paula started playing at age 7. Although her dad once advised her, "Remember to watch everything I do and do the exact opposite," she drew influences from his Highwaymen pals and contemporaries such as Kris Kristofferson's then-wife, Rita Coolidge, whose bluesy, supple vocal style provided one of Paula's earliest templates as she found her own voice. Texas Monthly has called that voice "torchy," and the Los Angeles. Times praised, "There's no missing the unforced power of Paula's singing."
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
DON'T CUT THE ENTERTAINMENT!
If your client hasn’t completely taken entertainment out of the budget, you may be looking for ways to save some money in this area. I have put together some ideas that might help.
Getting a discount – Many entertainers are willing to discount their prices to get the job, especially with the decline in work available and many musicians are getting laid off from their day time gigs. Be aware some Entertainers are raising their asking price expecting that everyone will be on a tight budget and looking for substantial discounts. Using one of your ISES entertainment agents will insure you that you are getting the best possible price. In most cases agents work with entertainers more frequently than event planners. Frequent booking gives them buying power and a better knowledge of what a band or entertainers rock bottom price is. Having said all that, please remember that we are all in the same boat and entertainers are hurting as much as anyone else so be willing to pay a fair price.
Routing, Block Booking or Multiple dates – When booking National or Regional acts ask for bands that are on tour and would be routed through the city in which you are producing an event. This will save you extra money spent on travel expenses. If you are interested in a National act for your private event, ask your agent to try and find a public date in the same or nearby city. This will usually save you some money. Many event planners use local variety bands and entertainers on a fairly regular basis. If you have multiple events that need the same kind of entertainment, negotiate a lower price for committing to use the same band or entertainer for all of your events.
Combining Services – If you use an entertainment company let them bid on other services; Sound, Lights, Staging, Power etc… Most times you will save lots of money.
Up and Coming or Undiscovered talent – Your ISES entertainment company usually has a good idea of what new talent is on the rise and they can help you catch the talent on the way up, before they become a high priced act. Good entertainment companies always have their hands on the pulse of the newest talent for their clients.
Get Sponsors Contributions - Given the current financial frame of mind at many companies, a number of beneficial sponsorships are being axed, with little consideration for ROI and lots of consideration for reducing any variable costs possible. Sponsors are tightening budgets and spending smarter on fewer opportunities. Many companies will be dropping sponsorship of world class events. This creates an opportunity for smaller, single events.
Flexible Dates – You can negotiate a lower price if the event or meeting is during the week rather than on the weekends, and if it is in the daytime rather than in the evenings.
Downsizing – If your client wants to cut entertainment completely out because of the cost, suggest DJ’s, smaller Bands or track acts. Many of you saw Black Violin at Event World. This act had a high level of impact and doesn’t cost a fortune. There are many similar forms of entertainment out there. Suggest a really good four piece band if your client can’t afford the twelve piece horn band they had last year.
Hire a versatile band – There are some really great bands available that can do multiple sets with themes for each. For instance there are bands all over the country that can perform a Country Set in Western attire, a Rock Star Karaoke set, a Seventies Disco Tribute set and an Eighties Tribute set with costumes for each set.
Get Multiple Bids – In rocky times you should always get multiple bids for your entertainment. Your companies bargaining power will increase and you may be able to secure better prices on entertainment and services.
Appeal to Generation G - As companies scramble to control costs, the world is watching and exposing wasteful spending and sloppy practices. Try to appeal to the new Compassion, caring and giving back that is the new status symbol, by using entertainment that doesn’t require big sound systems light systems and tons of power. If you are having a Big National Act at your event consider having a green production using Solar Power. Most people are unaware that the generation of electricity is the largest source of industrial air pollution. Every year millions of tons of CO2 are emitted into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and poor air quality. Now you can utilize the renewable energy sources of the sun to deliver 100% pollution free concerts. Solar powered stages, sound, and lighting systems are fully-functioning examples of a complete design. Solar stages give performers an opportunity to educate the community about the benefits of renewable energy while delivering a concert with state of the art sound quality.
The sluggish economy, Wall Street woes and political concerns are eating away at our industry. Recent polls show that people have a renewed interest in “escapism” and “need for fun”. So remind your client of that when they say they want to cut out the entertainment.
Brooks Kendall
KEN-RAN Productions
ISES Dallas President
If your client hasn’t completely taken entertainment out of the budget, you may be looking for ways to save some money in this area. I have put together some ideas that might help.
Getting a discount – Many entertainers are willing to discount their prices to get the job, especially with the decline in work available and many musicians are getting laid off from their day time gigs. Be aware some Entertainers are raising their asking price expecting that everyone will be on a tight budget and looking for substantial discounts. Using one of your ISES entertainment agents will insure you that you are getting the best possible price. In most cases agents work with entertainers more frequently than event planners. Frequent booking gives them buying power and a better knowledge of what a band or entertainers rock bottom price is. Having said all that, please remember that we are all in the same boat and entertainers are hurting as much as anyone else so be willing to pay a fair price.
Routing, Block Booking or Multiple dates – When booking National or Regional acts ask for bands that are on tour and would be routed through the city in which you are producing an event. This will save you extra money spent on travel expenses. If you are interested in a National act for your private event, ask your agent to try and find a public date in the same or nearby city. This will usually save you some money. Many event planners use local variety bands and entertainers on a fairly regular basis. If you have multiple events that need the same kind of entertainment, negotiate a lower price for committing to use the same band or entertainer for all of your events.
Combining Services – If you use an entertainment company let them bid on other services; Sound, Lights, Staging, Power etc… Most times you will save lots of money.
Up and Coming or Undiscovered talent – Your ISES entertainment company usually has a good idea of what new talent is on the rise and they can help you catch the talent on the way up, before they become a high priced act. Good entertainment companies always have their hands on the pulse of the newest talent for their clients.
Get Sponsors Contributions - Given the current financial frame of mind at many companies, a number of beneficial sponsorships are being axed, with little consideration for ROI and lots of consideration for reducing any variable costs possible. Sponsors are tightening budgets and spending smarter on fewer opportunities. Many companies will be dropping sponsorship of world class events. This creates an opportunity for smaller, single events.
Flexible Dates – You can negotiate a lower price if the event or meeting is during the week rather than on the weekends, and if it is in the daytime rather than in the evenings.
Downsizing – If your client wants to cut entertainment completely out because of the cost, suggest DJ’s, smaller Bands or track acts. Many of you saw Black Violin at Event World. This act had a high level of impact and doesn’t cost a fortune. There are many similar forms of entertainment out there. Suggest a really good four piece band if your client can’t afford the twelve piece horn band they had last year.
Hire a versatile band – There are some really great bands available that can do multiple sets with themes for each. For instance there are bands all over the country that can perform a Country Set in Western attire, a Rock Star Karaoke set, a Seventies Disco Tribute set and an Eighties Tribute set with costumes for each set.
Get Multiple Bids – In rocky times you should always get multiple bids for your entertainment. Your companies bargaining power will increase and you may be able to secure better prices on entertainment and services.
Appeal to Generation G - As companies scramble to control costs, the world is watching and exposing wasteful spending and sloppy practices. Try to appeal to the new Compassion, caring and giving back that is the new status symbol, by using entertainment that doesn’t require big sound systems light systems and tons of power. If you are having a Big National Act at your event consider having a green production using Solar Power. Most people are unaware that the generation of electricity is the largest source of industrial air pollution. Every year millions of tons of CO2 are emitted into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and poor air quality. Now you can utilize the renewable energy sources of the sun to deliver 100% pollution free concerts. Solar powered stages, sound, and lighting systems are fully-functioning examples of a complete design. Solar stages give performers an opportunity to educate the community about the benefits of renewable energy while delivering a concert with state of the art sound quality.
The sluggish economy, Wall Street woes and political concerns are eating away at our industry. Recent polls show that people have a renewed interest in “escapism” and “need for fun”. So remind your client of that when they say they want to cut out the entertainment.
Brooks Kendall
KEN-RAN Productions
ISES Dallas President
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