KenRan Productions Office Blog

2011-09-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

Texas Arts and Crafts Fair

2009-12-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

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"

2009-10-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

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."

2009-07-16T18:40:00.001-07:00

Mount Righteous on The 33

2009-06-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

2009-04-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

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

Another note from CW...

2009-04-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank those of you who came to the show Tuesday. The pocket is such a great place for show.

Our next show should be fun also . We will appearing April 17 ,2009 for the City of Grand Prairie for their Concerts in the Park . This is a free show and you can bring blankets ,lawn chairs picnic basket and your own beverage( BYOB) so if you can make I would love to see all of you once again .We really do appreiecite all your support for a bunch of old rockers

Grand Prairie Arts Council

Presents

April Concerts in the Park 2009

FREE Concerts

Friday Evenings in April

7:00 P.M. / Turner Park Gazebo

Turner Park is located at Beltline Road and Park Square North.

South of I-30 at Beltline Road, 75050.

Enjoy a fabulous line-up of entertainment! Bring the whole family and your lawn chairs or a blanket. Dinner concessions will be available, or bring a picnic dinner.

Big Beats at PST

2009-03-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

A note from CW...

We will be doing another show at the Pocket Theater in Dallas April 7 ,2009 7:30 pm . Don't forget to make you reservation with the theater as it will probably be sold out again.Thanks Again for your interest in a bunch of old rockers http://www.myspace.com/bigbeatsband

http://www.pocketsandwich.com/

5400 E. MOCKINGBIRD, #119 DALLAS, TX 75206
BOX OFFICE: (214) 821-1860 (2:00 - 6:00 P.M. DAILY)

April 7 Tuesday, 2009

Big Beats at Pocket Sandwich Theater

Note from the Pocket Sandwich theater...
"Still rockin’, after all these years! “The Big Beats,” chart-busters of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, will perform on Tuesday, April 7m, at the Pocket Sandwich Theatre.

“The Big Beats” – Rockin’ Pioneers of the 50s return!

Still rockin’, after all these years! In one of their rare appearances, “The Big Beats,” who spent over twenty years high on the charts in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, will perform on Tuesday, April 7, at the Pocket Sandwich Theatre.
Formed in 1957, “The Big Beats” were the first ’50s Rock & Roll Band to sign with Columbia Records, and became an instant hit with an appearance on Dick Clark’s American Band Stand. They became one of the favorite groups of their time, touring with such Super-Stars as Buddy Holly and The Crickets, Johnny Cash, Gene Vincent, Roy Orbison, Ricky Nelson, and Bobby Darin. The five-piece band toured successfully for more than twenty years. The five artists appearing in this show are C.W. Kendall, Jr., Bobby Rambo, Earl Slocumb, Billy Mitchell, and Larry Randall. Rock music lovers young and old will go wild over these rockin’ pioneers.

Corb Lund and Kyle Bennett at The Horseman

2009-03-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

CORB LUND & THE KYLE BENNETT BAND

The Horseman Club - March 20, 2009

Shows this week...

2009-03-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

Some of the KenRan affiliated shows this week...

3/20 3 Drunk Monkeys - Willhoites - Grapevine, TX

3/20 Corb Lund and Kyle Bennett Band - The Horseman - Ft. Worth, TX

3/20 Grand Opening -Black Finn - Arlington, TX

3/21 Tejas Brothers - Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo - Austin, TX

3/21 Mount Righteous - Casa De Gallo - SXSW - Austin, TX

3/21 Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward, Stoney Larue and others - Granada Theater - TMR Pre-Party - Dallas, TX

3/22 Tejas Brothers and tons more - Southfork Ranch - Texas Music Revolution - Parker, TX

Hotel Executives ask Congress to tone it down

2009-03-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

Hotel Executives Ask Congress to Tone Down Business Travel Rhetoric
Feb 27, 2009 - Source: Orlando Business Journal

Jay Witzel, president and CEO of Carlson Hotels, along with hotel executives from nine other hotel companies, has sent a letter to Congress asking them to put a lid on their criticism of business travel. The letter states, "We understand the economic pressures that have caused many companies to reduce business travel as part of broader cost-cutting measures. However, we are concerned that legitimate meetings, business events, and recognition travel are now being portrayed as perks and symbols of excess."

The note also discusses potential job losses in the travel industry. Department of Labor statistics indicate that 200,000 travel-related jobs were lost last year; another 247,000 could disappear in 2009. "That number may grow if the rhetoric is not toned down," the hotel executives wrote. "This is a time when we should be looking to create and support jobs, not destroy them. A robust travel industry is a powerful economic stimulus."

2009-03-05T13:06:00.000-08:00

As you are no doubt aware, our industry has recently been splashed all over the mainstream media. From the government's proposed regulations for the disposition of the second half of the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP), to corporate America's cutbacks on meetings, travel, conference participation and special events for both customers and employees, our industry has been unfairly maligned as extraneous, frivolous, and unnecessary as a core business strategy during recessionary times. ISES leaders have been working behind the scenes with our fellow industry associations to thoughtfully respond to each of these assertions. Now, we need your help to reinforce these responses in your local communities and to your elected officials. Go to the ISES Industry Advocacy page to see what you can do to help carry our industry's message forward.

STEP Confab

2009-03-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

The Society of Talent and Entertainment Professionals met in Houston last weekend for Networking, Education and an Entertainment. A great time was had by all! Thanks to the bands, Agents, Venues and Hotel for everything.

Click here to see video on our YouTube page.

2009-02-26T19:57:00.000-08:00

Scratch Fiddle Was a Huge Success Last Saturday!

Shows this week...

2009-02-21T16:22:00.000-08:00

Some KenRan Related shows this week....

Feb 21 ::
Brison Bursey Band - Overtime - Burleson, TX
CoCo Bahn - Wilhoite's - Grapevine, TX

Feb 25 ::

Tejas Brothers - Overtime - Burleson, TX

Krave - Wilhoite's - Grapevine, TX

Feb 26 ::

Rodney Parker & 50 Peso Reward - Pacesetter Lounge - Beaumont, TX

Krave - Willhoite's - Grapevine, TX

Grapevine/Righteous Family shout out in FW Weekly

2009-02-09T12:57:00.000-08:00

This weeks issue of FW Weekly gives a shout out to the Grapevine music scene, with particular attention paid to the Righteous Family.

Click here to check it out

2009-02-05T18:17:00.000-08:00

Mount Righteous Made the Cover of Quick!

Green Concert Production

2009-01-14T10:39:00.001-08:00

Solar Staging

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.

Environmental Attributes

With any event, it is vital to utilize PR to add value and increase ticket sales and attendance. Because the solar stages are both technically unique and environmentally friendly, you will have great success receiving national press. Sustainable.

Reliability

The solar stages work by storing the sun's energy into batteries. Not being dependent on the grid for electricity can actually be more reliable than using system power. Solar stages can also operate from a generator or a standard electrical outlet

Cost

Prices are competitive in the market but the difference is added value. Solar stages are a turnkey solution that saves you time and the added value the stages can bring you in the media is priceless.

If you want more info about this click here.

The Tejas Brothers

2009-01-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

Check out the Tejas Brothers... they are available for clubs, fairs, festivals, and corporate events.

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!.
More Info

New Website

2009-01-07T17:06:00.001-08:00

Hey Guys,
Its been a long time coming, but www.kenran.com has gotten its first facelift in years. Go check it out. It is still a work in progress, but I am adding new content all the time.

I am building this whole thing myself, and would love to hear your thoughts on the site.

Big Beats at Pocket Sandwich Theater

2009-01-03T21:47:00.000-08:00

Note from the Pocket Sandwich theater...
"Still rockin’, after all these years! “The Big Beats,” chart-busters of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, will perform on Tuesday, January 13, at the Pocket Sandwich Theatre.

Formed in 1957, “The Big Beats” were signed by Columbia Records, became a hit on Dick Clark’s American Band Stand, and toured with such Super-Stars as Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Ricky Nelson, and Bobby Darin. Don’t miss these rockin’ pioneers – C.W. Kendall, Jr., Bobby Rambo, Earl Slocumb, Billy Mitchell, and Larry Randall – as they bring back the magic of early rock and roll.

Seating, and food and beverage service, will begin at 6:15 on Tuesday, January 13; the show is at 7:30. Tickets are $18.00. The show is rated “G” for “Great”! Reservations are recommended.

The Pocket Sandwich Theatre is located at 5400 East Mockingbird Lane, Suite 119, Mockingbird Central Plaza, one block east of Central Expressway. For reservations or information, call 214-821-1860."

New Mount Righteous Video

2009-01-02T23:36:00.001-08:00

Check out the new Mount Righteous video...

Incredible Speaker

2008-12-30T12:47:00.001-08:00

DFW Airport Holiday Helpers Event

2008-12-23T12:39:00.001-08:00

Today we got to help welcome some of the troops home at DFW Airport...

Bonnie and Nick have some special guests sit in.

Tiny The Elf entertains airport security.

The Trombone Quartet playing Christmas songs.

Santa Waiting for his flight back to the North Pole.

Victorian Carolers strolled the terminal.

2008: the year in band names

2008-12-22T12:23:00.000-08:00

This is an article from the AV Club outlining some of the more entertaining band names of 2008. We actually booked a number of these bands this year. The article is a good time waste, its like 8 pages long.

AV Club Year in Band Names

My 2008 Christmas mix

2008-12-21T13:23:00.000-08:00