Music Update

Nick Gilder's song Roxy Roller made the opening the scene for the new movie "The Runaways" starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, you can also find Nick's Roxy Roller on the soundtrack to the movie.  Nick is currently booking dates for 2010 and beyond.  In the meantime checkout "The Runaways" in theatres now.

Joey Molland of Badfinger fame, called to let us know that Sir Paul McCartney asked him to come over to help promote the re-release and re-mastering of the Badfinger catalog on the Beatle's Apple Records. Joey expects the re-release to occur later this spring, watch for updates. Badfinger is also currently booking dates for 2010 and beyond as well.

Congratulations to Terry Sylvester for being inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, class of 2010 with The Hollies.  Terry is also currently booking!

Give us a call to book any of these great acts for your event, casino, fair, festival, cruise ship and more!

Contact Gordon or Marybeth MacKay 1-508-947-8595

March Magic - Performer Spotlight

This month we spotlight a performer who is not only a master illusionist but also a master of entertainment, the Magic of Lance Gifford.   Lance is a veteran performer who takes pride in his show, his staging and equipment. 

His show consists of a grand illusion show with the assistance of his partner Jared and animal friends which include dogs, rabbits, snakes, doves and parrots.  He has enough material that when you book him multiple years it is a certainly that you won't have the same show two or even three years running.  Acts such as "The Mummy", "Origami", "Sword Basket" and "Metamorphosis" will amaze and bewilder your audience. 

Lance performs on his own stage which includes stage of the art sound and light and an attractive Las Vegas paint scheme. His show in includes plenty of audience participation so remind your patrons to bring their cameras, you never know who may be asked to become a part of the show.  Lance also loans his stage to the fair for use of other acts such as music, story tellers, and more.

In addition to the illusion show Lance also has other fair and festival favorites that can be added to your entertainment line up including Granny's Pig Racing.  Pig racing is a crowd favorite at many agricultural, county and state fairs across North America. 

Most recently Lance began offering fairs the chance to hold Fair Time Karaoke to their event.  Karaoke has been a long time favorite at local bars, pubs and nightclubs.  Now by holding Karaoke at the fair, Karaoke has become a favorite of families, children and teens relish the opportunity to sing tunes of their favorite music artists for a live crowd at a family friendly setting. 

Lance has a long list of references and has played many events for several years running.  Once you have the Magic of Lance Gifford at your event you'll never look back.  Please be sure to inquire about package pricing which could include any combination of illusion show, pig racing, karaoke and stage rental!

Lance has won two awards recently:  the 2009 Miami Magic's Magician of the Year and also the New England Showman's Association's Entertainer of the Year!

February 2010 in Review

Early in February we were fortunate to have a visit from west coast clients which we will be assisting through MacKay Marketing with their amazing Tequila, Aroma as they seek to find national distribution.

Dreamland Amusements paid its annual visit to St. Mary's GA performing for the Kings Bay Village Merchant's Association the last week of February.  St. Mary's is a wonderful community and is one that we always look forward to visiting early each year.

February is typically a very busy month finalizing planning the years summer events and when fall events begin their planning as well.  Its also a great month to begin bargain hunting since many acts already have much of their summers booked and are now looking to fill in "holes" in their schedules.  These "holes" can come at a bargain to events who find themselves route-able for the act.  You of course may not find you get exactly what you had hoped for but certainly you can find something in the genre of what you were looking for. 

Tommy Sears of Hole in the Wall Farm has been spending the winter at the Naples Zoo & Caribbean Gardens in Florida offering camel rides to zoo patrons.  Hole in the Wall Farm is a non profit animal rescue that also offers horse drawn wagons, Renaissance jousting tournaments, petting zoos, live nativity scenes and more.  Tommy was very excited with the opportunity to meet Jack Hanna who was on hand at the zoo for a gala benefit.  Jack commented on the lovely well behaved camels from Hole in the Wall.

Here are a few of the amazing entertainers and an example of some of the routing that they would be able to help you make a deal on:

Chuckwagon Mac - Tales of the Old West - mid June in the southeastern U.S.  and early July in the southeastern U.S. or mid Atlantic.   Also dates available in the northeast for early September and mid October.

Accipiter Enterprises - Birds of Prey - early and mid June in the southeastern U.S.  Early August and Labor Day weekend in the New England.  October routing from the New England to the Southeast

Anastasini Circus - routing in Mid July from the Southeast to the Midwest.

Adam Burck's Tigers - Routing in mid August into New England

B&C Ranch - Elephants, Camels and Horses - openings in June routing into the Midwest.

Close Encounters Lions & Tigers - openings in mid July from the west into the northeast

Horses, Horses, Horses - openings in June for the east coast

Flying Pages Trapeze - late June and early July heading into the Northeast

Vicenta Pages - Tigers - late May to Early July open heading into the Northeast.  Early to mid August in the Northeast.

Brian Franzen - Tigers & Elephants - Early May open and late September to beginning of October heading into the Northeast.

Galaxy Girl - Daredevil and Motorcycle show - good availability in June.  Mid July to Early August in the mid-west.  Last week of August heading into New England.  Late September into October in the Southwest heading to the Southeast.

The Magic of Lance Gifford - mid July to 1st week of August in New England.  Mid September heading from New England to the southeast.  Late October in the southeast.  Some spring dates also available on the east coast.

Magically Medieval - Early July heading from the south east to New England.  Late July to early August heading from New England into the south east.

Hot Dog Pig Races - 1st and 2nd weekends of August in the Northeast and weekend of September 18 & 19th open in the Northeast.

Nerger's Tigers - Early to mid August heading from the Midwest to New England

Mutts Gone Nuts - Late August heading from Pennsylvania to Ohio.  Mid to late September heading from Ohio toward the Northeast or mid Atlantic.

Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix - early May heading from the southeast to the northeast.  mid May in the Northeast.  And September after Labor Day in the Northeast

The Great Little Bear Show - early June into early July heading from the northeast to the Midwest.  September in the Northeast.

Rosaire-Zoppe Chimps - various spring dates in the Southeast.  July heading to the Northeast as well as late August.

Monsters of Classic Rock - various dates

The Flying Wallendas - has dates available in July into mid August heading from the Midwest into New England. 

This is just a sampling, once you have a budget and date in mind give us a call for a proposal!  And of course with music acts most of everything is a one night stand so it is quite impossible to list the various possibilities here. 

As always, we would like to give some tips to put on an amazing event your committee will be proud of.  In the last couple of years many smaller to mid size fairs and festival have lost their midway operators for various reasons.  Some of those reasons include consolidation of smaller midway operators, to shortened season due to work visas for the experienced foreign work force.  Also the high cost of operating has also caused the demise of many businesses, from insurance costs, to fuel costs, to permitting and inspections costs.  The loss of a midway can be devastating to an event, not only does it put a large hole into the layout of the grounds, it is also lost revenue for the event, and a loss to the community who comes to the event especially to the teens and families who look forward to this activity.  A lot of time and energy is spent by the committee trying to find a new midway operator and more and more often they are finding this isn't possible, there is sometimes the option of renting a few rides. 

I believe at a certain point the event has to turn the negative into a positive and just think of the loss of a midway as an opportunity to be creative.  Some of the possibilities would include turning the open space into a new vendor area, a car show, or a new entertainment area.  Some events are choosing to theme their event even making the theming process into a marketing opportunity for some early media exposure for the event.  Turning the event into more of a music festival, a Renaissance Faire, a wild west event, maybe a little Americana.  Choosing a theme would give you the possibility of appealing to a new audience and a fresh start.  The best thing to remember all is not lost, fair and festival goers still have a lot to look forward to, with the food, vendors and entertainment.  It will be a re-building process and a challenge but in the end will make you a stronger committee.

Please call upon us anytime to help you make your celebration complete!

February Performer Spotlight - Chimp-fabulous!

During the month of February many cards are exchanged for Valentine's Day and some of those were probably of a variety that is one of my personal favorites to send for all occasions, "MONKEY CARDS"!  Okay technically monkeys have tails and chimpanzees are actually apes but "monkey cards" are what these little gems are affectionally known as.  So in honor of all those recipients who found a "monkey" in their mailbox this month we spotlight an entertaining act who makes those greetings possible, The Rosaire-Zoppe Chimpanzees' Chimpfabulous!

This show is trained and presented by Pam Rosaire-Zoppe an eighth generation animal trainer with the assistance of her husband Roger Zoppe.  Together they travel across the country bringing their show with the important message of conservation to the public at fairs, festivals, rodeos and special events. 

The show consists of Pam Rosaire presenting her magnificent chimpanzees who show off their talents such as dancing ballet, riding a skateboard, acrobatics and even performing a back-flip upon a galloping pony!  In fact the Rosaire-Zoppe Chimps have been  PRCA (Profession Rodeo Cowboy Association) card holders for nearly 40 years!  Some of the amazing animals in this show are Ricky, Geraldine, Kenya and Chimba. This is the last and only Chimpanzee act currently performing in the United States.

They have performed for Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey, Disneyland, the Tonight Show, The Late Show with Conan O'Brien, and even graced the pages of Vanity Fair.  Recently an independent film about the Rosaire family, the Circus Rosaire, has been shown at over 20 film festivals worldwide and received many awards and critical acclaim.

In addition to their shows they are also available for movie, television and print advertising work.  When not traveling the chimpanzees call Florida home, the Rosaire family operates a 501c3 non profit sanctuary call the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary the takes in retired performing animals, rescued animals and animals who found themselves in unfortunate circumstances such as the illegal pet trade.

In the past few weeks the Rosaire-Zoppe Chimpanzee's have welcomed a new member to their troupe "Chance" a young male Chimpanzee who will turn a year old next week.  Chance had been living with a family who simply didn't realize how difficult it could be for themselves and Chance living as a family pet.  Chance will be joining the Rosaire-Zoppe Chimps for the 2010 season!

Welcome to the "Year of the Tiger"

Now we welcome the "Year of the Tiger" this Chinese Lunar New Year.  And we have many acts that will keep the spirit of the tiger all year long! 

Vicenta Pages & her White Tigers

Our newest big cat attraction for events, the lovely young Vicenta Pages along with her Royal White Bengal tigers will thrill and amaze your guests.  This show is sure to be the hit of any event with six white tigers and Vicenta Pages who has spent the last four years touring with Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey.  Vicenta Pages is grand daughter of Fred Logan who was the head elephant trainer for Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus for many years.  On the Pages side of her family, well they are truly circus royalty performing with animals, aerials and just about every circus act you know and love.  Vincenta heritage is Native American and Cuban American, she is not only one of the only women training big cats today but also the only Native American and Latina as well!

Nerger's Lion & Tigers

The largest big cat show traveling North America today!  Twelve golden Royal Bengal Tigers and one majestic male African Lion in the presentation by Judit and Juergen Nerger of Germany.  The Nerger's have performed at the finest circuses in the world, including the original Moscow State Circus in Russia. In this show you will see two trainers enter the steel arena, performing with this talented troupe of felines.  This show has some props unique to the Nerger's lion and tiger show and includes classic acts such as the fire hoop.  The cats are on display all day to the public!

Close Encounter's of the Exotic Kind

This presentation has an amazing collection of some of the worlds most fearsome felines including male and female African Lions, golden and white Royal Bengal Tigers.  The show has a wonderful safari theme and is presented by Vincent Von Duke and an educational narration by Pom Pom Donoho.  Following each educational and entertaining show is an opportunity for the public to feed a big cat.

Adam Burck

Adam presents a colorful combination of Royal white and golden Bengal Tigers.  Adam grew up around big cats his father is former Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey trainer Wade Burck.  Adams show is the quintessential tiger presentation including acts that highlight the natural behaviors of these amazing animals.

Rosaire's Big Cat Encounter

Not only do the Rosaire's have a wonderful tiger attraction for special events they also have their own 501c3 animal sanctuary, the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary on Florida's west coast.  Kay and her son Clayton take care of this family business operating the permanent facility as well as the touring unit!  This show features white and golden Royal Bengal tigers and also has an opportunity for the public to pose safely for photos with one of the big cats.

Brunon Blaszak's Tigers

Blaszak's tigers are presented and trained by Brunon Blaszak featuring an arena of golden Bengal, Siberian & Sumatran Tigers.  This act has traveled world wide and is a classic example of a tiger act.  The Blaszak tigers spent much of their year performing at some of North America's greatest Shrine Circuses and spend the remainder of the year at fairs and festivals.

Brian Franzen's Tigers

Brian Franzen not only presents an amazing tiger act but also is the only tiger act that also travels with an elephant show as well.  Brian grew up on his father, Wayne's, show, the Franzen Brothers Circus.  Brian has literally grown up with many of the animals he now presents and he has learned the art of animal training from one of the best, his father Wayne Franzen. 

Performing tiger acts continue to be one of our most popular attractions here at MacKay Entertainment.  They are the most requested animal act bar none.  They are a favorite with fair and festival goers and a must have for any circus presentation.  Tigers are an attraction that will actually draw people to your event, we have been told by the public and committees that it was often the number one reason people attended the event.  Our acts are willing to give interviews to the media before and during your event as well as provide you with photos and video for publicity. 

But we would be remiss if we did mention one more "Tiger" act sure to delight . . .

Jimi Jamison former lead singer for the band Survivor probably best know for singing the song "Eye of the Tiger".  "Eye of the Tiger" was originally from the soundtrack of the movie "Rocky III", won the People's Choice Award for favorite song, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song and reached number #2 on the Billboard Pop Charts. Jimi scored singles for Survivor with "Burning Heart" (US #2), "The Search Is Over" (US #4), "High on You" (US #8) and "I Can't Hold Back (US #13) in the mid-1980s.

 Jimi Jamison is currently available for all events, club and casino dates. 

January 2010 In Review

Happy New Year, January is always a slow month event wise but very busy as far as bookings, inquiries and proposals.  We have been very busy putting together proposals for events around the world including Hong Kong and England. 

We have also spent January meeting committees here in the Northeast who have been busy preparing their events.  Some of the most popular entertainment this year so far have been circuses, western entertainment, actions sports, animal shows and magic acts who carry their own stages.  Its going to be another big year for local events and "stay-cation" venues!

We visited the Maine Association of Fairs Convention on January 29 & 30th.  We saw most of the fairs from the great state of Maine including Houlton, Northern Maine Fair, Oxford County, Windsor, Union, Fryeburg, and Bangor to name just a few of the wonderful fairs in Maine.  We spent a lot of time on the trade show floor on Friday and Saturday.  Geoff Carleton of the Maximum Velocity stunt team spent much of the weekend with us, Geoff's show features BMX bikes, in-line skaters, and skate boarders.  They were recently featured on Extreme Home Make Over.

We also spent some time in the hospitality suite of Central Maine Pyrotechnics hosted by Steve and Carol Marsden and their crew.  Always a wonderful time!  Central Maine Pyrotechnics produces some of the best fireworks shows in New England, with a professional staff and outstanding prices. 

Somehow the Maine Fair Convention always seems to take place the coldest weekend of the year and this year was no exception.  We left on Thursday evening and hit 50 mile per hour winds, white out snow squalls, and black ice along the way, our 3 hour trip turned into 5 1/2 hours.  Fun, fun, fun.  We are so looking forward to heading back to Maine during fair season when its 75 degrees and sunny (of course it will be!).

Since its a little quiet right now event wise I thought this month would be a good time to bring you a few tips to help you bring the best possible event to your patrons this year:

1) Buy entertainment for your patrons not for your committee.  Look at whose coming (or who you want to come) what are their ages, do they have children, how old are the children?  You want to entertain your patrons so that they stay longer and patronize your vendors you also want to attract people to your event.  Ask the good folks who come year after year what they want to see and ask those who haven't been coming what kind of entertainment would bring them to your event.

2) Ask us what is rout-able to your event!  Acts who are traveling through your area are going to be more affordable than an act who is going to have to travel hundreds or thousands of miles to make the event.

3) Have a budget in mind or at least a price you would like to stay below.  Acts can range in price from a few hundred dollars per day to several thousand dollars depending on what they do and what they bring with them.  To get what you want and not to be disappointed by what you can't afford please have a budget in mind when asking for a proposal. 

Here are a few ideas to entertain through the ages:

Children 7 &; under:   The Bravo Brothers, Debbie O'Carroll's Magic, Dan Grady's Marionettes, Dragon Scales and Fairy Tales, The Imagination Movers and the Backyard Circus.

Children 8 and up:  Horses, Horses, Horses, Kachunga and the Alligator, Maximum Velocity, Bwana Jim's Wildlife Show, The Lucky Show. 

Teens:  Maximum Velocity, Winn's Thrill Shows, the Skyriders and of course the music act of the moment!

Families:  The Flying Wallendas, the Flying Pages, Nergers Tigers, Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix, Magically Medieval, Mutts Gone Nuts, the Magic of Lance Gifford & Co. and the Anastasini Circus.

Seniors:  Chuckwagon Mac Tales of the Old West, Darren presents the Music of Elvis, and the Neil Diamond Tribute.

Let us know who you want to entertain we'd be happy to make a suggestion!  Make the best of February we will be through it before you know it!

The Monsters of Classic Rock (Click Image to View)