December Performer Spotlight - Gary U.S. Bonds

Gary has been turning out hits since 1961 he has a wide appeal which makes him the perfect act to reach a broad audience at any fair, festival or special event. Gary's music is best described as rhythm and blues and good old rock n roll!

Gary was born in Florida in 1939, as Gary Anderson, he began singing in church in the 1950's as well as with a group called the Turks. His first hit came in 1961, "New Orleans", attention was brought to the record by having promotional copies of the single sent to radio stations in sleeves imprinted "Buy U. S. Bonds", thus at age 19 he became Gary U.S. Bonds. "New Orleans" hit #6 on the billboard charts, and not long there after "Quarter to Three" hit #1. "Quarter to Three" is now on the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame's list of songs that shaped Rock N Roll!

In the 70's, his song "She's all I Got" co-written by Jerry Williams, Jr. became a hit for Johnny Paycheck and garnered him a nomination for the Country Music Association's Song of the year.

In the 80's he collaborated with Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt, and the E Street Band. He also had a comeback hit with "This Little Girl".

Gary's hits include: "New Orleans", "Quarter to Three", "School is Out", "Schools is In", "Dear Lady Twist", "Twist, Twist, Twist, Senora", "Seven Day Weekend", "Copy Cat", "This Little Girl" and "Out of Work".

Gary continues to turn out albums, he has had albums released in every decade since the 1960's! He is also an accomplished golfer and is often invited to play at PGA celebrity events.

In June 2009 Gary celebrated his 70th birthday & Five Decades of Rock & Roll with an all star salute to Bonds at BB Kings in Times Square. He very recently arrived home from a tour in the United Kingdom Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones.

We are currently accepting bookings for Gary U.S. Bonds for 2010 and beyond. Why not add this legendary artist, singer and songwriter to your event line-up today!

November 2009 in Review

Well November is the month when things begin to slow down as far as events but it is also the month where things really heat up booking wise for 2010. And November did heat up literally here in the Northeast as temperatures all November were above normal and overall warmer than the month of October (last month).

We began November with an appearance by magician Matt Roberts at the West Warwick Flea Market on Sunday the first.

Gordon took a ride into Providence to meet with Pat Butler who is from Northern California and works with musicians. Pat was in Providence as the tour manager for the bands Sledd with Tesla who was performing at Lupos.

On Friday the 6th we headed over to the Courtyard in Marlboro for the set up and opening of the Massachusetts Agricultural Fair Association (MAFA) annual meeting and trade show. Gordon is on the Board of Directors as the representative for the Associate Members (which include talent agents, talent, buyers agents, sound companies, midway operators, etc). We brought over a couple of donations for the gift bags, chips from Cape Cod Potato Chips, and CD samplers from our marketing division MacKay Marketing.

On Saturday the 7th was the annual trade show for MAFA and Gordon also moderated the panel "Entertainment Contacts" where he, Diana Ammon of Atlantic Music Productions, and Rich of Sounds by Rich were all guest speakers. The tradeshow was busy as it usually is when it is held in the middle of the state since it is so accessible for the fairs from across the state. It was nice to see there the great people from the Spencer Fair, the Dennis and Charlene O'Brien, Allan and Priscilla Walker, Ann and Dave Whigham as well as Heather and Pam. We also saw the committee from Yankee Doodle Days, the Topsfield Fair, the Big E, Chuck Felix from the Adams Fair, the Martha's Vineyard Fair, the Marshfield Fair, the Cummington Fair, Bruce Shallcross from the Three County fair, the McCarthy's from Barnstable County Fair and I hope I didn't forget anyone.

We had a nice lunch over at the 99 Restaurant with Harold Fera of Rockwell Amusements and Diana Ammon of Atlantic Music Productions. After lunch the Breeders Cup races were on television and the lounge at the Marriot was kind enough to give us the remote control so we didn't miss a beat. Of particular interest was the Breeders Cup Juvenile where Dogwood Stables had Aikenite entered (alas it wasn't his day) and who wasn't tuned in for the Classic where the great filly Zenyatta ran what may have been the race of her life against the boys to become the only filly in history to win this great race. We enjoyed watching many of the races with Carlton Chandler of the Marshfield Fair, a racing fan himself, whose fair had live racing for many years, where I myself saw my first live horse race as a child. Oh yeah did I mention there was a trade show going on between races (of course).

David Garrity performed at the West Warwick Flea Market on Sunday the 8th. We had a lot of unpacking of the trade show materials and packages to send out.

On the 14th Gordon braved the elements to pay a visit to the lovely island of Martha's Vineyard for a consultation with the local fair committee. The island is only accessible by ferry or airplane. And on Sunday Chuckles the Kids Comic performed at the West Warwick Flea Market.

Gordon headed out to the Massachusetts State House on Monday the 16th to testify at a hearing on proposed legislation to ban the use of the ankus in the trade of elephant handling. This would included all elephants in or visiting the state at zoos, education shows and circuses. Also some handlers do not use an ankus, however, it is the prescribed tool by the USDA and has been time tested for over a 1,000 years of man working with elephants. This is nothing more than a petty attempt by animal rights activists and armchair animal experts to stop elephants from coming to Massachusetts. Members of the afore mentioned MAFA were there including Cummington, North Adams, Spencer, Heath and the Big E, as well as circus fans, Bob Commerford of Commerford and Sons Zoos and representatives of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. The reason the activists are using to attempt to ban the ankus is that they say it can be used as a weapon, and as history has proven so can a baseball bat, a tire iron, a frozen turkey, a car, and most recently a golf club. Where would we stop at banning items which can be misused as weapons, really?!

On Sunday the 29th Maximum Velocity joined Ty Pennington and the crew of ABC's Extreme Home Makeover to make a families dream come true. They set up their ramps and performed jumps inside and outside of the home about to be demolished in New Hampshire using both BMX bikes as well a motorcross bikes. The young boy in the family they were helping was a huge fan of extreme sports.

On Sunday night Gordon left for the IAFE tradeshow in Las Vegas. The tradeshow opened on Monday night the 30th, where he worked with Giovanni Anastasini and had several meeting set for the next few days. He had the opportunity to see the Sandloffers of the Great American Frontier Show, Paul Shoeber of Erie County Fair, Bill and Lotta Carpenter from the Midway Caravan and Wayne McCary and Greg Chieko of the Big E to name a few.

More excitement to come in the December review. To be continued . . .

Chimps perform ballet, gymnastics and other stunts for ChristmasVille | The Herald - Rock Hill, SC

Chimps perform ballet, gymnastics and other stunts for ChristmasVille The Herald - Rock Hill, SC

Ricky in Harper's Bazaar

Recently "Harper's Bazaar" did a tribute to the fashion of Michael Jackson. "Ricky" from the Rosaire-Zoppe Chimpfabulous Show did an amazing job playing the part of Bubbles, Michael's chimpanzee.

This is not "Ricky's" first brush with stardom, early this year he appeared on the "Conan O'Brien Show".

"Ricky" and the rest of his super model friends (chimps) aka "Chimpfabulous" are currently booking their 2010 season! Don't miss out check on availability today!

http://www.mackayentertainment.com/

November's Performer of the Month Spotlight - Dan Grady's Marionettes

This month we pay homage to an art form that is becoming a rarity, Marionettes. Here in the east when you think Marionettes one name stands alone - Dan Grady's Marvelous Marionette Medley.

In 2010 Dan will celebrate 30 years of touring the eastern seaboard from Florida to Maine, with his solo production for children and families. To date he has performed in 35 states as well as Canada. He has had the fortune to have performed at the Eastern States Exposition, the Central Canada Exposition, the Fryeburg Fair and the Topsfield Fair to name a few. He regularly performs at fairs, festivals, libraries, schools, performing arts centers, art shows, and corporate events.

Dan was born and raised in the Manchester, New Hampshire area and now resides in southern Maine. He is a graduate of both the University of New Hampshire as well as Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Clown College!

Not only does Dan manipulate the marionettes but he also designs and builds them, he also writes the lyrics for the music that accompanies his performance. The show is a fast paced string puppet production that is comprised of routines that have that special something to tantalize, captive and enchant all those who attend. One only has to see the bright, wondering eyes of a toddler enthralled in Dan's show to relive the simpler, magical times of our own childhood.

The broad range of acts in his show include tightrope and trapeze artistry of the Eadarg Brothers, to the country western crooning and strumming of the superstar, Conway Kitty. They are not to be outdone by the incomparable, slick moving, Roller Skating Rabbit.

Dan can perform on your stage or he does have his own stage available. Dan is by no means confined to the stage however, he and his marionettes often enjoy a stroll off stage during the show to meet and perform for the audience up close and personal.

We would recommend Dan's show to anyone looking to entertain young children, parents and grandparents. He is a perfect addition to any performing arts events and festivals, museums, libraries, fairs and festivals.

October 2009 in Review

We've just breezed through yet another month, October came and went in a blur. We began with Johnny Gunn with special guest, Eddie Money "Unplugged" at Tommy T's in Pleasanton, CA on the first of October. Johnny and Eddie had great attendance and put on a fantastic show, as usual.

On the 2nd we paid a final visit to the Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Many congratulations to Wayne McCary and his entire staff at the Big E for an all time record attendance, 1,260,487 guests in 17 days. We even ran into Dave and Ann Whigham of the Spencer Fair volunteering in the Massachusetts State Building.

Next came Columbus Day weekend. On Saturday the 10th it was nice waking up to "Good Morning America's" story on the one and only Carson and Barnes Circus. Barbara Byrd the shows owner was looking great! Carson and Barnes Circus is one of the last true traditional tented circuses touring America or what is affectionately known in the circus business as a "mud show". It is a definitely must see for the whole family, regardless of age if its coming within a 100 miles of you.

Also that weekend the Flying Wallenda's returned to the Topsfield Fair. I'm afraid Topsfield as well as many other events in October was plagued by rain. We have had very unusual October weather we have had days here in the Northeast that have been in the 70's and other in the 40's, we've even had a little snow and when it rains it doesn't just shower it pours. I'm sure events that took advantage of weather insurance really made out and I'm sure we are probably going to see a rise in rates for next year.

On Tuesday we traveled down to Long Island, NY for a reception to celebrate the release of the book the "Network Interviews" by Steve Fallon, our own Gordon MacKay and his brother Frank. The book is currently available online http://amzn.com/B002OJU96A at Amazon.com. It is a celebration of the 20 years that have passed since the publishing of their magazine Metal Network with a reprinting of photographs taken by the magazine along with some of its best interviews. The receptions was held at Oheka Castle and was attended by 800+ guests. Among those was Senator Alphonse D'Amato, Biker Dad's Fingers, Jim Faith of the Great South Bay Music Festival and John Blenn, director of "Two Tickets to Paradise".

On the 17th and 18th we had Jeanette Rix and her Great Little Bear Show at the annual Apple Festival at Mount Wachusett. We got up to Mount Wachusett on Saturday to pay a visit. Jeanette's show has an opening act of German Shepards to warm up for the stars of the show, her black bears. Jeanette's family has a history of working for the folks of Mount Wachusett, who also own Polar Beverages and their logo is a Polar Bear. The Rix family had Polar Bears years back that did an advertising campaign for Polar Beverages.

On Monday the 19th the Spines played at Fat Baby's (New York City) during the CMJ Music Marathon. The Spines are becoming very popular on the college music scene.

On the 25th we had Chuckles the Kids Komic performing at the West Warwick Flea Market. The West Warwick Flea Market opened in July and this month we did some advertising consulting for them with our MacKay Marketing business (http://www.mackaymarketing.com/) The 25th was the official relaunch of the flea market, they went from doing 250 people a day to 2500 people on the 25th with the revamped ad campaign. They are also planning on making the market a family experience by having a guest children's performer every Sunday as well as a food court. The West Warwick Flea market is open Sunday's only at the West Warwick Civic Center in West Warwick, Rhode Island.

We have been extremely busy this month preparing proposals for the coming 2010 season, which is promising to be very big. Many 2009 events did very well this year with many family's opting for "stay-cations" or day trips close to home foregoing the trips to Disney or taking a cruise and many are predicting that trend to continue in 2010. Its looking to be a very good year for theme parks, fairs, festivals and any event within a days drive. This is the great time for these events and venues to put their best foot forward and show off what a great value they have always been and continue to be! There is no time like the present to make sure you have plenty of entertainment, a variety of food vendors, good maintenance (empty those trash barrels and sweep those walkways!) great customer service, an attention getting ad campaign, and outstanding public relations.

Be sure to check back here often for monthly updates, performer of the month and more! If you like what you see please sign up to "follow" our blog.

October Performer Spotlight

Okay its October and when you think of October you think Oktoberfest . . . so this month we are spotlighting our German family of daredevils the Winn Family. Basically if you are looking for an act to thrill the audience and keep them on the edge of their seats chances are you find it with the Winn Family. The Winn Family has been performing for audiences all over the world for eight generations!

The have performed throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Venues include NASCAR races, Disneyland, Epcot Center, Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus, Dodgers Stadium, the have performed at concerts including Kiss, Rod Stewart, Chicago and the Commodores, Knott's Berry Farm & Kennywood Park. The have been featured on television worldwide.

John Winn's Galaxy of Thrills - CyberCycle with a skilled aerialist performing a series on incredible stunts as the motorcycle stunt rider races around a track sixty feet high! Also a motorcycle on the high-wire can be included with a beautiful lady aaerialist hanging precariously on the trapeze below.

For added action a single or twin sway-pole

team can join the show.

Winn's Thrills of the Universe - This show is headed by family patriarch Hans Winn and continuing in the family daredevil traditions his sons Hans Peter, Nickolaus, Karl, Michael and daughter Natalia. What an amazing crew we have here the possibilities are nearly endless including but not limited to Sky Walks, Motorcycle on the High-wire, Wheel of Destiny, Motorcycle Globe, Single or double sway poles and even the human cannonball.

Galaxy Girl Daredevil Show - Featuring the amazing Tina Winn the Galaxy Girl with her 127' sway-pole. This act begins 90 feet in the air on the single trapeze an continues skyward on an act that will stop traffic. The Galaxy Girl Daredevil show can also include the Slide for Life as well as the Motorcycle Globe of Death.

The Winn Family of thrill shows is perfect anywhere you need to make a splash! Fairs, festivals, motorcycle shows, advertising promotions, hot air balloon festivals, sporting events, July 4th celebrations, New Years Eve celebrations and much more. Bring them in for a single act, a single day or let them put an entire show together for you, the sky is the limit.

Ashley Winn - Ashley is a featured aerialist on the Winn's Motorcycle on the high-wire performing on the trapeze below. She also performs a captivating high energy hula hoop act. Recently Ashley added the aerial Lyra to her repertoire. She often joins her family in either the Galaxy Girl Daredevil Show or the Winn's Thrill Show but she is also the perfect performer to add to any circus, cruise ship, theme park, corporate event or advertising promotion.