July Performer Spotlight - Hole in the Wall Farms

This month we are featuring Hole in the Wall Farms a 501c3 non-profit animal rescue whose working animals and animal shows help support the farm. They are strategically located in the Midwest making them convenient to a large area of the Nation .

Included in their offerings are camel rides, petting zoos, animals for live Nativity scenes, carriage rides and a Renaissance Jousting team.

Hole in the Wall farm provides camel rides for zoos, private parties, Three Kings Day, parades, fairs, festivals, and special events. They have a small herd of camels including farm favorites Josh & Josie who will delight your guests with their affection and willing attitude.

A petting zoo from Hole in the Wall Farm will include all your favorite barnyard critters includes sheep, goats, llamas, miniature donkeys, ponies and more depending on your needs and budget.

The Christmas season is one of the favorites at the farm as Hole In the Wall proudly serves churchs, parishes, civic groups and more a variety of stable animals for live Nativity Scenes, plays, & Las Posada's which are often an annual event that families look forward to each and every year. These offerings include lambs, donkeys and even camels.

Hole in the Wall Farm is also proud to have a team of rescued draft horses and offers carriage rides for weddings, downtown's, parades, historical villages and more.

The Renaissance jousting team from Hole in the Wall Farm can include small shows such as 2 Knights in Armour with 2 horses in caparisons (ornamental cloth bearing the heraldic symbol of the knight) along with 2 squires to assist the knight. For larger shows we could present 4, 6 or 8 knights, ladies on horse back, squires and a herald to help tell the story. The Knights, Ladies and horses are skilled at a wide variety of the Renaissance skills from jousting and lance passes, to tournament games, ground combat and more. This team is perfect for Renaissance Fairs, movie work, fairs, festivals, theatre groups, parades, weddings, & corporate events.

Hole in the Wall Farms has served events and venues such as the Naples Zoo, the Columbus Zoo, the Spencer Fair, Erie County Fair, the Pegasus Parade at the Kentucky Derby Festival, and Renaissance Fairs in Kentucky, Ohio, & Michigan to name a few.

On the rescue side Hole in the Wall Farms rescues horses & dogs of all kinds from less than ideal situations. Those animals who are able can be adopted or put into foster care. If you are looking for a new horse or dog for your family or work please consider adoption.

You may contact us regarding any of the offerings of Hole in the Wall Farm including adoption or fostering of animals. Hole in the Wall Farm is a charity that Marybeth MacKay is also on the Board of Directors of.

June 2010 in Review

June went by so very quickly. This month we were blessed by a few new events and was sad to see a few long time events fall victim to the economy and other unfortunate circumstances. Such is life, riding out the good with the bad.

The first Saturday in June "Big League Brian" Dwyer was invited back for yet another repeat performance for Family Day at Fenway hosted by Northeastern University's Alumni. This is one of "Big League Brian's" favorite events and they are always a pleasure to work with.

We were able to assist Dreamland Amusements with very last minute entertainment for their carnival at the Staten Island Mall. Bringing in the Grimmy Family to present some of their amazing circus acts to the event. The Grimmy Family originated from THE Moscow State Circus, Russia. We had the pleasure of first meeting the family ten years back on one of their first tours with the Royal Hanneford Circus. The Grimmy Family performs many many acts including juggling (which they are best known for), comedy, hula hoops, contortion, plate spinning, the much sought after magical transformation in which dresses are quick changed at the blink of an eye. Daughter Viktoria is an amazing aerialist who know resides in Los Angeles where she is making a name for herself on the west coast while still performing many shows a year around the world. The Grimmy Family is very popular in the resorts of Catskills, corporate dates, circus, fairs and festivals.

Mid June we had the pleasure of sending the enchanting Miss Rebecca Ostroff and her "iron jaw" aerial artistry to the 20th Century Fox production of Water for Elephants a book by Sara Gruen which was on the New York Times Best Seller List. The movie version features Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, Christoph Waltz and Hal Holbrook it is expected to hit theaters in 2011. If you haven't read the book, I highly recommend it, although it is fiction the author did a remarkable job on showing the rivalry between traveling circuses, a rivalry that still exists today. Special thanks to Porter Lontz-Underhill who we originally met some time ago on the renowned Circus Smirkus of Vermont for bringing this opportunity to our attention.

Mid June also saw the premier opening of the Amazing Anastasini Circus under the Big Top at Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Georgia. The show had an amazing cast with comedy, dogs, cloud swing, rola-bola, diablos and contortion and was produced by Giovanni Anastasini. Gordon went down to the park for the set up and opening weekend to make sure the opening went smoothly. The show was extremely well received by the park, staff and guests.

The final weekend of June we had two attractions at Trade Days in Tennessee which is a festival with a Native American Pow Wow and celebrates Appalachin culture. Chuckwagon Mac, chuckwagon display and storytelling as well as Accipiter Enterprises birds of prey were presented at the festival.

Kitty Carroll of Acciptier had this to report "Trade Days went well. Seasonably warm weather. Trade Days was a lovely site. The Pow Wow really appreciated the presence of the birds. I also go to visit with my cousin who lives just a mile away in Zionville, near Boone." She was also able to point out to the committee some out dated power equipment on their property, which can be a hazard to our feathered friends and was able to leave them with information on contacting the power company to have the equipment made safe by the regulations of the USFWS at the expense of the power company. And as anyone knows with a fairgrounds upgrades to the electrical system at the expense of the power company is as Martha Stewart would say "its a good thing!" both for the birds and the fairgrounds.

The live entertainment industry is certainly changing at such a rapid pace, new challenges include putting on an event with few or no sponsors, re-inventing advertising for the digital age, increased awareness for the need of security and keeping a budget balanced in the slow economy. Change is no stranger to live entertainment but an ever present challenge to keep us all on our toes.

June Performer Spotlight - Maximum Velocity

This month we highlight Maximum Velocity an action sports stunt team whose shows can be customized for nearly any venue and budget.

Maximum Velocity consists of athletes who perform stunts on freestyle bikes, in-line skates, and skateboards. The show can be performed on a variety of hard surfaces including asphalt, concrete and yes even wood gym floors. The team provides it all box jumps, half pipes, quarter pipes, street spines and more turning your venue into an action sports mecca. In the event your venue has a grass or dirt surface a wood runway can be built for the athletes.

The show provides a sound system, professional announcer, the athletes, equipment and is fully insured. There are several shows to choose from depending on your budget, venue and the length of show your would like to have. Some show options include the Box Jump show and the Street Course show.

All new this year, by popular demand, Maximum Velocity has added a Dirt Jump Show to their line up featuring BMX bikes and two dirt jumps. The team will work with your facility to built a proper course for the riders.

Maximum Velocity has performed successfully at theme parks, fairs, National Night Out, New Year's Eve events, festivals, corporate picnics and halftime shows. Just this winter Maximum Velocity was featured on an episode of ABC's Extreme Home Makeover where they assisted in the demolition phase of a project home.

Maximum Velocity also offers a package for non-profit groups to use as a fundraising event that can be held indoors or out. Suitable venues would be skate-parks, basketball courts, hockey rinks (no ice), etc. This fundraiser is perfect for PTO's, school groups, or any organization looking to attract or raise money for projects involving young people.

Call us for a proposal to suit or needs and budget or for details on the fundraising show।

May 2010 in Review

The month of May is now all but a memory, seems hard to believe!  We spent much of the month preparing for the summer season however we do have a couple of events to report on. 

The Bravo Brothers appeared in Groton, Connecticut for Kids Karnival a children's event sponsored by Subase New London's MWR.  We were so glad to see Kids Karnival get 3 days of nice weather after the last few years of lets just say not so optimum conditions.  The event ran from April 30 to May 2nd with the Bravo Brothers appearing on Saturday and Sunday May 1st and 2nd. Mary Catherine from the MWR Dept. said "I was very pleased with the Bravo Brothers, they really added a nice touch to Kids Karnival!"

 The Bravo Brothers are made up of Brian Dwyer and Rick Pantano (actually nephew and uncle) who currently have a children's music album available through Sony/RED Music on the Strawhouse Entertainment label.  Their music is geared toward children 2 to 10 years old and is fun for mom and dad to listen to as well.  You can find their albums available online @ Amazon or at your favorite music retailer. 

On May 7th we lauched the MacKay Entertainment Facebook page.  If you haven't already become a fan please do so today.  Everyday we post updates on new acts, routing opportunities, specials and more.  We try not to post more than once or twice a day as not to drive you crazy.  But if you are in the business of entertaining people we hope you might join us. 

Also I'd like to put a call out for marching bands to submit your package to us!  Please send photos, bio, references, video, music samples what ever you can to help us and you get the job.  Packages can be sent through e-mail to mackayentertainment@gmail.com or by USPS to Marybeth MacKay, MacKay Entertainment, P.O. Box 683, Bridgewater, MA 02324.  For the past two years I have had more calls from parades than I have parade units to fill the spots.  Such a shame to let a good job go!

A friendly reminder to all events, we are already getting requests for proposals for Fall 2010 & all of 2011 as well as contracts coming in.  However, we still have acts available for last minute booking for 2010, last minute acts can offer a great deal.  We are getting a number of last minute calls that are becoming difficult to fill.  Some tips for last minute booking:  1) you may want to be not too particular about the type of act, keep an open mind 2) the best deals can be found on routable or local acts 3) Remember to promote your last minute addition through the media, we are willing to help you do this at no charge, just ask.  That way you will get maximum bang for your last minute buck!

Blue Brothers - Sanctioned By Dan Aykroyd and the John Belushi Estate!

BLUES BROTHERS

The Jake and Elwood Blues Revue is the only Blues Brothers tribute show officially sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and the John Belushi Estate. These amazing impersonators have been performing for more than 10 years across the globe for over 1,000 corporate functions. Based in Orlando, Florida, this incredible duo is a mainstay at Universal Studios and House of Blues. Add a high-energy dance band, and you have one of the most powerful acts in the country.

There’s a 9-piece band with full horn section. This interactive show boasts up to 60 minutes of non-stop energy complete with “Soul Man”, “Everybody Needs Somebody”, “Gimme Some Lovin” all of the familiar songs from the hit movie “The Blues Brothers” and “Saturday Night Live”. During “Sweet Home Chicago” one lucky guest will become an ‘Honorary Blues Brother’!

The Jake and Elwood Blues Revue is the only Blues Brothers tribute show officially sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and the John Belushi Estate! This Act is guaranteed to bring the house down Chicago Style for your Casino, Fair, Cruise Ship, Festival, Performing Arts Center, Venue, or corporate function.

Accolades include:

•The longest running show at Universal Studios Orlando

•The #1 corporate show at House of Blues Downtown Disney

•Opened the Daytona 500

•Rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange in front of a world-wide audience

•Over 10,000 appearances to date!

See them above, and much more on the new “Blues Brothers 25th Anniversary DVD”!

To Book the Blues Brothers: Contact Gordon & Marybeth MacKay – 1-508-947-8595

May Performer Spotlight - Puro Bandido & Dr. Tequila

Its May the month of Cinco de Mayo and Margaritas!  Its time for a little Latin Rock with Puro Bandido and Dr. Tequila!

Puro Bandido is a highly acclaimed Latin Rock Band featuring  Richard Segovia, Johnny Gunn, Rolando "Choco" Contreras, Angel Arozco, Rafael Ramirez, Steve Salinas. The members of this band have written and/or performed with the likes of Carlos Santana, Stevie Wonder, Eddie Money, Randy Jackson, Tommy Castro, Kool & the Gang, Tower of Power and more.

Here is what the media is saying about Puro Bandido:

Voices of Latin Rock - "Casa Bandido is pure Latino magic! Its starts with a three chord, slightly melancholic refrain with excellent guitar atmospherics by Jorge Santana and Johnny Gunn before breaking into a Salsa inflected joyous song featuring Richard Segovia on Timbales and Rafael Ramirez on congas and Angel Arozco on the drum kit.  This is truly a great cut, both fully steeped in the San Franciscan Latino-Mission tradition but with a fresh and uplifting vibe."

The SanFrancisco Bay Guardian - "Puro Bandido is more than a refreshing new muscial group - it is a new attitude and an eclectic new sound that mesmerizes its audiences with its incredible stage presence, driving rhythms, soaring guitars, and precise musical execution."

Puro Bandido has a new release on Straw House/Sony-Red

"We Don't Need No Stinkin' Badges" due in stores this summer!  This band is perfect for fairs, festivals, casinos, corporate events and private parties.

 

Now onto Dr. Tequila, a Latin & Blues Funk mix supplied by Dr Tequila himself Richie Barron and Five Latino Players from Jorge Santana's Malo. "Bandido" aka Richard Segovia has been the good Doctor's Music Director since the inception of the project. 

 

The CD was recorded in San Francisco's Mission District, the Heart of Latin Soul!  Many who have heard the self-titled Dr. Tequila CD have tagged the sound as "Santana in Magaritaville"!  Barron aka Dr. Tequila previously toured in a Blues Rock band with ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard.

 

Here is what the media is saying about

Dr. Tequila:

Blues Wax:  Full of Smokin' Hot Latin, with Jumpin' and Funky Blues, that will surely get you moving.

Blues Art: The rhythm section has me in total awe!

Vintage Guitar: Richie (Dr. Tequila) is a strong guitarist, who's delivery is tried and true, Dr. Tequila is bound to make a lasting impression on music lovers everywhere!

Relix Magazine: Barron (Dr. Tequila) has assembled one of the finest bands playing Latin Blues today.

 Both are currently available on iTunes, Amazon & your favorite online digital stores!

April 2010 in Review

April is now behind us . . . back on April 8th we lost an amazing animal trainer. Derrick Rosaire passed away after a brief battle with cancer.  Derrick leaves behind two sons, a wife and a family of the best animal trainers in the business.  Our sincere condolences to the Rosaire family.

April is the month of spring break and all the events that welcome in the beginning of spring.  We had events throughout the east coast including Power's Great American Midways in Staunton, VA as well as Asheboro, NC.  We also had Rockwell Amusements close to home in Taunton, MA.  In typical April fashion the weather was both with us and against us.  We saw record high temperatures and record low temperatures all in the same week. Cabin fever prevailed on the warm sunny days as families shed their sweaters and sweatshirts and line up for the first pay one price wristbands for the season.

One of the most exciting events we have had this year occurred on April 17th.  Jade Kindar-Martin became the first high-wire artist to cross  the new Wembley Stadium on the high-wire 150' above the floor of the stadium and 500' across.  That type of extreme high-wire performance is known as a
sky-walk. It has been 35 years this year since Evel Knievel made his attempt at jumping thirteen buses at the original Wembley Stadium and that was not far from Jade mind as he made his preparation for this historic event.  This event was pre-match entertainment for the Saracens Rugby team and was sponsored by Domino's Pizza.  The match had record attendance not only for the Saracens, not only for a rugby match at Wembley but record attendance for a rugby match in general throughout the entire Guinness Premiership League.  Both the Saracens and Dominos were thrilled with all the media coverage of the event which was considered a huge success.  This is yet more proof that Jade's sky-walks are a proven draw for audiences.  This is the perfect event to sell through those extra seats in a stadium, to draw audiences to a festival or to bring media attention to a company or product.  Sky-walks are inspirational to audiences and show nothing is impossible! 

Coming this winter Accipiter Enterprises, birds of prey show will feature and all new opportunity for resorts, hotels, golf courses, etc.  The event is the Bird Strike Force, a bird of prey abatement/educational show.  This provide and educational and entertaining show to patrons and guests and at the same time encourage wintering birds to move along.  No birds will be harmed in the process but the mere presence of the owls, hawks and falcons is reason enough for the mobs of feathered friends to find a new hang out, providing a more relaxing atmosphere overall.  This show will be geared towards those resorts in the warmer climates where winter birds can become a nuisance and possibly even a health hazard.

A couple more RED HOT ROUTING SPECIALS to report!  The Magic of Lance Gifford and Company has July 12 to August 1st open for the Northeast.  Includes fabulous illusion show with magician, assistant and animals!  Lance has his own stage and will let the purchaser use the stage for other shows/presentations during the event such as music and awards presentations.  Lance also can include Granny's Racing Pigs as well as Karaoke if the purchaser is interested.

The second RED HOT ROUTING SPECIAL is a fantastic deal for any special event in the Midwest!  Maximum Velocity actions sports show is presenting their street course show on June 20th in Colorado Springs.  They need to route the show in and out with the starting and ending point being in New Hampshire.  If you are along the way we can bring you the show with NO MILEAGE FEE!  Maximum Velocity was recently featured on ABC's Extreme Home Makeover as well as New Hampshire's Chronicle.

As we enter into the outdoor event season I wish to remind all those planning to attend and event to keep a few things in mind.  One wear comfortable shoes, you will encounter all types of terrain at fairs and festivals, from paved walkways to grass, gravel and maybe even mud. You will also encounter crowds and stomping feet of all sizes.  It is not a good place for heels, flip flops, sandals, and alike.  Trade in your fashion sense for a good pair of sneakers!  You and your feet will thank me for this advice.