For Labor Day weekend, we conceived and produced the first annual Kelmscott Renaissance Festival in Lincolnville, Maine. We consulted on programming (booking a Jousting Team, Birds-of-Prey demonstration, plus storytellers, variety artists, and music); site layout, staffing, operations, infrastructure, marketing, volunteer coordination, and vendors. It was a significant success, especially in view of the fact that it was the first time for the site, the team, and the sponsor. Kelmscott Farm is run by a non-profit foundation dedicated to the preservation of rare breeds, and well worth a visit.

Also in August, we booked and produced 3 concert and reception events featuring The Smothers Brothers in Portland, Camden, and Foxborough, MA. Benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, it was a total success, exceeding expectations on every level. The Smothers Brothers are truly a class act; I had great fun bombing around Maine with these legends.

For The Union Fair, we booked The Marvelettes, The Boneheads, Bennie & The Jets (Tribute to Elton John), and the Stan Catell Jazz Band.

In early August, we booked and produced all the stage entertainment for the Maine Lobster Festival, involving 4 stages over 5 days. Highlights were The Temptations, Beatlemania, the Buddy Holly Tribute Show, and much more. At the same time, I handled all of the logistics for the port visit to Rockland of the USS Klakring (FFG-42), a Bath-built Frigate. Working with the U.S. Navy is always a challenge, but this ship’s officers and crew were great.

In July, we produced a large corporate event for over 5000 people in Belfast, featuring Chubby Checker, Creatures, and large carnival midways; and handled all the talent coordination for a management conference that included President and Mrs. George Bush, Rick Pitino, Mark Shields, Sen. Joe Biden, Tommy Lasorda, and The Artie Shaw Orchestra.

Other shows we’ve done this summer include Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet, The Russian Ballet Theatre, Charlie Musselwhite Blues Band, The Kingston Trio, Loudon Wainwright III, Rory Block, Juice Newton, Noel Paul Stookey, The Drifters, Schooner Fare, Bill Chinnock Band, The Pride of Maine Fiddling Festival, Chris Smither, Elmhurst College Jazz Band, Richie Havens, The Bobs, and Tom Rush, to name just a few.

We were pleased to add several new corporate accounts, including Arbitron, Frito-Lay, 3M Corp., Arthur D. Little, CoreState Bank, Kentucky Bankers Assoc., Fidelity Investments, GenCorp, Gilbane Construction, and New England Dodge Dealers, among many others. We’ll arrange music for over 150 weddings and receptions this year, and over 500 corporate and Festival events.

COMPANY NEWS:

We’re currently doing more and more work for clients in the area of fund raising, sponsorship, and special promotions. Look for further word on this department as it develops.

STAFF NEWS:

Dot O’Donnell took some time off to watch her son Rory (star pitcher) tear up the American Legion State Playoffs. Though she was needed at the office and therefore not at as many shows as in past years, she was spotted backstage at the Lobster Festival grooving to The Temptations with her husband, Dave.

Phil Clement has become our on-site expediter. One client refers to him as “The Master of Disaster... the guy is so smooth, potential problems see Phil coming and just run the other way.” Many shows benefit from our keen understanding of artist and sponsor requirements, stage craft, and all the technical aspects. This mastery of the medium, and it’s application at client events, contributes to what makes Entertainment Resources a leader in the field of special events.

Liz Gross, who made herself indispensable around here in a very short time, is now on leave, at home with her new baby son Dean and 2 young daughters. We miss her friendly competence and look forward to welcoming her back whenever she’s ready.

NOTE FROM CHUCK:

It’s fully ten years now since this enterprise began. It would be great to say that it followed a precise plan, but that wouldn’t be true. I followed my instincts, and they served me well, which is very satisfying. The challenge is to continue to focus on the quality of our service while we grow.

My job has changed totally since I started, and continues to evolve. I was unprepared for several aspects of running this company, but still, after a decade, I look forward to coming to work every day. I am very thankful for that. And for an incredibly capable and dedicated staff; and for a still-growing list of great clients. Thanks to all.

Block-booking remains the very best way to obtain the best rates on artist fees, and nobody in the Northeast is doing this as well as we are. Are you a part of it? Call Chuck at (207)354-8928.

Thank you all for another truly terrific year. Don't forget to call on us for any special event need.