Production Expectations
We pride ourselves on presenting whoever joins us on the concert side with a first-class production experience. We have the L-Acoustics K1 system in our stadium. Our lights and special effects provide production and a backdrop for the entertainer that showcases their talent. We’re constantly looking to upgrade. We never want to put an A-level entertainer in a position where they would feel they have to be showcased in a lesser way.
Not Just Megastars
We have a number of venues. We have The Hideout, which is like our after-party and we stock that with up-and-coming Texas and regional artists. The Hideout is open nearly every night. We also have an event that’s three days of barbeque, and we’ve got The Garden Stage for regional and up-and-coming entertainers.
To Get Booked, Sell Your Audience
I’m looking to hear a story about a growing artist. Give me a commercial excuse, because whether it’s a small or A-level artist, each one is a media entity. What I’m buying is access to that audience, so what I need people to demonstrate is what kind of audience they bring to the table.
Waiting is the Hardest Part
[Putting together the line-up] is fitting a puzzle together. Sometimes, the industry we’re in calls for patience and I remind myself that there are things out of my control. I like my answers quick and snappy. Sometimes, you just have to wait.
Watch Your Budget
Watch what you pay for talent. People in the fair or festival business are, frankly, overpaying for talent. It’ll kill you. Folks have a tendency to say, “We’ll make it up in beer and sponsorships and camping.” The reality is you never do.
Improving Everything
We look for new ways to provide entertainment, first-class experiences and different venues that the public might find entertaining. I’m constantly on a search for things to make our venue and experience more exciting.
We never stop looking at what’s available to us, technology-wise. For instance, we’re working with our artists in social media. We call it the Meet and Tweet. Our social media reporters get with an artist; people will tweet their questions and they’ll answer them.
The Country Festival Bubble
Last year, I counted 46 country-only festivals in North America, between May and November. I think the bubble could be bursting. There’s just not enough support for that kind of thing. Festivals are great and I love them. I was there for the beginning of Austin City Limits. It’s a wonderful show, but those things are hard to build, especially when you do it right.
A Dirty Job
In touring situations, [artists] come into an auditorium and take over a building. In our situation, we work with animals and kids. Sometimes it’s tough to remind folks that we’ve got other moving parts.
One of our artist’s dancers came into the arena for sound check and they looked around and said, “Do you take this dirt out of here?” It’s a rodeo arena with a foot of dirt in it. Our security guy said, “Don’t worry about it. We clean it every night.”
Clients: the Band Perry, Chris Young, Jason Aldean, Jason Derulo, Cole Swindell, Shawn Mendes, Miranda Lambert, Pitbull, Brett Eldredge, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Billy Currington, Banda Los Recoditos, Los Huracanes Del Norte, Kenny Chesney, Kid Rock, Jake Owen, Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban.
Years with Company: 10
Email: questions@rodeohouston.com
Web: rodeohouston.com
