::: The Roots Agency

Roots Agency and SMG Artists Announce Merger

The Roots Agency and SMG Artists, key players in their particular talent fields, have merged their services, according to a joint announcement by their respective heads, Tim Drake and Larry Kosson.

The emerging firm will be known as The Roots Agency/SMG Artists, with Kosson, assuming the title Director of Performing Arts Division. He will be responsible principally for overseeing the booking of Performing Arts Centers, representing the entire combined talent roster. Drake and The Roots Agency staff will continue working with festivals and all other types of venues, large and small, as well as assisting with booking of PACs.

Commenting on the link-up, Drake asserted, “The merger brings together a team that compliments each others strengths. The Roots Agency brings its festival and hard-ticket know-how to the SMG Artists roster, while SMG Artists brings performing arts savvy to the Roots clientele. We look forward to working with Larry and his team.”

Observed Kosson, "Within the live performance field, there has traditionally been a separation between commercial venues, performing arts centers, and festivals. Touring artists can no longer rely on any single one of these market segments to support a career. This merger offers our roster the possibility of engaging all three simultaneously."

The merger became effective January 1st.

Larry Kosson – Agent/Director, Performing Arts Division

Larry Kosson is a founding partner of SMG Artists, a performing arts agency known for international touring artists in disciplines including classical, world and popular music, dance, and theater for young audiences, with a strong emphasis on arts-in-education and community engagement.

Larry began his career in presenting as a student employee of the Student Activities Department, and as a director on the College Activities Board, at the Rochester Institute of Technology. After receiving a BFA with high honors in professional photographic illustration, he worked as a legislative assistant to New York State Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, a long-time advocate of the visual and performing arts. Larry went on to pursue a career in commercial advertising photography, creating images for major corporate clients throughout the U.S. His work has graced the pages of thousands of magazines, packages and billboards, and his artistic photos have had numerous public exhibits.

In 1994, Larry met, and later married, pianist, composer and recording artist Robin Spielberg. Combining their talents in art, marketing and entrepreneurial know-how, Larry and Robin began collaborating on album cover art, independent concert tours, and the day to day business of music licensing and publishing. By 2000, the couple had founded a small music label, which has released eight of Spielberg's recordings to date. Before long other musicians were asking the couple to lend their expertise in the area of concert booking, and SMG Artists was born.

Larry was elected to the Board of Directors of the Association for Performing Arts Presenters in 2008, and currently serves as that organization’s membership chair. He is a voting member of the Recording Academy (GRAMMY Awards).

Larry oversees Performing Arts markets for The Roots Agency/SMG Artists.

The Sean LaRoche Memorial Fund

Watch here for further details regarding The Sean LaRoche Memorial Fund, which is being created to benefit emerging singer/songwriters. Donations are currently being accepted by The Folk Alliance, in Sean LaRoche’s name, to establish the Fund and to set up an annual Sean LaRoche Emerging Artist Award.

Sean LaRoche, 71, long-time talent agency exec in the rock and contemporary music fields, died July 15 in Ocala, Florida.

For more information, contact: tim@therootsagency.com
For donations, please contact: http://www.folkalliance.org/News/tabid/69/Default.aspx#donation

The Roots Agency on Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook

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Leahy Summer Music Camp 2010

The dates for the 2010 Music Camp are set! Please join Leahy from Monday, July 5th - Thursday July 9th at Viamede Resort. Participants will arrive for registration on Monday, July 5th, have classes Tuesday July 6th, Wednesday July 7th, & Thursday July 8th. Those sleeping at the resort will depart on Friday July 9th.

Confirmed instructors for 2010 are: All members of LEAHY, Natalie MacMaster, Chanda Gibson Leahy, Mark Sullivan, Sarah Robinson, Mac Morin, Rick Pritchard, and proudly introducing Quebec accordionist Sabin Jacques and Quebec pianist Rachel Aucoin!!

Moya Brennan PBS Special

Music of Ireland – Welcome Home is a two-part music special celebrating 50 years of contemporary Irish music. Part One features intimate performances and exclusive interviews from many of the greatest Irish artists of our time, including: The Chieftains, The Clancy Brothers, U2, The Dubliners, Riverdance, Bob Geldof, Ronan Tynan, Sinead O’Connor and many others. Hosted by Moya Brennan of Clannad, the series features The Roots Agency’s entire Irish-based roster! Companion CD will be available at Barnes & Noble. Part One airs in March, followed by Part Two in August. Check local listings. http://www.musicofireland.com/

Harry Manx: Maple Blues Awards - Acoustic Act of the Year

Congratulations to Harry Manx for the Maple Blues Awards Acoustic Act of the Year. This is Harry’s 6th Maple Blues win, including receiving the honor each of the past three years in a row, as well as his 8th nomination in nine years.

Frank Vignola’s Hot Club - Django Reinhardt Centennial Tribute

Few jazz legends have a more exotic mystique than Django Reinhardt, the Belgian-born gypsy guitarist and banjo player who, during the 1930s and 40s, led the legendary Parisian ensemble known as Quintet of the Hot Club of France.

In celebration of Django Reinhardt’s 100th birthday, guitar virtuoso Frank Vignola, a leading proponent of Reinhardt’s gypsy jazz style of playing, has assembled an electrifying and charismatic quintet, Frank Vignola’s Hot Club, for a searing tribute to one of his earliest musical influences. An accomplished and influential guitarist in his own right, only a musician the caliber of Frank Vignola could dare tackle the monumental task of honoring the centennial of the legendary Django Reinhardt.

Check out what Jazz Guitar Life has to say about Frank Vignola: “Front and center was Vignola’s envious command of the fret-board. His rhythmic intensity and improvisational skills alone could have stolen the show as he played rapid fire lines, swift octaves, and engaging chord solos...” http://www.jazzguitarlife.com/Jazz-Guitar-Life-Reviews-Frank-Vignola-Trio-JazzFest2009.htm

Sara Hickman Named 2010 Texas State Musician

On May 26, 2009, the Texas Commission on the Arts announced its appointments to the positions of State Artists. The positions, created by the Texas Legislature, are one-year appointments honoring Texas artists exhibiting substantial bodies of work. Appointees are selected for the exceptional quality of their work as well as for their outstanding commitment to the arts in Texas. The 2010 Texas State Musician appointee will be Roots Agency artist Sara Hickman, who resides in Austin, Texas. She will replace the 2009 honoree – Willie Nelson!

New Signings

Leahy
A family. A musical group of brothers and sisters, a sound, a style of music, a way of life, a volcanic explosion of talent and energy, intense emotion, and feral passion. Leahy is a powerhouse of eight musical brothers and sisters who have been playing together their entire lives.

Pure, authentic—Leahy is one of Canada’s most sought after exports. Known for a unique blend of musical styles and genres, their repertoire is distinctive and unique. On their recent American tour, new audiences learned that this family of instrumentalists, singers, and dancers brings a rare level of originality and musicianship to the stage.

Moya Brennan of Clannad
She sings like nothing you've ever heard before! Her live shows – with their trademark intimacy and power – are a rich and moving experience. She stands as an icon, forever redefining Irish music.

GRAMMY award winner and Clannad member Moya Brennan exists in a class all her own. Her extensive solo work continues to explore new challenges and boundaries. The power of her whispered tones and the beauty of her music never fail to touch the soul.

Watch for Moya Brennan’s PBS Special to air March 2010!

"Brennan is that rare artist who, by defying exact categorization, remains one to continually keep an eye on." - Billboard

NewFound Road
One would be hard pressed to find a bluegrass band that plays or sings with more feeling and heart than NewFound Road. But listen closely. There is something much more in this gifted ensemble’s sound. Few bands can shake one to their emotional core like this one can. Even fewer can do it as consistently as NewFound Road. Call it spirit. Call it feeling. Or call it what it is...soul. More than anything else, it is that elusive and special quality that has put Newfound Road on a fast track to bluegrass stardom.

"...a sound at once effortlessly modern and deeply traditional." - All Music Guide

"Led by the remarkable lead singing of Tim Shelton, this quartet shines with deep gospel roots and bluesy material, tight harmonies, and a driving groove." - CMT Magazine

"...it's easy to see NewFound Road as the next big thing to hit mainstream bluegrass." - Acoustic Guitar

"...they sure ‘nuff can sing.” - Music Row Magazine

Upcoming Releases

Sara Hickman – "Absence of Blame"
Release Date: March 1, 2010

"A new adult album, of the darkest parts of my life, of lives of those I have loved, of those I haven't even met. Also, I'm having a contest for best album cover design. If you want to submit an idea for this album, send your photo/design to booksara@sarahickman.com or mail in to the address below. Winner gets their name on the CD, credit for concept, a box of 10 CDs, and me blabbing all about you on FaceBook, Twitter, my blog and newsletter, with a photo of yourself, if you'd like."

Sara Hickman, PMB# 412, 3005 S. Lamar Blvd. Ste D-109, Austin, TX 78704

Luka Bloom – TBA
Big Sky Records
Release Date: March 2010

Richard Bona – The Ten Shades of Blues
Wrasse Records
European Release Date: October 5, 2009
US Release Date: Late March 2010

Richard Bona kicked off his international album promo tour on September 17th with four nights at the Jazz Standard in New York City.

An in depth interview with Richard Bona is featured in the Oct./Nov. issue of Bass Musician Magazine: http://bit.ly/1iAxM

Sones de Mexico
"Fiesta Mexicana: Mexican songs & stories for niños & niñas and their papas & mamas"
Realease Date: April 24, 2010

A dual-language, double CD set based on the children's programs Sones de Mexico has been performing for the past 15 years in residencies at TPAC, Raue Center, Lincoln Center, and hundreds of public schools across the country.

More information: http://www.rockpaperscissors.biz/go/sonesdemexico

Hothouse Flowers – TBA
Rhino/Warner Brothers
Release Date: Fall 2009

New Hothouse Flowers CD will be a “Best of...” style release.

Frank Vignola and Bucky Pizzarelli – "Moonglow"
Re-Release Date: TBA
With just two guitars, legendary virtuosos, Bucky Pizzarelli and Frank Vignola, have crafted a seamless blend of classics from the great American songbook, providing the perfect musical compliment for wherever you are and whatever you are doing. Whether it be a romantic dinner or a relaxing Sunday morning, Bucky and Frank set the mood through gorgeous melodies gently strummed and picked as only these two masters are capable.

Frank Vignola – "Looking Up"
Release Date: TBA

Frank Vignola's "Looking Up" will be a compilation of classic and original tunes that cross multiple genres. From gypsy jazz to Mozart to the folk music of Paul Simon, the tunes perfectly compliment one another and are each distinctively 'Frank'.

Salsa Celtica – TBA
Release Date: TBA 2010

Salsa Celtica's synthesis of Scottish and Irish traditional music combined with elements of Latin American salsa has been an unabashed hit at major Celtic, Jazz, World Music, and Salsa festivals throughout the world. The band is a stunning combination of virtuosity and energy, making it one of the most exciting groups on the world music circuit today.

2010 will see the release of a live Salsa Celtica concert DVD and CD album recorded in Manchester, England during November 2009.

Recent Releases

Frank Vignola's Hot Club – "Django 100"
Azica Records
Release Date: January 26, 2010

In celebration of Django Reinhardt’s 100th birthday, guitar virtuoso Frank Vignola, a leading proponent of Reinhardt’s ‘Gypsy Jazz’ style of playing, has assembled a searing tribute to one of his earliest musical influences.

Frank Vignola and Tommy Emmanuel – "Just Between Frets"
Solid Air Records
Release Date: November 3, 2009

Tommy Emmanuel and Frank Vignola turn many a well-known tune inside out with their virtuosity and unique chemistry as a duo, creating a non-stop chain of magical moments that were captured in a couple of spontaneous recording sessions.

Saw Doctors – "To Win Just Once – The Best of the Saw Doctors"
Ireland Release Date: Midnight October 22, 2009
UK Release Date: October 26, 2009
US Release Date: TBA

"Here we are at the 'Best Of' stage! Who'd a thought? Our original ambitions were to put out a single and play a gig in tune, which, even if it wasn't great, wouldn't be too bad. A good few singles later (the odd number one), six studio albums, and something over two thousand gigs - the time has come for us to compile the 'All-Stars' list, so to speak."

John Gorka – so dark you see"
Red House Records
Release Date: October 13, 2009

With "so dark you see," John Gorka solidifies himself among the folk music greats with a collection of songs that are multi-layered and full of rich meaning and emotion. Intelligently crafted lines weave themes of love and hope in troubled times, together with sharp observations of the privileged few and troubles we must endure. “so dark you see” captures a songwriter at the pinnacle of his craft. A Gorka classic!

John Gorka's "So Dark You Can See" charted at #1 on folk radio in October - plus #1 artist - plus #1 song - plus songs #3, 11 & 18!... http://bit.ly/2ykNQY11/2/

Claire Lynch – "Whatcha Gonna Do"
Rounder Records
Release Date: September 15, 2009

Claire Lynch is excited. "I am out right now playing the best music of my career with the best band of my career."

Her new album "Whatcha Gonna Do" brims over with powerful songs, extraordinary vocals, and top-of-the-line musicianship. One listen, and it is obvious that this groundbreaking artist is at the top of her game. Who wouldn’t be excited?

"...Lynch applies her astonishingly clear, pure voice to a carefully-chosen collection of tunes that positively pulse with a joyous celebration of life." - John Taylor, blogcritics.com

Harry Manx – "Bread and Buddha"
Dog My Cat
Release Date: September 15, 2009

It’s been five long years since East-West fusion blues artist Harry Manx released an album of original material. His ninth CD, titled "Bread and Buddha" is quite prescient for these uncertain times. The songs explore the ephemeral nature of the human experience while amply covering the folk ballad, world, and blues genres.

"I feel like my songwriting has moved ahead, and I'm also putting a lot of time and energy into the production," he enthuses. "Usually I knock a record off in a matter of days, but I'm having strings, organs, bass, and lots of wonderful voices on this one – all of which should serve to make it unique." Harry performs "Nine Summers Lost" from the new album at http://talkinblues.podbean.com/2008/11/18/talkin-blues-video-podcast-episode-4/.

McPeake – 100 Years of Irish Tradition
Release Date: September 2009

Just in time for the band's US tour in September, a live EP featuring 5 McPeake tunes.

Anúna – "Sanctus" (CD)
Anúna – "Invocations of Ireland" (DVD)
Claddagh Records
Ireland Release Date: July 1, 2009
U.S. Release Date: August 1, 2009

On April 5, 2008, Anúna recorded material for a new project at St Peter's Church in Drogheda, Ireland. The resulting album features Michael McGlynn's "Agnus Dei," Allegri's "Miserere," and Lotti's eight voice "Crucifixus," among other tracks. The CD is being released simultaneously with a new DVD “Invocations of Ireland,” which features Anúna performing on location throughout Ireland, including Christ Church Cathedral crypt, the Wicklow Mountains, the rugged west Galway coast, and the Burren.

Dala – "Everyone is Someone"
Big Bold Sun Music/Universal Music
Canadian Release Date – June 9, 2009
U.S. Release Date – July 12, 2009

The new Dala album "Everyone is Someone" is the duo's fourth release and features the jaunty single "Levi Blues." Dala is currently touring in support of this much-anticipated release.

Check out Dala’s new "Levi Blues" music video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eBowaOvOmM

NewFound Road – "Same Old Place"
Rounder Records
Release Date: April 28, 2009

When it comes from NewFound Road, it comes from the soul. You'd be hard pressed to find a bluegrass band that plays and sings with more feeling and heart than this extraordinary ensemble. NewFound Road has blossomed into a band that can shake you to your emotional core. Listen to “Same Old Place” and believe.

"Same Old Place" made its debut on Billboard's Bluegrass Sales Chart at #8.

Articles by David Tamulevich

"Should you be Working with an Agent" from Performing Songwriter Magazine
You've been booking yourself, or maybe a friend's been helping, and you feel you've got something to offer and that your career is starting to happen. What's the next step? People are starting to tell you that you should get an agent. What does that, and what would that, mean? How do you know if you really do need an agent, and how would you find one? (read more...)

"Finding an Agent" from SingOut! Magazine
Let me start by making two points that I believe are invaluable considerations for any artist looking to be in this business seriously: (read more...)

Charlie Dahan Recording Industry Blog

"Center of the Indie Label Universe" is Charlie Dahan’s straight-talking blog that addresses issues of interest to students of the Recording Industry and to Indie artists. It has broad appeal to virtually anyone involved in, or seeking to become involved in, popular music. As an Associate Professor at Middle Tennessee State University in the Recording Industry Department, Charlie’s perspectives are focused, pertinent, and highly sought after. http://indieuniverse.wordpress.com/

Celebrity Access Interview with Roots Agency President and Founder Tim Drake

Tim Drake, president of The Roots Agency in Westwood, New Jersey, started his career at 14 booking bands into his high school.

At 18, he promoted his first major concert--with Mountain.

Working as Tim Drake Presents for over 15 years, he followed up with shows by Billy Joel, Aerosmith, the Kinks, the Charlie Daniels Band, the Marshall Tucker Band, Eddie Rabbit, Squeeze, Richard Pryor, BeBe and CeCe Winans, and Take 6

Drake promoted primarily in the suburbs of New York City, in venues such as Newark Symphony Hall, Westchester Premier Theater, Westchester County Center and The John Harms Theater.

In 1995, Drake and former Premier Talent agent Sean LaRoche, co-founded the folk-based booking firm Drake & LaRoche initially representing five acts, including Tony Bird and Vance Gilbert (who remains with Drake today).

Read More...