John Hicks honoured for contribution to live country music

One of the highlights of 2007 has to be last Saturday evening when the legendary International Ambassador for Country Music, George Hamilton IV, joined CMR Nashville Radio's Lee Williams to present my CMR Award 2007 for my "contribution to country music" through promoting and facilitating live performances by US and UK performers.

It was such an honour to receive the CMR Nashville Radio Award from Europe's leading country music radio station but to be presented with it by George Hamilton IV was the icing on the cake.

Natalia: Elvis meets young talent

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
18th September 2007


Elvis meets young talent

The Academy Basingstoke brings a unique show to the north Hampshire on Saturday 6th October when their Elvis stage show features a personal appearance by rising star NATALIA, fresh from supporting the UK Girls Aloud Tour.

John Hicks, General Manager of The Academy said: “From Denmark to Dubai, Suspiciously Elvis is respected around the world for his amazing vocal quality and performance skill. He faithfully and brilliantly re-creates those memorable early seventies Las Vegas concerts when The King was at the height of his reign.””With first rate production values and supported by his own rock band, with the Nevada Horns and Memphis Belles backing vocals, he never fails to provide the most fantastic evening of high energy rock'n'roll!” John added.

As if that is not enough of a draw, John has announced a special treat for all music lovers, as upcoming singing sensation, Natalia, is making a personal appearance to give everyone a taste of her forthcoming album launch.

Pop on the rocks - shaken, stirred and uncontrollably intoxicating! That’s the phenomena of the awesome Natalia, a highly spirited, spanking fresh talent who literally grabs pop by the scruff of the neck and customises it with her own personal expression of rocky/soul. Natalia’s debut single, ‘Pretty Like Me’, kicks loose on February 4 2008 from the Upper Eleven Records stable and promises to smash the boundaries of pop as we know it.

With her alluringly seductive vocals chiselled onto a bed of sassy, confident pop-rock beats, most could be forgiven for assuming that this stunning new artist comes from a US stable of highly preened rock/pop wonders. But, born and raised in Wales, with Christian Lebanese and Greek roots, Natalia is a unique UK gem who’s sure to command special attention from her US counterparts.

Natalia will also smash all rule books as her debut album – set for release in Spring 2008 - presents an unusual cocktail of musical genres from edgy pop/rock to passionate ballads and club tracks. Natalia’s dance background exposed her to many styles of music, teaching her how to adapt her wonderfully textured voice to almost any genre. Add this to her ethos of, “If it feels good…it must be good, regardless of what the rule book says!” and you’ll understand how the album takes the listener on a synthesis of exciting moods, emotions and sounds. The album production team is almost godly too, including names such as; Andy Marvel & Peter Zizzo (Celine Dion, Avril Lavigne, Chaka Khan), J Remy (Kelly Rowland, Fat Man Scoop), Lil Eddie (LL Cool J & P Diddy) ….the almighty list just goes on and on.

Winning a full scholarship to study ballet at Elmhurst, one of the UK’s leading dance schools, Natalia is a classically trained ballerina who’s enjoyed massive success in theatre, TV and music videos. But her true talent was unleashed when she teamed up with producer, K Warren, to create a handful of experimental tracks, the best of which were launched onto MySpace.

Rarely does a new talent attract such a mammoth fan-force as that bubbling behind Natalia. As an unsigned artist last year, Natalia’s tracks reigned supreme at the top of the MYSPACE unsigned artists charts for 6 months, receiving nearly 150 thousand hits between March – December of that year.

At the end of 2006, Natalia signed a major deal with Upper 11 Records under the presidential eye of Mark Shimmel – formally Senior Vice President of Marketing and Artist Relations at Arista and Chief Operating Officer at LaFace Records (TLC, Usher, Tony Braxton, Pink etc).

John Hicks proudly said: “Impressed? We should be! With her debut single and album both set for release at the start of 2008, Natalia is pop dynamite simply waiting to explode. Produced by Mike Mangini (Steve Vai, Extreme, Joss Stone, Annihilator), ‘Pretty Like Me’ is set to add a new raw-cut dimension to pop that’s gotta be heard to be believed. The young starlet has also been kicking it live on stage throughout 2007 as she’s toured with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Girls Aloud, Timbaland and McFly, as well as performing at Amerie’s star-studded launch party.”

To find out more about Natalia’s single & album and her live dates check out http://www.nataliaofficial.com/ and why not visit http://www.suspiciouslyelvis.co.uk/ to learn more about the treat on offer at The Academy on the 6th.

The show starts at 8pm with DJ Danny D. taking the night through to 2am with his ever-popular disco and customer requests.

Admission is £10 on the door, over 18’s only; doors open at 7.30pm. Advance booking is advised and tickets are now available on-line at http://www.academyclubs.com/ where full details of this and other artists appearing in 2007 at the Academy live music venue are available.

ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).


For further details of Natalia, or to request pictures or an interview, please contact Cat Hockley at Fifth Element on 0207 287 0008 or email cat@fifthelement.biz


Media enquiries regarding this event or The Academy Basingstoke to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/

Basingstoke venue honoured for its contribution to country music in the UK

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
14th September 2007.

Basingstoke venue honoured for its contribution to country music in the UK


On Friday 28th September, a Basingstoke venue’s contribution to country music here in the UK will be recognised when the legendary George Hamilton IV presents a special award to The Academy live music venue on Worting Road at his live concert.

The award, sponsored by the leading country music radio station across Europe CMR Nashville Radio, and voted for by musicians themselves will be presented by Mr Hamilton, the International Ambassador of Country Music, “in recognition of The Academy’s development of an enviable live music venue at which country music artists from around the world are proud to perform”.

The Academy has hosted performances by leading UK artists such as Easy Rider, Henry J Smith’s Country Dreams, Cathy McManamon, Rachael Warwick and Brendan Quinn. In addition, top US country stars Hal Ketchum, Lisa O’Kane and Bobby D Sawyer have graced the stage of this unique complex which boasts a snooker & pool centre, sports bar as well as a popular Chinese restaurant.

CMR Nashville Radio station controller, country music TV and radio presenter Lee Williams, said: “The Academy’s support for country music has been received enthusiastically throughout the industry worldwide and is demonstrated by the ability of the venue to attract major acts such as Brendan Quinn, Hal Ketchum and Lisa O’Kane.”

“This was undoubtedly a result of the passion for live music held by The Academy’s General Manager, John Hicks. CMR Nashville Radio is delighted to have been part of this development but the award stems from the buzz within the industry which has generated considerable interest and excitement amongst performers who wish to support the work of the venue.” Lee added.

The presentation will be made at George Hamilton IV’s concert where he is being supported by one of the top UK country band led by Tony Goodacre, awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the UK Radio Awards ceremony in 2007 for his contribution to country music. Tickets are available at the venue or its website.

The next big country music event at The Academy is scheduled for Friday 30th November with blind singer David Whitemore. Excerpts from the show will be broadcast on Christmas Day on CMR Nashville Radio across the globe on http://www.cmrnashville.net/ and Basingstoke fans are being offered a unique opportunity to record greeting messages to friends and family around the world. These messages will be broadcast during a special programme “Live from The Academy Basingstoke”.

Full details of these and other forthcoming events are available on The Academy website (www.academyclubs.com) or by telephoning John Hicks, General Manager of the venue on 01256 327273.

ENDS


Note to Editors

Photo: George Hamilton IV

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke, Boscombe and Eastleigh. All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues, they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum payouts and that all-important thrill! The Fun Bars with their light refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages, definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(www.academyclubs.com).

Further details of CMR Nashville Radio can be found at http://www.cmrnashville.net/ or contact Lee Williams on 07956 888587. E-mail: lee@cmrnashville.net

Further details of Tony Goodacre are available at: http://www.countrymusic.org.uk/tony-goodacre/index.html

Local rock band headlines at The Academy

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
September 14th 2007.


Local rock band headlines at The Academy

This coming weekend, 22nd September, popular local rock band “Phoenix”
appear live on stage at The Academy Basingstoke as part of the Worting
Road venue’s innovative live music programme.

Following last weekend’s well-supported blues night, local 60’s/70’s
covers band, "Phoenix” (http://www.freewebs.com/phoenixrock) will
perform the music of the Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin, Pink Floyd and
many other classics on Friday evening in a show starting at 8pm and
going on to 2am, supported by popular local DJ team “Diamond Disco”.

Tickets are priced at a modest £5.00 on the door.

Full details are available on The Academy website
(www.academyclubs.com) or by telephoning John on 01256 327273.


ENDS



Note to Editors

There are three Academy's currently in the South - Basingstoke,
Boscombe and Eastleigh . All operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, and offer
extensive Snooker, Pool and Nine Ball. Uniquely to The Academy venues,
they now show live premiership football on Saturday & Sunday
afternoons. In addition to this, professional Darts are available as
well as huge satellite screens with surround sound showing live
sporting events. Discreet but loaded fruit machines offer maximum
payouts and that all-important thrill! The Sport Bars with their light
refreshing décor offer a variety of entertainment for all ages,
definitely not to be missed! The Basingstoke venue also boasts a
function room and superb Chinese Restaurant.
(http://www.academyclubs.com/).

Photo supplied: Phoenix at their last gig at The Academy Basingstoke
May 2007)



Media enquiries to:
John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
http://uk.f867.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=john@headlinepromotions.co.uk&YY=6821&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b
www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com

Nightclub Marketing: New UK regulations from October 2007

Operators of nightclubs, bars, pubs, clubs themed bars and late night venues in the UK are reminded of imminent changes to the law

Raising the minimum legal age for tobacco sales:

From 1st October 2007 you must not sell cigarettes, cigarette papers or any other tobacco products to anyone younger than 18.

To comply with the law, signs must be displayed which are at least A3 in size and with lettering no less than 36mm in height.

• In retail premises: “It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18”



• On vending machines: “This machine is only for the use of people aged 18 or over”

From October 1st 2007, selling tobacco products to someone under 18 from could lead to a fine of £2,500 and failing to display the statutory notice could result in a fine of £1,000.

John Hicks, operator of a major live music venue in the south of England, suggests "Staff training is essential to ensure compliance with the regulations as even the sale of cigarette papers to under 18's will now be illegal. I also recommend that you check that your cigarette vending machine is close to the bar so that staff can observe it's use; if there is a risk that under 18's can use it without being noticed by staff this could expose you to prosecution."

New national minimum wage rates

From October 1st, eligible workers must be paid the following;£5.52 an hour to adult workers aged 22 and over£4.60 an hour to workers aged 18 – 21£3.40 an hour to workers below 18 who are no longer of compulsory school age

John Hicks reminded operators that where accommodation is provided for employees, the maximum amount you can offset against the national minimum wage is a total of £30.10 a week.

Increase in statutory holiday entitlement

From October 1st 2007 the statutory minimum holiday entitlement will be 4.8 weeks (24 days) which can include bank and public holidays. (This will increase to 28 days from April 1st 2009).

Employees will not have to work a qualifying period to be granted this entitlement but you can restrict the rate at which they take leave in their first year.

Part-time workers must receive annual leave equal to 4.8 times their usual working week.

Coming soon, the resource for all nightclubs, late bars and venues: www.nightclubmarketing.co.uk

Upcoming artists and performers given headline treatment

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Basingstoke, Hampshire UK
September 15th 2007.


Upcoming artists and performers given headline treatment

Basingstoke-based public relations and marketing consultants, Headline Promotions, Press & PR, are well used to placing their clients in the public eye but are currently grabbing the headlines themselves with the launch of a specialist artist management agency.

Headline Promotions’ Managing Director, John Hicks, has formed an alliance with established live music agent, Astrid Haigh-Smith, to form Headline Management (www.headlinemanagement.co.uk).

John Hicks explained: “Astrid has a strong background in managing and arranging bookings for musicians and artistes. Her passion for live music led her to focus on giving new acts a good start on their career path. That shared passion for live music has led me to working with performers from local bands through to international artistes at the top of their game. It just seemed natural for us to work together on a business footing.”

John also operates a major live music venue in the south of England, is a partner in an internet radio station and an international music publishing company. He said: “Headline Management will offer musicians, performers and entertainers an integrated management, representation, public relations and promotions service on a "pick and mix" basis so that individual artistes can select the level and type and support they require. This might be as little as having their publicity material written, designed and printed - or can be full management service!”

Venues wishing to book acts or, entertainers looking for representation, are invited to contact Astrid now on 07881 708975 or e-mail her on astrid@headlinemanagement.co.uk

ENDS


Media enquiries to:John Hicks M.IDM
Headline Promotions, Press & PR
Mobile: 07771 575 654
Fax: 0707 520 9717
john@headlinepromotions.co.uk
http://www.headlinepromotions.blogspot.com/
http://www.headlinepromotions.co.uk/
http://www.headlinemanagement.co.uk/

The dilemma of Facebook for marketeers as private individuals

I was intrigued by an e-mail invitation from an old friend to join her as one of her “friends” on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/), the on-line social networking website.

At the very least, it was an opportunity to catch up with an old friend so I readily registered and joined the network. After all, I already enthusiastically support FastPitch (http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/) which is a business networking site, one of the fastest growing business networking communities in the world. Their online network provides me with a one-stop shop to network and market my marketing & PR business, make business connections, post & distribute press releases, market my company (and myself), promote my blog and more.

FastPitch necessarily contains much personal and business information so that other entrepreneurs have sufficient information to decide if they want to do business with me. So I had little reservation about recording lots of details about myself in Facebook.

However, the word on the street is that Facebook is preparing to introduce a new advertising plan that will let marketeers like me customise advertising for its more than 37 million customers. When you consider the amount of personal information we Facebook members have put into their pages, the potential for advertisers is unparalleled.

Here is the dilemma. I am happy for my business, and some personal, information to be recorded and being made widely available on FastPitch and welcome being contacted by business prospects across the globe. As an individual, I am happy for personal details to be available to my friends across the Facebook network; after all, since joining my initial friend on Facebook I have enjoyed being contacted by many old friends and renewed many former acquaintances.

However, with the Internet becoming a key component of our daily social experience, and people sharing more and more of their personal information, protecting one’s privacy has become that much more of a challenge.

The reality is that those using sites like Facebook and MySpace (rumoured to be following in Facebook’s footsteps) can now be very easily targeted by marketeers like me with very specific offerings. Heck, they even know that I have a 3 year old dog that I brought home from a rescue centre; just think of the marketing opportunities that creates. But I didn’t join Facebook to be a commercial target.

I will be watching this new development very carefully over the coming months. I will be disappointed if I have to pull the plug on my Facebook but, as someone who already suffers from huge volumes of spam mail every day, I do not want to be a further marketing target!

This article was first published in my Telegraph small business blog - September 2007

Safe use of Christmas decorations in nightclub and bar marketing

It’s that time of year when late night bars, nightclubs and restaurants, having started their Christmas and New Year promotions, think about decorating their venue ready for the festive season.

Many businesses make more profit over Christmas and New Year than they do over the whole of the rest of the year so this is critical to their profit and loss account!

Decorating your venue is a key component to customer satisfaction, generating business and upselling. Yet so many managers will leave this to new and junior members of staff with little or no guidance.

I cannot help with the artistic guidance but I can share some practical health and safety tips to ensure that this experience does not lead you into insurance claims!

As always, the exercise must start with PLANNING. Walk round the venue and sketch out your ideas on paper and ensure that you make good use of the materials you have; this saves you problems later when you find the fixings are in the wrong place or electrical power can only be supplied by using extension leads. I always then take out all my decorations and place them around the venue before I start putting them up. Remember for maximum impact it is best to block all your displays together rather than spread them round sparsely!

Inevitably, it seems, staff will try and put up decorations at height using the nearest available chair or bar stool rather than get out the stepladder and work with a buddy for safety. As a manager, cover yourself legally by reminding all staff that they must take care when working at heights; insist that they work in pairs and use a stepladder. Tell them that if it is too difficult to fix a display at height do not do it because not only will it be unsafe now but it has to be taken down next January when it will be just as difficult or unsafe!

Tell them not to fix decorations near naked lights or other sources of heat, over air intakes or ventilation and air con grilles or over Emergency Exits which must remain clear at all times. In particular, no emergency signage should be obscured.

From an operator’s viewpoint, walk round to see their handiwork when completed. Ensure that the decorations do not obscure your promotional signage or product displays. Also, I have found over-enthusiastic staff plaster the back bar with displays which causes problems when serving on busy nights so check practical issues.

They are also keen to use extension leads for lights which are okay by themselves but check that the leads are not wound up so they can overheat. I always use external lighting kits even indoors as my gut feeling, rather than scientific fact, is that they are safer in an environment which can get very dusty and, maybe, wet sometimes. Make sure that trailing leads are secure and taped down if necessary to avoid trip hazards. Make sure that all lighting decorations and disconnected from the mains at closing time.

Come January, make sure that staff take down decorations in a safe manner and store them in their boxes in a dry store. A lot of money is wasted by businesses every year when careful storage will render the decorations good for many years service!

In the meantime, have a busy and profitable Christmas and New Year. For my part, I have planned a tremendously busy period of Christmas and New Year parties with a vibrant programme of live music in my venue so am taking a couple of weeks off before kick starting my intense promotional programme!

This article was first published in John's Telegraph blog - September 2007