Recently, super agent, Larry Farber, booked one of our National Party Bands™ – Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters® – for the North Carolina Dance Theatre fundraiser in Charlotte, North Carolina. The client wanted to do something special for this great event. Larry suggested adding Phillip Bailey, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame vocalist from Earth Wind & Fire, as a guest vocalist with the band. And, since Jerry Freeman (leader of Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters) had toured with Earth Wind & Fire several years ago, the idea seemed perfect.
Phillip agreed to perform a short set with the band. I happened to be in Charlotte with Party On The Moon® and went over to the beautiful Knight Theatre for a 5:30 sound check. I’m a big Earth Wind &Fire fan, and to meet Phillip was an honor. He could not have been more humble and nice.
To watch Phillip work with the band was amazing. He knew exactly what he wanted from the band, and they delivered. It was one experience to see Phillip in concert with Earth Wind & Fire, but here I was, five feet away, watching him deliver an awesome performance on vocals and percussion. Jerry and the band were right on point playing the perfect role as supporting cast.
There have been many magic moments in my career. They tend to happen when all the parts come together, both musically and logistically. Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters was prepared. Jerry is one of the best bandleaders in the business, as well as a great horn player. Larry Farber put the right band on the job, and enlisted the help of Phillip to better serve the client. Valerie, Phillip’s wife, joined the girls on background vocals – she is a super vocalist and a very sweet person. The venue, food, drinks and service of the staff were the best.
It takes teamwork – both on stage and off – for the magic to happen. I heard the show was fantastic, and over $200,000 was raised to support the art of dance in Charlotte.
When you combine agents like Larry, with vision and bandleaders like Jerry, with clients who want to raise the bar, you’re setting the stage for the magic to happen. I witnessed it at sound check. I can only imagine what the show must have been like.
It’s a reminder to me that I’m in the memory business. When the magic happens -memories are made.
I love this business!
Dennis
