When an event becomes official

Many times we're called or contacted by folks wanting to know if it's true if artist A, B, or C are coming. The caller or writer will say they "heard" it. Sometimes it's true, sometimes not. In this new world of social media like facebook, twitter, blogs, chat sites and so forth many things are leaked or speculated about. A classic example was for WWE Raw the past few weeks. Some of our fans heard that Raw was coming and further that Toby Keith was going to be a special guest. This is one case where we knew Raw was indeed coming October 25.

Some of our fans on facebook asked us about it. At first we weren't able to confirm it. Eventually we could. The reason we couldn't confirm early on is there is a process that needs to happen before a venue (in this case Resch Center) can officially announce a show is coming. Even if WWE had something on their Web site or in their magazine, we can't confirm a show until the promoter or show gives us the green light. I'm sure it seems kind of silly sometimes when it seems obvious to you that a show is coming here, but we can't say anything. Until we get the green light, nothing is official on our end. The best example of that is when I first started here nearly 10 years ago. It seemed a sure bet to many NSYNC was going to play at Lambeau Field. In fact, the band had it on their Web site - date and all. We knew there was some talk about it, but we also knew it was not a done deal. And guess what? It never happened. We've already had concerts booked, a contract signed and it still fell through. It's kind of the nature of our business.

So the next time you "hear" a show is coming to the Resch and you ask us about it and we don't or can't confirm it, you'll know why.

A day with a dino

What's 7 feet tall, 14 feet long and worth $250,000? That would be my traveling companion on Wednesday. A baby Tyrannosaurus, better known at Baby T. He's about 6 months old and that's the best guess as to how big he would be if he were real. I had the pleasure of escorting an advance team from the Walking With Dinosaurs show, which will be coming to the Resch Center on August 3 & 4 for 3 performances. It takes a crew of 4 and a semi driver to transport Baby T from city to city to do advance publicity. One person serves as national spokesperson, another takes care of the dino's skin, another responsible for overall maintenance and one of course IS the dinosaur. They all help set up for their appearances and are completely outfitted with speaker system, pipe and drapes, banners and so forth. All that's needed are curious kids of all ages. And we certainly found that in Green Bay.

Our day started at FOX 11 with a morning show appearance at 7:25. It was great TV as the dino played with and interferred with Pete Petoniak during the interview. Then it was off to do radio interviews at Y100 and WIXX. We had an appearance at the Neville Public Museum at 10am to meet and greet with hundreds of kids. The day ended with an afternoon appearance at Lambeau Field where Mayor Jim Schmitt proclaimed August 3 & 4 "Dinosaur Days" in Green Bay and the Packers presented Baby T with a "Baby T Pack" custom jersey with the number 65 on it. The significance being it's been 65 million years since dinosaurs last roamed the planet. And at least on this day, one dino came back to roar in Green Bay!

Rare for concert tour to start in GB

A lot of concerts have come through Green Bay at the Brown County Arena and Resch Center over the years, but not many groups actually start their tours here. That, however, will happen when The Judds come to town November 26. And it's not just any old tour, it's their "Final Reunion Tour." Tickets for that show go on sale this Saturday, July 17 at ticketstaronline.com. The tour starts the day after Thanksgiving and will include new Judds and Wynonna music from an upcoming album. They also say they will incorporate classic Christmas songs into their set because they will officially be in the holiday season. Pretty neat deal for Green Bay and the Resch Center.

The Resch Center/PMI Entertainment Group staff now has two Leicht at Nite concerts under our belts. The concerts at Leicht Park in downtown Green Bay along the Fox River have been awesome. The crowds have really come out and the great weather the past two Thursdays certainly hasn't hurt. Next Thursday features Sonic Circus. A complete schedule is available at ticketstaronline.com

The bald guy slinging drinks is me!

Well, it's time to crank up the free concert series Leicht at Nite again in downtown Green Bay. Most of the concerts are on Thursday nights at Leicht Park along the Fox River. For most of the nights, I'll be one of several PMI Entertainment Group employees who get out from behind the desk and get behind the bar and serve refreshments! I had a blast doing it last summer seeing so many people I knew who were thrilled to be able to get out and see local, live music outside on a Thursday night. A complete schedule is available at ticketstaronline.com.

We didn't know what to expect in our trial year last year, but it was a great success. Thus, we're doing it again with popular local bands. Some have asked if we'll ever get big name bands. That's certainly possible down the road, but we needed to walk before we could run. In this business, outdoor concerts are risky. Weather is the biggest factor that could affect crowds. At the Resch, we book a concert and we know it will happen unless the tour cancels for some reason (see Simon & Garfunkel). So, here's to a great start to the summer. See you at Leicht at Nite and say hi to the bald guy behind the bar!