The APAP conference 2012 seemed to generate a special buzz this year, an excitement of anticipation. New shows, new performers, maybe even greater budgets from the decision makers in the multi-million dollar international performance industry. This is the meeting place where buyers can find that special act, performing artists, musicians, dancers, celebrity talent or shows from the thousands of professionals represented by the artist agencies, managers, touring companies and self-presenters who pack the halls of the New York Hilton Hotel for four days of seminars, workshops, special sessions and networking opportunities.
With a new President and Ceo, Mario Garcia Durham, at the helm of APAP, the membership hopes to continue to work closely and collaboratively to achieve common goals. A full year prior, APAP begins working towards bringing aboard all these professionals in an effort to create a win-win environment.
Throughout the day and evenings, live showcases are everywhere – not only throughout the various meeting rooms at the hotel, but around the City; at clubs, theaters, downtown, uptown, midtown. There’s something for everyone and the astute buyers from presenting organizations worldwide have their pick and, hopefully, have brought their roller skates to make their way around in an effort to get to see it all. It’s not only about seeing the live entertainment you think will fit your niche, but exploring the many booths on three floors of the Expo Halls and ferreting out something new and exciting, something you and your audiences haven’t seen before.
This year the specialty workshop, JazzConnect-Building Jazz Culture- Local to Global, featured core leaders in the jazz industry; George Wein receiving this year’s 2012 APAP Award of Merit for Achievement in the Performing Arts. In this regard, I was particularly happy to see Allan Harris and his production company entrenched in the Harlem Suite presenting 2 great days of Jazz. The room was non-stop music all day, not only with Harris’ band of smooth jazz and R & B classics, (some hot arrangements on the standards), but newly written material as well. Some of the artists presenting here included: Sandy Bainum, Stacy Sullivan, Pucci Amanda Jhones, Jen Chapin, The LeBoeuf Brothers, Sandra Reaves-Phillips, Daryl Kojak & Laurie Krause and many many more. Be sure to catch Allan Harris Band at Smoke in New York City on Broadway/106th Street on Sunday evenings.
And here’s a little known tidbit: if you aren’t registered as a member of APAP and are not in the industry but love live entertainment, you can still get to see some of the showcases at the hotel, no badges or reservations required! www.apap365.org
Posted by Sandi Durell
on January 12, 2012. Filed under Cabaret and Interviews - Sandi Durell,COLUMNS,ENTERTAIMENT,Interviews with Magda,Music.
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