The Tailgate Entertainer | Performers | Performance Business | Creatives | Artists | Talent Buyers

Today's guest is Shanae'a Moore. At only 23, her resumé eclipses her age. Shanae'a started in early life as a ballet dancer and expected that to be her career path. And injury changed her course, and eventually went on to study theater and drama. Her Mother was a drama teacher, so the process of simply growing up, Shanae'a was able to amass extensive theater credentials. Shanae'a graduated with a BFA from Sam Houston State University. She's mature beyond her years and doesn't fit the mold of how society thinks of millennials. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did!

In this episode, Shanae'a also discusses:

- Why she doesn't make plans

- What learning as much as you can, will do for your career

- Why writing a play is something she wants to do.....but not now

- How her "Social Justice, Warrior" personality can sabotage her

- Her secret to success! Let's just say, many people twice her age don't get this one

- The lessons she learned about connection from another actress and how it changed her

- The understated beauty and art that we miss every day

- Why she gets mistaken for a 14-year-old

- Why she coaches people more than twice her age

- Being around people her own age is difficult and why she avoids it as much as possible

- How just working on her is hard enough, so she's not stuck in the "competitive" phase of her career

- Strategies for "shutting off" in order to preserve her heart

- You are not your industry

- How her faith in God sustains her through tough times

- The world is so much bigger than music and art - it's a multi-verse, not a universe

You can connect with her website at:

www.shanaeamoore.com

Welcome! My guest today is Ken McMeans, an entertainer with many great stories to tell. Ken isn't afraid to open up his life and his heart with total transparency so you can learn from his experiences. He has been in the entertainment industry for his entire life. He now performs and owns an entertainment company. Ken is a living example of someone who never quits, no matter what curve balls life throws at him. Join us!

What you'll hear in Ken's amazing life story:

• Ken grew up in a family of thoroughbred horse trainers in Washington, but spent his young adult years trying to get away from that to do something else.
• A creative writing teacher in high school awakened Ken's interest in journalism and writing.
• He started playing guitar at age 17 and was enthralled by the country music scene.
• The bars and clubs he played, the record industry, and some harmful influences led to Ken's drug problem.
• Through the 80's, Ken was wheeling and dealing in the music industry, but became discouraged and left Hollywood in '91 to enter rehab for his cocaine addiction.
• Interestingly, Ken joined the Screen Actors Guild and became a stunt rider and actor, doing small parts in over 200 movies and numerous TV shows.
• Even though acting provided his living for six years, it was not his passion; he knew there was "something else out there" for him.
• Ken, his brother, and a few friends put together a traveling cowboy comedy act to perform at small fairs.
• The popularity of his act exploded and soon he had multiple performing units traveling the fair circuit across the western US.
• Laugh with us as Ken shares a few of his "nightmare" stories about bad hires over the years!
• As a performer, Ken's intention is to provide a "surprise" for every fair-goer around every corner.
• He loves interacting with kids and families and touching lives on a daily basis.
• Ken started playing music again a few years ago, and started his entertainment business because he saw the need to bring country and western artists to fairs.
• "My life is surreal in the last few years."
• With a huge roster of artists, Ken's company is now the largest country music agency in the western US.
• Later this year, Ken and his wife (The Stereo Chickens) will release a new album, produced by fellow artist/songwriter Travis Meadows.
• Ken's advice for young performers:
• • No matter who you are, you'll be playing fairs throughout your career.
  • Fairs are a gold mine for entertainment ideas.
• You can reach Ken and learn more at www.kenmcmeanspresents.com.

Welcome! Today's guest is Steve Hamilton, aka Steve the Pretty Good. Steve is a magician originally from Prince George, BC, but is now a US citizen who lives near Seattle. Steve has performed his magic all over the globe and is very well-known in the fair industry. He is best known for his Flying Carpet! Let's catch up with Steve!

What you'll hear in this episode:

• Steve tells the story of the origin of his Flying Carpet," necessity being the mother of invention."
• After high school, Steve was a Marine and later worked as an EMT.
• Steve loves the left-brain/right brain component of magic.
• Steve started street performing with card tricks, which he calls "the best training for fair work."
• A friend suggested that he go to China to do his show, even though it seemed impossible.
• His boss would not give him the time off to go to China, so after 25 years as a firefighter and paramedic, Steve turned in his resignation.
• Steve didn't want to look back on his life with any regrets or questions like, "Could I make a living at magic?"
• Steve went to China and performed with over 80 performers from all over the world; it was amazing, inspirational, and scary at the same time.
• Steve shares the funny story of how his wife became involved in his magic show, even though she was at first adamantly against it.
• Steve shares about the loneliness of traveling the fair circuit when his wife isn't able to travel with him.
• Steve's worst gig ever? A small fair with a small stage where he and his wife attempted the "substitution trunk" act
• After 30 years, Steve still spends a great portion of his day saying, "How can I make my show better?"
• It takes skill to make the audience feel like a part of the show—to connect with them.
• How did Steve become known as "Steve the Pretty Good"? Listen in to find out!
• Steve's advice to a younger person starting out in the industry? "Know the history of magic and appreciate your craft."
• As a performer, you should always dress like you have somewhere better to go after the show. (i.e. dress better than the audience!)Dress like you respect your craft!
• Some younger performers are overconfident, which is a turnoff.
• Reach Steve at www.funnysteve.com or www.prettygoodmagic.com. 

Today's guest is Washboard Willy, also known as Larry Hiskett. He is the person who changed the direction of my life and taught me some valuable lessons. Back in the mid-90's, when I was learning to be a performer and run my business, I would run into him everywhere I went. He was a "Musical Mountain Man" and a wonderful entertainer. Join us!

Washboard Willy shares the following about his amazing life and work:

• Larry began working as a drummer in bars and clubs all over Kansas at age 15.
• In 1985, he worked as a landscape architect and a park planner in Colorado.
• He played in a band that specialized in German polka music!
• He had a motorcycle crash that paralyzed his girlfriend and sent him into therapy.
• He gave a 90-day notice and quit his job, and then discovered the washboard.
• He became obsessed with the instrument and modified it with all kinds of percussion instruments.
• Larry developed the Whiskett Rhythm Board, created his own musical tracks, and formed a band.
• Soon, he was invited to visit Japan in a Sister City program.
• A couple of years later, he was invited to go back to Japan for a 6-month visit and did a one-man show at a restaurant.
• The biggest challenge was figuring out how to connect with the children when he couldn't speak their language.
• Find out how a few rhythm toys helped him bridge the gap and connect with children and their parents.
• When he returned to the US, he knew he wanted to give up his work in bars and clubs to become a children's entertainer.
• He performed in preschools, schools, and ski schools around Colorado while still working as a landscape architect to supplement his income.
• Washboard Willy has been a musician for 50 years! He feels blessed and full of gratitude at what he gets to do.
• 80-90% of his revenue comes from the fair industry, even though younger entertainers have a negative view of the industry.
• Willy's wife of 13 years has performed with him in the past, but now serves as his manager.
• He has teamed up with Lloyd Mabry to create "Lloyd and Willy," which plays all kinds of music and musical comedy.
• Willy's advice: "Stick to it. Don't ever give up. Always look for opportunities."
• Willy shares the story of moving his wagon around the Oregon State Fair and how he adapted and evolved his creative, fun, atmosphere at the fairgrounds.
• "Whatever you do, make it YOU. Don't copy someone else."
• Find Willy at www.washboardwilly.com or on Facebook at Willy's Washboard Jamboree and at Lloyd and Willy.

Welcome! This is the first in the series of "Tailgate Talks," designed to help artists who are working hard to further their careers and build better relationships with clients. Today, there is no guest to be interviewed; it's just you and me. I'm taking this opportunity to share my 20+ years' experience in what I've learned, even though I don't consider myself a guru or one who has "arrived." 

Today's Topic: The Construction Zone

• This came from a recent highway trip that I took, encountering a large construction zone, an obstacle along the way.  The Construction Zones in life are where the work happens and where we grow as performers and people. None of us has "arrived" and we all run into bumps in the road along the path to where we are going.
• For example, I used to be scared to death to speak in front of people. My "road" became bumpy and I had to undergo "construction." What did I do?
• • I tried Toastmasters International, but struggled to speak in front of peers.
  • I partnered with Junior Achievement, teaching junior high school students about business. I learned to overcome my fears, gave back to the community, and grew as a confident speaker.
• Remember, growth requires time, acquiring new tools, and accessing new materials. You'll be able to look back and see why the "bumps" were there. Others are watching you go through your "Construction Zone." How you handle yourself will define your character; your future and your bank account depend on your character growth.

Cody Beebe has an authentic sound and depth of soul to his music. Originally from the state of Washington, he received a civil engineering degree, but then decided to follow his heart to become a musician. He has since performed in 30 states and 5 foreign countries and is the creator of the band, Cody Beebe and the Crooks, along with a few others. He runs his own video production company and a metal print business. You might call him an artist and you might call him an entrepreneur; you would likely be correct on both counts! Join us!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why Cody said NO to civil engineering and following the inspiration from his uncle
• How the economic crisis pushed him onto the road with his music.
• How Cody got his band
• The best part of traveling on the road
• Cody shares a hilarious story of playing music in the bathroom of a hotel suite! It really happened!
• “Good impressions are critical!”
• Cody’s favorite song that he wrote
• Cody explains how Chinook Fest began and how it’s grown into the huge event that it is today.
• Cody's unique partnership with the Grandview School District
• Cody explains how artists have to create value before people will pay you for what you’re worth.
• The issues facing performers, like drugs and alcohol, can blow huge opportunities---and have done that for many.
• The thing talent buyers look for that will keep you out of the business
• “You don’t need to run through the wall; just keep pushing on it.”
• Find Cody at www.codybeebeandthecrooks.com. Find out more about Chinook Fest at www.chinookfest.com, and find Cody’s music on iTunes!

Welcome to our first guest episode! Roberto the Magnificent is an excellent performer who has been in the entertainment business for a long time. He started as a juggler at age 11, in 1981, and has now performed in fairs in 46 states! Roberto’s show includes interactive comedy with amazing stunts; he has opened for many well-known celebrities and artists and appeared on many TV shows. Let’s catch up with my friend, Roberto!

In this episode, you’ll hear the following:

• How he got his start at age 12!
• His first experience at "passing the hat"
• The best advice he got from his parents, regarding his unconventional career
• The Gentleman Jugglers
• Marriage to an entertainer is NOT easy! 
• During difficult times, Rob found therapy in his work
• Hear his story about falling during a New Zealand show and finishing the show despite a broken wrist!
• Rob has developed about 13 unique characters and themes
• “The greatest compliment is when a kid aspires to be just like me.”
• How Rob recommends getting started in the business
• “Part of learning is having things NOT go your way. Learn from mistakes and use them to your benefit.”
• Find Roberto at www.robertothemagnificent.com.

Welcome to our first episode! On this podcast, you will get a glimpse into the lives of some very talented and exciting people. You will meet some unusual artists and hear about the passion that drives them to do what they do.

Here’s what you can expect from this episode: 

• How this podcast received its name—from some of my favorite memories tailgating with other entertainers, sharing food, swapping stories, and forming friendships
• Where I come from in this industry—from designing, building, and performing in shows as an owner/operator of an entertainment company
• How you will hear from normal people who lead drastically abnormal lives, as jugglers, musicians, and hypnotists
• How the podcast will feature talent buyers who book corporate events and fairs in this industry
• “Tailgate Talks” will be a special feature of this podcast in which we address questions from you, the listener
• How we will tackle important business and financial issues unique to this industry
• Reach out to me! I would love to hear from you and know what you’d like to hear about on the show!