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Some Notes from Ken

I have been doing events since 1970, now at the rate of over 200 per year. I have worked in plenty of places where the sound was lousy, the piano was out of tune, the wiring blew out when the lights went on, or there was no room for the piano bench on stage. What follows is a description of working conditions that will facilitate my work enormously. In fact, if we can manage all of them, I will be as happy as a bear at a honey pot.

Matters Musical

It is important for us to have a good, well-tuned grand piano. I use a synthesizer and a drum machine, which I bring with me. The piano should be positioned so I can turn my face toward the audience.

Many sound systems are, quite frankly, inadequate for use with music. It is a priority that words be heard clearly. Oddly enough, the visual aesthetics are equally important. Enclosed are specifications for sound needs as well as a stage plot. (Click the Sound/Stage Needs button) My personal manager, Beverly, who travels with me, will do the actual sound mixing. As far as lighting is concerned, we can go with simple stage spots or an extensive light environment.

My normal concert runs from ninety minutes to two hours. Due to time considerations as well as a concern for continuity, I ask that no other musicians or speakers be placed on the program without discussing it with us prior to the concert. Evening concerts usually begin at 7:30 or 8:00. If you would like to schedule at an odd time, such as 9:30, please let us know and we can discuss it.

Matters Financial

For the cost range, please contact Dave Vander Molen at Brier Patch.

In addition to the agreed-upon fee, you will be responsible for travel expenses for two. We make the travel arrangements, because we know from whence we come and to where we will be going. We do get super-saver fares and book around weekends whenever possible. Included in the expenses are hotel or motel lodging and meals for the days we are there. We require two single connecting rooms or a suite with separate living room area and pull-out couch. To simplify billing, we request that you charge the hotel and meals directly to your organization, not to Brier Patch Music.

I am asking you to send $750 as a deposit to confirm and hold the date I have offered you. Should you decide to cancel for any reason up to 6 months prior to the event, your deposit will not be refunded. If for any reason I should miss the appearance (such as illness or plane trouble), your deposit will certainly be refunded. Cancellation within the 120-day period prior to the scheduled concert date will result in the total fee payable to Brier Patch Music.

Matters Practical

If you are uncomfortable with the sale of materials, please let me know. Otherwise, I would like to have a table set up at the back of the auditorium for the sale of albums and videos. If you can provide a couple of volunteers to help with this, it would be appreciated.

The publicity packet I am sending to you includes suggestions for advertising the event, along with a poster, bulletin inserts, and glossy picture. Additional posters are available from our office at a minimal cost.

You are welcome to use these materials to produce fliers, bulletin inserts, newsletter articles, and news releases of your own.