Corporate Entertainment - Heading Forward

With 2009 winding down, I took a long look at what brought me the most joy (performance-wise) during the past year. Without a doubt, it was the corporate shows. After dinner programs at conventions, awards banquets, and parties were by far the most rewarding. I enjoy working with my clients to customize the program. When the show hits that personal note, it draws the biggest laughs.

As I look forward to 2010, I intend to increase my share of the corporate market. I hope as it rebounds from the economy, that I can not only enjoy the ride, but perform more of the shows that suit my act best. Creating an atmosphere of comedy where my clients, audiences and I can thrive.

To get things rolling, I started by reworking my web site:
ComedyVentriloquist.com

Here is hoping that 2010 brings us all the things we work for and the chance to succeed at what we love.

Hiring Horrible Entertainment

(Warning: This post will offend the parties involved and their friends. I am sorry, it must be said.)

Some people should not be on-stage.

This past week I read a forum post from a "ventriloquist" who discussed a major Christmas gig they did last weekend. This "ventriloquist" talked about the adventure getting there, the accomodations, the beautiful theatre, how the client was disorganized, but how well their show was received.

I happened to know this event was contracted through a company called Gigmasters. They provide client feedback that links to each entertainer's profile. When you do a show, the client can let others know what they thought of your performance. The information is there for everyone to see - especially potential clients.

Since I had bid on this event, I decided to check the client feedback on this gig. It was horrible. The client was embarrassed by the quality of the show, people had left, it was without a doubt the worst review of an act I have seen on the Gigmasters.com system. The performer left a long winded response defending their act - but what is the true story?

The true story is that the client and the "ventriloquist" are both to blame.

First, the "ventriloquist" has an un-realistic view of their act. Perhaps the most telling, is the fact they posted how well the act had been received BEFORE the client posted feedback. If the act had bombed as the client said, shouldn't the "ventriloquist" have known that? Now the same "ventriloquist" is saying they were injured and in great pain during the performance. Funny how that was never mentioned in the original, very detail oriented forum post.

Wait a second Tom! Maybe the client was just a jerk and wrong about the act. Maybe the ventriloquist was injured and it affected the performance. Did you ever think about that?

Yes. But put aside the claims, put aside the "ventriloquist's" credentails and READ all of the client feedback for this particular act. This act has a history of poor shows. I've seen this act live - it isn't pleasant and it isn't entertaining. But what about the laughs on their video? Sorry, just because the audience was laughing, didn't mean they were laughing at the jokes.

So if the act is bad and shouldn't be on-stage, how is the client to blame? An act who can't achieve decent reviews at a birthday party and has failed miserably at larger scale events should never have been hired for that event. The client FAILED to do their job. They looked at their budget, the price of the act, and hired this person. If they had read the reviews and really watched the video, they would have realized this act was not appropriate. They deserved to be embarrassed by the outcome of the performance.

So how do you avoid hiring horrible entertainment?

First, read the act's feedback and reference quotes*. Next, watch the act's video. Can you actually see and hear what the act looks and sounds like? Does the act engage you? Is the material entertaining? DOES THE VIDEO FIT THE QUOTES?

*-WARNING - Don't assume quotes are real, acts have made them up. If the video lives up to the quotes, then you can bet they are. If not, ask for information on these previous clients and contact them.

Just because an act fits your budget doesn't mean they are suitable for your event. It would actually be better to look elsewhere or go without that particular type of entertainment rather than just hire someone to fill the slot.

The key here is to DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Don't be embarrassed by your entertainment!

Ho Ho Holiday Season

I had an early morning today, fighting rush hour through both Baltimore and Philadelphia to get to a corporate luncheon event. The show was a success. The audience was laughing so hard I got caught up in it myself. I LOVE the feeling of contagious laughter.

The drive back also caught rush hour in both areas, but this time traffic was much worse. What should have been a two and a half hour trip slowly dragged out to four hours. I do not see how people can do it every day. I'd be dead of a heart attack from the frustration of traffic that refuses to move FORWARD! (Wasn't there an earlier blog about traffic? I HATE traffic...)

So we have the highs, the laughs, the fellowship and the lows - the frustration and congestion of mindless masses. The two ids of the holiday season.

May your season be filled with the good stuff...

Thanks

It is the time of year to be thankful for what we have.

I am blessed to have a beautiful loving wife who is and always will be my rainbow. She allows me to see things I would miss if left to my own devices. I am thankful for my son, a young man that makes me very proud. He is filled with promise for a great future and lives his passions. I am grateful my parents, now 84 and 82, are still with me. I need to spend more time with them.

I am thankful for all that the previous year has brought. Excellent shows, safe and fun travels, new and old friends. I am lucky to be able to earn a living doing something I love. And I am thankful for 2010, which has already filled in nicely and will take me places I have yet to go.

We all have things to be thankful about - some large, some small. Please take a moment and comment on what you are thankful for this holiday season.

Advice...

I struggled with making this post. I don't want to seem vindictive, but the "Youthful Suggestions" episode bothered me. A lot more than I cared to admit. I put my heart and soul into my act. To be openly attacked on a forum and then privately advised as to why I am a lame failure... how do you not take that personally?

These young performers had never heard of me. (Except through the Internet.) They have no idea what I do. I am not known in the magic or vent communities because I am too busy earning a living. Their comments have no effect on my business. Yet they stabbed me.

Today I ran across a tweet from one of my "advisors". I was reading his "life" from the past month:

When ur poor, Taco Bell is ur friend.
My magic calendar is looking thin.
No car, job, now no place to live come...
Sitting at BK, drinking my coffee and tweeting...Exciting celebrity life...
Gotta find a cheap car by tuesday!

I wonder, if he reads this blog, how he will feel. His tweets were posted for the world to see - and I saw them. So here is my advice...

Concern yourself with YOUR career. If you have too much spare time, don't go looking for others to insult, focus on yourself. THEN maybe I will be able to look back and say I should have listened. But right now...YOU should.

Youthful Suggestions...

This will be a short one. A few days ago I became aware someone had posted two of my pics on a blog without permission. The commentary contained some rather crude sexual comments. I took immediate action and had the pictures removed.

The episode led to some interesting conversations about how poor my publicity photos are. How I have no style. That the pictures look like bad "Glamour Shots" photos, etc. I appreciated their concern for my career. The advice is coming from vastly experienced gents who are just starting their careers. I've been doing this for over 25 to earn my living. I have no clue.

I guess in a few years we'll see where their careers lead them. I hope they do well. That way I'll be able to look back and say I should have listened to their "youthful suggestions..."

Name Your Price Sale?

Everyone wants my money. Ever feel that way?

A "major" event planning directory offered me a deal two years back, so I decided to give them a try. I contracted one show through the service, which paid for the year. When it was time to renew, they wanted "full price". I said "No Thanks."

We got into a major discussion - they couldn't understand why I wouldn't want to renew when I had contracted work. I explained the basic laws of economics according to Tom. A less expensive listing service provided me with a 10x the return on my investment during the same period. Their site, at actual cost, would have provided me a 1.5x return.

They spouted the return their other clients were claiming. I replied the other clients were in a broader market - my specialty is not in as wide a demand by the masses. They told me I would notice my profits diminish if I didn't re-sign. I hung up the phone.

Over the past few months, I've gotten a "sales" e-mail from them about every other week. Today I got their "Name Your Price Sale" notice. That's sad. They claim the economy is hurting and they are trying to help me. I have my doubts about the last part, although the e-mail does prove their economy is having some issues.

Name you own price? Sorry - I expect to deal with results. If their site did what it claims, they wouldn't have to make this offer. Deliver results and people will pay your price.

By the way - when you want an audience laugh, contact me. If my act is a good match, I promise I will deliver the results.

www.ComedyVentriloquist.com

Guaranteed Entertainment

I recently had a conversation with an "entertainer" who said most of his customers hire him because he offers a money back guarantee. In 18 years, he proudly told me, no one has ever requested their money back.

Who is going to check that claim?

As a client, you hire entertainment to do one thing - entertain the audience. If the act is no good - you've failed. At the point his money back guarantee kicks in, your event was already ruined. Money back? Or success? Which one do you really want?

Why would an act have to offer that type of guarantee? To make you feel more comfortable with selecting them as an entertainment option? Can you really be comfortable knowing there is a chance you may not be happy with their act? No matter how small the chance?

Salesmen offer a money back guarantee. I'm an entertainer - I make people laugh. I offer proof that I am the act that "can" make your evening a success. Salesmen will always try to make the sale. As a professional entertainer, I turn down more offers than I take. I accept only the programs that I will enjoy. Ones that fit my act. Events where I can be successful - and in turn, make the event a success.

So the question should really be: As a client searching for entertainment - should you hire a salesman, or an entertainer? Get proof the act is good. I'm pretty certain Jay Leno doesn't offer a money back guarantee either.

What's Your Price?

Hiring entertainment isn't like buying lunch at McDonald's. (At least it shouldn't be.) If the first question a client asks is "What do you charge?", chances are, I'm not the right act. That doesn't mean I am expensive, but I guarantee I am not the value meal either.

The other day I was approached by a potential client. They were having a small event and wanted 20 minutes of entertainment. The woman had seen my web site, watched my videos and was positive she wanted me. Because it was a small group, I was in the area and I could easily drop by to do a short set, I gave her a great deal. She replied I was too expensive. I was curious as to what she thought I would charge. She told me she could get a magician for $100. My reply was, I'm sorry you can't afford my rate and I truly hope you have a successful event.

$100? I've opened concerts for major names. I spent a month in Mexico performing at 5 star resorts. I've worked for major corporations throughout the U.S. with rave reviews. This is evident on my web site. What about those even suggest I would charge $100? This is a case of someone who didn't understand the value of entertainment.

The $100 kid's birthday party ventriloquist would not be the act you want for an important corporate dinner. The corporate entertainer, is not the act you want for a children's party. The two things people remember about most events are the food and the entertainment. Trust me, having a few less decorations because the correct entertainer was a bit more expensive is worth it. Does that mean a more expensive entertainer is actually worth more? Only if they are the correct entertainer for your type of event. You need to do your homework. Watch videos, read references, check them out. Talk to the entertainer, make certain he or she isn't just looking for a paycheck. (Too many of them are...)

Before I can give a quote, I need information. I want to know if your planned event is a correct fit for me. If you are looking for the lowest price, I can't help you. If you want the best value for your budget, e-mail me and we can talk about your event.

Laugh for the day...

Technology, you have to love it! Well, when it is helpful anyway.

Last summer, while I was on the road for shows, our cell plan came due and we were offered new phones. Not being around, I told my wife to pick something she thought I'd like. She chose a phone similar to my old one, except it was by a different manufacturer. I wasn't overly thrilled, but by the time I figured that out, they no longer allowed an exchange. So I am stuck with this wonderful piece of junk.

I carry my phone in my pocket, so the side buttons are constantly being bumped. I've taken about 300 pictures of the inside of my pants. The other day I had taken eleven before I heard the shutter going off.

Before you tell me I can change the functions of the buttons - sorry, not on this phone. It doesn't allow you to set the features. Can you say cheap?

So today, for perhaps the four hundredth time, I heard a faint: "Say the Command" coming from my pants. I was pretty certain it was the phone. I pulled it out and cleared my throat.
"Text or Picture Message?"
I again cleared my throat.
"Send text message to?"
I cleared my throat really loud.
Apparently the phone did not understand I was being sarcastic and proceeded to set up a text message for my mother.

Nice...there has to be a routine in there somewhere.

I hate this phone.

Inspiration

Last Saturday my wife an I attended Jay Johnson's show at the Majestic Theater in Gettysburg, PA. Jay is best known for his starring role on "SOAP". He also won a Tony Award for his Broadway show "The Two And Only". Last year in Pittsburgh, we got the chance to see the "The Two and Only", this year Jay was traveling solo with a scaled down version that was just as entertaining.

If you haven't seen Jay work, you need to correct that. The man's mastery is inspiring. Some people still think of ventriloquists as a hack act or poor comedian. Jay raises the bar and anyone who sees his show realizes there is so much more. Ventriloquism really is an art.

There is so much more to this than keeping your lips still. You'd swear, watching Jay's "Box Trick" that he has thrown his voice, and he proves it using a microphone. There is no doubt! When he and Bob go back and forth the exchange is so fast, there has to be two people on the stage. Bob is real. And Darwin? Let's just say - "I WANT THAT ELF!". (See the show, get the reference.)

Thank you Jay, for inspiring me again. I continue to practice and never plan to stop!

Corporate Entertainment

Just finished writing an article to help promote my act to corporate talent buyers.
http://tiny.cc/nSoAi

Professional Entertainment

This past Saturday I was hired to perform at an outdoor corporate event. I arrived well ahead of my scheduled performance to coordinate with the other acts, check out the audience and figure out how to best stage my spot. I quickly realized there was no need. The opening band's gear took up the entire stage. There was no way to pre-set my equipment for a smooth transition. The band members were to perform from 4:00 - 6:00pm, but at 4:00 they were eating dinner. After dinner plus a few more beers, they sound checked and started shortly after 5 pm.

They were great musicians. But they were not a band. Between each song there was a long uncomfortable break as they figured out what they would do next. They never engaged their audience. As a result - they had a very small one. With their talents, if they treated the gig professionally, they could do very well. Instead, they became background music.

At 6:05, the lead singer announced they would take a short break and then come back. That grabbed my attention, because I was hired to begin at 6:30. I spoke with her to find out that they had been paid for two hours and since they started late, they figured they would play until 7:00. THEN they had to break down and head to another gig just down the road, where they would start at 9:00.

While I admire the fact they wanted to give the client what they paid for - the client paid for a band to start at 4:00. Depending on how fast they broke down, and how fast I could set my equipment and sound - my act was now going to be an hour (possibly more) behind schedule. In all fairness, this was a pretty laid back event and the important thing was that the crowd had a good time. I agreed to go on late, glad I carried lights so I wouldn't be performing in shadows.

When I finally started, the crowd came in. A full tent with people standing around the back so they could see. The show was fun, although a few of the V.I.P.'s I was supposed to play with had to leave before I ever started.

As a professional, I realize schedules change. An act should be flexible enough to work with the event to help things run smoothly. Causing the schedule to change because you were eating dinner is unprofessional. That was a classic example of an act only concerned about themselves - not the client's vision of the overall event.

The moral of this post is simple - if you are an entertainer - if you take money from a client - do the job. Plan ahead, get there early, stick to the schedule and make the client happy. If you are a client searching for entertainment - hire a professional. The difference to your event will be noticable.

BTW - Just a guess, but I bet the "band" started late at the other event too...

When Bad Things Happen To Good People...

Sometimes things just go wrong. Saturday night was an excellent example of that. The set up and sound check went well. The client's dinner was on schedule. After dinner, I was introduced and suddenly the evening became a series of errors.

In any form of public speaking, if you can't be heard, the audience will quickly lose interest. The presentation then falls apart. So when the sound, which was adjusted by someone AFTER the sound check, came out muffled and tinged with feedback, the program immediately got off to a rough start. It took about 15 to 20 minutes before the "sound man" could resolve the issue. I continued, determined to entertain the guests that could actually hear the show, and hoping others would move closer.

Once the sound issues had been resolved, the guests began laughing and enjoying themselves. Within minutes of capturing the room, the hotel's emergency alarms went off. A pre-recorded voice instructed all guests to walk to the nearest exit and move safely away from the building. Turns out, it was a false alarm - but the damage was done.

Last evening, I was upset for the client, who had spent a lavish budget to make certain the guests were entertained, only to have the evening fall apart. I was angry at myself for allowing my program to be destroyed by two situations that were beyond my control. Today, I have studied the issues and learned a valuable lesson. It will never happen again.

How do I know? You'll have to hire me to find out.

After Dinner Entertainment

Having been on the road most of the summer, I collapsed when I got home. Now, after a week of rest, it is time to get back to work.

This coming weekend I have a corporate event that requires custom comedy. Weaving a client's audience into the show can be a lot of fun. Sure, you may get a joke or two that falls flat, but when the material works, it really makes the show. I absolutely love working corporate after dinner events for that reason. Well, that and the food is usually good!

perceptions...

Chris Yerlig, a fellow street performer here in Virginia Beach, had an evening off this past week. He came out to see some shows and took some pictures of one of my performances.

I remembered seeing him in the crowd, and Dangerous even said "Hi Chris!". Thing is, I do not remember the crowd being the size in the picture. I was thinking it was a rather sparse show.

My perception was from a different perspective. The pictures will give you an idea of what I have been doing here at the beach. 4 shows a night...

BTW - you can catch Chris on his web site at: http://www.mimealot.com/

Thanks Chris!

A Fun Night!

It amazes me how different each night, and each show can be. One crowd will hang back, not wanting to approach. Not sure what they are afraid of - but they miss out on the intensity of the comedy by refusing to relax and become a part of the evening.

Another crowd will swamp you, so close the air stops moving and everybody sweats! Some crowds laugh heartily, others snicker, some stare. Same material, very different responses. Why? Who knows. I certainly don't.

Luckily, tonight was: A Fun Night!

Alone

Today I am alone. While in Virginia Beach, I've been hanging with other performers, doing shows and interacting with folks - but I am still alone. A weird feeling that has somehow intensified today. Contact with home is limited to short phone calls. My wife's schedule conflicts with mine - she works when I am not, I'm performing when she is available to talk.

I'm looking forward to spending time with my family again. Only another week to go!

Short Night

During my first set tonight, I saw lightening over the ocean. Following my set, I took a fifteen minute break as I watched the storm rolling in. At 8:30 I was told to shut down. One show and the rest of the evening off. It was a shame... the show was rocking and I was planning on introducing a new character at the second peformance. There is always tomorrow!

Back to Beach Street

Arrived in Virginia Beach on Aug. 1 after driving 7 hours in horrible traffic. I still can't figure out how people can justify stopping on a 65 mph highway - there were no accidents or lane closures - so it has to be stupidity.

Took the evening to watch a few acts - enjoyed what I saw, then went back to the hotel for some much needed sleep.

Last night, my first night of shows, I was asked if I'd prefer to work a closed street, or a corner. The last two runs I have been working the corners and was comfortable with them. Closed street acts drew large audiences. I figured it was because the closed streets acts were more visual - they are usually fire acts or jugglers, that sort of thing. I agreed to try the setting but was nervous I wouldn't get the size crowd that others pull.

Shouldn't have worried. It was a great night.

You Can't Please All The People...

Finished last week at Burlington Farm Fair in NJ. It is a great little fair and the shows were a lot of fun. Had a day off, then went to Point Pleasant Beach for a show that is performed literally on the beach. I had a very large audience, some of who saw me last year and returned when they saw I was on the schedule. Afterward I met a lot of great folks and enjoyed chatting with them.

This morning I found a rather surprising e-mail in my spam folder. A mother who saw my show at Pt. Pleasant was offended. Mind you, I do not use any foul language in my act. Although some clients advertise me as a kids show - I flatly state that I am a family show to PG-13. I tell clients what I do; they can see my videos. Pt. Pleasant advertises the program series as a Kiddie event. My comedy is aimed at all ages. I'm a comedian ventriloquist, not Sesame Street.

Usually a letter such as this would upset me. This morning, not so much. My act hasn't changed from the last few months. It has been drawing good crowds, often filled with people who have seen the act time and again. Parents even bring their kids back for multiple shows. This is the first complaint I've gotten in a long time. Comedy, by it's very nature offends someone.

Did I feel bad? Sure, I sent the woman a reply and apologized for the fact she was offended. I also told her not to attend my shows in the future. I'd hate for her to be offended while the other 300+ people are laughing...

Ocean County Fair

Finishing up my run here at the Ocean County Fair in Toms River, NJ tomorrow. I was surprised to find this on-line article about my act today!
http://www.jacksonnjonline.com/2009/07/18/only-one-more-day-left-to-visit-the-2009-ocean-county-fair/

Its been a great few days, hanging with old friends the Dazzling Mills Family, Dale Jones, Dave Feimster, Bruce, Kitty & O.J. and others. Among the highlights - seeing Michelle & Chris Groth's wedding pics and helping celebrate Tony Mill's 18th birthday. A fun week!

Ventriloquism - East Coast and beyond!

Back on the 7th day of my second run here in Virginia Beach. In between I worked a private corporate event, Knoebels Park in PA. and the Howell Balloon Challenge Festival in Michigan. Its been a lot of driving with some intense overnight jumps and lots of shows.

Had some rough days. The shows started running together and I was having trouble keeping focused. At times, I felt like I was repeating material, when in reality, I was comparing the joke with earlier responses. Partly because the shows have been very close together with 4 to 5 performances per evening.

I want to publicly thank Jay Johnson, Tony award winner and former star of Soap. I had e-mailed him regarding my burn-out and he offered some excellent advice. Jay is not only one of the top ventriloquists in the world - but an incredibly nice guy. Thanks again Jay!

My thanks also goes out to:
David Crone, who always has a kind word and encouragement,

and members of my audiences who have searched out my web site and e-mailed about the show. It means a lot when someone takes the time to tell me how much they enjoyed the laughs!

End of the Run

Monday night the crowds were smaller since some of the weekenders had left. Tuesday was cool with a stiff breeze, so the crowds were even smaller. My final show last night had 25 people at most - a far cry from what I had been drawing. I expect tonight to go about the same since the weather really hasn't changed.

After I end at 11:00, I get to head back to the hotel, change, check out and start my overnight drive. I've got a lunchtime show in Mt. Airy, MD. After that, laundry and grocery shopping - then heading to Knoebels (a two and a half hour drive) for a one week run. There will be no more sleep until I unload my show there - should hit the bed about midnight Friday morning!

Because Knoebels has poor cell reception and no wireless Internet - I will be out of touch with the world for awhile. A good time to rest, have fun with my shows and recharge for my Michigan trip at the end of that week. (Which oddly enough, involves an overnight drive.) At least I'm working!
Tom

Street Performing

With two nights of street vent (8 shows) under my belt - I'm having fun. It is a very different type of performance. Luckily my act is playing well. On the street, you've got plenty of potential distractions, which can really change the comedic timing. I realize to get better at this style, I'll need to work harder on creating material that allows me to ad-lib, yet return to my original script seamlessly.

The fresh air and four - 45 minute shows each evening has put a slight strain on my vocals after the two nights. I'm spending most of each day in my hotel room, resting my voice and catching up on sleep. When awake, I'm working on my show.

It is the curse of being on the road alone. I'm in a great beach location, hotel right on the ocean - and I'm spending my time in a room. Being by myself I don't have as much desire to explore or participate in the activities the vacationers enjoy. Still, the shows and the laughs are worth it!

Virginia Beach Ventriloquist

Tonight I start performing at Beach Street. It should be a lot of fun - tourists are treated to free street performances by a variety of artists. It is one of the attractions that keeps Virginia Beach a family destination. I'm also looking forward to meeting the other acts - it is always great to hang with other performers.

I arrived yesterday so I wouldn't have to deal with the Friday beach traffic. They have me in an Ocean front hotel with a balcony that looks out over the Atlantic. During the evening I walked the town to look around and had dinner at a spot my wife and I enjoyed years ago when we performed at a medical convention. Even with all my recent performances in the area, this is the first time I've been to the ocean here since then.

Now it is time to grab some breakfast and enjoy a walk in the surf!

Driving...

Spent much of the last few days behind the wheel of my car. Friday I fought pouring rain and traffic around Baltimore & Washington DC to reach shows in Virginia Beach that evening. Spent the night there and had a very long drive back to PA. for a banquet show on Saturday.

As I sat on an express highway (no exits) Saturday afternoon, I wondered why we were stopped. There was no accident - there was no place to turn off - no merges to make. To me, driving on a highway like that is a simple matter of MOVE FORWARD.

Someone must have heard me, because we did move forward. 23 miles in just over an hour.

And they call the puppets "Dummies". . .

After Dinner Show

Saturday night, I had a show in lower New Jersey. The organization was holding their annual fund raising banquet and I was hired to close the show with a 45 minute comedy set. There was a lot of great talent on the bill, excellent singing, piano playing, guitars and even a saxophone quartet. I did what I usually do before a show, went into my shell and watched the audience to determine the best method of connecting with them.

Comedy can be a subjective creature. What is funny to one audience can fall flat on the next. It is important to be able to read the crowd and adjust the show to them. This was a very mixed audience, from young teen to senior citizen - about 200 in all. That makes the job even more difficult since you have a wide variety of humor levels to contend with. Younger audiences want the hipper comedy they see on TV - the older crowd tends to revel in the style of great comedians of the past.

To make a long story short - the evening ended with a standing ovation. I was truly honored. They have already scheduled my show for 2010 - so I have some huge expectations to meet on a completely different program. This morning, I received an e-mail from a member of the board:

"I am still hearing (and probably will continue to do so for a while) how great your show was!

When we spoke back stage (in reality – back kitchen), I told you how I had hyped up the act to ticket buyers because I was so impressed by what I had seen on the internet and you said you hoped you could live up to my words (modest for a performer, I like that). Oh my gosh, everything that you did was funny, entertaining and amazing all rolled into one! You “WOWED” the audience!

Thanks so much for making it one of the best shows ever! Selling tickets for next year’s show will be a cake walk thanks to you."
Rhonda Gage
Board of Directors

In truth, I want to thank them and every organization, individual and corporation that has ever hired me. Because of you, I get to earn a living doing something I love - making people laugh!
THANKS!

2008 Rising Star Award Winner

Late last week I received word that I was named the top grossing ventriloquist on Gigmasters and presented the 2008 Rising Star Award on their system:

Dear Tom Crowl - Rising Star Award Winner 2008,
The press release for the Rising Star Awards went out on the newswire Wednesday, March 18th. The link to the release is below:
http://sev.prnewswire.com/entertainment/20090318/NY8565818032009-1.html

And again, congratulations from all of us at GigMasters!
Sincerely,
Kevin H. Kinyon
Founder & President, Gigmasters.com, Inc.

It was a nice surprise. I have enjoyed the opportunities Gigmasters has presented in the last year and look forward to 2009!

Corporate Entertainment

Wow, it is already the middle of February. 2009 is flying by too fast.

In January I had the pleasure of providing entertainment for a corporate event in Iowa. The weather was freezing but the audience was hot - and they graciously gave me a standing ovation at the end of the show. There is no better feeling, than making an audience laugh and then being rewarded in that fashion. It makes me realize exactly how lucky I am to be doing something I love.

In February I finally got to go someplace warm! Louisiana. I was doing a customer appreciation event for another corporate client. Again, the audience stood at the end of the show - and they weren't trying to leave!

I want to thank all the new friends I've made in the last two months and let you know I truly was honored by the gesture. As 2009 progresses, I look forward to the travel and shows. I hope to see you on the road!
Tom

Happy New Year

2008 was a great year. 2009 appears it will be even better. I've got some great reading ahead, lots of plans and ideas and a renewed desire to implement. My show schedule for 2009 is filling in nicely and after my rest, I'm looking forward to visiting some places I've never been!

I'd like to thank everyone who has encouraged me over the past twelve months. I look forward to growing the friendships we have and creating new ones.

For today, I now think I'll go watch the parade, some football, and spend the day with my family! Happy New Year!