This merely a unofficial, and un-certified DRAFT of a summer concert proposal that would tie in local Political, Corporate & Public sector to a major 10 week free event that is sure to offer opportunities to highlight branding.
Harlem Renaissance Summer Music Fest Summarized Percy Sutton Generic
1. The Percy Sutton Memorial: “Let's Go Back” Concert Series
Harlem Renaissance Summer Music Fest
Principals
Daniel Atherton, Sr. Foundation Founder, CEO
Charles Leake President
Ray Chandler Vice President
Senator Bill Perkins Head Board Member
Professional Production & Consulting Team
RC&A Heart & Soul Productions (35+ Years NYC Promotion, & Production)
Ray Chandler, CEO Liaison to Community Affair & Logistics / Event
Management
Charles Leake, Pres. Talent & Artist Acquisitions / Event Management
Samuel Blocker Assistant Manager - Stage Production
Management
Kevin Rivera (SoulRican Entertainment) Location & Property
Assessments
Ronnie Wright Event & Media Reporting (exclusive Photographer
for the stars)
Kelly Cobb Executive Production Liaison
(Production Manager Wingate Park, Bklyn MLK CONCERT
SERIES)
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2. (Supporting Sponsor) Presents
The Percy Sutton Memorial: “Let's Go Back” Concert Series
Overview
Commemorating and honoring the life, spirit, and the many social,
public, and personal successes accomplished by Mr. Percy Ellis
Sutton. We celebrate his passion for African Americans people and
for his great love for the community of Harlem, USA.
The (Supporting Sponsor) Let's Go Back Tour & Concert Series with
the New York Funk All-Stars Band is a 70s, 80s, 90s, and the present
Soul / R&B / jazz / Latin / Funk / Disco / Gospel / Rap concert series
bringing free concerts to Central Harlem and East Harlem key
proposed venue locations throughout its richly grand, historic, and
nostalgic communities.
This concert series is a much needed, free public event that will
encourage and motivate Harlem residents to enjoy their own
community. The benefit of these premium concerts will be that they
will create added notability, and an influx of new tourism into Harlem.
This equates to new monies coming into Harlem community, which
will translate to increased retail revenue funneled into Harlem
communities.
Why bring The (Supporting Sponsor) Let's Go Back Tour & Concert
Series to central Harlem? Harlem is a world famous locale, yet it has
no concert series for its residence. Other boroughs like Brooklyn's
Monday night summer Martin Luther king concert series at Wingate
field. Thursday’s summer Coney Island concert series and Queens
Roy Wilkins park concerts.
Harlem has no concert series that truly represents its magnificence.
Which means it does not currently benefit from the yearly influx of
dollars that are brought into other boroughs of New York City. The
(Supporting Sponsor) Let's Go Back Tour & Concert Series is just the
vehicle needed to generate that much desired traffic to Harlem. The
positive monetary affect to the community would be tremendous.
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3. Budget Estimate
The proposed The (Supporting Sponsor) Let's Go Back Tour &
Concert Series would be a 10 week outdoor concert series,
presented only on Wednesdays. The estimated budget cost is Three
Million ($3,000,000.00) dollars. This estimate encompasses (but is not
Premium Dressing Room Air Flights/
Entertainment/ trailers/ Hotels/
Concert Hospitality/ Ground
Production/ Event Runners/ transportation/
Staging/ Stage Event Security/ Jumbo Video
hands/ Organization Staffing/ Screens
Concert Lighting/ Office, Telephone, Port-O-San
Sound & Office supplies, Postal Rentals
Monitors/ Expenses/ Prom Street
Audio & Lighting Advertizing/ Print team
technicians media/ Venue Clean
Up
limited to):
The Percy Sutton Memorial: “Let's Go Back” Concert Series
Proposed Summer Schedule
Duration: Concerts will run for 10 weeks
Week day: Wednesdays
Dates: June 30, 2010 thru September 1, 2010
Target Kick- Off Date
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Proposed Concert Locations
#1
Colonel Charles Young Playground / Baseball Field
145th street Malcolm x blvd. aka Lenox Ave
Location capacity 5,000
Additional space for picnic blankets/ beach chairs
#2
Marcus Garvey Park aka (Mount Morris Park)
120th to 124th street mount Morris park drive
Location capacity 1,600 to 2,000 seats
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4. Additional space for open seating
#3
Harlem River Park aka (SOCCER FIELD)
127th to 128th street & 2nd avenue
Location capacity 7,000 to 10,000
2,000 seats plus open field
Additional space for picnic blankets/ beach chairs
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5. (Supporting Sponsor) Presents
The Percy Sutton Memorial: “Let's Go Back” Concert Series
Proposed Artists Program
(Artists Line-up & final contract pending final negotiations)
Cool Jams Wednesday July 7th 2010 Cool Jams Wednesday July 14th 2010
Patti Labelle Charlie Wilson
Ashford & Simpson Chaka Kahn
Freddie Jackson Gladys Knight
GQ Emanuel Rahiem Kenny Latimore
Hot Jams Wednesday July 21st 2010 Hot Jams Wednesday July 28th 2010
Ron Isley Keith Sweat
Cameo Jagged Edge
S.O.S Band Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant,
Atlantic Star Johnny Gill
Midnight Starr Boyz II Men
Dru Hill feat. Cisco
Rap It Out Wednesday August 4th 2010 Smooth Jazz Wed. Aug 11th 2010
LL Cool J / Grandmaster Melle Chris Botti.
Mel Gerald Albright
Kurtis Blow / Doug E. Fresh Rochelle Farrel
Naughty By Nature / Qeen Najee'
Latifa FourPlay
Whodini / Salt & Pepa
Caribbean Wednesday Aug 18th 2010 Latin Wednesday August 25th 2010
Beres Hammond Gilberto Santa Rosa
Serani / Shaggy Ruiz Luis
Sean Paul Tito Nieves
Taurus Riley Latin All-Stars
Classic Wednesday September 1st 2010 Gospel Wednesday September 1st 2010
Stephanie Mills Cee Cee & Bee Bee Winans
Peabo Bryson Marvin Sapp
Evelyn King Mary Mary
Meli’sa Morgan Byron Cage
Midnight Starr Smokie Norful
Ole School Wednesday Harlem We Got The Funk Night
The Manhattans Gerald/ Blue Kool & The Gang
Ray Goodman & Brown Atlantic Starr
Ted Wizard Mills (Blue Magic) The Barkays
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6. Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes Dazz band
Legendary Intruders Cameo
The Persuaders feat Poindexter Average White Band
Allison Williams S.O.S. Band
Peaches & Herb Con Funk Shun
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7. (Supporting Sponsor) Presents
The Percy Sutton Memorial: “Let's Go Back” Concert Series
Food Court and Merchandise Vending
Food & Beverage Vendors will have the opportunity to purchase
vendor plots at a pre determined rate.
All vendors will be required to a present insurance rider and A Food
Protection Certificate.
All Food vendors will be required to practice and maintain
appropriate food safety standards.
Merchandise & photography Vendors will have the opportunity to
purchase vendor plots for at pre determined rate. All non-food
vendors will not be required to present insurance rider.
All Vendor rental fees collected will be donated via Wyclef Jean’s
Yel Haiti Relief Fund via the:
(Supporting Sponsor) Presents the Percy Sutton Memorial: “Let's
Go Back” Concert Series
Children’s Pre-Concert Activities
Clowns, Cartoon and Movie Characters, Face Painting will be
available for the entertainment of younger children. A one dollar
donation will be requested for face painting and photography with
characters.
All fees collected from these services will be donated via Wyclef
Jean’s Yelo Haiti Relief Fund
Harlem Community Churches and Citizen Centers Seniors
Special prime seating section will be reserved for senior citizens
from local Harlem Churches.
Special prime seating section will be reserved for senior citizens
from local Harlem Senior Centers.
HARLEM COMMUNITY CITIZENS WITH DIABILITES AND SPECIAL NEEDS
Special prime seating sections will be reserved for Harlem citizens
with disabilities and/ or special needs.
A Wheel Chair accessible seating section will be made available.
Folding chairs will be provided as well as bottled water free of
charge to these special guests.
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8. Economic benefit to Harlem Residents
Harlem resident will be employed to work in the production aspects
of the concert series and given fair monetary compensation for their
participation. This includes, but is not limited to, sanitation duties
prior to event setup and after event cleanup, Media distribution, light
labor tasks, etc.
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9. Harlem Community Youth Empowerment Initiative
In honor of Percy Sutton
This program is designed to offer economic support as well as social
empowerment to High School students that reside in the Harlem
community. This flagship program will initially offer, up to fifty
students, ages 16yrs through 18yrs, the opportunity of part-time
employment with the Percy Sutton Memorial: “Let's Go Back”
Concert Series.
HCYE is dedicated to creating comprehensive long-term solutions
that give young people in high-risk environments real alternatives to
violence and delinquency while addressing the underlying conditions
that influence this self-destructive life style.
Many low-income, inner-city communities of color have experienced
an insurgence of gangs and gang-related activities, and many young
people have been misdirected into joining violent gangs. Like many
other boroughs in New York City, this activity has resulted in Harlem
becoming a harbor where youth violence and drug-related activities
flourish. The purpose behind HCYE is to affect a direct response to
this crisis, and to initially focus on the male and female youth of the
he Harlem communities and to mentor them as to how they can
avoid risky behavior and achieve positive life outcomes. The goal of
HCYE is to establish a community-based organization in Harlem that
can provide young people with alternatives to incarceration, the
juvenile justice system, as well as those activities that would put
them at high risk for truancy, delinquency, violence and gang
activity.
HCYE's mission is to foster programs that will take fill the idle time
that many youth have during the summer academic break, and to
offer those in the Harlem community a more progressive alternative
and encourage these youth to focus their energy on more positive
and life fulfilling aspirations.
Programs to run for 10 weeks consecutively:
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT:
Fifty (50) Summer Employment placement opportunities with our
annual Harlem summer Concert Series will be offered to deserving
youth.
WEEKLY YOUTH MENTORSHIP:
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10. Ten, One day, seminars will be conducted by corporate
professionals, social specialist, local politicians, Employment
Agencies, and local community affairs representatives, and USA
Military. Participation in all, one day, seminars would be a requisite.
Meet & Greet opportunity:
Youth to Meet and Greet with Top recording artists
PREREQUISITES OF ELIGIBLE YOUTHS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
PROGRAM:
High School students Ages 16yrs through 18yrs, college freshmen
under 19yrs, Good academic record, referral letter from an educator
at their academic institution, and a formal, in-person, interview
including parent(s) or legal guardian.
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11. (Supporting Sponsor) Presents
The Percy Sutton Memorial: “Let's Go Back” Concert Series
Fundraising Efforts
During the entire extent of this concert series, we will utilize
traditional fundraising strategies, along with some unique and
creative approaches to raise funds to support the relief, recovery,
and rebuilding efforts in the earthquake devastated country of Haiti.
We will utilize the concert stage to remind people of the great and
traumatic plight that our neighbors overseas are enduring, and will
encourage to donate to the cause to help the people of Haiti. We
recognize the extraordinary new economic burden that has now
been thrust upon the people of Haiti.
Each and every year that the (Supporting Sponsor) Presents: The Percy
Sutton Memorial: “Let's Go Back” Concert Series is presented it
will be our commitment to implement creative fundraising strategies
to directly support Haiti. In addition to monetary charity efforts, the
collection of can goods, Bottled water, clothing, and other bare
necessities are just a few of the way the concert series will help.
Our ultimate goal is to show the world that Harlem is for Haiti!
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12. (Supporting Sponsor) Presents
The Percy Sutton Memorial: “Let's Go Back” Concert Series
The “Lets’ Go Back” Harlem Community Agenda
The community of Harlem is experiencing an amazing renaissance. New and newly revitalize
real estate is popping up more rapidly than any of us could have ever have imagined. The
diversity and makeup of the Harlem population is transforming. Corporate America is now
embracing Harlem and putting their stores in the Harlem community. Harlem streets are being
beautified and maintained better than ever. Policing has increased, and that has made Harlem a
safer place for all. This is a wonderful factuality, but there are some social flaws that accompany
these new changes that are not being effectively addressed. That is that stealthy and
economically forced relocation of Harlem’s proud residents.
The (Supporting Sponsor) Presents - The Percy Sutton Memorial: “Let's Go Back” Concert Series
initial goal is to serve as a catalyst to boost the spirits of Harlem residents, increase the positive
notability of the Harlem communities, and generate influx of new money through enhanced
tourism. A Long-term target goal is to establish a number of not-for-profit programs that service
Harlem’s residents.
Present free, high quality, professional concerts productions in the Harlem community.
Integrate programs that will serve to empower and educate the community’s youth.
Incorporate local Churches and Senior Centers and provide free transportation, premium
reserved seating, & refreshments to the weekly concerts.
Establish fundraising initiatives to, initially, benefit the earthquake recovery efforts in the
Republic of Haiti.
Create a youth foundation based in Harlem that will teach the grass roots of music production
and recording.
Gang outreach and redirection
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13. REQUEST FOR SPONSORSHIP
The Percy Sutton Memorial: “Let's Go Back” Concert Series will provide sponsors with the best possible
marketing and branding solutions to enhance visibility by utilizing high-end professionals that
draw incredible attention to your product or services. With no risk and unparalleled results, we
can stand behind the scenes, knowing you are the scene.
We would like to propose five (5) levels of sponsorship to invite partners for the 2010
Bill Perkins Presents Percy Sutton Memorial Summer “Let’s Go Back Tour & Concert Series”.
TITLE SPONSOR - $100,000 - TWO (10) AVAILABLE
Media – Sponsor Presents The 2009 Let’s Go Back Tour & Concert Series on all Radio &
Television commercials, advertising ten (10) weeks out, in six (6) different cities (exposure to over
5 million people)
Web – Large Banner on event Web-Site; Hyperlink to your company site (exposure to over 2
million people)
Billboard – Sponsor Presents The 2009 Let’s Go Back Tour & Concert Series on Billboard
Display, Twelve (12) weeks out (exposure to over 1 million people)
Print – Sponsor Presents in all Newspapers, Magazines and 500,000 Posters & Fliers Distributed
twelve (12) weeks out, in six different cities.
Merchandising – Sponsor Presents on Promotional Merchandise. (T-Shirts aka Walking
Billboards)
Signage - Prominent banner and signage display covering stage; in view to 10,000 Plus in
Attendance.
Vending – Six (6) 10x10 Vending Spaces
Tickets – 100 Complimentary General Admission Tickets & 2 Reserve VIP Tables to
Accommodate 20 Guest.
Sponsor Tent - An exclusive 40x40 tent with Free Hors d'oeuvres
Back Stage Passes - 10 Back Stage Passes
Meet and Greet - An exclusive meet and greet with picture taking & autograph signing.
PLATINUM SPONSOR - $50,000 - TWO (5) AVAILABLE
Media – Sponsor Presents The 2009 Let’s Go Back Tour & Concert Series on all Radio &
Television commercials, advertising ten (10) weeks out, throughout the city and all surrounding
counties (exposure to over 2 million people)
Web – Large Banner on event Web-Site; Hyperlink to your company site (exposure to over 2
million people)
Billboard – Sponsor Presents The 2009 Let’s Go Back Tour & Concert Series on Billboard
Display, Twelve (12) weeks out (exposure to over 1 million people)
Print – Sponsor Presents in all Newspapers, Magazines and 500,000 Posters & Fliers Distributed
twelve (12) weeks out, throughout the city and all surrounding counties
Merchandising – Sponsor Presents on Promotional Merchandise (T-Shirts aka Walking
Billboards)
Signage - Prominent banner and signage display on side of stage
Vending – Four (4) 10x10 Vending Spaces
Tickets – 50 Complimentary General Admission Tickets & 2 Reserve VIP Tables to
Accommodate 20 Guest.
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14. Sponsor Tent - An exclusive 20x20 tent with Free Hors d'oeuvres
Back Stage Passes - 10 Back Stage Passes
Meet and Greet - A meet and greet with picture taking & autograph signing.
GOLD SPONSOR - $25,000 - FOUR (6) AVAILABLE
Media – Sponsor Mention on all Radio & Television commercials, advertising ten (10) weeks out,
throughout the city and all surrounding counties ( exposure to over 2 million people)
Web – Banner on event Web-Site; Hyperlink to your company site (exposure to over 2 million
people)
Billboard – Sponsor logo on Billboard Display, Twelve (12) weeks out (exposure to over 1
million people)
Print – Sponsor logo on all Newspapers, Magazines and 500,000 Posters & Fliers Distributed
twelve (12) weeks out, throughout the city and all surrounding counties
Merchandising – Sponsor Logo on Promotional Merchandise. (T-Shirts aka Walking Billboards)
Signage - Prominent banner and signage display on festival site
Vending – Two (2) 10x10 Vending Spaces
Tickets – 25 Complimentary Tickets & Reserve VIP Ticket to Accommodate 10 Guests. Plus
Buffet
Sponsor Tent - An exclusive 10x10 tent with Free Hors d'oeuvres
Back Stage Passes - 5 Back Stage Passes
Meet and Greet - A meet and greet with picture taking & autograph signing
SILVER SPONSOR - $10,000 - FIVE (10) AVAILABLE
Media – Sponsor Mention on all Radio & Television commercials, advertising seven (7) weeks
out, throughout the city and all surrounding counties
Web – Logo on event Web-Site; Hyperlink to your company site (exposure over 2 million people)
Billboard – Sponsor logo on Billboard Display, Twelve (12) weeks out (exposure over 1 million) p
Print – Sponsor logo on all Newspapers, Magazines and 500,000 Posters & Fliers Distributed
twelve (12) weeks out, throughout the city and all surrounding counties
Merchandising – Sponsor Logo on Promotional Merchandise (T-Shirts aka Walking Billboards)
Signage - Prominent banner and signage display on festival site
Vending – One (1) 10x10 Vending Space
Tickets – 25 Complimentary General Admission Tickets & Reserve VIP seats Accommodates 10
Back Stage Passes - 2 Back Stage Passes
Meet and Greet - A meet and greet with picture taking & autograph signing.
BRONZE SPONSOR - $5,000 – SIX (10) AVAILABLE
General Admission Tickets & 6 VIP tickets
Back Stage Passes - 2 Back Stage Passes Media – Sponsor Mention on all Radio & Television
commercials, advertising seven (3) weeks out, throughout the city and all surrounding counties
Web – Logo on event Web-Site; Hyperlink to your company site
Print – Sponsor logo on all Newspapers, Magazines and 500,000 Posters & Fliers Distributed
twelve (10) weeks out, throughout the city and all surrounding counties
Signage - Prominent banner and signage display on festival site
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15. Tickets – 25 Complimentary
For more information log on the “Let’s Go Back Tour & Concert Series” to
www.newyorkfunkallstars.com or contact: Daniel Atherton at 347-405-7631 or (718) 431-4288.
Your Sponsorship in this Promotion will be greatly appreciated.
15
16. Founder/ CEO “Let's Go Back” Concert Series
Percy Sutton Memorial: “Let's Go Back” Concert Series
Daniel Atherton Sr.
Daniel Atherton Sr. was born on June 26 1957 at Harlem hospital. His
parents, Daniel Atherton and Gloria Atherton raised him in Harlem on
117th street between Lenox & 7th Aves, known now as Malcolm X
Blvd & Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. Daniel Atherton attended grade
school in Harlem, just a few blocks from his home, at P.S.184 in
1969, which was later renamed to School P.S. 207. Daniel went on
to attend I.S. 88, Wadleigh J.H. School, also in his home
neighborhood.
Daniel attended Louis D. Brandeis High School in 1973. Upon his
graduation, Daniel received a prestigious Two year music
scholarship to the Berkley School of Music in Boston,
Massachusetts. He studied drum percussion, and music theory
comprehension.
After Berkley, Daniel began teaching percussion. He also started
performing and drumming with various professional bands and
performers such as; Chaka Kahn / O'jays / Atlantic Starr / Freddie Jackson /
Keith Sweat / Guy / Najee / New Edition / Bobby Brown / Gerald Levert Blue Magic /
Cameo, Just to name a few. To date, Daniel a proud father and is still
teaching Private students the art and technique of the drums. He
believes that, through his music, he is teaching young people that
they are powerful and creative individuals that can do anything that
they truly apply themselves to.
Daniel is a highly respected force within the entertainment arena.
He is still actively touring and performing with many of the greatest
performing artists of our time. He is also now the Musical Director of
the legendary R&B group, ATLANTIC STARR. Together they are
currently touring in the cities in the USA and around the world.
Daniel is still a resident Harlem, USA, living not very far from where
he grew up. He is currently residing at 150 West 131st Street. He
also has a property in Englewood, New Jersey where he owns a
home. He is also the proud owner of a Brownstone in Harlem with
his Uncle Harold Atherton, a retired MTA Transit Police Officer.
Daniel founded the LET'S GO BACK TOUR & CONCERT SERIES in
2005, doing shows in and around the tri state area including various
venues though out the New City Area. Daniel ultimate desire is to
have the LET'S GO BACK TOUR & CONCERT SERIES to become a
weekly concert series starting in Harlem and then other major cities
around the country.
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17. Daniel Atherton, Sr. A.k.a. “Da
Slammin’ Drummer”
347-405-7631 or (718) 431-42880
www.newyorkfunkallstars.com
daslammindrummer@yahoo.com
rev. 01/2010
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18. President /Promoters Bio
Percy Sutton Memorial: “Let's Go Back” Concert Series
Charles M. Leake
Born in North Carolina, but raised in Harlem, NY on 215 West 116th
Street. Charles attended grade school at P.S. 76 A. Phillip Randolph
School on 220 West 121st Street in Harlem. Afterwards, he entered
I.S. 88, Wadleigh J.H. School, also in Harlem, for a short while, until
his parents transferred him downtown to I.S. 44 William J. O’shea
J.H. in mid-Manhattan. In 1974, Charles entered Martin Luther King,
Jr. High School and graduated in 1978 at the age 17.
Charles began his career in music and promotions in 1978 as one of
the original members of the rap group the “Harlem World Crew”
going by the name of “MC CharlieRock”. The group was named
after the world famous nightclub; Harlem World Cultural &
Entertainment Complex, formally located on 116th street & Lenox
Avenue in Harlem, USA. The club was considered the “Madison Square
Garden” of the new Hip-Hop Rap movement until it’s closing in 1985.
It played host to many of today’s current Hip Hop moguls like;
Russell Simmons, Kurtis Blow, Force MD, Kool Moe Dee, New
Edition, Yellow Man, Andre Harrell; Doug E. Fresh; Run DMC;
Grandmaster Flash; Ice T, and many more long before their present
notability.
It was during his time there that Charles learned and began to hone
his knowledge of concert promotion, production, and entertainment.
By utilizing his natural analytical and organization skills, he developed
promotional strategies that helped propel the club to great heights of
popularity and fame in the streets.
It was also there where he first met his current partner of many
years, Mr. Ray Chandler, who had heard about Harlem World and
came to rent the venue to present his rap crew, Grandmaster Flash
& The furious Five. Ray hired Charles to help promote the event, and
they developed an instant bond. For many years thereafter, Charles
worked with Ray to produce and promote some of the most
successful Rap concert/ dance events in the Tri-state area.
As time went on, Ray Chandler recognized Charles’ work ethic and
dedication and soon offered him an equal partnership. Now
promoting to a more sophisticated clientele, Charles still showed the
same gritty determination, and ability to handle events dealing with
any genre of music. He has worked with many top recording artists
of the 70s & 80s Classic Soul era, and has produced many sold out
concerts. Most recently at world class venues like: Manhattan
Center, NY; Roseland Ballroom, NY; Desoto Civic Center, in
Tennessee with performers such as: The Stylistics, Harold Melvin’s
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19. Blue Notes; Legendary Intruders; Persuaders; The Escorts;
Delfonics; Blue Magic; Meli’sa Morgan; The Chilites; Ray Goodman
& Brown; Alyson Williams, …and many more.
Professionally, Charles received his Associates Degree in Computer
Science, and has held positions as a Systems Analyst for several
major corporations. Including; IBM, Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of
New York, Kaye Insurance Group, & New York College of Podiatric
Medicine in Harlem. But his true passion has always been concert
promotions and entertainment. Now, more than 25 years later,
Charles is President of his own concert production company, and
continues to prove he is a true “Go-getter” who will not stop until
the job is done.
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20. Vice President/Promoter Bio
Percy Sutton Memorial: “Let's Go Back” Concert Series
Ray Chandler
A native of the Bronx, NY, and one of the true visionaries in the
concert promotion business, began as one of the original pioneers of
the now multi-billion dollar hip Hop Rap music industry in the early
1970s. He was the first manager of the world famous rap crew
Grandmaster Flash & The furious Five, and also one of the first to
recognize that this then new underground style of music had the
potential of mass appeal and profitability.
For many years thereafter he produced and promoted some of the
most successful Rap concert/ dance events in the Tri-state area.
His events drew thousands into major club venues like: The Roxy;
NY; Skate Key, BX; Fun House, NY; Capitol Theatre, MA;
Westchester County Center, NY; and (the Mecca of Hip Hop) Harlem
World Club in New York City. His legacy has been documented in
several books and on the World Wide Web.
As the tides of Hip Hop music began to change in the late 80s, Mr.
Chandler now a family man chose to move into a more sophisticated
genre of music promoting top recording artists of the 70s & 80s
classic soul era. He has produced many sold out concerts. Most
recently at world class venues like: Manhattan Center, NY; Roseland
Ballroom, NY; Desoto Civic Center, in Tennessee with performers
such as: The Whispers, Stephanie Mills, Temptations, Luciano, Third
World, The Stylistics, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes; Legendary
Intruders; The Persuaders; Peaches & Herb; The Escorts; Delfonics;
Ted Wizard Mills (Blue Magic); Meli’sa Morgan; The Chilites; Ray
Goodman & Brown; Alyson Williams, …and many more.
With more than 30 years in the concert promotion business, Ray
Chandler has an impeccable reputation as a promoter, businessman,
and as a gentleman.
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