Jam Plots Indie Promoter Group

NASHVILLE‹While independent promoters may be scarce, they do exist in most markets, and they don't intend to go away. Now there is talk of indies presenting a unified front via a new business association, much as the arenas have done with their ArenaNetwork.
If it happens, Chicago-based Jam Productions will be at the forefront. After ruling Chicago for more than 20 years, Jam saw SFX enter its own backyard earlier this year by purchasing Nederlander's interests in two sheds and forming an exclusive booking deal with the Rosemont (Ill.) Horizon.
Jam executive VP Jerry Mickelson says that the large number of tours going with SFX this year (see story, page 1) should be a concern for independent promoters.
"If this continues, it will seriously affect all other independent promoters and their business," Mickelson says. "It also seriously affects the booking agencies. We all have to reassess our strategies in order to survive in the 21st century."
SFX may be working with some independent promoters, but Jam is not one of them. "They're taking business away from us," he says.
A consortium of independent promoters would seemingly present a united front, as well as offer a direct link to agents. Mickelson stops short of saying exactly what plans call for, saying that the concept is still in the "embryonic" stages.
"For those of us that are independents, the idea is to be able to survive and prosper," he says. He adds that the agents also need to be concerned. "What happens when they get cut out of the equation?"
Other independents aren't sure yet how they will react to the changed environment.
"We're examining how we can participate in the process," says John Scher, president/CEO of Metropolitan Entertainment.
The independents need to do something to survive, according to Jack Orbin, president of Stone City Attractions in San Antonio.
"I certainly want to fight conglomerates and monopolies, because they're bad for business and ultimately bad for consumers," says Orbin. "An independent promoter association sounds nice, but I have my doubts about whether it will work. The markets are too different."