PREMIER CONCERTS AND MANIC PRESENTS

In this new section of AMP we will be interviewing bands, solo artists and related music industry personalities. I hope enjoy the mix. Here’s our initial piece.

Premier Concerts and Manic Presents, two of Connecticut’s largest concert promoters, joined forces in 2015. Keith Mahler and Mark Nussbaum are the catalysts for acquiring top talent in multiple venues throughout the state. From the Space Ballroom (recently re-opened under new management) to the Palace and Warner theaters they have a major imprint on what shows are booked. Premier and Manic are also responsible for the great lineups that constantly grace College Street Music Hall and Cafe Nine. During the Squeeze concert at College Street I was able to sit down with both Keith and Mark to discuss the art of concert promotion.

AMP: Premier started in 2004. What inspired you to get into the concert promotion business?

Keith Mahler: I started promoting shows off and on since 1972. In 1978 I returned to Ct. after college and ran a successful real estate company while booking shows. I got further involved when the Governor refurbished The Palace theater. My partner Peter Kauff (who passed away in 2013) was already booking shows so we decided to join forces instead of competing against each other. We felt we found a niche in that the small theaters in Connecticut were not being properly services when it came to rock bands.

AMP: Premier acquired Manic Presents in 2015. How has that worked out for both companies?

Keith Mahler: Great

Mark Nussbaum: We pulled our resources together and it made us a stronger team.

AMP: Premier/Manic promotes shows in multiple venues, How does the logistics work?

Keith: Mark books the talent. I oversee the company business.

Mark: We work together to make sure that all our larger and smaller venues attract the right talent. We build up both new venues and up and coming acts. We also try to make sure the bands play the appropriate stages.. For example, College Street is the perfect setting for Squeeze tonight.

AMP: Premier/Manic showcases in large venues like the Palace and Shubert Theaters and smaller clubs like Cafe Nine and Bar. Which do you prefer?

Keith: Just for the record we are done with Bar. They suspended their music showcases but to answer the question we like both. Each brings its unique satisfaction.

Mark: Each spot has is special aura. The trick is to place the right talent in the perfect place. For example Mark Mulcahy was amazing at Cafe Nine last week. You got to know what works.

AMP: You and Mark seem to work well together. How does the synergy work between you?

Mark: Its great. We are always bouncing ideas off each other.

Keith: Mark keeps me young. I can’t believe the great music I listen to with Mark to put together our shows.

AMP: You have hosted many shows in many spaces. What are some of your favorites.

Keith: Wow! Too many to list. The ones that come to mind would be Mark Mulcahy at the Ballroom, Twiddle here at College Street and the Pixies at the Palace.

Mark: Low, any time we’ve worked with Dinosaur Junior and the Flaming Lips at College Street. The Flaming Lips show was amazing with them doing a Bowie cover and Wayne Coyne surfing the crowd in a plastic bubble. Regina Spector’s show here was great. Her and a piano. You could hear a pin drop.

Keith: We are doing bigger clubs with bigger bands and also bringing in more comedy. I can’t leave out our Willie Nelson shows. An American icon.

i want to thank both Keith Mahler and Mark Nussbaum for taking the time to speak with me during an incredible Squeeze show. I commend both gentlemen for bringing great national and local talent to the state of Connecticut. They are one the the reasons the music scene in this state is strong and flourishing..

 

 

 

 

 

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