1. KANYE WEST PLANS MAJOR EVENT AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN: Kanye West is planning a big event at Madison Square Garden on February 11, with plans to live stream the action to theaters in the United Kingdom and Germany, but the exact nature of the event is unclear. Whether it’s a debut performance of his forthcoming Waves album, a premiere party, a fashion show, or a combination, the event will begin selling tickets on Friday. Consequence of Sound: “It’s unclear whether Kanye will actually be performing at MSG or simply streaming the album. It’s worth noting that Kanye is also expected to debut season three of his adidas fashion line on February 11th, so it’s conceivable Waves will be soundtracking a fashion show. … Meanwhile, an event listing on Cineworld Cinema’s website notes that the screening will feature a performance by Kanye’s visual art collaborator Vanessa Beecroft.”
2. TRENDS IN WEDDING AFTER-PARTIES: As wedding after-parties become an entrenched part of the event lineup, their look and feel are evolving. Event designer David Stark shares his latest ideas for the post-reception parties, from ideas for themes to catering. Vogue: “The after-party is definitely about falling down the rabbit hole,” says Stark. “The energy should feel like a nightclub atmosphere. It’s about revving up instead of coming down in a chill-out lounge.” http://bit.ly/1SJI6yv
3. WHY LIGHTING WILL BE THE KEY TO THE SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW: In a behind-the-scenes look at the Super Bowl 50 halftime show, the production team described some of the challenges of staging a concert to be seen around the world. A difference this year is that the show, featuring Coldplay, will be staged during the daylight hours from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Entertainment Weekly: “‘Under the cover of darkness, you can use all kinds of theatrical tricks with the lighting—video and lasers,” [supervising producer Rob] Paine says. ‘In daylight, you have to figure out how to hide things.’ Lighting director Bob Barnhart says he’s designed five completely different scenarios for the show, and will employ one based on the day’s weather. ‘Lighting doesn’t have a huge amount of artistic contribution this year.’” http://bit.ly/1PitgMS
* LOCAL NEWS *
ATLANTA: The Georgia Department of Economic Development has dubbed 2016 the “Year of Georgia Music" and plans to promote tourism through multiple platforms using the state's musical heritage, artists, and music venues. Atlanta Business Chronicle: http://bit.ly/1K9dovU
AUSTIN: Music producer Tony Visconti—known for his decades-long collaboration with David Bowie—will give the opening keynote address at the 30th annual South by Southwest Music Conference and Festival. Billboard: http://bit.ly/1PQlhD3
BOSTON: Looking to give clients a taste of local culture? Zagat names the foods “Boston does best,” including seafood, ice cream, and historic dining. zagat.bz/1K80KgH
CHICAGO: Madison Tavern is now open in the Ogilvie Transportation Center. The restaurant and tavern hosts business lunches, dinners, and happy-hour gatherings; its upstairs space will host private functions. Menu items include New England lobster rolls and kale and pepperoni flatbreads.
Experiential marketing agency All Terrain has appointed Rick Miller as president, Courtney Warren as vice president of client services, and Dan Brice as senior vice president of business development and marketing.
LAS VEGAS: MGM Resorts International is slated to debut the Park, its new park, dining, and entertainment district on the Las Vegas Strip, on April 4. The area—which will connect New York-New York, Monte Carlo, and the new T-Mobile Arena—will feature patio-style seating, 50-foot shaded structures, and water walls. The park will also provide access to outdoor seating at restaurants including Shake Shack, Sake Rok, and Bruxie.
LOS ANGELES: Broadway’s Hamilton will come to Los Angeles next summer, anchoring the Pantages 2016-2017 season.
Local event listings from the new Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: Art Wynwood, a sister fair to Art Miami, will take place February 11-15 in the Wynwood arts district. A highlight of the event is a project called "The 1960s Will Blow Your Mind,” which will include lectures, a film screening, and a musical component all dedicated to 1960s art.
NEW YORK: The 10th-anniversary edition of the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival makes its first tour stop this year in Manhattan Saturday at the Tunnel in West Chelsea. Tres Carnes, Daisy May's BBQ USA, and Virgil's Real BBQ are among the restaurants participating in the ticketed event, which promises more than 60 beers and 40 bourbons. The tour continues at cities along the East Coast through September.
The 2016 Product of the Year Awards will take place February 11 at the Edison Ballroom. The event will be hosted by comedians Rachel Dratch and Scott Adsit.
Local event listings from the new Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
ORLANDO/CENTRAL FLORIDA: Wahlburgers, the burger chain owned by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers, will open in downtown Orlando February 9. Orlando Sentinel: http://bit.ly/1nwiHf1
SAN FRANCISCO: The San Francisco Chronicle interviews Keith Bruce, Super Bowl Host Committee C.E.O. sfchron.cl/1WMIwmR
SEATTLE: Loews Hotels & Resorts is slated to acquire the 120-room Hotel 1000, which will rebrand as Loews Regency Seattle in 2017. The property has 6,000 square feet of meeting space, BOKA Restaurant & Bar, the Spaahh, and a golf simulator.
TORONTO: The Campbell House Museum will host performances of immersive theater production Hogtown Experience today-Sunday. blogTO: http://bit.ly/1POaitY
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Fashion Group International of Greater Washington, D.C., plans to host a spring fashion trends and photo exhibit February 9 at the Warner Theatre. The photos, taken by local fashion photographers, will be offered at a silent auction at the event.
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With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Beth Kormanik, Michele Laufik, Jill Menze, Anna Sekula, and Ian Zelaya in New York.
BizBash Daily is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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