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Starbooker Presents is dedicated to providing the highest quality entertainment experience for your venue and audience through its relationships with professional performers, talented artists, and highly trained production companies. We represent and promote actors, musicians, motivational speakers, professional sports organizations, and some of the finest venues in the United States! The talent you find here is among the best in the World!

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Latest Starbooker Presents' Artists News...

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Europe’s most successful live entertainment show
APASSIONATA

The Beginning
-- featuring more than 40 horses --
makes its North American debut April 27, 2012 in Louisville, Kentucky,
followed by an eighteen-month, sixty-six city arena tour

Now in its ninth year, APASSIONATA Europe’s most successful live entertainment show, featuring more than 40 horses and seen by more than five million fans in over forty cities will make its North American debut on April 27, 2012 at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky. The new show entitled “The Beginning” will kick off an eighteen month, sixty-six city arena North American tour including a week-run at Bojangles' Coliseum in Charlotte, NC May 4-6, 2012.

For almost a decade this theatrical sensation with original music scored specifically to work with the horses has enchanted families and horse lovers alike with the finest equestrianship including magnificent dressage and exhilarating stunt riding. The natural elegance, nobility, speed and agility of these animals is something to behold. Different breeds – from Shetland ponies to Friesians – have been brought together from Europe and North America to create this evocative, thrilling theatrical event, where everything from the courageous to the compassionate, and complex to the comic is observed.

APASSIONATA is also proud to be a sponsor of the annual Kentucky Derby Festival as part of the US launch. Mike Berry, President & CEO, Kentucky Derby Festival, said, “The Kentucky Derby Festival is thrilled that the highly acclaimed APASSIONATA tour will make its U.S. debut in Louisville as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s official event schedule. Kentucky is widely known as the ‘Horse Capital of the World,’ so it’s only fitting that this magical equine event be showcased in the Bluegrass State. APASSIONATA promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone who attends.”

The show’s success in Europe has been so remarkable and consistent, that its producer-creator Peter Massine and his American producing partner Tanya Grubich, were motivated to bring the experience and excitement of APASSIONATA to North America, which boasts the largest equine interest in the world.

Until APASSIONATA, horses had been seen by the public in competitive horse shows, dressage exhibitions, competitive racing, and American rodeos – but in APASSIONATA, Massine entirely re-envisioned how horses could be brought to the stage in a thrilling, dramatic and mesmerizing theatrical presentation.

Starting in 2003, APASSIONATA became an immediate sensation wherever it played. Soon after in 2004, the show began receiving accolades honoring creative and business endeavors including last year’s PRG Live Entertainment’s “Best Show” award, among the highest honors in live entertainment on the European continent. In January 2011, on the occasion of the APASSIONATA’s engagement at London’s The 02 arena, the London Sunday Express said, “You have never seen a horse show like it. APASSIONATA is the Royal Variety on four legs … the result is pure magic.”

“Although showmanship is an important component of APASSIONATA,” Massine said, “this isn’t just a show about what kind of tricks humans can train horses to do, or how fast they can be ridden, or how high can they jump. This is a show about a very deep kind of joy, happiness and contentment that our cast and audience experience with these animals.”

When Massine originally created APASSIONATA, he sought out legendary horsemen and women of Europe, many of whom had spent their lives working with these animals or have continued the lineage of families that have worked with horses for generations, crossing many breeds of horses, and the wide range of how horse and man have interacted with each other.

“When I was a boy in Northern Germany,” said APASSIONATA’s producer and creator Peter Massine, “everybody had a horse and everyone was connected with horses. Horses were a part of our lives and it was only later, once I lived in cities, that I understood how important that connection with horses was to me as a child. If we could re-create the relationship between man and horse on stage, we would have the basis for magnificent entertainment. And with the success we’ve had with this show so far, I think the public would agree.”

Massine and Grubich are taking great care in bringing APASSIONATA to North America. The full care and feeding and transportation of the equine cast of more than forty, is a major logistical undertaking. The European horses need to be carefully introduced to their new North American environment, as well as be conditioned to new horses acquired here for the cast. The show plays arenas on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but from Monday to Thursday the horses are housed and cared for in one of eight centers fully equipped and staffed, and strategically located around the continent.

In addition the producers have brought together an award winning, critically acclaimed, Broadway creative team to be announced for its North American debut tour. This team is lead by director Scott Faris, working with Holger Ehlers, Author, Artistic and Musical Director of the European tour, to bring all the elements together for the North American production. Faris has staged a dozen productions of the Broadway musical “Chicago,” “EFX!” at MGM Grand, “Bette Midler – The Showgirl Must Go On” at Caesar’s Palace, George Lucas’ “Live Adventure” in Japan, and “Walking With Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular” which played a record-breaking forty month North American arena tour. He was a veteran of the “Siegfried and Roy” team at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas.

Director Faris said, “The show brings together top class horsemanship and many exotic breeds of horses not often seen in the US. APASSIONATA gives the audience an experience that will not be forgotten. The intense communication between horse and rider will thrill horse enthusiasts and audiences of all ages.”

Please visit at www.apassionata.com/usa

Press contacts

National – Tim Choy, Davidson & Choy publicity | 323-954-7510 | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tour – Jennifer Lott | 410.913.0704 | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Starbooker Presents Jay Leno - Starbooker Presents wrapped up 2011 on a high note presenting Jay Leno at the Raleigh Convention Center for WakeMed's 50th Anniversary Gala. Some 1,500 guests were delighted by The Tonight Show star as he delivered a wonderful standup routine. Pictured here are Savvy, Leno, Holly, and the ol' fart himself.

We are looking at a big 2012 and can't wait to see all of you at one or more of the coming events!

fran 9

Francesca Capasso is setting the music and television scene on fire! She is currently appearing all over Hollywood with The Scorch Sisters, and picking up several acting jobs in some of the hottest television shows. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for the latest appearances, and how to book Fran at your next event.

SCORCH SISTERS

Scorch Sisters (l to r) are lead vocalist Francesca Capasso; guitarist Kimberly Allison; and keyboardist-vocalist Alicia McCracken Morgan.

The Scorch Sisters are ending 2011 on a High Note, honored and recognized by longtime industry trade publication Music Connection with their selection as a "Top 100 Live Artist Of The Year For 2011" in the magazine's always-anticipated year-end issue. No less than a thousand bands in various music genres from around the globe are considered each year for MC's "Top 100" - quite an honor for the ladies of this fast-rising Southern California-based group.

In addition to their MC "Top 100 Live Artist" honor, Scorch Sisters played Real Blues Festival 2 in May, "Ladies Do the Blues" in July and "Lorey's Blues For Hope" this past August, as well as competing in the 2012 International Blues Challenge (IBC) Finals this past October. Not bad for a group that has been together for less than a year!

The stellar bands and artists on the three ladies' collective musical resumes include: Neil Young; Rod Stewart; Delaney Bramlett; Billy Vera and the Beaters; Joe Houston; Zola Moon; Don & Dewey; Bobby Womack; Melissa Etheridge; Spencer Davis; Carmine Appice; Randy Jackson; Some Like It Hot Revue; and Francesca and the Flames. Scorch Sisters made their performing debut at this past April's "Blues For The Rising Sun" benefit in Long Beach, followed by a headlining appearance at this past May's Real Blues Festival of Orange County 2.

What some of the biggest music reviewers are saying abou the Scorch Sisters:

"Scorch Sisters wowed the Real Blues Festival 2 audience....be ready for these Hollywood hipsters because they'll 'blue' you away. I really dig these gals and I think you will too."

Casey Reagan/AMERICAN BLUES NEWS

"The Scorch Sisters seize the blues as their own and subsequently fire it up with a unique intensity. They will demand your respect with their powerful vocals all the while having you wonder where the "Hell" have these ladies been hiding! The Scorch Sisters deliver the blues straight up: can someone say 'Cheers'?"

Jim Lederle/AMERICAN VETERANS RADIO

"Francesca Capasso, singing from her soul, with fellow Scorch Sisters Alicia Morgan and guitarist Kimberly Allison, really brought it with their opening uptempo shuffle "Blues For Barnaby" and a scorching (excuse the pun!) guitar solo by Allison on "Still Remember," said Reagan. "Alicia is an awesome keyboard player...Francesca will take your heart if you let her...and you will," concludes Reagan in his revue, which ran in American Blues News.

BREAKING NEWS! A new Scorch Sisters CD is in the works and will be released on Kimberly Allison's Starliner Music label in the near future.

Watch some recent live performances by the Scorch Sisters here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zz0X9N2YOY&;feature=youtu.be

For Booking Information and other inquiries, contact: Jeffrey Bowen, Starbooker Presents, LLC - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / 336.285.7571 or 317.408.6520

www.thescorchsisters.com

Scorch Sisters HOLLYWOOD PATCH

Scorch Sisters AMERICAN BLUES NEWS

Scorch Sisters KHTS RADIO BLOG

BRANDSCOMBE RICHMOND

Brandscombe Richmond is working his "okole" off in Hawaii these days! He has been featured on the new CBS hit remake of Hawaii 5-0, and most recently appeared in "Soul Surfer" shot on location in Hawaii.

A big shout-out to Lenny Kravitz for using Bojangles' Coliseum as his month-long rehearsal site during August! Great job guys, and good luck with the tour LK.

For more information or to book this artist/actor contact:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / 336.295.7571

Starbooker Inks New Partnership!

Checkered Flag Productions, Inc. and Starbooker Presents, LLC Announce Joint Booking Partnership!

September 9, 2011 Greensboro, NC – Checkered Flag Productions, Inc. has agreed to employ the booking services of Starbooker Presents, LLC as its exclusive booking agency for all events currently produced by CFP, and any future projects to be developed.

CFP will maintain and service all of their historic and existing clients while SBP will immediately begin booking new clients for the motorsports production company specializing in: MONSTER TRUCK SHOWS, TRACTOR AND TRUCK PULLS, MUD BOGS, ARENACROSS, DEMO DERBYS, FREE STYLE, MX JUMPER SHOWS, MINI SPRINT CARS, LEGEND CARS, and a variety of special attractions such as ROBOTIC CAR CRUSHING TRANSFORMERS – FIGHTING ROBOTS –MOTORCYCLE STUNT JUMPERS, etc.

Ed Beckley, President of CFP stated, “I am thrilled to bring Starbooker Presents into the Checkered Flag family. I’ve known Jeff Bowen for years, and he and I are cut from the same showbiz mold. This is a great day for Checkered Flag and venue business.”

Beckley has been involved in motorsports for over 30 years and was featured on the cover of Fortune Small Business Magazine as an innovator in motorsports entertainment, and for his history working with some of the most well-known promoters in the world, along with being a legacy motorcycle jumper in his own right.

Beckley has written many of the safety rules for different types of motorsports events that still remain in place today. He also serves as a safety consultant for K&K Insurance, a prominent entertainment insurance company.

When asked about the new partnership Bowen said, “Ed and I have talked about this kind of collaboration for a long time and we feel now is the time to put our collective talents to work. There are some very exciting opportunities out there and I firmly believe that Checkered Flag Productions has one hell of a bright future based on decades of success stories and some projects that will be coming into play very soon.”

Bowen has been involved in show business all his life beginning as a baby model and child actor. A triple threat, Bowen has been an actor in Television, Film, and Theatre, and has extensive experience in producing high profile events and venue management. “I have worked with some of the top venues in the nation and written, directed, and produced world class events. And I believe that with my experience and reputation as a venue advocate, and Ed’s talent as a producer, we can put shows together that any venue would be thrilled to host,” said Bowen.

Starbooker Presents, LLC currently represents Bojangles’ Coliseum and Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte, NC in an exclusive booking agency capacity. The company also consults with other venues throughout the southeastern United States, and manages artists from actors to musicians, across the country. Checkered Flag Productions, Inc. will be the company’s exclusive motorsports company.

To book any of CFP’s events contact:

Jeffrey B. Bowen

President

Starbooker Presents, LLC

P.O. Box 4001

Greensboro, NC 27401

336.285.7571

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

www.starbookerpresents.com

Ed Beckley

President

Checkered Flag Productions, Inc.

P.O. Box 1198 Bridgeport, TX 76426

Direct - 940.683.4742

Fax – 940.683.3935

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

www.checkeredflagproductions.com

Full Bios / Resumes for both companies, Mr. Beckley and Mr. Bowen are available upon request. Please contact the representatives directly for additional information, quotes, and references.

Ed Beckley crash landed during a practice run Friday, causing him to cancel his plans to attempt the big jump later that night in front of a crowd at the Maverik Center in West Valley City, Utah.

On Friday morning, Venues Today interviewed the 61-year-old Beckley before his planned jump. The 300-pound former daredevil said he was feeling very nervous about the stunt — the promoter hadn’t attempted a motorcycle jump in 17 years and had gained so much weight since his last attempt that he now outweighed his 2,000cc BTR Harley-Davidson by at least 70 lbs. On top of it, the bike badly needed a tuneup and Beckley said he had done zero practice for the stunt that was supposed to be the highlight of his Monster Truck Winter Nationals.

“I’m very nervous about making this jump,” he said, later adding, “I called my kid and we talked. I got things ready in case this goes badly.”

Things did go badly for Beckley — he crashed his motorcycle during rehearsals on his first attempt at the jump. Here’s how he recounts it:

During the setup, I could tell I was going to need to move a lot of dirt to make it all fit, but I thought I could get a couple of practice jumps in first. I was using a ramp I had never used, but I calculated the run to land it just right. The ramp felt really fast — I was dropping two stories pretty damn quick. I thought I had enough speed. I made a run and headed back to the top of the takeoff ramp, and then turned around and everything seemed perfect. I took off, threw it into second gear, switched it into third and when I went to hit the takeoff ramp, that baby launched. I went straight up into the air. I was flying through the air, I thought all was good and then, oops, I saw that I was going to be short at the last minute.

Beckley landed about 10 feet in front of the ramp and was able to ditch the bike into the dirt, but the impact of the landing ripped the front forks off the bike and sent the handlebars into his chest. While he didn’t sustain any broken bones, Beckley suffered a contusion on both his heart and lungs.

“From the top of my knees, all the way to my neck, I have one big giant bruise,” he said, adding that the incident landed him in the intensive care unit. “I feel like King Kong hit me in the chest with a frickin’ 12-pound sledge hammer,” he said.

Beckley said he should have practiced more — “and I felt really bad that afternoon. I thought I had the flu or a cold, but I later learned it was pneumonia — but I didn’t find that out until I crashed,” he said.

Beckley is a long time motor sports promoter and former daredevil, traveling the country in the 1960s, 70s and 80s as the “World’s Heaviest Jumper.” The last time he attempted a jump was in 1994, which ended badly when he crashed at the end of the landing ramp.

Beckley said there were at least two cell phone videos of the crash — he’s hoping to sell the footage to a television production company for a reality TV show he's pitching to cable networks.

Perhaps the ultimate irony from Beckley’s failed jump was that the promoter had major reservations about attempting the stunt in the first place, but committed to making the attempt because he had already sold hundreds of tickets to the event.

“I wish I could have crashed in front of the crowd,” said Beckley, who asked his announcer to tell the audience who later showed up that the jump had been canceled.

Not to be deterred by his crash, Beckley said he’s going to make an another attempt at the Death Jump, a 95-foot leap over 12 cars from a two-story takeoff ramp with an apex height of 16 feet. His attempt will be Feb. 3 at Resistol Arena, Mesquite, Texas.

“I’m not done with jumping, but I am done with crashing,” he said.

Contact: Ed Beckley, (620) 789-0329