I love burgeoning talent. 

And I support artists off all types who step out and dare the impossible to make their dreams come true. On Sunday, October 24, I attended an Industry Artist Showcase sponsored by promoter Rich Blackman of Erupt Music Group.  The event was held at the Iguana Restaurant and Bar, located on 240 west 54th Street in Manhattan.  I attended the event in support of Independent Artists and a rapper friend who also performed in the showcase. It was my understanding the event promised, as advertised all over the internet, two great prizes: First place, Grand prize- $500 cash (presented to the winner at the end of the night) and free music video; Second place, free music video. All artists would perform two songs, be filmed, provided a copy of their performance and interviewed. In addition to all these great prizes, the show would be viewed by “industry executives”-  Mary Gormley (Atlantic Records), Wayne Williams (Jive Records), Eric Nicks (Universal Motown). At the close of the showcase there would be an after party.  Sound amazing, right, Great event, awesome prizes, industry exposure and after party. What artist wouldn’t come running for this spectacular opportunity? But like my momma always says, “Not all that Glitters is gold!” In order to participate in this showcase, each artist had to sell a mandatory 10 tickets at $10 each. So in actually there was a $100 entry fee. Rich Blackman told the artists these tickets were necessary to bring them support. He said the event was going to be judged based on crowd excitement for each performer. On a phone call with Blackman prior to the event he quoted “The more people you have in the audience, the better your chances to win.” Again, as my momma says, “Watch closely for wolves, for they come dressed in sheep’s clothing.”

 So we arrive to the Iguana at 9:30pm as instructed by Blackman. We walk in, the venue is beautiful but there is total confusion. The promoter was no where to be found and no one was quite sure of the line up. So we sit and wait. The event was advertised to begin at 10pm, which came and went. Finally at 11:00pm and hour after the advertised start time the event began. The show opened confusingly as there was no introduction of judges, explanation of how the show would be judged, nothing. An R&B artist started singing and people were not sure if that was the opening act or the start of the competition. The showcase lingered on without flow. No one knew for sure who was next. The hours passed as artists continued to flood the stage. People were tired but lingered around with hopes that their hard work rehearsing and selling tickets would pay off. Around 1:30am people were approaching Rich Blackman to inquire about the remaining time left in the show. He smiled and commented “three” and slide away with a drink in hand; much of what is was doing throughout the night. 2:00am arrived and the show persisted. People again asked how many people were left in the show, and again he commented “three”. I said, “you said three an half an hour ago”. He smiled and with a drink in hand said “three I think, or two, I am not sure what’s going on, ask the DJ” and again slid away.

At, 2:50 am, the last artist went on stage. At the conclusion of the last performance, which was at 3:00am, the contestants slowly dragged themselves to the front of the stage to hear the results. Rich Blackman, was onstage unplugging his expensive microphones.  He wrapped them up, put them in his bag, grabbed his drink and made his way through the door. Everyone was a bit confused because he was leaving before the event ended. Anyway, DJ Van Style of Shady 45 XM Radio who hosted the show came to the mic that was left and announced the first place winner. The crowd moaned. Apparently, the audience was not in support to the artist chosen for the night. The artists came on stage but no one else followed with an envelope with the supposed cash prize. Then Van Style said goodnight. People became disgruntle as they wanted to know who earned second place. The DJ stated he was not aware of a second place prize and that questions should be referred to Rich Blackman, who of course was long gone. This is article is to warn independent artists about the great lengths some people go to bamboozle growing talent. The vultures that prey on the hopes and dreams of those trying to make it in entertainment. Quite frankly it disgusts me. Many artists sold 20 – 30 tickets well over the mandatory amount. That is $200 to $300 per person. None of the artist I interviewed received a copy of their performance or was interviewed. It looks like the real winners of the night were Rich Blackman and the people of Erupt Music Group.  The next artist showcase will take place on Sunday, November 14 at the Iguana with the same alleged “industry executives”. Be warned that if you enter this showcase you may experience high levels of anger and disappointed with no results and remedy in the end.

SPREAD THE WORD