EVENT UPDATES: A-Ham/Silk Concert = Shady Business 101 + Essence 2008's Final Line-Up

I'm hardly a gossiping person (not in public anyway), but I had to share this after the guys at VIP got caught up in a promoter's worst nightmare -- dealing with a shady "business man."

Having promoted events here and in Baton Rouge before, I know what it's like to think you're dealing with a reputable business or individual, only to find things going horribly wrong ... and you watch all your hard work (and your rep) go down the drain.

So last week when I got this text, e-mail and MySpace bulletin, I already knew what was going down.

DUE TO IRREGULAR PRACTICES OF THE COMPANY THAT HIRED US TO PROMOTE THE ANTHONY HAMILTON CONCERT WE HAVE REMOVED OURSELF FROM THE EVENT. WE HAVE A GOOD NAME IN THE CITY AND WANT TO KEEP IT THAT WAY. ALSO WE HAVE NO CLUE IF THE CONCERT IS STILL GOING TO HAPPEN. THE MONIES THAT WERE PAID FOR TICKETS WILL BE REFUNDED PERSONALLY. WE ARE SINCERELY APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED.

VIP made it clear (through another mass message) that Legacy International (the NYC company sponsoring the event) had nothing to do with their decision and was not the shady business in question.

I'd heard who they were working with locally (who shall remain nameless but owns a long-time music-selling business in Shreveport .. and no it's not Jab) ... so I figured something would go wrong because every time this person is involved with a concert here in Shreveport, it gets cancelled or postponed. EVERY TIME.

I sent VIP an e-mail expressing my regret that they had to deal with that mess, because despite the fact that I secretly hate them for coming up with great events while I'm on hiatus from event planning (LOL), they've built up a reputation for being professionals and hosting classy events.

I hated they were put in that situation where they had to withdraw promotion efforts, but they did the right thing.

And true to form, they turned lemons into lemonade and came up with a solution. Another event, "This is For The Kool" at the Full Moon.

Same date - this Sunday, June 8th. And you don't even have to dress up (casual attire suggested).

The party will be in conjunction with the birthday bash of D'Angelo (pictured in the flyers) of VIP ...

There will be $2 apple martinis for the ladies (whoo hoo!), drink specials all night and get this -- GAS CARD giveaways ... Y'all might have to beat me to the club!!! LOL.

As for the concert. If you bought tickets from someone with VIP, contact them to get your refund, otherwise you'll have to call the ticket outlet for information.

On MySpace, the event is listed as cancelled but someone (not with VIP) posted that the concert has been moved to Thursday, June 12th.

I have no way to confirm that, but like I said, ask the people you bought your ticket from.

Kudos to VIP for doing the right thing (unlike most promoters in this city who just take their money and let patrons fend for themselves).

{Insert applause here}

IN OTHER NEWS ...

The Essence Music Festival is just about a month away now. If you don't have a hotel room by now, expect to be staying in Kenner for way more than the hotel room is worth. (LOL) ...

The huge summer event has posted what should be their final schedule for the holiday weekend (new additions are in bold):

• Friday, July 4th: Rihanna, Chris Brown, Kanye West
• Saturday, July 5th: Musiq, LL Cool J, Jill Scott, and a star-studded tribute to Patti Labelle featuring singers like Chrisette Michele and Angie Stone
• Sunday, July 6th: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Morris Day, Mary J. Blige and Keyshia Cole

For more on the lineup, including the amazing acts featured in the Superlounges, CLICK HERE ... to purchase tickets ... go to www.ticketmaster.com or check the Essence Festival Website

- mahogani media 2008