Patrick Evans and Randy Florence bring us a nostalgic encore episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, featuring an insightful interview with Garry Kief, the newly appointed Chairman of the Board at the McCallum Theatre and President & CEO of Stiletto Entertainment. This special episode, originally aired in 2023, dives into Kief's dynamic career in the entertainment industry, his remarkable journey with Barry Manilow, and the transformative vision he has for the McCallum Theatre. Kief shares anecdotes from his extensive experience, from managing high-profile artists to innovating merchandising strategies that shaped the landscape of concert merchandise. As a leader in the arts, he discusses the importance of expanding the theatre's programming and ensuring it resonates with the growing Coachella Valley community, which has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub. The conversation highlights Kief's commitment to education in the arts, as he reflects on initiatives like the Manilow Music Project, which aims to provide musical instruments to local schools, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to appreciate and engage with the arts. This episode not only celebrates Kief's achievements but also emphasizes the significance of community involvement in the cultural landscape of the Coachella Valley and beyond.

Takeaways:

• Garry Kief discusses his journey from being the youngest GM at ABC Television to becoming the CEO of Stiletto Entertainment, highlighting the importance of innovation in entertainment.
• He reveals the fascinating story behind the first musical made for television, which was based on Barry Manilow's famous song Copacabana.
• Kief shared his experiences managing high-profile artists like Donna Summer and Fleetwood Mac, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of talent management.
• The conversation touched on the significance of community involvement in the McCallum Theater's success and its role in the Coachella Valley.
• Garry emphasizes the need for educational outreach in the arts to inspire future generations and foster a love for theater.
• He also mentions the importance of expanding the theater's programming to serve a growing and diverse population in the Coachella Valley.

Chapters:

• 00:14 - The Birth of Copa
• 03:35 - The Rise of Stiletto Entertainment
• 13:02 - Early Life and Family Background
• 31:05 - The Evolution of Arts Education
• 40:53 - The Journey of Copacabana
• 48:13 - The Evolution of Entertainment at McCallum Theatre

Companies and Artists mentioned in this episode:

• Barry Manilow
• CBS
• McCallum Theater
• Palm Springs International Film Festival
• Bank of America
• Kaiser
• ABC
• Smithfield
• Holland America Cruise Lines
• Yamaha Music
• Seabourn
• Disney on Ice
• Caesars
• Fleetwood Mac
• American Music Awards
• Rod Stewart
• Diana Ross
• Stevie Wonder
• Donna Summer
• Juice Newton
• John Mellencamp
• New York Pops

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