Our heart-felt condolences to his family and friends
PIG @ Soundbar
October 2, 2019 by
I’m no choir boy but walking past intense face/body paint, clothes made of bone and black leather, and sidelong glances from the folks in all this armor just to enter the venue was more than I bargained for. And at the center of it all, like a mad, gothic ring-leader was Raymond Watts.
Don’t let the aesthetics fool you.
Raymond Watts’ second best-kept secret is how nice he actually is. After the show, amidst a horde of undead fans, he took the time to have a lovely chat with me ranging from how the tour was going, to our shared experiences at this venue.
I definitely had a thoroughly good time and can’t wait until the next time Raymond brings PIG to the sunshine state. Perhaps I’ll get working on an outfit to blend in a little more next time.
~ Kevin Schoeppler
PUP @ The Beacham
September 20, 2019 by
The most exciting punk band I’ve had the pleasure of seeing live.
These may seem like your ordinary, friendly, Letterkenny-loving Canadian lads, but the guys in PUP don’t hold back their punk rock ways. Combining modern elements of emotional acuity along with classic punk, nihilistic philosophies they are a thoroughly good time in the car or live on stage. They’re touring the globe (again) so don’t miss them tearing up your local venue.
Definitely looking forward to my screech-in.
~ Kevin Schoeppler
Josh Butler @ Celine
September 9, 2019 by
Somehow, after touring around the world, playing major international festivals, and nailing multiple Ibiza residencies, Josh Butler manages to set the dance floor on fire while still being a guy you’d want to hang out and get drinks with.
For transparency, I don’t listen to very much House or Techno. For complete transparency, I had to Google what “house” music is, so if you’re looking for an educated view of Josh’s set, I’m probably not your guy.
What I can tell you is Josh Butler, from start to finish, was one of the most down to Earth and pleasant artists I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
His set absolutely set the rooftop of Celine ablaze.
There was not a person on that rooftop that wasn’t dancing, smiling and having a great time.
He’s already achieved a lot as an artist and I definitely look forward to seeing what he does next.
~ Kevin Schoeppler
Ten Years After @ The Capitol Theatre
August 17, 2019 by
Ten Years After is the kind of band that your parents think of when they tell you “Music isn’t as good as it used to be.”
Taking the best parts of blues, rock and roll, and jazz, they create a timeless sound that makes you want to listen and sing along because it’s just that good.
A particularly big thank you to Ric Lee, a fellow stick-man, for not only being the incredible drummer for Ten Years After but also a great guy.
~ Kevin Schoeppler
Congratulations We Banjo 3!!
August 3, 2019 by
On August 3rd, 2019 We Banjo 3 hit #1 for their album Roots to Rise Live! Congratulations!
IRS will announce “Simplified Central Withholding Agreement.” More details soon.
June 17, 2019 by
The IRS will soon announce details regarding a much anticipated change in the Central Withholding Agreement Program. Today the IRS made the following announcement:
“The IRS Central Withholding Agreement (CWA) program will be offering a new simplified application process for applicants earning less than $10,000. There will be a simplified CWA application Form 13930-A that applicants will complete to apply for the simplified process. Under the new process, applicants earning less than $10,000 would be eligible to apply for a CWA. The Form 13930-A is scheduled to be released in draft form for public comment shortly.”
IMPORTANT: The $10,000 threshold still currently applies. No further details are currently available regarding the timeframe for implementing the new process. Further information will only be available when the IRS posts the draft Form 13930-A and instructions for public review and comment.
The CWA program allows for foreign performers to legally manage and often reduce the required 30% withholding on U.S. earnings. As of October 1, 2018 the IRS implemented a new policy under which nonresident performers would only qualify for a Central Withholding Agreement (CWA) if they individually earn $10,000 or more in gross income within the calendar year. This rule change has had a massive negative effect on independent artists, so last November, The League of American Orchestras, Tamizdat, and CWA Management prepared a proposal aimed at addressing the inequities of the new policy. The proposal was presented to the IRS with the endorsement of many major U.S. performing arts organizations. The IRS has responded favorably to our proposal.
Amon Amarth in Tampa
May 11, 2019 by
I’ve been working on Amon Amarth’s CWA applications since 2016 and jumped at the chance of meeting them in Tampa. The show was amazing! – Delia
Honne @ The Plaza Live
May 8, 2019 by
I’ve seen many shows at the Plaza Live in Orlando, most of which usually end with being herded against extremely sweaty, exhausted, fans that you’d probably rather not breathe on you. Described as a synth-pop and contemporary R&B duo, Honne makes incredibly full-bodied music that is extremely pleasant to listen to.
That said, I did not see how this excellent studying/late night car ride soundtrack was going to mix with something like a live performance. I’m pleased to say Honne’s live performance was probably the most enjoyable, intimate show I’ve ever seen live. The show had an overarching theme of having fun that felt less self-destructive as many other artists and more self-fulfilling and introspective. This culture came to a head when the guys actually got every individual (and I do mean every single one) in the audience to form lines of hugs and friendly embraces. It was definitely the first time I was genuinely happy to be connected, shoulder to shoulder, with all those sweaty, exhausted fans and I would gladly see them again.
~ Kevin Schoeppler
One Night of Queen @ Sunrise Theatre
April 27, 2019 by
If you’re like me and never saw Queen live because you weren’t alive yet, there is no question that this is the next best thing. I hesitate to even call One Night of Queen a “show” because it was so much more than that. The experience was exactly that: an experience. It’s impossible not to be swept away by the live renditions of some of the greatest music ever written, not because they are identical to how they were recorded, but because the experience feels as if it is an actual Queen concert; With improvisation and nuance, audience interaction, and a few musical/stylistic choices that feel as if Queen was actually performing in front of you. The Sunrise Theatre itself was beautiful and has hosted One Night of Queen every year for over a decade so I would implore anyone that loves Queen to not miss this experience when it returns.
~ Kevin Schoeppler
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