NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Carlos Keyes, President of Red Entertainment has named Mitch Blackman the new Managing Director of Urban Touring. Mitch comes to Red with an impressive background; making him the perfect fit for the hands on personalized attention work ethic that is Red. Says Keyes of his new hire, "Mitch totally impressed me with his enthusiasm, intelligence and grasp of this business. He's experienced in all facets of agency work and will add much to the mix here at Red."
Mitch is not only a well respected agent but knows the other side of the stage as well. Mitch got his degree from the prestigious University of North Texas, on a jazz scholarship, whose notable alumni include, Don Henley, Roy Orbison and Norah Jones. After several years on the talent end of the biz, playing trumpet and fronting his own bands, what made Mitch switch his skill sets and become an agent? He explains, "being a musician and gigging around I understood the need for artists to have good representation, that a good agent not only works for and with an artist but can be an advocate for making sure things get done right for everyone involved." He continues, "With the business skills I've developed over the years, I know the problems before they arise. In addition I love hooking people up, getting artists the money they deserve, is a great feeling. After booking a big show it's a major rush, almost comparable to playing a great show."
Though only in his twenties Mitch has booked his share of impressive shows, first at Associated Booking Corporation and later at WLA (Wenig-LaMonica Associates) as an agent booking top blues and jazz artists like Anita Baker, BB King and Roberta Flack.
Today as the newest member of the Red Entertainment team, Mitch Blackman has come full circle; living in Manhattan, playing jazz gigs on weekends and hard at work as the Managing Director of Urban Touring at Red Entertainment. He's booking world class acts like Dionne Warwick, Little Richard, The O'Jays, and Gloria Gaynor, the list goes on. Of Red Entertainment, Mitch says, "Carlos Keyes runs the best boutique agency in the business. It's a great fit for me. We work hard and make things happen. Red's vision is my vision, booking as many shows as possible, signing acts and having fun." Mitch can be reached at Red Entertainment Agency: 212-563-7575 or via email at mitch@redentertainment.com. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
