BROOKLYN, NY (CelebrityAccess) — Barclays Center's Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment has launched a new programming division, Brooklyn Direct, aimed at securing entertainment for the Barclays Center directly from agents and managers.
According to a story by Billboard's Ray Waddell, the new division will be headed up by Chief Content Officer Joe Meli, formerly a senior VP for Warner Music and an independent promoter.
Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark told Billboard that "given the cyclical nature of the touring business, we've decided as a company to be a little more aggressive in the direct business."
Yormarck added that while promoters such as AEG, Live Nation and Bowery Presents, have been "very supportive" it was important for the Barclays Center to do direct business as well. "If I can be busy 365, I'll sign up for it," he told Billboard.
The first event for Brooklyn Direct will be the Fold Festival, produced by composer and artist Nile Rodgers. The event will be staged at the Barclays Center on May 22nd but noted that the lineup was still being confirmed.
Other venues include Brooklyn's Paramount Theatre, following a programming deal, first reported on by Billboard, between Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment and Long Island University.- Staff Writers
