Thousands of Shows & Roaring Crowds:
This is Our Story.
Now retired, it is impossible to summarize a 5 + decade career path (from entry to exit) in a mere few paragraphs, pages, or even chapters! This current site is meant to merely provide a glimpse at some of the “WHO, WHAT, WHEN, and WHY, of how we created our space in the live/touring music industry. And even though the actual company name started as a business in 1986, and ultimately existed as a business for 38 years, there was a decade prior of independent learning and experiences with much smaller level bands, and entertainers. These early years were in small venue situations ie, clubs, frat/soro parties, weddings, ET. AL. And the lessons learned were the building blocks for what would become one of the most widely respected husband/wife owned “independent” concert promotion firms in the nation.
Of all the questions we’ve ever received, (literally HUNDREDS of times), is “how does someone get to work with the most notorious performers on the planet, as well as produce events for the White House, the biggest Military Installations and theme parks in the World, and the largest State Fair in the Country?” Or more simply…. “How did you get into this?” In the simplest terms, we took our early smaller venue show experiences, and made new contacts at the NEXT Level Up. We would reach out to and CALL ANYONE (yes call, there was NO email, OR even fax machines in use) at Agencies in Nashville, LA, New York, asking for a booking contact, telling them we were in TEXAS, and were starting to buy national talent for Colleges, larger Clubs, Regional Rodeos. And IT WORKED as each new contact and show, ALWAYS LED to another show the following season, or with a new client contact at another nearby community. This, as for every new show, we would reach out to at least 3 other potential contacts in the “area”. AND we made it a point to attend EACH and EVERY event to show both the clients, and entertainers our commitment to our work ethic, THAT SINGULAR SHOW, and our willingness to DO IT AGAIN! Soon, with positive reviews of our work from the entertainers, a growing list of agents were reaching out to US wanting more and bigger shows and opportunities. And one led to three, that led to ten, then one hundred, and before you know it…. ..we had completed THOUSANDS of wonderful, fantastic and successful events, and it was 2023! (The days were long, but the years were short). There were seemingly endless office days, as a major show or festival can take MONTHS or even a YEAR+ of office “prep”. This, not including onsite 10-12 hour set up/load out days, (16 hr show days are common), millions of miles of travel, delayed flights, canceled flights, flight “incidents” – yes, we WERE In the Goo Goo Dolls plane “incident” in Italy, December 19, 1999 (see video from Howard Stern Show below) – resulting in emergency evacuations, “questionable” lodging, rainy shows, icy shows, missed Birthdays, missed Holidays/family and school functions), . . . AND WE WOULD CHANGE LITTLE TO NOTHING IN RETURN FOR ACCOMPLISHING OUR GOALS!!
Tools of the Trade:
Our Tips for Success
Discover our proven formula for decades-long success in live entertainment production.
Become Obsessed
Have an overwhelming fascination with “some” portion of the process …. music, production, recording, audio/lighting/video, marketing, or the business in general.
Figure the Process
Start at the lowest level possible, to educate, experience, make contacts, and basically “figure out” the process. Other than dozens of pages of additional contractual clauses, as well as massive responsibility and liability exposure, (and of course having trusted relationships with TOP TIER Agents), booking a “Million Dollar artist” is not all that different from booking a “Few Thousand Dollar”one.
Take (Smart) Chances
While investing your time, you will be given opportunities, don’t be afraid to take chances (invest in yourself), as appropriate.
Pay Attention
WATCH, LISTEN, and LEARN, from others successes, AND
their mistakes/failures!
Golden Rule
AND most importantly…. treat others as you wish to be treated.
If we’ve had the pleasure of working together—especially if you’ve got stories or memories to share—we’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line at [email protected]
We've Done it All
We have successfully executed booked, promoted, and fully produced (contracted all production, marketing, catering, labor, security etc.), thousands of shows in over 40 states, and 13 foreign countries. Just a very short sampling of these entertainers include:
LEGACY COUNTRY ARTISTS
Alabama, Charlie Daniels Band, Willie, Waylon, Reba, Ray Benson/Asleep at the Wheel, The Judds, Randy Travis, Dwight Yoakum, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Steve Wariner, and of course Garth & Trisha.
NEXT GEN COUNTRY
Brooks and Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Lady A, Zac Brown Band, Trace Adkins, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, the Chicks, Sugarland, Jason Aldean, Kacey Musgraves…… And NEXT, NEXT GEN….. Kelsea Ballerini, Jon Pardi, Parker McCollum, Laney Wilson.
VINTAGE ROCK & POP
Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, Foreigner, REO, Styx, Boston, The Doobie Bros., Ringo Starr and his All-Star Band, Kansas, Ted Nugent, Joe Walsh, Night Ranger, Grand Funk Railroad, Beach Boys, Eddie Money, ZZ TOP, and, back “in the day”….. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (Will Smith), Run DMC, Ray Charles, Commodores.
ROCK/POP/HIP HOP/URBAN
Kid Rock, 3 Doors Down, Goo Goo Dolls, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Staind, Motley Crew, Bret Michaels, Christina Aguilera, Destinys Child, Flo-Rida, Nelly, Ludacris, Train, and Jason Derulo.
CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN
Casting Crowns, For King and Country, Skillet, Mercy Me, Sidewalk Prophets.
Milestones - The Early Years
A Lot happened between our humble beginnings in 1986 and our last show in 2023, but here are some of GSPI’s highlights over the early years.
The "one-offs"
After several successful “one off shows” in the late 80’s with Alabama, their manager (Dale Morris), took a big interest in helping us further our careers. He invited us to Nashville to stay in his “Penthouse”, and several days of meetings and planning. We ultimately received “priority attention” to our offers, and were rewarded with several nationwide tours. We became very close, traveled together, had meals together, and this relationship was pinnacle in the development of our career. THANK YOU GUYS! RIP JEFF
America's Largest State Fair
GSPI had the incredible opportunity to book the “MainStage” at the GREAT STATE FAIR OF TEXAS in 1989, for the first time. This relationship, with continual upgrades to both the talent lineups and production footprint (photo from 2007), lasted for 34 consecutive years through the 2022 season! THANK YOU SFOT!
Tarleton State University
After contracting Steve Wariner at Tarleton State University for a spring show in 1990, the university decided they wanted to add an opening act. With a budget of $5k, we added an “up and comer” …. Garth Brooks. This show was the beginning of a 28 year relationship with Garth, encompassing over 100 large arena and stadium level shows from California to Ohio to Virginia (and points in between). THANKS TSU
Charlie Daniels Band - European Tour
GSPI contracted a 10 show tour of European MILITARY BASES with the Charlie Daniels Band, for April 1990, Including a show in BERLIN. This was especially notable as the “wall had just come down” FIVE MONTHS PRIOR, and our access and photos created a lifetime of memories. (And we still have a “chunk” of the wall)!!
THANK YOU CHARLIE, RIP.
Garth BIG TEX® Style
GSPI was also able to get Garth on that year's October (13) Calendar for the State Fair of Texas. Ultimately, this turned out to a very memorable date for him, as his bass player had “quit” the night before. He spent most of the afternoon on the bus (yes only ONE BUS), working with his sister Betsy, in order to switch from “rythym to BASS guitar”. Oh yeah, adding to the “memorable” status…. the show drew an estimated 50,000 patrons, and solidified a nearly 3 decade relationship between Garth and GSPI. THANKS G!
Garth Brooks - Texas SIZE
GSPI was the exclusive promoter for Garth Brooks in TEXAS STADIUM, 3 consecutive sell outs in Sept. 1993 Totaling over 180,000 reserved seats sold! Shows were also filmed for the NBC TV special, “Garth Brooks Too”. Additional filmed shows were “Garth Brooks, Coast to Coast”, and our show locations on consecutive Wednesdays in November 2001 were in Norfolk on the USS Enterprise, and South Padre Island, Tx. These were on LIVE TV on CBS.
The Queen of Tejano Music
GSPI Booked SELENA for a closing day performance the State Fair of Texas. We previously had at least two dozen other shows, and established a good working relationship with her, and her father (manager). I remember it like it was yesterday, Yolanda, (her assistant and eventual assailant) walked so close to her that when Selena would stop to chat, Yolanda BUMPED INTO HER. I thought at the time “wow that’s odd, I guess they’re just really close”. She drew a full capacity crowd, and performed a super show that day. Unfortunately (and even though we had another booking scheduled for Spring 1995 at Seaworld in San Antonio), this was our last interaction due to her death on 3/31/95. We were asked to, and did attend her funeral. RIP Selena
Presidential Election Night Party - GSPI Was the exclusive producer of this event
GSPI was the exclusive Producer of the “Presidential Election Night Party in Austin”, with the stage set at the intersection of Congress and 15th. (With the Texas Capitol Bldg in the background). Viewed on live television networks by over 1 billion worldwide. GSPI was responsible not only for live talent (everyone from Wayne Newton, to Pat Green) and procurement and set up of all production and operating video and show timelines, but also with power, I.T. Interface, and 6 Level (almost 4 story tall) Media platform, for Local, National, and International PRESS of several hundred.
We never realized at the time the IMPACT of witnessing (from a few feet) as Gov Bush officials received the “I take back my concession” call from VP Gore, which ultimately resulted in the Gov. never taking the stage, (on a COLD, RAINY NIGHT) continuing until almost 3am, and the election results being delayed 35 days (remember hanging chads)??
This Coin Collection is testimony to over 4 decades and literally THOUSANDS of shows around the world, for the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. While some were in clubs for a couple hundred, and many in vast outdoor venues with crowds as large 30,000+, it was our privilege to serve those, who serve us. The Coin Tradition is believed to have started after WW1, (each command has its own and distinct design), and is given out in thanks for excellence in performance. While they are all different and unique in branding, look closely at the center of the collection to see the “AIR FORCE ONE” 747 coin!
What a Ride!
For over three decades, GSPI set the stage for countless memorable experiences in the live music production and promotion industry. Our longevity stemmed from a service-first philosophy, an unwavering commitment to the finest details, and an unrelenting passion for working hand-in-hand with artists, venues, and fans alike. From small stages to major arenas, GSPI’s hands-on, collaborative approach built long-lasting relationships, ensuring every show was not just an event, but a moment to remember.
