The Snow Must Go On… and so must the show! The Zac Brown Band performed at the Roanoke Civic Center on Friday Night! The snow did not stop the crowd from coming! It was a packed house!

Running in and out of the coliseum escorting media during each performer’s act. Photographers from local newspapers and blogs showed up to take pictures for the columns that they would be writing. Each show that visits the Roanoke Civic Center has different rules so, for this particular show, the photographers were only allowed to photograph the first three songs of each act that performed. Unfortunately, I could not see all of Levi Lowry or Blackberry Smoke. However, what I heard while I was in the coliseum was amazing. I was able to watch the rest of The Zac Brown Band‘s performance after the photographers were finished for the night.

I loved all of the songs played Friday night. But my favorite by far was “The Wind.” It was great getting to watch the audience dance and sing. The crowd was absolutely loving each of the performances.  You could definitely feel the positive energy flowing.

If you want to experience an event like this, the Roanoke Civic Center has a list of all the events that are coming up on their calendar! You can also visit our Facebook and Twitter pages for updates on new events! Check it out and we hope to see you there!

In honor of Fire Prevention and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, last Saturday we had Fired Up For A Cure which was a 5K/10K run or walk in support of local firefighters and to advocate the importance of breast cancer awareness. The event turned out to be so much fun. It began with the 5k/10k and after everyone had finished, there was zumba, free food, raffles, a live band and DJ, kids activities and vendors. The weather was also beautiful (although it was super windy), and we ended up being able to spread the word about our upcoming show Veggie Tales Live and even gave away some free tickets. Breast cancer and fire prevention are both things that will affect everyone at some point so it is important to spread word about breast exams, mammograms and fire safety. We are glad that we were able to be a part of this great cause and we thank everyone who came out to make this event a big success!

Check out the Fired Up For A Cure Facebook page to see pictures from last Saturday!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fired-Up-for-a-Cure/224658967561973

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This past Wednesday, we held our annual How You Doin’? employee party.  This is a time where everyone gets together to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and reflect on the company culture set in place by our management company, Global Spectrum.  For those who want to know what How You Doin’? stands for in our company, it is the base of our Customer Service program.  It is our goal to use this phrase when engaging with our customers to ensure that their experience is as great as it can be.  We strive to follow the How You Doin’? Top 10 Principles in every aspect of our business.

As for the party, we started off the evening with food and games outside on the plaza.  Several games of corn hole were played but the favorite game of the night was the dunking booth.  Joe Dolan, our Assistant General Manager, was brave enough to get in the tank and was dunked several times.  Shortly after the party started, we had to move everything inside due to the rain, but that didn’t stop anyone from having fun.  After everyone finished eating, we took a seat to watch the Annual Report video, which is created to showcase the 2011-2012 year at the Roanoke Civic Center.

At the end of the evening, prizes were given out to several employees to show appreciation for their hard work over the past year.  Employees are able to enter by using How You Doin’? cards earned over the year for exceptional customer service.  Several great prizes included a grill, a television, and even a hot air balloon ride! Lastly, we had a surprise musical act put on by Event Services with a How You Doin’? rendition of the popular song, Purple Rain.  Despite the rain, everyone had a great time.

Have a great weekend!

Heather and A.J.

Want to know what it is like to be an intern for Global Spectrum at the RoanokeCivicCenter? I’ll just start by saying, it is AWESOME!  Not only is everyone very nice and welcoming here, but as an intern you are able to gain insightful, real world experience in many aspects of marketing.  Most of what I do here cannot be learned in a classroom. 

 

My day at the RoanokeCivicCenter typically starts off by posting on our social media outlets.  These outlets include Facebook, Twitter, and most recently, Pinterest.  I really enjoy posting on these sites because social media has become an essential way to reach customers.  We often tweet about upcoming events, things going on around Roanoke, and things going on around the building.  On Facebook we are able to create events with show information, post photos, and even hold contests.  As for Pinterest, my job is to pin and create boards that relate to upcoming shows.  Social media is a big part of my day at the RCC.

 

For every show, we are to create marketing plans that specifically layout how we will promote each show.  From the traditional outlets of radio, television, and print, to the more modern outlets of social media and guerilla marketing, we are to create ideas on how to promote the show using each aspect of marketing.  Creating marketing plans has been a great experience for me because I have been able to learn how much is involved in promoting just one show.

 

Lastly, one of my favorite things to as an intern is work on market efforts throughout the CivicCenter, SpecialEventsCenter, and the Performing Arts Theatre.  There are several booths and display boards throughout the buildings that provide visitors with information regarding our upcoming shows.  If you like to organize and make appealing displays like I do, this is the job for you.

 

Not only do I get to do all of these fun activities every time I come to work, but I am able to work in a great environment that allows this all to happen.

 

Appreciative Intern,

 

Heather Watson

Hello All,

My name is A.J. Hartless and I am one of the newest interns with Global Spectrum at the Roanoke Civic Center. I am a senior at Radford University and will be graduating in December. My major is media studies with a concentration in Advertising and a minor in Marketing.

First, thank you, Global Spectrum, for the internship and the opportunity to work with such an awesome company. I am very excited about the next couple of months, getting to work with a great venue and gain experience in the marketing field. 

Second, although this may be the slow season for the Roanoke Civic Center, I am sure I will stay busy as there is always something to do. I love advertising and marketing and am glad to finally have a job that allows me to do something I enjoy. 

This will not be the last you hear from me. Enjoy your weekend everyone,

A.J. Hartless

This past Saturday was the Blake Shelton concert! Amanda and I were able to attend and help out with the media that would be there to take pictures and write about the concert. There were all kinds of fans excited to see Blake Shelton, Dia Frampton, and Justin Moore. People broke out their cowboy hats, boots, and even some teenie-tiny shorts (thank goodness for the warmer weather). The lines for merchandise and food curved around the corner. The hallways were packed right before the doors opened but cleared out a bit once people could get to their seats.

We were in and out of the coliseum escorting media during each performer’s act. Photographers from local newspapers and blogs showed up to take pictures for the columns that they would be writing. Each show that visits the Roanoke Civic Center has different rules so, for this particular show, the photographers were only allowed to take pictures during the second and third song of every act. Unfortunately, Amanda and I weren’t able to stay and watch Justin and Dia but were able to watch the rest of Blake’s performance after the photographers were done for the night. We got lucky though because during one of our trips through the coliseum, Amanda and I ran into Dia Frampton in the hallway! She was taking pictures with everyone who wanted one so we had to stop (of course). Dia was incredibly sweet and so inviting. This was certainly one of the highlights of the night.

Blake Shelton was awesome. He was full of good jokes and great music. Amanda and I were already huge fans of him prior to the show. We each follow him on Twitter (@blakeshelton) and adore him and his wife, Miranda Lambert (@Miranda_Lambert). I loved every one of his songs but particularly enjoyed “Austin” and “Honeybee”. It was amusing to watch the audience dance and sing to all his hits. It was even more amusing to watch a man take off his shirt and swing it like a lasso above his head! The crowd was absolutely loving each of the performances and you could feel the positive energy radiate through the coliseum.

It was an enjoyable night and I’m glad Amanda and I were able to help out. I am now looking forward to the Harlem Globetrotters!

What was your favorite part of the show Saturday?

Have a great week,

Natalie

Blake Shelton performing

Amanda and I with Dia Frampton

Blake Shelton!

Hello everyone!

I hope each of you had a wonderful, relaxing weekend. If you attended the Roanoke Civic Center these past couple days, I know you had just as much, or maybe even more fun, than I did! Monster Jam, Hunt Fest, and the Elton John on sale were a huge success and so exciting!

Monster Jam took place Friday and Saturday in the Coliseum. The atmosphere was wild and the crowd couldn’t have been more pumped for this highly anticipated show. It was so popular, the night performance on Saturday was sold out! Multiple trucks competed in the show: Grave Digger, Superman, War Wizard, El Toro Loco, and Grinder being a few. Friday night’s racing winner was the crowd favorite: Grave Digger but Saturday at 2 PM it was War Wizard and Saturday at 7:30 PM it was Superman. Grave Digger was also the freestyle winner for all three shows. Some fans were lucky enough to be able to venture out onto the track Saturday morning, visiting the cars and drivers at the “Pit Party”. As Amanda and I said Friday, we were able to go down on the track before the show and it was an amazing experience. The trucks are MUCH bigger when you stand next to them and put them in perspective. We hung around late that night to catch some of the show and it was awesome to see the trucks flying in the air… although it was very loud. Some of the families with little kids had to leave because they were too scared. We managed to brave it to see the incredible competition. If you’re interested in finding out more in-depth details regarding the shows, you can find them on Monster Jam’s official website.If you had an amazing time this past weekend or are bummed you missed out, tickets for next year’s show are on sale today.

The Virginia Hunt Fest was also equally a huge success. Lines formed outside early on Saturday morning before the opening at 10 AM. The variety of vendors and sights proved to be enjoyable to the large, diverse crowd. There were instructors speaking about fishing tips, archery, and “from the kill to the grill.” A big guest was Michael Waddell from Bone Collector. Visitors were also able to get $1 off their ticket to Monster Jam by attending. Amanda and I went and explored on Friday but didn’t return the rest of the weekend. We got some funny t-shirts and pretty jewelry; very girly of us to go to an event based around hunting and leave with jewelry. We were happy though!

The last event of the weekend was the on sale of Elton John tickets. People began lining up outside the box office at 12 AM. The group ranged in age: young children, college students, and seniors all were present to get their hands on some tickets. Some sections were sold more quickly than others but, lucky for you, there are still some available. Elton John will be here Thursday, March 15. I can’t wait to see this show. It seems like a once in a lifetime opportunity. My mom was a little surprised that I cared since I’m pretty young but who doesn’t want to see the Rocket Man?!

All-in-all, it was a great weekend. I hope some of you were able to come out and take part in one of the events that the Roanoke Civic Center hosted. This coming weekend we have the Kazim Temple Shrine Circus Thursday – Sunday in the Coliseum. This is another great chance to attend and experience a riveting event with family and friends. I think I might cry out of excitement because I get to meet one of the show’s elephants. Besides manatees, they are my absolute FAVORITE! Expect lots of pictures and lots of laughing, crying, smiling, etc. Hopefully Amanda will be able to help me control my emotions.

Here’s a few pictures below to help you get a small taste of this past weekend.

Have a wonderful week and prepare yourself for more scintillating blog posts by the other interns and myself,

Natalie

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Were you able to attend any events from this past weekend? Tell us how it was!

Natalie in the collapsible tent at the VA Hunt Fest.

A short introduction about two of your spring 2012 interns:

Amanda Howard is a current senior at Radford University graduating in May 2012 with a major Media Studies with a concentration in Advertising.

Natalie Suprise is current senior at Virginia Tech graduating in May 2012 with a major in Marketing and a minor in International Business.

Virginia Hunt Fest

Today is the first day that Virginia Hunt Fest is open in the Special Events Center (SEC) at the Roanoke Civic Center. There’s a variety of vendors and activities for all ages: clowns, exotic animal encounters, jewelry, bird feeders, along with the traditional hunting gear and supplies. Come hang out in a tree stand or check out the new RVs. Virginia Hunt Fest will be open today (until 8 PM), Saturday (10 AM – 8 PM), and Sunday (10 AM – 5 PM). Today Amanda and I took some time out of our busy, busy schedule to enjoy some retail therapy and the wilderness offered in the SEC. The vendors were friendly and the atmosphere offered a little bit of southern charm.

Amanda with The Grave Digger!

In the middle of the Coliseum.

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam

Tonight kicks off the beginning of the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam! They’ll only be here for three shows so make sure you don’t miss it. The Coliseum is buried under dirt anticipating The Grave Digger’s triumph over the junkyard souls. With tires just over five feet tall, the trucks are ready to rev their engines and get tonight going! Bring your ear plugs and get ready for a wild ride. Shows are tonight at 7:30 PM and tomorrow at 2 PM and 7:30 PM. Tickets are available at the Roanoke Civic Center box office but they’re running out quickly. We faced the fierce trucks earlier today and got a feel for how huge these monsters really are. Here’s a couple of snapshots for all you newbies (just like us).

Here's Amanda! Look how big those tires are!

Did you end up going to one of the events? What was memorable about Virginia Hunt Fest and/or Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam? Leave your comments on the message board below.

Aldean rocking out in pink!

Hello everyone! My name is Chris Brooks and I’m a senior at Virginia Tech majoring in Marketing Management. I’m the newest Marketing intern here at the Roanoke Civic Center.  I was born and raised right here in Roanoke, and my connections with the Civic Center go back to my childhood coming to all of the Roanoke Express hockey games.   As I go through my internship, I would like to share with you my behind the scenes experiences because few people get a chance to do what I do. Join me as I walk you through my experiences, one memory at a time.

Every job has its perks, and for my internship at the Roanoke Civic Center , getting to attend the concerts is definitely one of those perks. Jason Aldean’s Concert for the Cure to support breast cancer was only the third concert I have ever experienced. However, this concert was a little different, not just because I was working, but because I got the full behind the scenes experience that not many get a chance to see. Join me as I recap the night in a day in the life of an RCC intern.

When I came into work at 9a.m., I knew it was going to be a long day. As a thank you to Aldean for coming to the RoanokeCivicCenterand raising money for Susan G. Komen, Jonathan Carlin (Marketing Coordinator) and I went shopping for him in Downtown Roanoke and Valley View Mall. I would like to thank Allison Loy who painted Jason Aldean a custom cooler that we put our goodies inside of. Inside Aldean’s custom cooler was a Georgia Bulldogs t-shirt Roanoke Railhouse “Loose Caboose” beer, chocolate from Chocolate Paper and lastly, fishing lures and bait for bass fishing from Dick’s Sporting Goods. On the outside, Aldean’s custom cooler included some of his favorite things such as the Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Braves and fishing. There were also landmarks from Roanoke, like the Roanoke Star, painted on his cooler which you can see below. Most importantly, there was a Susan G. Komen pink ribbon which matched the theme of Aldean’s show. After the shopping was done and the normal workday was over, it was time for me to go meet with the media from The Roanoke Times.

Jason Aldean with (L to R) RCC General Manager Robyn Schon and Assistant General Manager Joe Dolan. (Also he is holding a super awesome cooler)

Once I met up with the media, I escorted them down to the pit to get some snapshots of the show. Since the media is only allowed to take pictures of the first two songs, I had to take them back out of the coliseum after those songs were done.  Even though I only got to see the first two songs of each performance, I still had a blast. There is nothing like being up close at a concert. For me, it was a one of a kind feeling. The combination of the cheers from the crowd and the bass of the speakers sent chills up my spine. There really is nothing like being front and center at a big concert.

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not a huge country fan but Jason Aldean knows how to put on a show. Jason Aldean of course didn’t come alone. He was accompanied by Chris Young and Thompson Square. Thompson Square was the first to perform and they put on a great show. When they played their famous song “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” the coliseum went nuts. The husband and wife duo did end up doing a play off their song asking each other if they were going to kiss or not, and of course they did. Afterward, the crowd chimed in with a big “Awww.” It’s very clear that they have something special and they love doing what they do.

Jason Aldean Can Really Throw a Party

Next up was Chris Young. He was very, very entertaining. He really knew how to keep the crowd pumped up and even got the crowd engaged in one of his songs “Save Water, Drink Beer.” He told half of the coliseum to chant “Save Water!” and the other half “Drink Beer!” I got a laugh or two out of that. He also played a song called “Beer or Gasoline” where he criticizes that it costs just as much for a case of beer as it does for a couple gallons of gas. I thought he was very creative with his songs and was high energy throughout his performance. If and when Chris Young makes his own tour dates, I would recommend going to see him.
Lastly, it was time for Jason Aldean. His entrance was awesome to say the least. When he was ready, the spotlight shined on the curtain he was standing behind revealing his silhouette. The crowd went absolutely crazy, the curtain drops and Aldean starts his set. Aldean played some of his hit songs such as “Big Green Tractor”, “Dirt Road Anthem” and “Amarillo Sky.” While I didn’t get to see most of his set, I heard nothing but good things after the show. Aldean’s Concert for the Cure was highly successful in bringing in donations and awareness for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The concert raised $315,000 for the Roanoke Chapter of Susan G. Komen, which was a new record for his tour. Hopefully we’ll be seeing Aldean back in Roanoke again soon!

Posted by: Chris Brooks

URTH at James Taylor

James Taylor

Pre-Concert Party Featuring:

URTH

May 20, 2011

 

 

 

For those of you that don’t already know, the person playing the drums in this picture is ME!  I have been playing in bands for 15+ years now so it was easy to understand my excitement when I found out that James Taylor was going to be playing at the Roanoke Civic Center.  I guess it is my own selfishness and my quest for greatness that I felt the need to ask Robyn Schon (General Manager) if I could play the pre-concert party. After only hearing our 3-song original demo and some great references from a few loyal fans combined with other positive comments from those “important folk,” she happily agreed and signaled the go ahead for us to play. She luckily took my word on urth being a great live, fun loving funk band but for all she knows we could have been an all curse-metal, no-clothes-wearing, freak show, buuuut she agreed, so it was GAME ON. All we had to worry about now was the weather…which turned out to be perfect! 

Just to give you a little background on my band, I play in a Funk/Fusion trio called URTH.  We like to cover old school Mo Town and other funky 60′s and 70′s stuff like : Jackson 5, Curtis Mayfield, Aretha Franklin, War,  etc. We have only been together for a few months but have already played quite a few shows and the crowd response has been great!

Me, Playin Tha Drums

The one catch to this gig was that we had to bring our own sound.  You wouldn’t think that this would be a difficult process, but I soon found out that the speakers we were using were about a combined weight of 500 lbs. Luckily for us the RCC had an elevator to use once we were there, which made the move-in process easier and I dropped some weight with a nice little sweat before the show, so im pretty happy about all that.  As you can see in these pictures we are without our bass player for this gig.  Unfortunately, Nick (bass player) was in Belize at the time.  So Brach (Guitar Player) decided that he would play the bass parts either on the 7th string of his guitar or play the lines with his feet using organ style pedals.  This was definitly new for me but I thought the sound quality was really well done. The crowd for the James Taylor show was more of your easy listening crowd so I wasn’t sure how well straight funk would go over, but judging from the conversations I had after the show with people from the crowd, (drunk or sober) everyone seemed to really enjoy it. I feel that because I am using the RCC blog for my shameless promotion of my band that I will make this post short. We had a really great time playing and it sounds like we might be seeing the RCC staff again real soon for another pre-concert MOdown.

Crowd at the Plaza Party!

 

If you are interested in checking out some URTH tunes, go to:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Urth/180463751994304

www.myspace.com/urth

www.mindspring.com/~urth/

Blog Post by: Tyler Wright