All Star Team

We knew that it would take more than two to tango to create THE Concert Chick empire, so we recruited some stellar individuals to share their brilliance with us and to otherwise lend us cosmic support. Our All-Star Dream Team is comprised of wildly successful entrepreneurs, writers, creators of cool stuff, deal makers, and other notables, including designers, merchandisers, and promoters who work in, around, and for the concert industry. These collective souls have the common goal of making the world a better place through music, books, films, television, projects, security, wine, awareness, spirituality, champagne, fashion, beauty, the occasional square of delicious chocolat, and other fantastical things too many to mention. It’s all about the synergy!

Our Dream Team members reflect the Concert Chick™ philosophy by being themselves, doing what’s right, and following their bliss. They share our vision, care about our environment, and treat people and animals kindly. Every member of the team is someone we greatly admire and respect. Many are people we have known for a long time, others not so long but who have made a tremendous impact on our lives in one way or another, and still yet, some not at all except through the wisdom they share in the form of books they write or some other really fabulous product or service they offer. It’s a good thing to surround yourself with people who make you smile. And we did just that. Our team sizzles, never drains, only inspires! And we’re smiling!

While every single member of our team is über-accomplished by society’s standards, they know that what truly matters most of all is what you do with what you have, who you are on the inside, and how you treat other people. Essentially, how you show up in this world. The Concert Chick Productions, LLC team brings a greater awareness and joy to the masses through their insights and willingness to share their many talents and skills.  They surely aren’t people who sit around and wait for things to happen. They make things happen!

And now, time to meet our peeps! They are listed in alphabetical order by first name because Concert Chick Productions, LLC, though powerful in its message, is a casual, relaxed kind of company. Along these lines, you’ll note that we’ve ordained our team “Chicks” and “Chiefs” based on their individual contributions. People are not their titles, their houses, their cars, their clothes, their bling, their bank accounts, their physical appearance, or any other tangible. But it’s still nice to honor and recognize those who have contributed so much to their specific communities and to the world in general, so rather than simply listing their names, we’ve included some information about our Cast & Crew so you can get to know them a bit.  First, you’ll see our entire team by name and title only. And then, when you click on any name, you’ll be brought right to the official Meet & Greet section.

Alaka Bradley Williams, Chick in Charge of All Things Sparkly

Founder & Owner of W2Tech

alakaBe it sparkling champagne, diamonds, crystal encrusted shoes, smiles, brilliance, or happy attitudes, you can always count on Alaka to make your day. Joe introduced Denise and Alaka backstage at a Jimmy Buffet concert. Whilst enjoying pinot noir, sushi, carrot cake, and a lively discussion on where to find the best shoes online, Alaka and Denise instantly bonded and have been friends—soul/sole sisters as they refer to themselves—ever since. Many an e-mail and Web link has been shared, directing each other to not only the best of Neiman Marcus Last Call Sales pages (matching ponchos anyone?–which they fondly refer to as their “super hero capes”), to animal print pumps with crystal embellishments on sale at TJ Maxx, to general exchanges of living the good life (involving Peeps and Veuve Clicquot). Of course, we wanted Alaka on our team! And as you will see, it’s not only about girlie-girl stuff. This chick rocks solid!

Alaka is originally from Reston, Virginia. She attended South Lakes High School where she was a star athlete in soccer, as well as basketball. Upon graduation, she attended James Madison University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communications, with a minor in Public Relations. After she completed her prestigious schooling, as an overachiever, Alaka continued within the field of communications and worked in television at a station in Washington, DC, which in turn lead her to the field of Human Resources, a direct result of her dynamic ability to work with people. After determining that her leadership and business acumen could be applied to several different types of business, she continued to excel with major companies in high-level management positions for nearly twenty years, specifically in the fields of entertainment and customer service. Most recently, Alaka created and opened W2Tech, the first woman-owned minority Lottery Company in the District of Columbia. As this is a new venture, and the first of its kind in the area, Alaka works closely with the set-up, compliance, creativity, and execution of the company’s mission, and is directly responsible for the direct and overall oversight of the entire operations. Big deals are in the works!   Alaka, this calls for some spa, shopping, and sipping, yes? Oui, oui!

Alex Dickson, Chief of Shrines & Peaceful Nests, Interior Designer Extraordinaire

President, Alex Dickson Interiors, Inc.

Alex DicksonDenise met Alex on a trip to Sedona, Arizona and they become instant friends. During that trip, Denise was sent the initial designs for Concert Chick Productions, LLC’s inaugural tee and she shared them with Alex. He reviewed the renditions with his trained eye and made a couple of suggestions that greatly improved the overall result. Fortunately for us, Alex has been on our team ever since!

Alex is a nationally recognized interior designer, known for his comfortably chic and highly sophisticated interiors. Dickson blends a modern sensibility with traditional and contemporary designs to create casually elegant and tastefully classic rooms. His work is often described as inviting, livable, and inspiring.

Alex began his design career in Southern California nearly 20 years ago. Today, he manages his signature Palm Beach-based firm with a reputation as a highly skilled designer whose timeless designs are custom crafted to fulfill the needs and requirements of each client and project. Throughout his career, Alex has influenced a diverse and varied clientele, including corporate CEO’s and philanthropists, as well as members of the creative and equestrian communities – all who have sought his classically trained eye for their homes across the United States. Some of his completed designs include major coast-to-coast residential projects together with several historical residences, homes in California, Colorado (Vail and Aspen), Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, and Palm Beach. Additionally, Alex has several restaurant and hospitality credits, and works extensively with the country’s foremost residential builders and commercial developers.

Alex’s projects have been noted in Architectural Digest, Florida Design, Palm Beach Illustrated, Western Interiors and Design, Grandeur, Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens, Boca Magazine, and he has appeared on NBC’s South Florida Today. He is currently writing a bi-monthly design feature for the new Miami-based luxury magazine, D’LUXE. Several of the firm’s upcoming projects include private residences in Palm Beach, luxury condominiums in South Beach and downtown Miami, and beachfront property in the Hamptons. He desires to focus on more spiritual surroundings such as spas and home sanctuaries. Whatever Alex does, he does well.

House BeautifulEditor-in-Chief, Stephen Drucker, named Alex as “one of his favorite designers,” for his work on the Designer Showhouse at Aqua Allison Island in Miami Beach. Alex was selected with seven other of the nation’s top designers to participate in this exclusive event.

Alex received a BA from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, anda BFA from The Design Institute of San Diego. He is currently active with several charitable organizations including the Equestrian Aid Foundation, Hearts & Hope, Inc., and Russell Simmons Art For Life Palm Beach to benefit Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. He believes in supporting causes which benefit children’s education and artistic development. And, of course, he naturally believes in the Concert Chick philosophy and vision. Visit Alex Dickson Interiors for more information about out fabulous team member.

Brian O’Connell, Chief Talent Scout & Superstar Producer

President, Country Music Touring, Live Nation

Brian is one of our favorite people, ever. Joe and Brian go way back, having worked together in the music business for more years than either of them want to admit (though they do share many stories about their adventures without hesitation, Denise’s personal favorite being one involving Palm Beach, a lady in a hat, a robe, Joe’s brother, and a not too happy husband).

brianoconnellBrian began his career in Chicago, Illinois putting together tour sponsorship packages for such artists as the Beach Boys, Moody Blues, Paula Abdul, The Judds, and Wynonna. In 1993, he joined Cellar Door Productions in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida as marketing director and started booking country acts in local clubs. Three years later, Brian made the move to Washington, D.C. where he became the talent buyer for the market, and in 1999 he booked his first tour, The Judds Reunion Tour. Due to his success and love for country music, Brian then found himself in Nashville where he still is today.

Brian has successfully booked and developed the top country tours including Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith, Alabama, Rascal Flatts, and Kenny Chesney. Brian was nominated by Pollstar, the most prominent trade publication in the concert industry, as Talent Buyer of the Year in 2003 and 2004, and in 2006, he was named Promoter of the Year by both Pollstar and the International Event Buyers Association (IEBA). Brian also received the Academy of Country Music Award as the Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year in 2001 and 2004, as well as being recognized as its 2008 Promoter of the Year. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, and serves as a director of the IEBA. In the aftermath of Sept. 11, Brian promoted and produced The Country Freedom Concert in Nashville to raise funds for the Salvation Army’s 9-11 relief efforts. He also works with the United Service Organization (USO) to take many of the acts he promotes on USO tour overseas.

Even though Brian’s heavy work demands keep him on the road for weeks, he always finds time for his favorite Chicago Cubs and Notre Dame football. As you can see, Brian is THE man, and he’s a Concert Chick fan!

Chris Hammond & Sonny Barton , Chiefs of Rock ‘n’ Roll Libations & of Corks Popped & Pulled

Founders, Rock ‘n’ Roll Wine, LLC

Chris (who is a Sommelier and on the left in the photo to the right) and Sonny (who knows his wine nonetheless andis on the right) surely stand on their own as amazing individuals, and much can be toldsonny_chrisabout them and their accomplishments separate and apart from each other, but we view them as a package deal and can’t break the 2-pack so to speak. We met Sonny and Chris through a mutual friend, G.L.F. and his evil twin B.L.F., during one of our LasVegas adventures. Setting aside that these savvy businessmen are intelligent, witty, nice (sorry guys, but it’s true), and gorgeous , they founded Rock ‘n’ Roll Wine, LLC, so they are two of the coolest people we know! We see Concert Chick Chardonnay & Champagne in the future!

Rock ‘n’ Roll Wine, LLC is a wine events, marketing and promotions company dedicated to revolutionizing the way people approach, perceive, and enjoy wine. Rock ‘n’ Roll Wine, LLC produces monthly high-energy wine events in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Ann Arbor, and are gearing up to bring the experience to New York, Phoenix, Miami, and beyond in the near future. They believe that the wine experience is just as important as the quality of the wine. Combining the right atmosphere with the right music and the right people is when “the juice” truly shines. As the company grows, so does the quality of their events, bringing the best live music to the most delicious wines to one place at one time. Cork by cork across the country!

Check out Rock ‘n’ Roll Wine and join the excitement. Put your name on the list andyou’ll receive invitations to the most delicious tasting and sounding events. We did. Though, quite frankly, messages from these guys are nothing less than pure torture. It’s not as if we can hop a jet, show up at their amazing parties wine glass in hand. But rather than remove ourselves from their list, we use the teasers as reminders to book a trip to Las Vegas and/or send an e-mail pleading with Sonny and Chris to make a return visit to South Beach. The coast is now clear, guys! Come on down!

Chuck Loose, Ian Rowan & Basilio Mendez, Chiefs of the Most Cool Rock & Roll Graphics

Owners of Iron Forge Press, Inc.

Meet our tee design and production guys. Chuck is on the left, Ian in the middle, and Basilio on the right. We knew absolutely nothing about the tee shirt business other than we wanted to break into it.iron-forge-press Sure, we owned a ton of tees, but were absolutely clueless as to how they were made, designed, produced, and so on. Nada. Until we met our friends at Iron Forge Press. And how did we meet you may wonder? Denise asked Joe who was responsible for the amazing artwork she saw on his venue posters (scattered below are some fine examples of their creative works). Soon thereafter, she was in contact with Chuck and the rest is history. It’s a good thing they don’t charge us by the e-mail or question!

widespread_mainIan and Basilio were both kicked out of art school (Ft. Lauderdale Art Institute and Rhode Island School of Design, respectively). Chuck has worked in graphic design or commercial art his entire life, starting in high school, except for two years when he worked at the Sizzler on Commercial Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale. They joined forces to open Iron Forge Press in 2005. Their first project was a Detroit Cobras poster and their first T-shirt order was for Blowfly, the originator of dirty rap. Since that time, they have printed all sorts of wonderful things, including the soon to be released inaugural Concert Chick tee!

kanyeMusic inspires them more than anything else, so applying their skills to creating concert poster and tee art made sense. Chuck has been in bands since the ‘90’s and still plays gigs banging the drums. Ian owns a couple of record labels and is in a band as well, while Basilio is one of the founding members of death metal band RM, and has been programming beats for years. Designing and printing posters allows them to be creative in a way where they can interact directly with other designers, musicians, management, labels, promoters, and collectors all while doing what they love to do. It allows a music integration on a variety of levels, and grants them the opportunity to create cool visual projects for some of their favorite artists and peeps, such as Rox, the Concert Chick. Discover more than you’ll ever want to know about this creative trio at Iron Forge Press.The Black Crowes

This creative team claims they are influenced by Jim Phillips, Jean “Moebius” Giraud, Andy Warhol, Kool Keith, Jack Kirby, HipGnosis (the British design company), Simon Bisley, Burzum, Shep Fairey, Dose Green, Robert Crumb, Banksy, The Rza, comic books, video games, Pollo Tropical, Pilon, Art Chantry, Bullfinch’s Mythology, Dog The Bounty Hunter, Milton Glaser, Discharge, Chas Adams, David Carson, Pablo Picasso, Big Baby Jesus, Ron English, The Ramones, Pantera, Heavy Metal Magazine, Kung Fumovies, Ed Roth, terra marie, LOL cats, cool old printing, House Industries, Hikaru Iwanaga, Pushead, Stefan Safmeister, Das EFX, Henri deToulouse Lautrec, and Bruce Willis, among others. Disclaimer: We have no idea who some (most) of these people are, so if any or all are offensive and/or controversial in any whatsoever, contact Iron Forge Pressdirectly and not Concert Chick Productions, LLC!  Having said that, we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Chuck, Ian, and Basilio, and for Rox to be added to their list of peeps who have influenced them!

David Romanelli, Chief of All Things Yoga, Chocolate + Wine

Yahoo! Wellness Expert, Co-Founder of At One Yoga, Presenter of Tasty & Fun Yoga Retreats, Yoga Instructor at Exhale, and Author of Soon to Be Bestselling Book, Yeah Dave’s Guide to Livin’ the Moment

dave2Denise met Dave during a weekend yoga retreat that he was presenting, interestingly called Yoga + Wine (Friday night) and Yoga + Chocolate (Saturday and Sunday). Denise lives yoga, likes chocolate, and loves wine, so this event was right up her yoga mat. She quickly learned that yoga could be practiced quite intensely (we flowed through Grateful Dead tunes) and deliciously (little chocolate samplings and wine sippingswere enjoyed between poses). Quite a treat all the way around! Denise became a member of Yeah Dave’s fan club (and later, book club) right away.

David Romanelli has a lot going on besides sharing yoga, wine and chocolate. In addition to being a Yahoo! Wellness Expert, he is also co-founder of At One Yoga which consists of multiple state-of-the art yoga studios in Arizona. A pioneering effort in the national yoga scene, At One Yoga fuses Western culture’s fashion, music and technology with Eastern culture’s sacred rituals and ancient tradition. Dave drew from this experience when creating a unique approach to yoga that would enhance accessibility to previously untapped markets. Yeah Dave Yoga is David’s innovative combination of exercise, inspiring spirituality, and great music ranging from Frank Sinatra to Diddy. Make sure to check out his Web site and sign up to receive Dave’s very funny yet deeply enlightening newsletters that he calls THE SCHTICK.

Dave now tours the world presenting the Yoga + Chocolate experience mentioned above which he created with Vosges Haut-Chocolat founder Katrina Markoff (more about this chocolat brand under Rox’s Faves!). Yoga + Chocolate demonstrates the enhanced power, beauty, and sensory awareness experienced in The Moment. To further quench the huge appetite for Yoga + Chocolate, Dave teamed up with wine connoisseur Angela Gargano to create Yoga + Wine which teaches that a human being can model the aging process after one of the few things that ages well, a bottle of wine.daves-book Cheers to that!

Dave’s varied ideas, journeys, tastes, and tunes will all fold under one umbrella with his upcoming book Yeah Dave’s Guide to Livin’ the Moment which is coming March 10, 2009 from Broadway Books/Random House. The book is all about the irreverent path to an age-old destination: inner peace. Click The Book for the scoop and visit Amazonto place your order today. Oh, and one more thing. David currently teaches at Exhale in Venice, California. As if there’s time!  But for this dynamic guy, time is only a detail. He finds it and seemingly makes it, too. Yeah Dave!

Delores Burke, Chick in Charge of Ageless Living

Stewardess (when they were called that), Amazing Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt & All Around Exceptional Person

the-golden-door-065Delores is Denise’s father’s sister, which makes her our Aunt Delores. Here’s a chick not afraid to give us her real birth date AND year. And why should she be? Look at her!!! The photo on the left was snapped at The Golden Door spa, in June, 2008, the month that Denise turned 47 while her aunt was approaching 81 a few months later. Let’s just chalk up Denise’s sleepy image to super relaxation mode. As for Delores’s wide-awake look, well she just glows no matter what! Everyone at the spa thought she was a celebrity of some sort and she actually is. Delores is gorgeous, compassionate, personable, poised, graceful, intelligent, and unstoppable. Of course, when we thought of who best fits with the Concert Chick philosophy, Delores automatically came to mind. Denise recalls visiting her grandmother’s house as a child and seeing a framed photograph of the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. The stunning lady in the TWA uniform turned out to be her Aunt Delores and Denise was intrigued ever since by this woman of beauty and adventure that she would only meet occasionally at family celebrations.

When invited to be a part of our Concert Chick team, Delores graciously accepted, and when asked to send a biography, she laughed, reminding us that it has been MANY years since she needed one, so she compiled some info for me to revise and post. Post, yes. Revise, no. Here’s Delores’s story in her own beautiful voice: I was born in Chicago on September 18, 1927, however, I will start in August of 1953 when I applied to the airlines. Could have flown with American (only USA flights) or United (only Hawaii) and choose TWA because they flew almost everywhere in the world and had a terrific pass system. I had to apply in a hurry because I was reaching the upper age they took stewardesses (yes, they did call them that) and that was 26, which was approaching for me in September of ’53. I had never been in an airplane when I took the job. My first flight was out of Midway airport in Chicago on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, en route to Kansas City, Missouri for my physical. My first thoughts were: God would not have put all this space up here if he didn’t want it used. I have loved flying ever since!!! I flew for 7 years and enjoyed every minute of it. This was the time when you could go in at 21 years of age, fly a year or two, and then got married!!! I did things a bit differently than the average girl. I transferred to San Francisco as soon as I could and flew into SFO on the 2nd of February, l954 andnever looked back. I met your now Uncle Mervyn in November of ’54 at San Francisco General Hospital. I was a volunteer and he was an intern in the pediatric ward. Our eyes crossed and it’s a bit complicated the way we finally met. Our first date was at Alfred’s Steakhouse (one of the best in the city) and I was very impressed. His budget at that time was $20.00 for two with wine!!! He then was put in the Doctor’s Draft and landed in Germany for 2 years. We were just friends until August of ‘59 when we became engaged and married on January 30th at the Presidio Chapel in San Francisco. In September of that year, UCSF Medical School sent him to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston to study under a very famous vascular surgeon for one year. MGH is the hospital for Harvard. We loved our year in Boston and your cousin Cynthia was born there. We then returned to San Francisco for his final year of training as Chief Resident of Surgery at UCSF. We have been married for almost 49 years and have three accomplished children and eight grandchildren, all of whom we are very proud. I have been on the Grand Jury in Marin County in the 80′s for a year and a half and am currently on jury duty in SFO in the Superior court. My hobbies and interests include travelling the world, needlepoint, reading, being a lector in my Dominican parish, bridge, spa’ing with my dearest niece, and last, but not least, babysitting my grandchildren.”

Isn’t it obvious why she’s on our team? We love you, Aunt Delores!

Don Abbatiello, Chief of Cinematic Immunity & All Things Transportation & Stunts

Stunt Person, Actor, Entertainment Industry Transportation & Stunt Coordinator

behindenemylines1Now, here’s a guy who made the decision early on to create a business doing what he absolutely loves—anything involving fast cars and insanely risky adventures. If a television, video, or film productions company needs 103 red Porsches, they call Don. And if a company needs someone to drivethose Porsches off a cliff, they call Don. He is a stunt driver of all types of vehicles (land and sea), a marine stunt coordinator for three films coming out in 2009  including The Pink Panther 2, and a helicopter stunt coordinator for Princess Protection Program. Don has also been a stunt performer bahamas-446and/or marine stunt coordinator for Miami Vice, CSI: Miami, The Big Give (Oprah’s show), The Sopranos, The Amazing Race, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Don was a recipient of The Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in the Motion Picture Bourne Ultimatum 2007.

The guy the girl in red is holding onto is Don in action in Behind Enemy Lines. And here’s proof of Don being Don, swimming with the sharks just for  the fun of it!  Yeah, fun!

Don’s ordained title obviously comes from his work in the entertainment business, but you may be a bit curious about the cinematic immunity element. Let’s just say that one New Year’s Eve not that long ago, with just a few minutes until the stroke of midnight, we had to get from Point A: a party at Matt and Luciana Damon’s house to Point B: a party at Loew Hotel in South Beach, and Don miraculously made it happen!

Drew McMahon, Esq., Chief of Keeping the Chicks Legal & All Glossy Lipped

Chief Assistant County Attorney in Charge of the Litigation Department, Palm Beach County

Denise couldn’t convince Drew to write a column for Maxim, but was able to coerce him into joining our team with promises of a potential Paris Hilton sighting at one of our team retreats. There’s plenty to tell you about Drew, but since he’s a top level government attorney, there’s only so much that can be shared for your and his safety. So, let’s start with what we can tell you…what that lip thing in his Concert Chick title is all about. Many years ago, Drew and Denise went to the Palm Beach Yacht Club for a post-work cocktail. It was about the time that a certain intern was making certain allegations about a certain President which he certainly denied. The story headlined every paper and broadcast, including the one on the YC’s tube. Always trying to brainstorm our escape-from-law plan, and always open to any form of inspiration whatever its source, we seized the moment and chatted about a lip gloss line inspired by politicians’ dalliances. We came up with names and colors and even a very appropriate packaging design. Our ideas were scribbled on cocktail napkins, while we cracked ourselves up, knowing that this plan was THE ONE. A month or so later, we spotted an article about a lipstick line similar to what we were tinkering with…and sales were soaring! “Coulda, shoulda” was the topic for our next YC visit. We vowed to ride the next wave of our brilliance instead of being washed ashore while someone else was cashing in. And now, there’s Concert Chick…more than a scribble on a napkin. When the Concert Chick LipChick™ line comes out, Drew will oversee development and production and otherwise be in charge of the gloss. In the meantime, he’ll do his best to keep the chick stuff legal.

Drew works his creative genius in other ways, too. Ever since he graduated from law school in 1982, Drew has had, and continues to have, an enviable, illustrious legal career. His litigation practice has included such varied pursuits as assisting Rupert Murdoch try to buy Warner Brothers, directing the defense of the infamous butterfly ballot recount in the 2000 election (hanging, dangling, and pregnant chads, oh my!), and more recently, keeping a church from letting homeless people sleep in the pews. When not trying to improvethe world through the courts, Drew looks forward to seeing Concert Chick tees at both Radiohead and Gourds concerts, as well as everything in between, enhancing the world one chick, one tee at a time, all the while dreaming of the All Glossy Lipped thing happening one day soon.

John Anderson, Chief of Security & Backstage Access & CEO Bodyguard

Partner & Regional Vice President of Contemporary Services Corporation

John and Joe have been friends and have worked together for years. Denise was introduced to John many moons ago at a birthday party aboard a private yacht. This factoid is significant because John was on crutches, having just had BOTH knees replaced at the same time. Not an easy venue to navigate, but he did so with ease and a smile on his face, even while bopping to Who Let the Dogs Out performed live on deck by none other than The Baha Men. John is one of those guys that simply radiates great energy. That night on the water held many memorable moments, but the highlight was hanging out with John. Turns out that John isn’t just a nice guy with a contagious smile who enjoys Twizzlers as much as we do. Read on.

John is a Partner and Regional Vice President of Contemporary Services Corporation (CSC), with more than 22 years of service with the company. CSC is the largest entertainment and crowd management services corporation, with 39 offices in 180 cities in the United States and abroad. It’s obvious why we named him our Chief of Security! John has been progressively responsible in the direct expansion of CSC in Florida with organizations such as the NFL, MLB, NBA, LPGA, PGA, NASCAR, and college sports programs. He also oversees the entertainment aspect of the Dolphin Stadium, American Airlines Arena, Cruzan Ampitheatre, TD Waterhouse Center, Citrus Bowl, Orange Bowl, and other major entertainment complexes throughout the Southeastern United States.

John as been featured several times in The Palm Beach Post, most notably as “Body Guard to the Stars”. He has been recognized by many well known sports and entertainment celebrities for his personal security and management of their activities. In addition to being our good friend and Denise’s self-proclaimed bodyguard, John oversees and is personally responsible for the security of the owner of the Miami Dolphins, owner of the Florida Marlins, and President of the Florida Marlins.

Before being recruited for CSC, John was a nationally recognized women’s softball coach. He coached for 18 years at Palm Beach Community College and collected a record of 975 wins and 102 losses, with 18 Conference Championships and 2 National Championships. He was voted Southern Conference Coach of the Year for 18 consecutive years and Junior College Coach of the Year (1984 and 1985) when he won back-to-back national championships. John was inducted into the Palm Beach County Hall of Fame, 1994, and Florida Community College Hall of Fame, 1997.

John is a native of Boynton Beach, Florida where he resides today. He has a very strong appreciation of the community that he lives in. He strives to belong to organizations that build a better community and future for the people of South Florida, and he’s taking this desire worldwide by being a part of the Concert Chick team!

Laurie Steele, Chick in Charge of Marketing, Public Relations & Stealing the Show

President, Steele the Show Public Relations

laurie-2We met Laurie through SunFest, a fabulous 5-day waterfront music festival in West Palm Beach, Florida. She has been a Concert Chick Productions, LLC fan from day one because she is a Concert Chick! So, when Laurie offered to do our marketing and public relations, wisely wanting to get in on the ground floor, we gladly took her up on her invitation and in turn, invited her to be on our team, since we think she rocks, too. Laurie has more than 12 years of public relations, community outreach and special events experience. Prior to opening Steele the Show Public Relations, she worked for the Girl Scouts of America as a Media Consultant locally and at their New York City headquarters.

Over the past decade, Laurie has collaborated with local and national media developing expertise in the area of media placement and crisis communications. She is a results-oriented marketing professional with qualifications in private and non-profit communications. Her education background includes a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Government from Smith College, a Florida Atlantic University Meeting & Special Events Planner Certificate, along with industry training from some of the top public relations professionals in the area.

Laurie is committed to the community, having donated hundreds of hours to many local non-profit organizations, assisting with everything from fundraising to media outreach. And she still finds time to enjoy concerts, joining fellow team member, Pam, and Denise for some Tommy Lee action. And like Denise, Laurie is a huge Nickelback/Chad fan. A Concert Chick indeed!

Maureen Selfridge, Esq., Chick in Charge of Textiles

Chief Assistant County Attorney, Palm Beach County, Mother to “Will the Thrill” & Very Good Friend of the Family

Maureen, another high level government lawyer who isn’t at liberty to share much about herself for your and her own safety, unwinds from a long day at the office by knitting and creating with fabrics. Her love of textiles and threads—more specifically, the quality of same—goes back to her parochial school days when the school began offering Dacron blouses for the students’ uniforms as a nice gesture to the mothers who wouldn’t have to iron them. As much as Maureen loves her mother, there was no way she was going to wear anything less than 100% cotton because cotton breathes and looks so much crisper. After all, she didn’t have to iron the shirts.

At the age of ten, Maureen desired to sew her own clothes and knit fabulous sweaters. She took up knitting but was uninspired by the skeins of faux worsted wool available at the local five-and-ten. In a show of parental solidarity, her mother took sewing lessons so that she could share the experience with Maureen. Her mother found the sewing process daunting, but the lesson learned resulted in her most important advice for her daughter: The experience was too time consuming to be wasted on cheesy fabrics. No more gingham blends from Woolworths! Bloomingdale’s had a fabric department in those days and that is where they bought their materials from that point on. As soon as Maureen heeded her mother’s sage advice, she discovered all sorts of wonderful yarns that blended silks, cashmeres, angoras and other exotic threads at Bloomie’s. She started to knit those fabulous sweaters she only dreamed about, letting two needles and a skein come between her and her law school studies, which made it all worthwhile and her extremely happy, not to mention well-dressed, because her sweaters were, indeed, fabulous. And there’s more to this remarkable lady.

Maureen, a Short Hills, New Jersey girl, graduated from Manhattanville College and Western New England Law School, having studied at Oxford University in between. On a whim, she found herself in Fort Lauderdale, the site of many happy childhood memories. She thought of moving back north a number of times, but snapped out of it every time she saw a palm tree and Lilly Pulitzer apparel, especially the adorable cardigan sweaters with teeny-tiny palm tree logos on them which prompted her to make this note to self: knit one just like it. And so she did, but with some modification, to avoid a trademark infringement lawsuit. Being the smart lawyer she is (recall infringement duck) Maureen joined the Palm Beach County Attorney’s Office in 1984 where she remains today, representing all sorts of clients, including the Tourist Development Council (lots of palm tree collateral materials!) and the Solid Waste Authority (lots of palm trees at the landfills!). Maureen married a colleague at the office, Gordon Selfridge, who has since moved on to guideus from above. They had a son, Will “Will the Thrill” Selfridge, who plays for his school’s varsity football team, jams a trombone with the school band, chats about South Park with Denise, accompanies Joe to the fair and various sporting events, and works concerts and the yard (palm trees!) with Joe from time-to-time.

Maureen splits her time between her homes in South Florida and the Jersey Shore, with her son, Will and their English Springer Spaniel, Spencer. In addition to palm trees, sewing and knitting, she loves to read, write fiction/romance novels, shop, cook (kidding!), and remodel and redecorate her homes. Maureen, as Concert Chick Productions, LLC’s connoisseur of textiles, so fittingly states, “For what is a garment, regardless of shape or style, if constructed of an unworthy fabric? Definitely not a Concert Chick tee!” True, Maureen, very true.

Mireille Guiliano , Chick in Charge of Champagne & Sparkly Living

President of Veuve Clicquot, North America, for 20 Years & International Bestselling Author of French Women Don’t Get Fat & French Women for All Seasons

afrench_08_purple_blouse1Denise became a Mireille ( pronounced Meer-ray) fan immediately after she read the first page of her first book, French Women Don’t Get Fat . This was even before Denise knew that Mireille had a significant connection to her favorite champagne! No, it’s more bubbly than that. Mireille firmly believes that it’s all about the way we approach life—and not the diet, fad, trend, or whatever gimmick du jour surfaces—that is responsible for our becoming our best selves. True happiness is the result of appreciating who you are and what you have today, of treating your body, soul, and mind with great respect and honor, and for truly enjoying life’s offerings, be it a sumptuous meal, a bike ride along the beach on a sunny day, a glass of champagne, or oui, even a square of chocolat noir.

Mireille, an  internationally best-selling author of French Women Don’t Get Fat (2004), and its companion French Women for All Seasons (2006) as well as “a barrier breaking pioneer” in business as a long-time senior executive at the world’s largest luxury goods company, LVMH, where among other things she brought trend-setting marketing innovation to Champagne Veuve Clicquot. She has written widely on food, wine, travel and lifestyle for a range of international publications. Her runaway bestsellers—part memoir, part gastronomy and part practical philosophy guide―are beautifully written celebrations of life and pleasure and stirring reminders of the importance of joie de vivre. They have appeared in 37 and 24 languages respectively. Life is meant to be savored, and Mireille’s mission is to show others how to capture and embrace a most delicious and satisfying way of living, which is in step with the Concert Chick way of life. Mireille is the best example of a Concert Chick in action, and we are thrilled that she is on our team!

Nicole “Nikki” Oden, Chick in Charge of Spaaaaaaaaaahhh

Owner, Eleven Spa Empire

While minding her own business one day at a little eatery on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, Denise overheard the words “Spa Eleven” spoken at the table across the way from hers and immediately looked up. Not one to eavesdrop unless her favorite something or someone is being mentioned—in this case—THE spa, she tuned in and much to her delight, foundthat she was seated near the spa’s founder, Nikki Oden. Denise introduced herself to Nikki and her business associate, Doug Brisotti. They were in the middle of discussions about their new skincare line. This was an exciting moment for Denise as she has been a fan of the spa and a Nikki groupie from day one. Nikki is an outstanding role model—a gorgeous, brilliant, approachable, bubbly woman who turns any idea she has into a successful venture. Besides, she wears the best clothes and the coolest shoes! Nikki is undoubtedly an original Concert Chick!pool-at-eleven

Come to find out that Nikki hasn’t always been about all things spa. She’s a self-proclaimed “numbers girl,” and her career path is proof of it. She started in the automobile industry while in college, moving to franchise sales for Jackson-Hewitt, and then on to managing money for high net worth individuals for Smith Barney with approximately $60 million under her management. Never intending to leave the world of investment banking, Nikki opened Eleven, but due to the immediate success of the business – and the birth of her precious daughter, Ava Grace – Nikki said “good-bye” to investing and managing other people’s money and “hello” to spa-eleven-vegashelping people invest in and manage their lives through pampering spa experiences, which Nikki refers to as “escapes”. She would focus on delivering these experiences through premier spa locations, a skincare line Eleven Skin, and trendy clothing and accessories through her spa boutiques Eleven Boutique and online at Elevenboutique.com. If the Eleven experience is good enough for the Hilton sisters, Kimora Lee Simmons, Sean “Puffy” Combs, and Jamie Pressley, well, it certainly is perfect for the rest of us stars!

Nikki is busy preparing to debut a 20,000-square-foot freestanding spa in Las Vegas—the only one on the strip—in 2009: Eleven Vegas at the Town Square. Yes, Concert Chicks, it’s raining crystals!

Since Concert Chicks love spas…need them actually…and since Nikki is such a Concert Chick herself, we had to have her energy on our team! Oh, thank heaven for Nikki and Eleven!

Oliver & Roxi Nieman, Chief & Chick Guard Dogs, Sniffers & Lickers

Founders Kids

Every person that has a dog in their life knows unconditional love. And if you have two, like we do, that blessing is doubled. Our kids, Roxi and Oliver, help us keep things in perspective like nothing or no one else can, so, naturally, they’re on our All-Star Dream Team. Oliver and Roxi love going to work with Dad at the Cruzan Amphitheatre, because it has the best lawn in the world. They even have their own All Access passes that they wear on their collars. Roxi and Oliver are our flower children. No tiptoeing through the tulips for these kids! It’s all about living with gusto, even if it means taking p5020054out Mom’s flower beds, which is much better than using her Manolo’s as a chew toy.

Oliver, looking quite spiffy in his Hawaiian shirt, loves having his photo taken, so paparazzi is always welcome. What he doesn’t like is anything that 0041moves (including wind) or anything that is bigger than he is. He’s a Havanese which is a breed from Havana, Cuba, traditionally used as circus dogs. He will perform any move for treats. During the holidays, when he hears the Sugar Plum Fairy song from The Nutcracker, he performs a series of pirouettes in hope that a Milk Bone will be tossed his way. Oliver is an old soul, who enjoys staring at full moons for hours on end. Oliver also likes to practice yoga with us in the morning. He mocks us when we do Downward Dog pose and really gets into the final resting Corpse Pose, lying supine on his back with legs splayed whenever we say “Sivasana, Oliver”. You really have to be there.p5020025

Next, meet Roxi, a Bichon Frise, who is a year younger than Oliver, but definitely in charge. While she looks like an adorable, sweet little girl as she patiently awaits dinner, and she is, she’s also fiercely independent and adventuresome, always instigating Oliver to join her on neighborhood runs when she notices an opportunity to bolt. No question, she’s a Concert Chick!

Pam Flanagan, Chick in Charge of All Things Confidential & Covert

Super Retirer, Conspirer (in a good way) & Inspirer

Pam has been a Palm Beach County girl for most of her life. Born in Illinois, her family moved to Lake Worth when she was only three. She and her friends “ran” the streets of Lake Worth and hung out at the Lake Worth Beach and Casino. While in high school, Pam was a majorette withthe band for four years, a member of the PEP Club, andattended every sports game on the schools docket. Obviously, she’s all about cheering people on, which is exactly what Pam has been doing while Denise developed her vision for Concert Chick Productions, LLC. Pam was an indispensible sounding board for many Concert Chick ideas, keeping the trade secrets secret for months, which is why she’s our team Conspirer and Inspirer!

pammiePam has had an illustrious career in many interesting fields, primarily using her natural talent and awesome personality working directly with people no matter what industry she found herself in. It comes as no surprise that Pam’s forte is planning parties and special events at all sorts of venues, including the Palm Beach Zoo, the scene of the infamous SunFest Coconut Ball, which happens to be Rox’s and all other Concert Chicks’ most favorite, must attend party.

Pam met her love andtrue soul mate, husband John, who was a contractor. Together they designed and built their dream home in Lake Worth while raising their two sons Scott and John, Jr. Pam worked part-time with John’s construction company andhelped run the small specialty market, The Grator Gator on Singer Island, that they had purchased witha friend. After the market was sold, she decided to retire (Pam has done this a few times, thus her “Retirer” designation) for a while and just enjoy life. Following a few months of soccer mom, shopping, sipping, sunning, and all the rest – it was time to get back to work.

Pam applied for a position with SunFest as a seasonal receptionist – which seemed like the perfect job. Only six months of work and tickets to SunFest, what could be better? As it turned out, she stayed on for the next seventeen years working in a variety of positions. Pam has now semi-retired (see what we mean?) but continues to work as a contract employee, coordinating the Coconut Ball which has been one of her projects for the past ten years.

Her loves and passions include her family (kids and grandkids), Henry her English Springer Spaniel who runs the show, spending time at her getaway on Beech Mountain, North Carolina, reading, and of course, music and concerts. She can’t remember a time when music wasn’t playing in her house – her father was a musician with his own four-piece band. She vividly recalls the “guys” coming over oncep10000241-copy a week to rehearse and being allowed to sit on the floor and listen. Her dad instilled not only a love of music, but the importance of appreciating all types of music. Her favorites include, but are certainly not limited to, Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, John Philip Sousa Orchestra, John Fogerty (Credence Clearwater Revival), Johnny Rivers, Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart, Jimmy Buffett (a lifelong fan – Pam has actually camped out for tickets to see Jimmy), Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Annie Lenox, Billy Joel, Pete Fountain, Al Hirt, Toby Keith, Bruce Springsteen, Barry Manilow, Paul McCartney, Neil Diamond, Elton John, any “doo wop” music out there and—believe it or not—Tommy Lee and Kid Rock (maybe because both of them were married to a girl named Pam). As you can see, Pam is all over the dial! Here’s a photo of Pam and Denise at a Motley Crue concert, all smiles after a Tommy Lee set (well, that’s Pam’s reason…Denise was happy that she remembered to bring her umbrella because it was raining). Pam is definitely an original Concert Chick on every level!

Pam, we thank you for being the go-to girl to run ideas by. There aren’t many chicks out there who can keep a secret!

Wally Amos, Chief of Chipping Away At a Marvelous Life One Cookie & One Dream at a Time

Author, Entrepreneur, Literacy Advocate, Inspirational Speaker & Many Other Splendid Things

Denise met Wally back in 1997, after he wrapped up an outstanding presentation to the members of the Palm Beach County Bar Association. He was our luncheon keynote speaker, by far the best we’ve had in Denise’s opinion and we’ve had some great ones. Denise asked Wally to autograph his book Wally Amos—Man With No Name, which he did, with this inscription: “Aloha, Denise—‘Have Faith!’—Wally Amos”. His words of inspiration and motivation have stayed with Denise all these years, so when brainstorming about the Concert Chick Productions, LLC team, Wally was a natural! He’s another wonderfully perfect example of someone living the Concert Chick message, long before the Concert Chick idea came along. Here’s Wally’s story—from mailroom, to top talent agent for superstar musicians, to chocolate chip cookies, with assorted ventures and adventures sprinkled in between—you’ll undoubtedly be an instant Wally fan, too. It’s time to meet Wally.wally-amos

Most people go through life as if they were living out the movie Ground Hog Day. One day at a time, same thing every day, never breaking the cycle. Then there are those people who wake up every day with a mission to live out their dreams and to inspire others to connect with their potential. Wally Amos is one of those – a man with a mission.

Born in Tallahassee, Florida, Wally Amos lived a childhood that was not always stable and trouble free. But as a child he had an innate spirit and gift to view the world with optimism. The most loving person in his life was Della Bryant, his aunt in New York City. At the early age of twelve, young Wally moved to New York to live with his aunt who assumed a parental role. She was also the first person to bake him chocolate chip cookies. Although the home was of modest means, it was abundant in the meaningful qualities that give a child principles, “a can-do” attitude.

After a four year stint in the Air Force, Wally Amos began his early professional career in the stock room at Saks Fifth Avenue. He worked hard but was consistently underpaid. He asked for raises but was denied. Not having another job in place, but believing he was worth more, Wally left the stock room ready for the next thing. That turned out to be the entertainment industry.

Just like at Saks, he started at the bottom. This time it was the mailroom at the William Morris Talent Agency. And just like before, Amos worked hard. At William Morris it paid off. Wally Amos rose from mailroom clerk to agent in one year – their first African-American agent. He prided himself on his ability to find the next new thing. He was the first to book many of the top performers of that era including The Supremes, Simon & Garfunkle and Marvin Gaye.

When he felt he’d gone as far as he could with William Morris he formed his own theatrical management agency. Packing up his young family, he moved to the west coast. There were ups and downs but Wally always stuck to his principles: work hard, be positive, and don’t look back.

It was during this time that Wally learned to unwind on weekends by taking up a new hobby – baking chocolate chip cookies. Baking relaxed him and made him reminisce about his Aunt Della’s cookies.

Over the years the entertainment industry began to wear on Wally. Show biz personalities weren’t always the easiest people to deal with. It was time for a change.

In 1975, long before there were “food personalities” like Emeril Lagasse, Paul Newman and Nigella Lawson, Wally came up with the idea that he could sell his cookies as an entertainment personality –a gourmet chocolate chip cookie. Borrowing $25,000 from friends, Wally opened the first freestanding store, on Sunset Boulevard, in Hollywood, CA, that sold only cookies: The Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookie store. Soon the entrepreneur became a national personality renowned not only for his cookies, but for his ebullient and outgoing persona as well.

In 1985, a series of events began that led the company to change hands. It is now owned by the Kellogg Company. Amos eventually returned to baked goods through Uncle Wally’s Muffin Company.

Asserting that being famous only meant that lots of people knew who he was; Wally Amos always wanted to use his wide recognition as a means to draw attention to an important cause. That cause became literacy. Wally dedicated his efforts to Literacy Volunteers of America where he served as their National Spokesperson from 1979 to 2002. As a literary advocate, Wally uses his well-known name to support educational causes and serves on the Read to Me International and the Leadership Council of Communities in Schools, in addition to many others. In 2005, Wally Amos and his wife, Christine, founded the Read it LOUD Foundation, a publicly supported 501(c) (3) organization, to promote reading aloud to children.

He is the recipient of many honors and awards including the President’s Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence, the Horatio Alger Award, and the National Literacy Honors Award. He has been inducted into the Babson College Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs.

Wally Amos is a well known inspirational speaker and is the author of eight books: The Famous Amos Story: The Face That Launched a Thousand Chips, The Power in You: Ten Secret Ingredients To Inner Strength, Man With No Name: Turn Lemons Into Lemonade, Watermelon Magic: Seeds of Wisdom, Slices of Life, The Cookie Never Crumbles: Inspirational Recipes for Every Day Living, Be Positive!: Insights Into How To Live A Joy-filled and Inspiring Life, The Power In Self-Esteem: How To Discover And Fulfill Your Life Dream, Live An Inspiring Life: Ten Secret Ingredients for Inner Strength, and The Road To Success Is Paved with Positive Thinking.

His most recent project is working with his wife Christine Harris-Amos who created Chip & Cookie, two dolls fashioned in the image of “boy and girl chocolate chip cookies.” Once again, Wally is in the kitchen baking cookies in the Chip & Cookie retail stores located, on Oahu, in the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki and Kailua Town, Hawaii. For Wally, it’s the next new thing. Take a peek in the fabulously sweet Chip & Cookie shop.   Make sure you register to receive Wally’s Wit and Wisdom, and don’t forget to order some delicious cookies while you’re at it (Rox has your eyes on the chocolate chip with macadamia nuts)!

Over the years, Wally Amos has acted in a number of network sitcoms and appeared on hundreds of interview shows, news programs, educational programs and commercials. On the lecture circuit, he addresses audiences at corporations, industry associations and universities with his inspiring “do it” positive attitude. Over 150 million Americans know Wally Amos. His fame is grounded in quality, substance and a positive attitude. And now you know him, too.

And you now know our entire All-Star Dream Team Cast & Crew.  Check back as other outstanding folks will be joining soon.

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