Catching Up with Roland’s Notes, January 27, 2021

Friends and supporters of BMG and Regalitos Foundation:

As I continue to connect with many of you via phone, email, and social media, there are several important topics that come up frequently. Many of you want to know about our Covid-19 procedures and cancellation policies, how things are going with the King Center, our Intimate Smooth Jazz Getaway, and how our staff is doing.

I listen carefully when you speak to me. In that spirit, I hope this “for the record” email answers most of your questions and concerns. I appreciate all the support and kindness you have shown us as we continue to move safely and confidently towards uniting you with live music again.

THE STATE OF MY COMPANIES: There is no getting around the fact that the Covid-19 crisis and my decision to end my association with the Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation, has challenged BMG and Regalitos Foundation this past year. However, after 35 years as a small business owner, I am well prepared for challenging times. Our cash reserves are strong, the Small Business Administration has been helpful and supportive to both companies, and our concerts and events are moving forward safely and carefully.

Because of these challenges, I did have to cut back on payroll. But I am happy to report that our team, Amy, Nicole, Maureen, and Adria continue with us in a capacity appropriate for the times. The musical sun still shines, and its rays are beginning to slowly light up venues, promoters, and presenters again. We are working hard, we are strong, and with your support, we are slowly and safely moving in a positive direction. I am hopeful that our concerts will be close to normal by the fourth quarter of this year.

RESCHEDULE AND CANCELLATION POLICIES: Many keep asking me about these policies. “What happens if you cancel or postpone a concert or event? What happens if Covid is still rampant by the time a concert date gets close?

Our postponement and cancellation policies have been the same for almost 28 years: If we postpone or cancel a concert or event, including Roland’s Intimate Smooth Jazz Getaway, our customers will have one of two options; 1) Request and receive a full refund. 2) In the case of a postponement, our customers have the option to transfer their event tickets or package to the new date, or choose to receive a full refund. It is that simple.

COVID-19 CONCERNS AND OUR CONCERTS AND EVENTS: If you know me at all, you know that my guests and those who support my concerts and events are my number one priority, period. Immediately behind you is my staff and the artists I work with.

We all understand the risks we run right now by putting a lot of people in a room. Although our concerts are very socially distanced, you have my assurance that any event will be postponed or cancelled if the medical professionals I consult with advise against it, or I feel moving forward could be detrimental or dangerous.

Having said that, I feel a responsibility to slowly and as safely as possible, offer you the option of attending concerts and events that adhere to strict Covid-19 protocols, social distancing, face coverings, hand and venue sanitizing, and careful monitoring of everyone in the venue to assure a safe and comfortable environment.

ABOUT ROLAND’S INTIMATE SMOOTH JAZZ GETAWAY:

I am happy to report that we have less than 30 packages left available for our Smooth Jazz Getaway weekend, October 29 to 31, 2021 at the newly renovated Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront Resort in Melbourne, Fl.

A common question about our Smooth Jazz Getaway is, “I don’t know most of the artists, why not bring artists I’m familiar with?”

It is an honor to work with the hundred of artists I have presented in the last 28 years. (If you’d like to see who those artists are, click here.) I could have included more famous artists. That list is quite long. From Chris Botti, to The Rippingtons, Boney James, Mindi Abair, Paul Taylor, Euge Groove, Brian Culbertson, Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Peter White and on and on. They are tremendous artists, dear to my heart. As we move forward you will see well known artists perform at future Intimate Smooth Jazz Getaways. But this first event has special meaning. Here is why:

Several months ago I decided not to retire from presenting concerts and events. I also realized that for however long I stay in the concert promotions and production industry, it is my duty to open doors for emerging, and up and coming artists. What better way to show my commitment to Smooth Jazz, and to the next generation of Smooth Jazz artists, than to invite six tremendously talented emerging artists to perform at our inaugural Intimate Smooth Jazz Getaway weekend?

This October those guests attending the event will be shaping history along with me. Together we will blaze new trails for artists that are just as talented as many of the artists we are familiar with.

But our Intimate Smooth Jazz Getaway is not just about one event. Future weekends will feature women in jazz, artists of color in jazz, and yes, our favorite Smooth Jazz artists as well!

My goal for the next few years is simple – bring you, and the next generation of Smooth Jazz lovers together with the next generation of Smooth Jazz performers, as well as our favorite Smooth Jazz artists. But I can only achieve that goal with your help. What I ask of you is simple – attend our concerts and events when you feel safe and are able to. And tell your Smooth Jazz family and friends about our efforts. Ask them to join our email newsletter and like our social media platforms. I am not certain how long I will stay in this industry, but I want the time I put in to make a difference now and for the next generation of Smooth Jazz fans and artists. Please join me!

THE KING CENTER: Because of the new management, everything at the King Center has changed. From how promoters book shows, to the costs of renting the venue, to the options for purchasing tickets, to how a concert is marketed, etc. Add in Covid-19, and presenting concerts at our only locally based performing arts center has become quite a challenge for now.

BMG and Regalitos Foundation will continue to present concerts at the King Center. We are moving forward carefully with our first King Center concert, blues guitarist/vocalist Tab Benoit on May 5th. The King Center and BMG will post King Center Covid-19 protocols on our websites and give ticket holders plenty of time to review them. Other changes that may take place due to new management are, 1) Ticket prices and fees will most likely increase. 2) BMG may not be allowed to directly sell tickets to our own concerts. 3) BMG may not have access to ticket purchasers’ names and emails.

I am still negotiating with the King Center regarding these and other issues that I feel are important for a positive relationship with the venue. I am staying positive and hoping management realizes we are a small community with a large and loyal concert fan base. I will offer updates as things move along.

THE BMG/REGALITOS STAFF AND CORE VOLUNTEERS: Although Covid-19 continues to throw curve balls at our industry, the staff and volunteers you know and I depend on are still a part of the BMG/Regalitos family: Amy, Nicole, Adria, Dave, David, Bonnie, and Maureen stand at the ready for our March concerts and beyond.

We are all committed to bringing you the best live concerts and events we can possibly offer. That commitment began on June 1, 1985 when I opened Record Hut. I will continue that commitment, to customer service, and to bringing you excellence in live concerts and events. I ask you kindly to tell your musical friends and families about our efforts, and to join us whenever possible. Together we will blaze new musical trails for central Florida and beyond!

Please feel free to reach out to me with your comments and thoughts. I am always available for you by phone at 321-783-9004 or by email.

Thank you so much for your continued friendship and support!

- Roland