LiveCo creates ‘world’s largest’ gospel promoter
Live entertainment company LiveCo has announced plans to launch the “world’s largest” full-service gospel promoter in response to the genre’s rapid growth.
The private equity-backed US firm has delivered 3,000 shows worldwide since launching two years ago, and will significantly enhance its presence in the faith space, both at home and internationally, with the creation of TPR.
The move follows the merger of its recent acquisitions, Transparent, Premier and Rush Concerts.
“We are already the leaders in faith, and this move positions our company to better capitalise on this category’s accelerating live-entertainment potential,” says LiveCo president and CEO Chuck Steedman. “The unveiling of TPR allows us to seamlessly streamline the experience for artists, agents, managers and venues, delivering the artists that fans most want to see.”
Artists associated with TPR include Brandon Lake, Elevation Worship, Hillsong Worship and Phil Wickham. Its roster also includes the likes of Anne Wilson, CeCe Winans, Chris Tomlin, Dude Perfect, Forrest Frank, Gaither Vocal Band, Jeremy Camp, Josiah Queen, KB, Lysa TerKeurst, MercyMe, Tauren Wells and We the Kingdom.
“Our joint volume from the combination of Transparent, Premier and Rush will not only keep us No. 1 in faith but also a top 10 overall worldwide promoter”
“Our joint volume from the combination of Transparent, Premier and Rush will not only keep us No. 1 in faith but also a top 10 overall worldwide promoter,” adds Jared Gibo, who will serve as TPR’s CEO. “Our ability to give our clients the best liv event experience will be substantially boosted by our combined resources.
“The management team members of TPR are the demonstrated best in the industry in their respective areas and are focused on providing the highest level of service to our clients.”
TPR will promote more than 1,000 events globally in 2025. Its executive management team includes president of global touring, Jacob Reiser; EVP, global touring, Kyle Burnside; SVP, global marketing, Todd Stepp; SVP, events, Mike Deckard; and SVP, operations, Bobby Talley.
With the creation of TPR, Transparent Productions founder and CEO Tim Taber has been promoted to the LiveCo management team as chief strategy officer, with Premier Productions CEO Michael Pugh also promoted to LiveCo chief operating officer.
Separately, leading global talent company UTA announced the launch of a dedicated Christian music division last month.
PHOTO: (Top, L-R) Bobby Talley, SVP, operations; Jacob Reiser, president, global touring; Jared Gibo, CEO; Todd Stepp, SVP, global marketing. (Bottom): Kyle Burnside, EVP, touring; Mike Deckard, SVP, events
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Live Nation Urban revives Exodus festival
Live Nation Urban and gospel artist Kirk Franklin are reviving Exodus Music & Arts Festival, following two sold-out editions in 2018 and 2019.
The festival resumes at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Dallas (Texas) on 20-21 May, marking the first time the festival has spanned two days.
Once again, Franklin will personally host and headline the show. Yolanda Adams, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tamela Mann, Natalie Grant, Naomi Raine, Taya, and more will also perform.
“This was the first festival partnership Live Nation Urban entered into when the company was formed a few years back”
“Kirk Franklin and his team have been amazing partners for Live Nation Urban, this was the first festival partnership we entered into when the company was formed a few years back,” says president of Live Nation Urban, Shawn Gee. “It’s great to see the event grow and scale and we will continue to invest in the Gospel music community as it’s an area of priority for LNU.”
Kirk Franklin adds: “I am absolutely thrilled that our music festival is back and bigger than ever, now extending to two full days of unique voices and talented artists that will inspire and uplift all those in attendance.
“Exodus has always been about bringing together fans and artists in celebration of the power of Gospel music, and it’s a true honour to be a part of this incredible event once again. I’m also incredibly thankful for our partnership with Live Nation Urban, which has allowed us to create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”
The Exodus Music & Arts Festival welcomed such gospel stars as Mann, Marvin Sapp and Tye Tribbett during its aforementioned inaugural year.
For its second year in 2019, the festival boasted a lineup that featured Cobbs Leonard, Fred Hammond, The Clark Sisters and Travis Greene, among other acts.
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