CPR FEST 12

BY NANCY MARCHBANKS

CPR Fest has steadily grown into one of the most anticipated, celebrated Coastal music events of all time. In 1996, with Candlebox as the headliner, the tradition began. To date, Nickelback holds the distinction of being the biggest name band to headline the CPR Fest in those twelve years. During the process of recording their second album in Canada, they very generously took a break from their studio time in order to appear on the Coast for WCPR. In twenty four hours, they traveled to Mississippi from Canada and back again to insure that their fans would not be disappointed. “Nickleback is certainly the biggest rock band in the world right now, at last count they sold over 7 million records of their latest release, which has been out a long time...that is unheard of today” WCPR Station Manager, Kenny Vest said.
This year, the radio station held a contest on their web site in order to select the 2008 headliner. Listeners were asked who they wanted and the choice was made based on their response. Puddle Of Mud won hands down. They stole the show last year, and the Coast can’t seem get enough of them! Shine Down, another CPR Core artist band is currently on tour and just released a new record that is quickly climbing the charts. Multi platinum artists, POD have also signed on, and their new release is doing extremely well.
Very near and dear to the hearts of everyone at WCPR are The Toadies. They have been guests in several CPR Fests during the early days, and are considered the House Band. As is so often the case, The Toadies broke up over the years, pursuing other interests. Recently, they got back together and are touring again. Afternoon DJ, Denver Crab uses The Toadies hit, “I Come From The Water” as his theme song. “It wasn’t easy to get them, they are very far away and have so much going on. They agreed to come for the fans, they couldn’t miss it,” Vest said.
A relatively new band, Ten Years was also eager to be a part of the show. They are quickly moving up the charts and have some very big songs on their latest CD. Mississippi’s own, Saving Able has burst onto the music scene with first effort, “Addicted” which is one of the most requested songs at the radio station. The record deal came their way via performances in Memphis, Tennessee but the band hails from Corinth. They will be taking the stage as well
on July 5th.
Completing the lineup is Tantric. “Tantric has been on WCPR for many, many years and it worked out great because they are touring and CPR Fest fit perfectly into their schedule,” Kenny Vest added. Local Ska band, StereoHype won the CPR Battle of the Bands competition. The six piece group, featuring an awesome horn section will open for all the artists.
Six months prior to the actual event, the wheels are in motion to secure all the bands that are most desirable, and the favorites of the CPR audience. The research is extensive,and things are constantly changing. Putting a show together of such magnitude is a daunting task. Everything depends on several factors. Who is touring at the time, who are the most played artists on the air, and the name of the band responsible for the most requested songs. An average budget of $250,000 to $350,000 is the norm, but it is quite flexible if
need be.
Mr. Vest explained the process, “Once a band is targeted for a slot, the next step is meeting with the booking agent. From the booking agent, I speak with the management, and the final step is a meeting with the record company. When I have secured support from the record company, it is back to management for final negotiations.” The time frame to seal a deal and finalize a contract can go anywhere from a couple of months, to less than a week. “We get our headliner, and build around that,” Kenny said. Beaver Productions is the driving force that partners with WCPR and helps makes everything happen.
Throughout America each year, concerts such as this are sponsored by large market radio stations, in cities such as Dallas or New York. However, it is very rare that a concert event of this size, and celebrity takes place in such a small market. This is something that the Executives of WCPR are very proud of. The station has earned great respect and notoriety over the years, due in part to organizing and putting together this incredible concert, that has now enjoyed a twelve year run.
Not even the ravages of Katrina kept the event from going on as scheduled! The decision was made to take the concert inside the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum, rather than using the outside property as was usually done. Landscape problems left by the hurricane made it impossible to accommodate the expected crowds. The change in location was favorably received by the fans and artists alike, and proved to be much more cost efficient. It is a win/win situation for all.
Generations of fans rush to get their tickets as soon as they go on sale. The last three years, the concert was a complete sell out. “The demographic is very wide, preteens that come with their parents, to folks in their fifties,” Vest said. People that attended the very first show in the 90’s, and grew up with CPR Fest, are still coming and wouldn’t miss it - Everybody loves to rock...no matter how old they are! Be sure and get YOUR tickets before they sell out.