When Piedmont Talent founder Steve Hecht passed away on May 28, 2013 after a battle with cancer, he left behind a legacy built upon decades of service to roots musicians, promoters and fans the world over. He also bequeathed his desire to see that legacy live on via the Piedmont roster of artists and staff, now lead by Senior Agent Tina Terry. Terry is applying her ten years of experience with the agency to lead the transition of Piedmont Talent operations into a new era.
In the spirit of perseverance, Piedmont has welcomed booking agent Casey Scott to take responsibility for the Northeast United States and overseas territories. Scott contributes over twelve years of experience providing booking, management, and promotional services in the domestic and international arenas, primarily through his own full-service agency, Highway Key Touring. Making the transition with Scott will be Blind Pig recording artist and Chicago funk-blues mainstay Big James & the Chicago Playboys.
Prior to founding Highway Key Touring, Casey Scott worked for 12 years in the Chicago nightlife and entertainment communities. He gained experience in nightclub promotions, event planning and theatre operations in addition to logging a tenure at Buddy Guy's world-famous blues club, Legends. In the years since graduating from Columbia College of Chicago and The Second City Conservatory, Scott has alternately maintained offices in Key West, Florida, St. Louis, Missouri and Traverse City, Michigan. Now Scott relocates to Charlotte, North Carolina to work out of the Piedmont Talent home office.
Big James & the Chicago Playboys emerged onto the scene almost 20 years ago and have achieved prominence among the Midwest's busiest and most requested brass bands. Throughout his career, trombonist / vocalist / front-man "Big" James Montgomery has continued honing his craft and surrounded himself with the most talented and energetic performers available. Dividends have included tours with Little Milton, Albert King, Otis Rush, and Buddy Guy. Recent years have found Big James expanding his presence on the global stage with an ambitious touring schedule, two releases on the Blind Pig Records label, and five consecutive Blues Music Award nominations for "Horn Player of the Year." Offers for Big James & the Chicago Playboys are now being accepted by Piedmont Talent for 2013 and 2014 events.
Founded by Steve Hecht in 1989, Charlotte, North Carolina-based Piedmont Talent has provided booking representation for scores of internationally touring acts and twice received the Blues Foundation's "Keeping the Blues Alive" award in recognition of outstanding service to the genre's artists. In his wake, staffers have pledged to honor Hecht's motto "As Honest As An Agent Can Be" and to maintain the standard of service that has established Piedmont Talent as one of the leaders in the industry.
Senior Agent Tina Terry (Gulf / Atlantic Coast), Agent Lori Haynes (Midwest / West Coast) and Agent Casey Scott (Northeast / Overseas) now divide the agency's domestic and international territories. The Piedmont Talent office staff, made up of Michelle Kaplan (IT Specialist / Director of Finances), Bryan Osborne (Office Manager) and Sarah Evans (Agent Assistant / Special Project Coordinator), will remain in place at their current positions.
For booking inquiries or to request information about Piedmont Talent artists, please contact the agency at (704) 399-2210. A complete artist roster and available dates are viewable at www.piedmonttalent.com.
Please direct media inquiries to Tina Terry at (336) 255-7109 or tina@piedmonttalent.com.
