Last weekend I performed at a corporate conference outside Houston, TX. My show was the closing event for the company’s 2016 kickoff and was held in one of the coolest venues I’ve ever performed in. A mile or so off the main highway on some picturesque Texas farmland is a large unassuming barn known as the Hemi Hideout. Coming from the cold Chicago winter, my wife and I were thrilled to enjoy the sun while we explored the property.
Of course, we spent our time taking pictures and shooting video so we could remember the trip. Eventually we went in to see the performance space and were blown away by the interior. The Hemi Hideout is home to hundreds of vintage neon signs, classic cars, antique gas pumps, posters, tractors, and more. And it’s all for sale!
My show was held at the long end of the room under the bright neon lights. I could tell immediately that the room presented several challenges.
First, my show is designed for an audience that can focus on the performance. The bright lights could potentially be very distracting for an evening of entertainment. Luckily, the audience was attentive, fun, and responsive to my entire show!
Additionally, the acoustics in a large barn are not the greatest. My mic is top of the line, though, and we had no issues.
Part of being a good corporate entertainer is the ability to adapt to different venues with minimal experience in your surroundings. Frequently, I’ll be thrust into a new performance environment with only a few minutes to acquaint myself with the room. It’s this adaptability that has allowed me to perform my corporate mind reading shows in nearly any venue you could imagine.
After the show I mingled with the guests and wowed them with even more mind reading up close. Turns out, the company had heard about my work for a partner company in Jersey City, NJ and had been hoping to book me for over a year. I love when I learn of word-of-mouth referrals between clients. I always feel that my entertainment is world class but it’s great to hear someone else say it!
All in all, it was another successful trip. I doubt I’ll ever perform in as unique a venue as the Hemi Hideout. As usual, here’s a video I put together from the trip - check out this amazing space!