ArtBeat presented by Target, Henderson’s signature cultural arts series, will return this fall with a new installment of exciting performances, from ‘80s icons to today’s rising stars. Featured concerts include American Idol standout Casey Abrams, wowing audiences, Friday, September 7; local musician Benton Paul, performing Friday, September 28; John Parr, known for songs from the Brat Pack era, taking the stage, Friday, October 12; and Tommy Tutone of “867-5309/Jenny” fame closing the season, Friday, October 19. All shows will begin at 8 p.m. at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street, in the Water Street District. Admission is complimentary.

American Idol season 10 finalist Casey Abrams hits the road to promote his self-titled debut album, taking him to Henderson for the first time as a stop on his inaugural solo tour. The gifted Abrams dazzles audiences of all ages with his distinct voice and amazing musical ability. Now, he’s ready to introduce his music to Southern Nevada, performing songs from his new album, as well as classic hits by Ray Charles and other icons.

Known as the Jonas Brothers’ favorite artist, Benton Paul is quickly making his mark on the music scene. The multi-talented crooner has toured with American Idol alum David Archuleta and has worked with such award-winning artists as The Killers. With two albums under his belt, Paul is back in his hometown, performing his chart-topping pop songs on a new stage. Devoted fans will enjoy such hits as “Run,” “Jen’s Song” and “I Only See.”

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter John Parr will visit Henderson for the first time as part of his Military Tour 2012, which supports his summer release of his new patriotic album, The Mission. Parr, who hit it big in the ‘80s, will salute American troops with a totally awesome concert for fans. The music legend will perform songs from The Mission, as well as the tunes that made him famous, including the 1985 #1 single, “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion),” “Naughty Naughty,” “Restless Heart,” “The Best a Man Can Get” and many more. In addition, Parr will donate proceeds from The Mission’s album sales to the USO and USA Cares to help raise funds, support and build awareness for the rehabilitation of the military and their families.

Thirty years ago, Tommy Tutone had everyone dialing the world’s most famous phone number. Now, decades later, the popular ‘80s band takes to the road, performing its first concert in Henderson. The group will entertain audiences with a retro concert, featuring its 1982 smash, “867-5309/Jenny,” and much more.

In addition, ArtBeat will also include a pre-show, which will start at 6:30 p.m., complete with a variety of complimentary performances by local musicians, art displays and demonstrations.

For additional information, visit HendersonLive.com or call the City of Henderson Cultural Arts & Tourism Department at (702) 267-2171.

The City of Henderson supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Advanced notice may be necessary to ensure that appropriate accommodations will be provided. For full telephone, use Relay Nevada by dialing 7-1-1.

View Full Press Release - CITY OF HENDERSON REVEALS ARTBEAT FALL SEASON LINEUP

Today, according to industry experts, the only way to make money in the music business is to turn an artist into a brand — then do everything in your power to maximize that brand’s value.

The first step on this path still involves music. Songs make an artist famous in the first place, and allow the artist to define his or her brand. Touring can also be lucrative; spending on concerts in North American surpassed spending on recorded music in 2009, and stood at $9.5 billion in 2011, up almost 20 percent from four years before. But tours are also expensive to produce, so they aren’t necessarily as profitable for the artist as they initially appear. For that reason, artists have gotten increasingly creative with their business ventures.

“Ten years ago, if you had a hit song on the radio, and you had a great tour, then you’d sell a million records, two million records. That’s not necessarily the case anymore. But today, if you have a hit song and you have a sold-out tour, then other ancillary opportunities are available to you: sponsorships, endorsements, TV, movie, animated features … all different types of things,” LaPolt said. “Recording an album really has become like a promotional tool.”

So once an artist becomes popular through music, the four members of his or her management team (agent, manager, lawyer, business manager) work to turn fans’ goodwill into revenue. They secure deals for music-merchandise manufacturers to sell keychains with their clients’ faces on them, get their clients lucrative judging positions on reality TV shows and help broker clothing-design jobs with apparel companies.

Read full story - Musicians’ Income Can Still Be Huge — With The Right Brand, Team.