"The reason our package shows are so successful is because we give the buyer more bang for the buck," says Wendy. "The audience gets to hear a variety of artists. Rather than spend 'X' amount on one name the buyer can spend the same amount on four to six names." Some of those packages include The Sensational Sixties Show, The Super Hits of the '70s, Sock Hop Party, Motown Mania, Fabian's Good Time Rock 'n' Roll Show, Bubblemania, Happy Daze!, special attractions and other concept shows.

"I don't see things changing overall for the classic rock/nostalgia market at all," Wendy adds. "It's affordable and fun, what more can you ask?"

Wendy has traded in New York for sunny Jupiter, Fla., and has opened a second office in the Sunshine State, run by Dena Rhys, who will be concentrating on tribute artists. Ann Balas, going on nine years at Mars, continues to run the New York office along with Rosalie Kay.

Wendy says she plans to travel on many of the dates to get to meet the buyers she has been dealing with for many years. "I plan to be around for quite some time."

To what do you attribute the popularity of nostalgic and classic rock?
People thrive on memories of a better time. They can hear the words and relate to their past. There will never be a better time of music. And it's affordable in comparison to today's groups and country artists.

What are some of your strongest markets and why?
East Coast and Midwest. There is a strong influence from nostalgia/classic rock radio stations. Most of the oldies groups originated from the East therefore the following is stronger.

What are some of your most popular packages?
All my package show ideas are very special but I will have to say that The Sensational Sixties Show is the strongest. Gary Lewis & the Playboys with Mark Lindsay (the former lead singer of Paul Revere and The Raiders), Lou Christie, The Shangri-las and Mitch Ryder. The hits are plentiful and the artists bring pizazz and fun to the audiences.

What new concept packages are going out this year?
In January I provided the talent for the PBS television special, "The British Invasion Returns." After spending time with the artists I decided to represent them here in the U.S. since most of them live in the U.K. This package is dynamite and new to the U.S. market. It features Billy J Kramer, Wayne Fontana & the Mindbenders, The Foundations featuring lead singer Clem Curtis and Mike Pender's Searchers. They are all special guys with great accents to boot.

Then I have the Super Hits of the '70s show. This show features: Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods, Ron Dante of the Archies, Andy Kim, Alan O'Day, Al Wilson. Each artist has two to three top 10 hits for a non-stop hits show.

My Sock Hop Party stars Danny & the Jrs. and Joey Dee & the Starlighters. We can special guest host Fabian and turn it into a Fabian's Goodtime Rock 'n' Roll Party. We can add names like Lee Andrews & the Hearts, The Regents, The Drifters, The Marvelettes, Little Eva, Brian Hyland, Freddy Cannon and many others.

Besides the above artists working in the packages and individually, I enjoy working with Johnny Rivers, The Kingsmen, Felix Cavaliere's Rascals and many more.

First Industry Job
This is it. I was four years out of college when my dad had his first heart attack. I came home to the phone ringing off the hook and just taught myself by listening to my dad for years.

Career highlight
That is a tough one because I have had so many wonderful experiences. Whenever I think of my "job" I think about how many wonderful artists I have been lucky to work with and become friends with. Probably working and traveling with Wolfman Jack. He gave me a wealth of information about this business and was a special artist to work with.

Career disappointment/Greatest challenge
My sometime inability to book dates for the many wonderful artists who have such wonderful talent, but because of either lack of name value or not enough hit records, I fail.

Over the last 16 years I have had the pleasure to represent many great artists. Some have stayed with Mars for over 19 years but because I get personally involved with the individuals it is always a disappointment if they decide to go a different direction for one reason or another.

But the best feeling is when I sign an artist who is poorly represented, if at all, and bring them from four to 10 dates a year to 60 to 100 dates a year. That is my greatest accomplishment. The two artists I feel I helped the most over my career were Davy Jones of the Monkees and Gary Lewis & the Playboys.

Best business decision
My website.

Worst business decision
Believing a buyer when they say the check is in the mail.

What is your industry pet peeve?
People who believe what they hear and not what they know. dishonesty, jealousy.

Wendy may be contacted 561-743-1990; e-mail: marstalent@aol.com

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