Rumor is Howard Alan has sold his art show business. Confirm anyone????

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Permalink Reply by bryan bogater on August 8, 2011 at 12:37am

I wouldn't know what to think, I'm surrounded by his events down here in south florida.  Makes me think I should avoid his shows.  A bunch of his shows are in perfect spots for me and was planning on entering them.

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Permalink Reply by geri a. wegner on August 8, 2011 at 12:55am

Well I wouldn't let an unsubstantiated rumor keep me from applying. He is the show king in so. fla.   He advertises well and gets the crowds.  His quality has improved over the past few years also.  Even if someone else took over, the rep of his shows would carry over for atleast a year.

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Permalink Reply by Lin Glore on August 8, 2011 at 7:00am

It would be great to have someone to offer respect to artists take over those venues.  I don't care about doughnuts and coffee, but it's tough to look professional (or clean) with 6:00 am Saturday setup.  An inch or two extra on the side wouldn't hurt, either. 

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Permalink Reply by Diana Ferguson on August 8, 2011 at 7:15am

An artist at Barrington (or was it Arlington Heights) mentioned this to me also - back in June I guess it was. Have heard similar at least once a summer for several or more years. Have never been able to substantiate. Saw and spoke with Debbie Alan at Mag Mile. I'll just say, if it's true, they're giving no clue... sorry for the rhyme but I couldn't resist.

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Permalink Reply by Larry Berman on August 8, 2011 at 7:20am

A few years ago there were major rumors about Sugarloaf being sold. That never happened.

Larry Berman

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Permalink Reply by Connie Mettler on August 8, 2011 at 8:35am

I seriously doubt this. I speak with him several times a year and I never hear anything from him except his plans for the future and strategies for making his shows work better for everyone.

I have to agree about those early morning setups, but think he is constrained by local ordinances about closing streets.

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Permalink Reply by Connie Mettler on August 8, 2011 at 12:48pm

Let's put this baby to bed. Howard just called and wanted to know if I'd like to buy his business and I asked him if he wanted to buy mine. So we're at a stand off -- no one is going to buy us out. (just kidding here folks)

"I am not dead. I am not retiring," says Howard Alan.

He says he's never worked harder or had a better staff. He has someone specifically for social media, a full time publicist and a media buyer. This doesn't sound to me like someone who is selling his business, but rather someone who is committed to his work.

Here is another reason he gave for not being able to close the streets earlier. Many of his events are held in areas where there are lots of bars and restaurants that are busy places on Friday nights. Closing the streets would not endear him to those business owners.

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Permalink Reply by lori kay on August 8, 2011 at 1:45pm

Nuf said, thank you Connie

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