Inaugural Dance Music Comedy Expo – TICKET GIVEAWAY
By Angela Walcott
UPDATE: Want tickets to the DMC Expo on September 10? Just answer this question: What is the latest song by singer Glenn Lewis? Send your entries to [email protected] with first and last name, email contact, age and telephone number.
The Dance Music Comedy (DMC) Expo is unique to Canada. Not only will it showcase young up-and-coming artists in dance and music, on September 10 this talent competition will feature a category for comedy, a $750 cash prize and studio recording time for the lucky winners in each category.
Executive producer Brian Francis started the DMC Expo after three years of research. “I’ve seen many trade shows in the US and Canada, but none of them touched on a variety of entertainment,” says Francis. “I wanted to provide artists with an opportunity to showcase their craft,” says Francis who was a trade show manager for many years. It was his entrepreneurial spirit, which eventually led to producing shows.
Combining dance, music and comedy under one show came not out of necessity to fill a niche market but a more personal need. He wanted to expand on his love for both dance and comedy. Francis began his comedy career doing stand-up at Yuk Yuk’s when he was 27 years old. He participated in the Nubian Nights that provided black, Caribbean-Canadian influenced comedians with a platform. The events often played to sold-out crowds.
“The biggest misconception about comedians is that they are dirty or vulgar,” Francis points out. Francis has a strict policy for DMC Expo where he does not allow vulgar content or profanity of any kind in his show. Competitors who break this rule will be disqualified from the competition. Brian Francis will be headlining the comedy portion of the competition and he will ensure that you don’t necessarily have to use profanity in order to be funny.
Long before Francis was cracking people up with his dry sense of humour, quick wit and impeccable sense of comedic timing, he was dancing. “I was so into break-dancing. There was a time that was all I ever did,” he reflects. In the ‘80s he was part of the “Break Patrol” crew that managed to place 14th out of 1500 competitors in the Crunchy Break Challenge at the CNE.
Francis says he is a good judge of talent and has a good ear for music. Musicians are composed mainly of R&B contestants and while a good ear for music is an essential quality to have as a judge, he was looking for the entire package: entertainment value, a level of professionalism, the ability to interact with the audience, natural talent, commitment and punctuality.
While this is the first year for the expo, Francis would like to see this become an annual event, and he has already mapped out in his mind how he would do things differently and where he would focus more of his efforts and how to learn from his experiences. Overall, Francis wants people to walk away feeling entertained and inspired to live their dreams.
Exhibitors will also be on hand at the Expo offering many products and services for the arts and entertainment community not to mention exhibitors focusing on clothing, studio recording services , vocal coaching services and much more.
Those who will be attending the DMC Expo on September 10th will be in for a special treat as Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Glenn Lewis will be the headline performer. Many fans will remember Lewis for his mega-hit “Don’t You Forget It”.
Brian Francis, his wife and a close friend who serves as the production assistant are the three key players in the planning of this event. Plus there is the assistance of countless volunteers. In lieu of sponsors, Francis has chosen cross promotion for this venture. While the task of organizing this event has presented some minor challenges along the way, Francis remains upbeat, “If you have your health, you can do anything.” This is exactly what Brian Francis is doing.
The event will be held at The International Centre in Mississauga on September 10. To order tickets in advance, email [email protected] for a discount and quote promo code SWAY-DMC.
Tickets can also be purchased in advance at the Rehearsal Factory for $30 or $40 at the door at the International Centre on the day of the performance.
Angela Walcott is a freelance writer and copyeditor. Visit issuu.com/perfectboundmag to view some of her work.
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