Core Entertainment Updates

[SteelTown]

Who's next for HECFI? Yes, the Who, Nine Inch Nails

By Kevin Werner
Arts & Entertainment
Sep 26, 2008

After hosting Bruce Springsteen in Hamilton earlier this year, Hamilton Entertainment Convention Facilities Inc. officials' encore presentations will be the super group The Who, Yes, Nine Inch Nails and Buddy Guy starting this fall.

"We were blown away by Bruce Springsteen," said Duncan Gillespie, chief executive officer for HECFI, which is still feeling the effects of the seminal concert event at Copps Coliseum.

"And we are not finished for 2008."

Mr. Gillespie said the Springsteen concert was the most popular one HECFI has hosted ever. He acknowledged it was a few years in the making after HECFI officials worked months to get the New Jersey native into Hamilton. Asked if Mr. Springsteen will make a surprise appearance next year, Mr. Gillespie demurred.

"We are doing everything we can," he said.

Still, the line-up HECFI revealed last week during a news conference last week has what Mr. Gillespie says is something for everyone.

Not only is The Who playing in Hamilton Oct. 22 as their only Canadian tour date, but HECFI has booked Yes, Nov. 4, Clint Black Nov. 13 at Hamilton Place, Nine Inch Nails Nov. 14 at Copps, Ani DeFranco Nov. 28, the popular Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Dec. 5, Chantal Kraviazuk on April 6 and Buddy Guy returns to Hamilton Place on April 22.

"This is a start for the new season," said Mr. Gillespie. "It will keep Hamilton on the entertainment map."

HECFI is still basking in the recognition of a recent poll that had HECFI's venues - Copps, Hamilton Place and the Hamilton Convention Centre - ranked 52 in a poll of top venues in the world by Pollstar.

"We are drawing further and further from Hamilton and other areas," he said.

"We really pride ourselves to bringing in acts that appeal to a wide variety of people."

Even though the line-up schedule was announced, Mr. Gillespie said HECFI officials are negotiating for something special.

"We are not finished for 2008," he said. "I just can't tell you."

He applauds the relationship HECFI has forged with Live Nation, one of North America's largest live events company, based in Beverly Hills, California, that helped to bring The Boss, and The Who to Hamilton audiences.

"This is a great partnership," he aid. "Live Nation has come to the table and is bringing in the acts that people want."

Mr. Gillespie said later HECFI officials are committee to a "vision" that provides an "exciting family experience" to area residents that is an alternative to driving to Toronto or Buffalo.