Veteran Concert Promoter Founds New Company, Invigorates Bay Area Entertainment Scene

SANTA ROSA, Calif., Dec. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Rick Bartalini, a veteran Bay Area concert promoter has opened the new independent presenting firm "Rick Bartalini Presents." The company's first shows include two appearances by HBO star Bill Maher (New Year's Eve at the Marin Center and New Year's Day at Lincoln Theater Napa Valley); both shows sold out in 30 days.

This Saturday, Dec. 11 at 11a.m., tickets go on sale for the first-ever Marin County appearance of the ground-breaking English rock band The Moody Blues which will appear on Tuesday, May 24 at the Marin Center in San Rafael, California. Having sold some 70 million albums since their 1964 inception, the "Moodies" are best loved for such indelible hits as "Knights in White Satin" from their ambitious song cycle concept album "Days of Future Passed."

Because of Bartalini's long relationship with the band and their agency, Creative Artists Agency, booking The Moody Blues was naturally the next step following the success of the sell-outs of his first independently-promoted shows featuring the star of HBO's Real Time, Bill Maher. Prior to founding his own presenting company, Bartalini was the talent-buyer for a large performing arts venue located in Sonoma's Wine Country for more than a decade. Later in 2011, Bartalini will produce comedian Lewis Black's Comedy Cruise to the Caribbean and will continue to present world-class entertainment beginning in Marin, Napa and Sonoma counties and then expand geographically. Bartalini has contracted with the Sonoma County Fairgrounds and will soon announce shows at that site which has the capacity for 3000 to 11,000 attendees.

"We are thrilled that Rick Bartalini is bringing his expertise as a presenter to Lincoln Theater Napa Valley," said Richard Aldag, Lincoln Theater Napa Valley Executive Director, "We hope that the already successful Bill Maher show is just the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration."

Jim Farley, Marin Center Director of Cultural and Visitor Services said, "Rick Bartalini's reputation as one of the Bay Area's top bookers and event masterminds preceded his promotion of Bill Maher at the Marin Center. I could see his years of experience and expertise rolled into the fast, hard-hitting campaign that sold-out Bill Maher's debut in weeks. Rick knows show business. We, in the North Bay, are fortunate to have a leader of his talent bringing great artists to our backyard!"

"I look forward to bringing the thrilling experience of live entertainment to vast audiences at varied venues," added Bartalini, "I am inspired by this opportunity and grateful for so many people throughout my career who have encouraged me to pursue my own business which has fulfilled a childhood dream."

Throughout Bartalini's career he has built relationships with the highest-level professionals in show business, brought HBO to the Bay Area for a series of hit comedy specials and presented artists such as Johnny Mathis, Lyle Lovett, Dolly Parton, George Lopez, Carole King, Steely Dan, Juan Gabriel, Sheryl Crow, Diana Krall, Ellen DeGeneres and Keith Urban. Audiences and entertainers can expect that Bartalini's tradition of delivering the finest artists, aggressive marketing and warm hospitality will continue with Rick Bartalini Presents.

Tickets for The Moody Blues on May 24, 2011 at the Marin Center in San Rafael, California, which range in price from $49.75 to $89.74, go on sale at 11a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010. To purchase go to www.rbpconcerts.com.

Rick Bartalini Presents will donate a portion of proceeds from the sale of every ticket to The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

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SOURCE Rick Bartalini Presents