COPE ‘06 Sixth National Club Owners, Promoters, Entertainment Executives and Entrepreneurs Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Convenes in Augusta, Ga. June 25 - 29

Washington, D.C.- February 1, 2006 – From Happy Hour to After-Hours nightclubs have historically been an economic and social cornerstone of African American life. For generations of Black performers, the “jook joint,” “honky tonk,” “chitlin circuit,” or “da club,” is where they cut their musical teeth and perfected skills for national debut. African American club owners are well-known influentials in community life and as trendsetters of Black style.

Despite these deep roots in the Black Experience, many African American-owned nightclubs and touring companies, today face extinction and extraordinary challenge from gentrification, restrictive liquor laws, political agenda, extortion, violence, escalating security and insurance costs and an inexplicable lack of affordable live entertainment.

The National Club Owners, Promoters and Entertainment Executives & Entrepreneurs Conference (COPE) will convene its Sixth National Conference – COPE ’06 - June 25 -29, 2006 at the Marriott Augusta Hotel & Suites, Augusta, Georgia to confront these and other issues; and to network and strategize the “Club Culture – Political, Social and Financial Power.”

“We're going to tackle some serious issues confronting our members, supporters, colleagues and community this year”, states COPE Executive Director, a 30 year entertainment entrepreneur, Libby Anthony. “Our goal is to develop constructive solutions, enjoy the camaraderie, and pay homage to the success of our peers."

In making the first time move to Augusta, Libby commented, "We’re going to the home of the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, Mr. James Brown, and will honor him and legendary bluesman Bobby Rush with the COPE Living Legend Award." The relocation,” Anthony further stated, “connects the conference to Augusta-based COPE ’06 production partner, D-Firm Productions and President/CEO Sam Bussey’s desire to showcase his native home and its terrific pool of undiscovered talent."

The COPE ’06 Conference will feature seminars, workshops and presentations by industry experts, performances by up-coming and chart-topping talent, a CD of unsigned artists, and samplings of spirit brand products. America’s first and only cognac imported by an African American, Carnivo XO and Menuet Cognac, will be among those featured. America’s original Black Ringmaster – former Universoul Circus “Casual Cal” resumes his COPE MC and Spokesperson duties and unveils details of his new touring circus venture “Bumpin’ Big Top Variety Show Circus.”

For conference registration and additional information : www.clubCOPE.org

About COPE:
COPE was organized in the mid 90’s as a advocacy organization for African American club owners, event promoters and booking agencies, spirits and beverage brand reps, record company representatives, DJ’s and other entertainment industry related professionals. Its mission is to strategize for greater political leverage, social outreach and financial profitability for its members. Since its inception, COPE has sponsored five national COPE conferences and organizes regular empowerment sessions in and around the Atlanta area. COPE originated the quarterly newspaper, “The COPE Times” and Atlanta’s hottest Monday night party - the “COPE Xpress” – a round robin event that includes 4 of Atlanta's hot nightclubs.