Curtis Parks #013

In this episode, we grab a drink with Curtis Parks, Event Producer and Founder of Oncoming Traffic Events and Entertainment, and discuss the evolution of experiential marketing in brand tours and the current protective solutions added to these setups. Then, we share stories of gig work through a recession and how that’s affected contract workers during the hard rest of 2020. Finally, we discuss the underground comedy scene and performances in the park.

 

oncomingtrafficevents.com 

 

www.hudsonwhiskey.com www.stellaartois.com sailorjerry.com

Use Promo Code “HAPPYHOUR” at www.cheekycocktails.co 

 

 

The Show Must Go On

11/16/2020

By Amanda Younger

We sat down with Event Producer and Founder Curtis Parks of Oncoming Traffic Events and Entertainment. We discuss how work and life have been greatly challenged during the “hard reset” of 2020. 

In the early 2000’s, Parks started his career in experiential marketing crossing the country as MC (Master of Ceremony) of a large brand tour, building stages and sound for a large promotional giveaway tour that perfected his skillset of crowd work. “Try to make every event feel special for the people attending it…you want to try to give everybody their moment, make them feel the special is just for them, whether there is like three people or a full crowd,” says Parks. 

That skill set seems to have helped Parks with a broad range of brands covering national crowds, but since the pandemic of 2020 with the large music festivals cancelling there have been far less marketing activations. But events continue with dry assets and branded masks, thermometers, new distance signage, and gloves. Remarks Parks, “We’re trying to find those gaps and then personally produce some shows on my own, also. Trying to make things happen.”

Those things happened in the form of the Black Lives Matter movement, when Parks teamed up with friend and fellow comedian Dave Lester to set up a stage and audio to perform multiple times for the crowd as they rallied in the streets. “Everyone I know that’s a real comic is still finding a way to get stage time…the shows need to happen. People want to laugh,” explains Parks. The outdoor performances are continuing in Cooper Square, Washington Square Park, or even the L train with tip jars and Venmo asks. Zoom comedy shows have begun popping up and the underground scene for performances has trickled indoors.

The creative boom is upon us, and indeed the show continues to shape our world. During the reset, Parks discusses how it has shaped the contracts he goes after and the shows he is driven to make. “[On the Verb Yellowball Tour], that was one of the first times I really felt like I’m not only marketing a product, but I’m also getting kids to really be active. That program really opened my mind, I can do marketing and make the world a better place.” And make it better, he is trying to do it. Creatively, Parks has begun scripts to learn writing in another’s voice, remained charged by the election year in his comedic material, and continues honing his craft of speaking with crowds on national brand tours.“The more things change, the more they stay the same. Give away free stuff, know your talking points, know the crowd you’re talking to, and know your competitor.” Without alienating his audience, Parks continues to cross the country offering promotional deals and good vibes to all that cross his path.