Live Arts & Attractions Inc.
Acquires
Producers Inc.

Nashville-based talent booking agency, Live Arts & Attractions officially acquires Producers Inc. Both companies to retain independent operations, but will be jointly owned.

October 9, 2023 – NASHVILLE, TN – Live Arts & Attractions, a Nashville-based talent booking agency founded by Matt Davenport in 2016, has officially acquired Producers Inc. - an agency founded by Craig Hankenson in 1980. A trailblazer in the industry, Hankenson and his unparalleled career were celebrated by colleagues from across the country following the conclusion of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) booking conference in New York City this past January. Determined to see his legacy continue on, Hankenson approached Matt Davenport, President/CEO of Live Arts & Attractions, Live On Stage, and Matt Davenport Productions, in early 2023 to begin discussions about the acquisition. On September 27, 2023, the process was finalized and Davenport officially became the owner of Producers Inc., which now falls under the Live Arts & Attractions banner.

While both companies will retain their own unique identity, business model and operations, they will be jointly owned by President/CEO, Matt Davenport. The current and entire Producers, Inc. Staff will remain intact. Craig Hankenson will continue as Director Emeritus, Kathy Hankenson and Milt Orkin will serve as Senior Agents, and KC Smith will serve as an Agent. At Live Arts & Attractions, all pre-existing roles remain the same, with Lou Spoltore serving as Senior Vice President, Victoria Venier as Executive Vice President, Laura Anderson as Director of Operational Services, Mark Ross as Senior Agent, and Erika Finley as an Agent and Director of Marketing. Anderson and Finley will also hold the same titles with Producers, Inc.

Founded by Craig Hankenson in Washington D.C. in 1980, Producers, Inc. originally operated as a consulting firm for Programming in the Performing Arts. Upon relocating to Tampa, FL, Producers Inc. evolved into a national and international talent agency, and quickly became one of the most prominent and respectable agencies in the industry. Committed to quality services and steadfast integrity, Producers, Inc. strives to serve the ever-changing needs of all aspects of the industry, including agency, presenter, and artist needs. That is the legacy that Craig Hankenson has so meticulously built, and that legacy has impermeably changed the landscape of the industry.

The mastermind behind Producers Inc., Craig Hankenson, has enjoyed a storied career. After earning Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the Eastman School of Music, Craig began his career as a professional opera and oratorio singer. He is the creator of San Francisco Opera’s English libretto for The Bartered Bride, which is now widely used by U.S. opera companies. On the business and production side, Hankenson’s resume is extensive, having served as the General Manager of Chautauqua Opera Company, the Associate Director of the Brevard Music Center, the Director of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Operations Management Consultant for numerous startup summer performing arts centers, President of New York State Performing Arts Association, Executive Director of Wolf Trap Foundation, and so much more. Additionally, he was appointed by Gov. Nelson Rockefeller as the New York representative to National Title IV Arts in Education Council, and served as a member of the National Endowment for the Arts Performing Arts Committee. Hankenson’s impact on the arts industry in the U.S. is significant, and the legacy he leaves behind will continue to positively impact generations of performers, agents, artists, presenters, and service organizations for generations to come. About the acquisition, Hankenson said:

“I look forward to working closely with you and the LAA team, and of course continuing to work with my P.I. colleagues. I have had the pleasure of working with a host of wonderful people in the industry. I am blessed to have benefited from association with scores of contributors to our outstanding industry which continues to provide lifeblood to our society. I am fortunate to enjoy good health. I hope to be able to continue my association with you all for more years ahead.”

Protecting Hankenson’s legacy played a key role in the acquisition of Producers Inc. by Live Arts & Attractions. Of the acquisition and Hankenson’s legacy, President/CEO Matt Davenport stated:

 “Craig has been a role model, mentor and dear friend for over twenty years. His talents, business acumen and integrity are unparalleled. We at Live Arts and Attractions are honored to carry on the legacy that he created.”

Live Arts & Attractions and Producers Inc., along with all staff members and agents, will make their first public appearance as sister companies at the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) booking conference in New York City, NY January 12-16, 2024 where they will have side-by-side booths.