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Comic-Con 2010 Aftermath

July 28th, 2010 | News, Street Marketing | The Syndicate | 1 Comment

Along with over 100,000 people made up of geeks, artists, families, celebrities, actors and other unexplainables, Jon and I ventured into the enormous pop media extravaganza that is Comic-Con International last week. It was sensory overload to say the least. As much as Comic-Con used to be a convention solely for comic book nerds, just about anyone can enjoy what Comic-Con has to offer and you don’t have to roll in a homemade Voltron costume to “fit in”.





In the words of Dr. Peter Venkman, “we came, we saw, we kicked its ass!” We took part in little bit of everything throughout four sun-filled, San Diego days. Jon and I could go on for hours about everything we experienced at the Exhibit Hall alone but we thought we would allow some of our photos and videos to tell the story along with the below list of highlights. (more…)



Rock And Wrap It Up! – An Interview With Founder Syd Mandelbaum

July 22nd, 2010 | Consultation, Event Planning & Marketing, News | Karen | No Comments

Syd Mandelbaum

Syd Mandelbaum, CEO and founder of RWU

Bonnaroo resulted in a lot more than giggly memories and sunburn for us here at The Syndicate. We met so many amazing music industry members, artists, and organizations! It is there that we met Ashley Hillis and Taina Thermidor, representatives from Rock And Wrap It Up! RWU is an inspirational non-profit, with a focus of arranging the transfer of surplus food and supplies, that would otherwise go to waste, to partners that manage distribution among the needy in local communities. Leftover musical and sporting event catering materials (food that is prepared but not served), and discarded toiletries and paper supplies from hotels are among the most frequently donated items. Aside from working to close the gap between those with extra and those in need, the group’s mission also includes reducing landfill waste (by putting perfectly good food in mouths instead of the ground).

According to an article published by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the organization has donated to at least 41,000 shelters and locations in need, has collaborated with 150 bands, 200 schools/universities and 30 sports franchises, and have fed more than 200 million people. We had the opportunity to meet with Taina and Ashley again on our home-turf of New York City, along with other members of their team including CEO and Founder Syd Mandelbaum. I had the exciting opportunity to interview him over e-mail following our meeting. (more…)



Introducing Runner Runner!

July 21st, 2010 | News, Street Marketing | Brian | No Comments

The Syndicate is in the midst of a summer-long grassroots marketing campaign promoting Runner Runner, a group comprised of former members of Over It, Don’t Look Down and Rufio.  The band recently performed ”So Obvious” on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the first single from their self-titled debut.   The band showcases exactly why they are the first signing to late night host David Letterman‘s Clear Entertainment/C.E. Music – their performance has the same energy and infectious quality of the music they create.

“So Obvious” is available now on iTunes; the full-length record will hit retailers on September 28th via Capitol Records / MRV / C.E. Music.  Catch them on tour throughout July and August with Secondhand Serenade and The White Tie Affair!

Performance of “So Obvious” on Jimmy Kimmel Live

“So Obvious” official video



Congratulations Bo Burnham & Jim Gaffigan!

July 19th, 2010 | News | Brian | No Comments

The Syndicate received two suprises from Comedy Central Records this week – plaques commemorating Gold DVD sales (50,000 units) for Bo Burnham‘s self-titled debut CD+DVD as well as Jim Gaffigan‘s 2004 CD+DVD release of Doing My Time.  Many congratulations, fellas – we are glad we were part of the story!



Philadelphia Grand Jury, Brothers From Another Mother

July 15th, 2010 | Event Planning & Marketing, News, Online Marketing & Advertising | Rob | No Comments

The Philadelphia Grand Jury made a grand return last week to Pianos on the Lower East Side in Manhattan and put on a fantastic show! The Syndicate was on hand to welcome the band as they played the first in a small string of US dates the band was on before headed to their native Australia for a full blown tour in support of their latest album Hope Is For Hopers.

The band opened with their album’s single “The Good News,” as they brought the room to a fever pitch, ripping through perfectly crafted rock songs with big and catchy choruses. Stopping only to tune their guitars or to fire off a pre-recorded spazz out by the band’s frontman Berkfinger. At the end of the night, the band wrapped their set of original tunes and just for good measure brought things to a crashing close with a rendition of Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” for good measure. Complete with voice-throwing foot pedals, instrument trade-offs, and at least one epic drum solo, The Philly Jays truly captured the audience’s attention while reminding us of the importance in having a good time.

The funniest part of the night was when Karen realized lead singer Berkfinger bears a striking resemblance to yours truly and we have the picture to prove it!

The next day we arranged for the band to make a visit to the studios of Goom Radio down the street from The Syndicate offices. Check it out here.

YouTube Preview Image

The band just completed their US stint in LA on Tuesday, then it’s back to Australia before hitting up Africa and the United Kingdom!



Comedians + Canadians = Just For Laughs

July 14th, 2010 | News, The Laugh Button | The Syndicate | No Comments

The annual Just For Laughs comedy festival official kicks off in Montreal tomorrow bringing together a who’s-who of today’s comedy industry for three non-stop days and nights.  Since 1983, Just For Laughs has become the world’s largest and most prestigious comedy festival incorporating over 1,200 performances and more than 1,500 different artists from 12 countries. The festival has even expanded into other cities include Chicago, Toronto and Paris.

We’re hitting the road with our friends at Comedy Central Records and The Laugh Button to take part in the experience and of course non-stop laughs.  So many of our favorite comics are set to perform that our heads very well might burst:  Anthony Jeselnik, Bill Burr, Bo Burnham, Aaron Kader, Garfunkel And Oates, Greg Giraldo, Harland Williams, JB Smoove, Jeff Ross, Lewis Black, Mike Birbiglia, Natasha Leggero, Paul F. Tompkins, Reggie Watts, Robert Kelly, Steve Martin…and even Cheech & Chong!

While the nights are clearly owned by the comics and their craft, here’s a glimpse of what’s in store for daytime panels and presentations: (more…)