October 07 , 2007 :
A quick note regarding Damian & his guest
I'll post my formal thanks, etc later this week. However,I do want to take a moment to apologize for anyone that was offended by the female that Damian brought on stage during the jam. I was just as shocked as everyone else when it happened. He arranged that on his own without consultation from myself or my crew at the last minute (as there was an erotic art expo going on upstairs in The Loft). If I had known in advance, it would not have happened. While this is indeed a "metal" show, it is not the image that ProgPower wants to portray.
Glenn
September 05 , 2007 :
ProgPower USA IX roster announcement
The ProgPower USA IX roster announcement will take place after the All-Star jam on Saturday night to close out the fest. I will announce as many acts as I have confirmed. There is a very good chance that will include all ten of them. I am not sure when the date will be announced as I have to finalize hotels first.
cheers,
Glenn
Posted June 19 , 2007 :
NEW CAMERA POLICY
I hope that my actions this year and in the past have proven that the fans are my #1 concern. I want everyone happy. As a promoter, I have hard decisions to make and I cannot worry about ruffling a few feathers for the overall good of the show.
You have no idea how hard it has been to deal with bootleggers behind the scenes over the past few years. That is not something I discuss because all it does is add fuel to the fire and encourage some to "catch me if you can." The demand for this year is now on par with any show in the past (including III). Given the already exclusive nature of the event combined with the once in a lifetime set, I expect bootlegging to go back up.
Last year was very difficult for my staff. The recent advances in technology and my limited resources would make it even more difficult this year. Memory cards, smaller cameras, etc. make it damn near impossible to tell the difference at times between waiting for that perfect shot and recording, especially by an amateur in the dark. I looked out last year and there were a sea of LCD screens. There was no way for me to check what was what.
I have come to the decision that only film photography will be allowed from now on. The only exceptions to the rule are press and sponsors and even they will have to carry a special badge after Todd personally inspects their cameras.
I know some of you are going to be upset and I'm truly sorry. I know your feelings and rationales as I did go back and re-read the threads in the forum from last year. You are welcome to email and tell me your feelings on it. I will attempt to reply to each one in a prompt fashion. However, I will not change my mind regardless.
This is a closed matter. I will also delete any new threads or posts on the subject in the forum as well. It is not open to discussion or debate as I do not want a repeat of the flame wars from last time.
June 23 , 2007 :
Mystery Show Revealed (SOLD-OUT)
I'm very proud to announce that for the first time ever in his illustrious career, Jon Oliva will take the stage and perform an intimate one man acoustic show. In addition to performing his biggest hits and favorite songs, the Mountain King will be telling the history behind each song along with sharing stories from the road. If you have seen any of the VH1 Storytellers episodes, you know just how special and unique this show is going to be.
As I said previously, I'm only selling 200 tickets regardless of the demand. (SHOW IS SOLD OUT!!!). Also, a word of warning in regards to standing in line prior to the door opening at 6pm. I will tell you now that the first row of tables directly in front of the stage will be reserved for me and my crew.
cheers,
Glenn
June 14 , 2007 :
Special Wednesday night "mystery" show announced
I am *stoked* to announce a special "Mystery" show on Wed night in Vinyl's (aka the Vendor's Room) with karaoke to follow afterwards. Doors will be at 6pm with showtime starting at 8pm.
Tickets will go on sale June 23rd at 10:00am EST (SOLD OUT!). Only 200 tickets will be available. A link will be posted on this website prior to that so please keeping checking back. Cost is $15.
This is an 18+ show. Anyone caught drinking underage will be prosecuted to the max and banned from the festival for the rest of the weekend with no money back.
I will announce what the show actually is on June 29th or after 125 tickets have sold, whichever comes first. This will give those who were already planning on coming on Wednesday a chance to purchase tickets without having to worry about those that will only be coming once the announcement is made.
I will repeat once again that tickets will be limited to 200 regardless of the demand, whining, bitching, complaining, cursing, etc.
cheers,
Glenn
June 13 , 2007 :
Special guest confirmed
Zak Stevens (Circle II Circle, ex-Savatage) will be joining us for the entire weekend and has confirmed his participation in the all-star vocal jam.
April 10, 2007 :
ProgPower USA Sold-Out; Surprise Headline Set Announced!
ProgPower USA has announced a surprise headline set for this year’s sold-out edition of the internationally renowned festival. Saturday night will now finish with an all-star cover set featuring vocalists from both the showcase and the festival. Each vocalist will be given the opportunity to perform 1-2 cover songs of their choice with the music being provided by the members of Pagan’s Mind. Additional guests will join them throughout the set.
“The fans have made this festival a success and it’s time to give something back to them. I wanted to announce this after the sell-out as a reward instead of in advance as an incentive. It’s going to be one hell of a party on stage” said Promoter Glenn Harveston
As a result of the additional performance, there has been a major change in the schedule and door times. “I had to shake things up quite a bit to make this work. However, the fans can relax knowing that not one band will have a single minute cut from their previously announced set lengths” adds Harveston. The new schedule and door times can be found on the event page.
March 20, 2007 :
ProgPower USA VIII SOLD OUT!
We're very happy to announce that ProgPower USA VIII has sold out! Thank you to all the fans out there who have purchased tickets this year, we appreciate it!
If you were not able to secure tickets, you can keep track of the "tickets for sale" thread on our forum. This thread is used for people who end up not being able to make the show for one reason or another, and would like to sell their tickets.
March 6, 2007 :
Supporters of ProgPower USA
If you are a musician in the U.S. and have been a supporter of ProgPower USA either by attending or being part of the event, this is our opportunity to give a little back. I am the Stage Manager for ProgPower USA as well as run a large volume music store for the largest retailer of instruments in the world. We see a unique opportunity to help some musicians in this particular genre that might be financially strapped, but are still trying to pursue their musical
endeavors. Many ProgPower Alumni's have already coming to me for many years, but I wanted to open it up to everyone that have helped this event and this style of music grow.
If need any recording or musical gear (excluding classical string, brass or woodwind instruments), I have instructed our managers at this location to put together special pricing and discounts for you. We can ship anywhere in the Continental United States (Sorry, Hawaii & Alaska).
*You must ask for, "An AM or above" when you call.
*You must identify yourself as a supporter of ProgPower USA when you place any requests/orders.
*For logistical reasons, when paying with a credit card on an order, your shipping address must be the same as the billing address on your credit card.
So complete your research (try www.guitarcenter.com) on what you are interested in getting and then give my management team a call with your findings. They have instructions to insure that you are getting taken care of.
Every penny counts when you are trying to get your music out there, so hopefully we can save you some to put back into promoting your dream.
Guitar Center - Pittsburgh (412)788-1071
http://www.myspace.com/guitarcenterpittsburgh
I need to reiterrate the point that my location is NOT, "www.guitarcenter.com", but you can use the site to get a basic idea of what we carry as far as brands and models. In most cases, we should have or be able to get you the same items. We can ship out of locations closer to you, so you may receive items faster than the time-frame it would take to ship from Pittsburgh to your location. We may also have a USED version of the item that you can't find on the site, so don't be afraid to ask.
Chris Roy - ProgPower USA staff
March 1 , 2007 :
ProgPower USA VIII ticket information; Video of Mercenary performing "Cowboys from Hell" now available
ProgPower USA VIII will once again return to Atlanta’s Center Stage Oct. 5-6, 2007. Tickets for the festival go on sale this Saturday at 10:00AM EST via all Ticketmaster outlets. Only 900 tickets will be made available to the public as advance gold badges are once again sold-out. The final billing is as follows (in alphabetical order):
AFTER FOREVER
COMMUNIC
FIREWIND
PAGAN'S MIND
PRIMAL FEAR
RAINTIME
REDEMPTION
SONATA ARCTICA
THRESHOLD
VIRGIN STEELE
The ProgPower USA Showcase is scheduled for Oct 4th at Center Stage. VANDEN PLAS, FREAK KITCHEN, CELLADOR and KRUCIBLE (featuring Lance King, ex-Pyramaze) are confirmed. Ticket information for the Showcase is located in the “event details” section of the website.
ProgPower USA has garnered worldwide acclaim for not only the setting the standard for excellence in the U.S. underground metal scene, but for the rare moments over the years including the Savatage reunion (disguised as Weapons of Mass Destruction), Conception’s reunion show, Pain of Salvation’s all request set, Rob Rock & Timo Kotipelto assisting Edguy with Avantasia songs, Evergrey's 3 hour marathon set (including choir & string quartet) and last year’s all-star vocal ensemble performance of “Stars” led by Jorn Lande. A video of Mercenary’s cover of Pantera’s “Cowboys from Hell” (43 MB) from ProgPower USA VII is now available in the audio/video section of the website. Promoter Glenn Harveston adds, "This is the festival where the magic happens. I wouldn't be surprised if something special happens this year."
December 13, 2006 :
Threshold to return to ProgPower USA
We are pleased to announce the return of Threshold to ProgPower USA for 2007! Threshold were one of the bands to really win over a lot of people with their previous performance at ProgPower USA, so they are back by popular demand.
November 27, 2006 :
ProgPower USA Showcase headliners announced
Vanden Plas and Freak Kitchen to co-headline ProgPower USA Showcase
Atlanta - Germany ’s progressive metal icons Vanden Plas and Sweden ’s Freak Kitchen have been confirmed to co-headline the ProgPower USA VIII Showcase on Thursday, October 4th, 2007. "As one of my favorite artists, Vanden Plas went immediately to the top of my want list after consulting with Glenn about this year's festival roster" said Showcase promoter Shane Dubose. "Freak Kitchen's amazing performance last year solidified their spot in my mind as well. It's going to be an incredible night of music and a great kick-off to the festival. Huge thanks to Glenn once again for providing me with his blessing and the means to make this event such a success."
ProgPower USA promoter Glenn Harveston explains the "Showcase" name, "I changed the name of the pre-party simply because it has outgrown that name and become the unofficial third night of the festival. We now have a chance to bring back the crowd favorites from recent years and keep the main roster fresh as well. It’s a total win-win situation for the fans and the bands. Shane has done a hell of a job with handling Thursday night and I’m happy to see him take it to another level."
North America’s premiere progressive and power metal festival will return on October 5th & 6th to Atlanta ’s Center Stage. Virgin Steele, Firewind, Redemption, and Raintime have been confirmed thus far. Six more bands will be announced for the festival over the coming months including the headliners as well as two more Showcase bands added. Advance gold badges are sold-out and only 900 tickets will be made available to the public. Ticket information for both the main festival and the Showcase will be released via this web site in late January.
ProgPower USA is sponsored by Pacific Drums, Evans Drumheads, Sabian Cymbals, and Shure Microphones.
November 16, 2006 :
Firewind confirmed for ProgPower USA VIII
Firewind are now confirmed for ProgPower USA VIII.
November 06 , 2006 :
ProgPower USA VIII Festival date announced
ProgPower USA will be held October 5-6, 2007.
For those wondering, this was not the original date booked. Due to various factors including headliner availability, Jewish holidays, and Atlanta conventions already booked in September (meaning zero hotel rooms available), I had no choice but to move it to this specific weekend. I apologize to Rene at ProgPower Europe over any problem this may cause him. I just realized it was the same weekend after I had already confirmed the move with the bands, venues, hotels, etc the *second* time.
cheers,
Glenn
November 02 , 2006 :
Virgin Steele confirmed for ProgPower USA VIII
Virgin Steele are now confirmed for ProgPower USA VIII.
October 19, 2006 :
Redemption to play ProgPower USA VIII
U.S. Progress Metal band Redemption is the latest band confirmed for ProgPower USA VIII. Redemption is the brainchild of Nicolas van Dyk (guitarist/keyboardist/songwriter) and features the legendary Ray Alder (Fates Warning) on vocals and Bernie Versailles (Agent Steel) on guitars, along with drummer Chris Quirarte and bassist Sean Andrews.
"We're extremely excited to be part of the festival again," said van Dyk. "Our band largely formed at and around the very first Progpower, and we had the opportunity to play at ProgPower IV. We've been looking forward to coming back for quite some time, as this is the premiere festival of its kind. We'll have a lot of material to share with the audience!"
Redemption's upcoming release, "The Origins of Ruin", is scheduled for an early 2007 release in the US vis Sensory Records, and the rest of the world via other labels soon to be announced. The new CD was once again produced by Tommy Newton (Conception, Ark, Helloween).
An exclusive new MP3 from the upcoming CD can be heard at www.progpowerusa.com in the audio section.
Italy's Raintime has also been confirmed as one of the opening acts.
ProgPower USA will return to Center Stage in Atlanta once again in the fall of 2007. The exact date is schedule to be released within the next few weeks. North America's premiere progressive and power metal festival has hosted numerous acts over it's seven year history including the historic U.S. debuts of bands such as Blind Guardian, Nightwish, Gamma Ray, Edguy, and many more.
ProgPower USA is sponsored by Pacific Drums, Evans Drumheads, Sabian Cymbals, and Shure Microphones.
October 09, 2006 :
ProgPower USA VIII first band announced
For those that haven't been following the "Lightning strikes twice" thread, I will recap things here. I received an advance copy of an album that is currently being shopped around to the labels. It has simply kicked my ass like nothing has in a long while. In fact, I confirmed the band within 48 hrs of hearing the disc. The only time I have done that in the past is with Circus Maximus. I think it's that damn good. In fact, I believe in the band so much that I want to help them get a record deal based on the good buzz I believe it will generate. That's why I'm going out on a limb now and releasing their name early. For those wondering, I do not even have the date of the festival confirmed or anything else for that matter. Hell, we haven't even started working on a website design for next year yet.
That said, will everyone like this? No. Will everyone agree with me and think this is a monster release? No. Will a few hate it? Yes. Music is a subjective experience and not everyone is going to think the same way. However, I would ask that you listen to all of the songs completely before making a quick judgement. I have posted a single tune that is rather represenative of the entire disc and two other tunes that showcase the various styles/influences on the disc.
Raintime from Italy is confirmed.
Raintime released their debut, "Tales from Sadness," disc on Arise Records and that label folded shortly there after. Their first disc is out of print. I will admit that I liked the disc, but didn't fall in love with it. I think the new one has taken them to a different level.
I have three audio tracks posted in the audio section. The first is a complete tune that represents the disc quite well. The second clip is geared towards the melodic lovers while the final one is for those that prefer aggression with their music.
Before you comment, please listen to all three tunes to get an idea of their sound. This is going to be a curveball to a few of you that were expecting Circus Maximus Part II.
cheers,
Glenn
September 23, 2006 :
ProgPower USA VII Live DVD
Please use this link to keep up with the progress of the ProgPower USA VII DVD:
http://www.lucidloungestudios.com/ProgPower7TheDVD/DVDProgress.htm
September 12, 2006 :
ProgPower USA VII Live DVD
I'm happy to confirm that the "ProgPower USA VII Live" dvd is a reality. Complete details are located at this link: http://www.lucidloungestudios.com/Pr...TheDVD/Buy.htm
A few notes:
1. I am not personally releasing this dvd. This is an outside company. I only serve as a consultant. All questions should go through that website, not to me.
2. I estimate 2-3 songs from participating bands will be on the disc. Keep in mind that the remaining non-confirmed bands are either still considering a full dvd shoot or have not been approached yet about participting in the progpower dvd only. I'm confident in everyone participating once they see the set-up and discuss matters with the company.
3. Yes, the price is higher than average. However, when you consider the type of production this is getting of this plus the limited quanity produced, it makes it worth it.
4. Please note that they will be taking advance orders at the festival as well as now through that website.
cheers,
Glenn
Glenn H.