Moonstruck Management in Johnson City, TN has announced the addition of Ben Wilson as a new agent with the agency. Under principal Josh Trivett, they handle booking and artist management services for a number of top bluegrass acts like Soggy Bottom Boys, Lonesome River Band, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Hogslop String Band, NewTown, and The Church Sisters.
Ben grew up in Murfreesboro, TN, not far from Nashville, and maintains an office there in his position as Executive Director for the Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival. Bluegrass and old time music have been a part of his life since he was a youngster, and he had worked at the festival since it earliest days as more of a competition event.
He took over as Executive Director from his mom, Gloria Christy Shacklett, in 2014 following her 32 years at the helm. Ben will retain his position with Uncle Dave Macon Days as he begins work with Moonstruck, something that Trivett believes will offer a benefit to both talent buyers and his Moonstruck artists. In addition to their work with the above named performers, the agency also manages the annual Huck Finn bluegrass festival in California.
“I’m excited about us being able to talk with talent buyers with some experience in their business. My concept is to always seek relationships where everybody wins, and when people on the other side of the conversation know we’ve walked in their shoes, it’s a lot easier to find common ground.
In the evolution and expansion of a business, it is critical to have the right personnel in place to execute the vision of a business model. Ben has a vast amount of experience being the Executive Director of the famed Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival, both in how to work with artists directly, and also contract negotiations. His genuine personality combined with true passion for the music and business is the perfect mentality. I am excited about the new developments within Moonstruck and the future that lies ahead for our team.”
Josh also likes having a Moonstruck representative close to Nashville for when he can’t get there quickly for meetings or opportunities that might pop up without much notice. He told us that the biggest asset is Ben’s kind and friendly manner, and his wide knowledge and appreciation for the music and the people who produce it.
Either Josh or Ben can be reached through the Moonstruck Management web site.
