Brent Oliver Presents (or B.O.P.) is responsible for some of Edmonton's best concert booking and promotions. Since 1990, Brent Oliver has put together some of the most talented artists that have risen to fame throughout Western and the rest of Canada.
For over 17 years, Brent Oliver has been the name to trust for Edmonton's music scene. Literally having booked over 3000 shows in his career, Brent Oliver and his booking company Brent Oliver Presents have been helping small bands get to the next level, and seeing large bands have sold out performances.
In 1998, Brent took over the Entertainment and Promotions for New City Likwid Lounge at its 112st location. There he put on shows for Kathleen Edwards, Moneen, Supersuckers, Lowest of the Low, The Smalls, Corb Lund Band, Reverend Horton Heat, Les Tabernacles, Mad Bomber Society and countless other bands that have now reached the next level of their success.
In 2001, Brent moved over to The Rev Cabaret & Lush Nightclub in downtown Edmonton. Some of the acts that graced its stage were Maceo Parker, Herbaliser, Antibalas, Neko Case, Sadies, Old Reliable, Nashville Pussy, Bourne & Macleod, Nomeansno and many more. With the Rev closing in 2003, Brent focused his energy in helping the Starlite Room be built and established.
All the while since 2000, Brent has been booking The Black Dog Freehouse. The Black Dogs Hair of the Dog Saturday series and Glitter Gulch Wednesday series have been a mainstay in Edmonton for almost 14 years. Under Brent's booking, the Whyte avenue pub has seen some of the best solo and acoustic artists (Carolyn Mark, Neko Case) as well as surprise shows with huge stars (Sadies, Jon Spencer, Blue Rodeo).
In 2003 Brent became the Entertainment manager for Edmonton's longest running live venue, The Sidetrack Café. The legendary western Canadian venue experienced a huge resurgence of popularity under Brent's reign with shows by The Constantines, Captain Tractor, Ike Turner, Leon Russell, Calexico, Damo Suzuki, Gogol Bordello, Evan Dando (of the Lemonheads), Grant Hart (ex- Husker Du), Swayzak, Zion I, Knaan, Bedouin Soundclash, The Superband, Mikey Dread and many others. The Sidetrack Café moved locations in spring of 2006 and Brent was instrumental in not only organizing the 25 shows in 25 days for the 25th anniversary of the club, but the weekend of kick-off shows at the new location.
Besides club promotions, Brent Oliver Presents has been involved in independent bookings at some of Edmonton's finest venues. Some of these include The Smalls farewell tour of Alberta, Sam Roberts, Smog, Howe Gelb/ Giant Sand, Hanson Brothers, 3 Inches of Blood, Broken Social Scene, Stars, The Floor, Neko Case, Akron/ Family and the Be Good Tanyas.
In November 2006, Brent Oliver Presents secured a contract with The Starlite Room and Velvet Underground in Edmonton. He has since moved on to tackle other markets through the west.
Curently, Brent Oliver is a Talent Buyer for tours through western Canada for BOP & Keystone Music. He also is the Festuval Producer for the Western Canadian Music Awards in Edmonton for 2008.
For potential booking info contact: Brent Oliver Presents at [email protected] or visit The Brent Oliver Presents website
For an archive of some past shows, and a gallery of Brent Oliver Posters see here
Brent Oliver Presents - Choke Farewell Show - June 9, 2007, Starlite Room, Edmonton
Brent Oliver Presents - Nomeansno - March 2007, Starlite Room, Edmonton
Brent Oliver Presents - Constantines - April 2007, Starlite Room, Edmonton
