America's Premiere Withholding Agent
EDC Orlando – Friday! Courtesy of Black Tiger Sex Machine, whose set I, unfortunately, missed as I was on a flight out of town the other two days. I only slept 3 hours that night between getting home so late, and waking up at 3 am for the flight, but that was rest well spent as it was an incredible festival experience.
~ Kevin Schoeppler
When I heard Brazilian star Adriana Calcanhotto would be performing at I-Drive NASCAR, I thought I had misread the email. So I reread it – three times.
My eyes did not deceive me and in fact, there was to be an entire event for Focus Brasil at I-Drive NASCAR. In addition to an indoor track, an arcade and an all-around atmosphere of a Chuck-E-Cheese for adults, the venue had space they rented out to conferences like Focus Brasil. This isn’t an advertisement for NASCAR though so I digress.
The room the show took place in was relatively small and laid out in a cabaret arrangement with maybe a dozen tables for attendees and a stage for Adriana in front. This created a very intimate environment compared to the 1,000+ seat theaters she played before and after this special show. Pair this with a room full of Brazilians that seemed to know every word and weren’t afraid to get up and dance (and even join her on stage at one point), and you’ve got a performance that somehow felt like a home show 4,000 miles from Rio de Janeiro.
I’m grateful to Adriana for the incredible performance as well as for taking the time to meet with us.
~ Kevin Schoeppler
Julie and Cecile after the concert
Our heart-felt condolences to his family and friends
I’m no choir boy but walking past intense face/body paint, clothes made of bone and black leather, and sidelong glances from the folks in all this armor just to enter the venue was more than I bargained for. And at the center of it all, like a mad, gothic ring-leader was Raymond Watts.
Don’t let the aesthetics fool you.
Raymond Watts’ second best-kept secret is how nice he actually is. After the show, amidst a horde of undead fans, he took the time to have a lovely chat with me ranging from how the tour was going, to our shared experiences at this venue.
I definitely had a thoroughly good time and can’t wait until the next time Raymond brings PIG to the sunshine state. Perhaps I’ll get working on an outfit to blend in a little more next time.
~ Kevin Schoeppler
The most exciting punk band I’ve had the pleasure of seeing live.
These may seem like your ordinary, friendly, Letterkenny-loving Canadian lads, but the guys in PUP don’t hold back their punk rock ways. Combining modern elements of emotional acuity along with classic punk, nihilistic philosophies they are a thoroughly good time in the car or live on stage. They’re touring the globe (again) so don’t miss them tearing up your local venue.
Definitely looking forward to my screech-in.
~ Kevin Schoeppler
Somehow, after touring around the world, playing major international festivals, and nailing multiple Ibiza residencies, Josh Butler manages to set the dance floor on fire while still being a guy you’d want to hang out and get drinks with.
For transparency, I don’t listen to very much House or Techno. For complete transparency, I had to Google what “house” music is, so if you’re looking for an educated view of Josh’s set, I’m probably not your guy.
What I can tell you is Josh Butler, from start to finish, was one of the most down to Earth and pleasant artists I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
His set absolutely set the rooftop of Celine ablaze.
There was not a person on that rooftop that wasn’t dancing, smiling and having a great time.
He’s already achieved a lot as an artist and I definitely look forward to seeing what he does next.
~ Kevin Schoeppler
Ten Years After is the kind of band that your parents think of when they tell you “Music isn’t as good as it used to be.”
Taking the best parts of blues, rock and roll, and jazz, they create a timeless sound that makes you want to listen and sing along because it’s just that good.
A particularly big thank you to Ric Lee, a fellow stick-man, for not only being the incredible drummer for Ten Years After but also a great guy.
~ Kevin Schoeppler
On August 3rd, 2019 We Banjo 3 hit #1 for their album Roots to Rise Live! Congratulations!
The IRS will soon announce details regarding a much anticipated change in the Central Withholding Agreement Program. Today the IRS made the following announcement:
“The IRS Central Withholding Agreement (CWA) program will be offering a new simplified application process for applicants earning less than $10,000. There will be a simplified CWA application Form 13930-A that applicants will complete to apply for the simplified process. Under the new process, applicants earning less than $10,000 would be eligible to apply for a CWA. The Form 13930-A is scheduled to be released in draft form for public comment shortly.”
IMPORTANT: The $10,000 threshold still currently applies. No further details are currently available regarding the timeframe for implementing the new process. Further information will only be available when the IRS posts the draft Form 13930-A and instructions for public review and comment.
The CWA program allows for foreign performers to legally manage and often reduce the required 30% withholding on U.S. earnings. As of October 1, 2018 the IRS implemented a new policy under which nonresident performers would only qualify for a Central Withholding Agreement (CWA) if they individually earn $10,000 or more in gross income within the calendar year. This rule change has had a massive negative effect on independent artists, so last November, The League of American Orchestras, Tamizdat, and CWA Management prepared a proposal aimed at addressing the inequities of the new policy. The proposal was presented to the IRS with the endorsement of many major U.S. performing arts organizations. The IRS has responded favorably to our proposal.
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