Rockin', rollin' and concert promoting with Michael Marion

This week, Rex welcomes Michael Marion back to the podcast. The longtime general manager of North Little Rock's Simmons Bank Arena, Michael is a former Los Angeles-based music agent and promoter who shares his insight into the entertainment industry on this episode of the program.  The Simmons Bank Arena, whch opened to the public in October 1999 as the Allel Arena, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and stands as the largest and most prominent entertainment spot in Central Arkansas. Rex and Michael chat about the venue's unique history, which has proved financially successful in addition to its regional and national popularity and the changes that have taken place at the location over the past two and a half decades. Michael, a Tupelo, Miss. native who got his start by booking music talent in his home state, discusses the importance of business leaders and local politicians in the arena's formative years, as well as the venue's first concert, a performance by Elton John (who played a stop on his farewell tour at the same venue in 2022).  Over the years, Michael shares many of his most memorable experiences working at the arena, including booking The Rolling Stones, George Strait's sold out shows, and meeting Sir Paul McCartney.  Follow Rex Nelson's Southern Fried Podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, or visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.