Martin Brasfield with wife Angie Brasfield

Owner/Sales
Music Garden

BIO

I  began my career in the music business booking and managing a band in the mid-80's.  While doing so, I helped start and operate two successful Montgomery, Alabama based companies before deciding to devote my full time to booking bands.  I incorporated Music Garden in 1993, and concentrated on providing the best party and dance bands for public and private shows throughout the southeastern region of the United States. Since then, Music Garden has grown to include over fourteen representatives and an office staff who share my dedication to that goal and book some of the best regional and national acts in the nation!

What makes me the happiest are the long-term relationships I build with customers over the years.  To have a young person ask me to provide entertainment for high school functions, call me to book bands and DJ's for all of their social needs during college, and then continue to book their wedding and private parties in the years after graduation, gives me a joy that is hard to express in words. It makes me  proud  to see each member of the Music Garden staff building the same kind of relationships.

While I always believed that I had the best staff and the best bands available, my belief was verified recently by a well-known band manager who told me "Music Garden has the best staff of agents around."

Testimonial

I have worked with  Martin Brasfield of Music Garden for the previous ten years.  Martin booked all of my entertainment while I served as Social Chairman for my sorority at Georgia Southern University during the late 90's. Upon my graduation, Martin continued to be a great resource as I began assisting many of my friends who were booking bands for their weddings or class reunions. As I moved into my professional career as an Event Planner, Martin began to assist me in booking entertainment for many events, galas, and fundraisers.  Martin is not only a dedicated professional in his industry, but is creative and resourceful in assisting me by selecting the perfect entertainment for a specific event.  I know undoubtedly each time he makes a selection, my guests are going to be thoroughly entertained and have a wonderful time.

- Neilie Dunn, Director of Marketing, J.T. Turner Construction, Savannah, Georgia

My name is Brie Hooper and I am a 2006 graduate of Auburn University. While attending Auburn I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Martin Brasfield. Martin helped me select bands for numerous social sorority events that were not only above my expectations, but were also budget friendly.  After graduating, I had several friends contact me asking for the person who had helped me book bands in college. I quickly located Martin and he assisted my family members and friends so that they too could find the perfect band.  He also helped me find a perfect band  for my wedding reception and because of him my special day was complete.  I have had more people mention how great the entertainment was at my wedding and I owe that all to Martin's hard work.  Martin has always followed up with me to check on all of my bookings.  He even calls after the event is over to make sure I was pleased.  Martin Brasfield has been absolutely wonderful to me and many other friends and family members of mine.  I would reccommend him to anyone.

Sincerely,  Brie Hooper

BIO

My name is Rick Brignac and I am a University of Alabama alumnus. I got involved in the music industry my junior year of college as my fraternity’s social chairman. I enjoyed planning and providing memorable entertainment to all of my peers. It was then I realized that this was a career I would like to pursue. With my background as a social chair I was able to hear and meet many of the bands the Music Garden has to offer. I like to recommend bands that I have personally heard and know will deliver an excellent performance. Nothing makes me happier than hearing from customers that their event was a success due to the entertainment. When I am not on the job I am an avid outdoorsman and a huge college football fan. I am always available by phone or email and am very punctual with a response.

Testimonial

I just want to say how easy it is to book a band through Rick. He takes every detail and request that you might have and comes back to you with the perfect band. He has planned all types of events for us from simple D.J.s to big national acts. Rick and the whole Music Garden staff made my years as social chairman a breeze. Thanks again for all the great parties.

Derek Hoppe - Pike Social Chair, Ole Miss 

Pacey Calhoun
Sales - Jackson, MS
Some southeastern clubs  

BIO

Pacey Calhoun moved to Birmingham, Alabama after graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Radio Television  Production.  Pacey joined the Music Garden team in 2002 and started  the rock band Fly-by Radio. She married her husband Matt in December  2007 .

Dobbins Cosby (with satisfied customers)
Sales - Auburn, Opelika, Columbus, Athen

BIO

Dobbins Cosby is responsible for a number of southeastern territories - including Auburn and Troy, Alabama, Athens and Columbus, Georgia to name a few. Dobbins is originally from Selma, Alabama graduating from Morgan Academy and then Auburn University. He currently resides in Auburn, Alabama. Dobbins prides himself in knowing each band and developing a thorough understanding of what a buyer wants before he pitches a band to them. “I listen to feedback from the buyer. Feedback is the one tool that has helped me take care of clients more than anything.”

Testimonial

Working with Music Garden and Dobbins Cosby has been a great experience.  As the previous social chairman for my social sorority, I used Music Garden and worked specifically with Dobbins for an entire year.  Because of the level of customer satisfaction I received, I used Music Garden for every single social, formal and event I planned and prefer this company to any of its competitors.
  I was very pleased with the relationship I obtained with Dobbins Cosby throughout my time working with Music Garden. He is very professional and dependable. I really respected his opinion on what type of band would be appropriate for a specific event. He has knowledgeable insight about up and coming bands and is eager to share his knowledge with his customers.  Dobbins always follows up after an event to ensure that the band is well liked. He truly cares about the people he works with and is determined to find the right band for the event.  He is passionate about providing his customers with a high level of satisfaction, and this is why I chose to return to him to book all of my events.  I would eagerly recommend Music Garden and Dobbins Cosby to any friend looking to find the perfect band for an occasion.

 - Rachel Pegues

  Dobbins Cosby of The Music Garden is the epitome of what a booking agent should be. I served as my sorority's social chairperson for two years in a row, one of the reasons being because it was so easy to book bands with Dobbins. The Music Garden makes the planning process for both socials and formals a breeze. Anytime I had an event to plan Dobbins was always the first person I would call, he always had excellent suggestions for venues, caterers and bands.
  When I wasn't sure what band I wanted, Dobbins always had excellent suggestions and I was never displeased with my band.  He always knew what kind of music would coordinate best with the type of event I was having.
  Not only did Dobbins suggest great bands but he always made sure that I enjoyed the band. It never failed that the day after my event I would receive a call from him makin that I have suggested him to my friends. When booking with Dobbins I knew all the details would be handled and my event would run smoothly, he made my job a breeze.
  I will definitely refer Dobbins and the Music Garden to all of my friends for their future band booking needs whether it is a wedding, formal, or any other social event. Dobbins is the only person I would trust with these events!

 - Leslie Stockton

BIO

When Ross Kinder first picked up a guitar he knew that a career somewhere in the music industry was for him.  After graduation from the University of Alabama in 2007 Ross worked in many areas of the music business until he found a home with Music Garden in 2008.  As a recently married man himself, he understands firsthand all the details and planning that go into an event that requires many different people and services to act as one.  Coupled with his knowledge of bands and relationships with other vendors and venues, he is able guide clients seamlessly through the process of booking a band. When someone books a band or DJ with Ross they don't have the typical reservations that come with the territory because he is there 24 hours a day 7 days a week to make sure that their event runs smoothly and to manage any problems that may arise.  You may contact Ross by phone or e-mail for any event requiring music and he will be happy to answer any questions.

Testimonial

I tell all of my clients who are looking to book entertainment for their event to call Ross at Music Garden.  They are always pleasantly surprised with his level of customer service and the personalization he puts into finding the right entertainment for their event.  He always makes sure that the band or DJ is familiar with our facility’s policies concerning entertainers, and that they are here to setup and breakdown during their scheduled times.   It makes my job so much easier knowing that Ross will handle those details!

Jessica Plemons, Event Sales Manager - The Harbert Center

All the staff that I have worked with at Music Garden, from the office staff to our booking agent, Ross Kinder, were extremely professional and accommodating.  They worked to get us a great band for our event within our budget.  I have now used Music Garden both professionally and personally and would highly recommend them.

Ashley Gorday - Assistant Director, American Heart Association, Greater Southeast Affiliate

Drew Nelson with his wife Allison Nelson

Sales - Mobile area, LSU, and some LA territories

BIO
Drew Nelson is a resident of Mobile, AL. He works the Mobile area, LSU and some other Louisiana jobs, for Music Garden. He is married to Allison Nelson and they have three children named Olivia, Devon, and Caris. Drew's love is music and entertainment. From 2005-2007 Drew was signed to Severe Records located in Nashville, TN and the label released Drew's debut album "Ambient Fixtures" in 2005. Drew could not imagine a job better suited for him than working for Music Garden. Drew is also the lead singer and band leader for his 80's tribute band, ELEVEN. In Drew's spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, college football, traveling, and the outdoors.
 
Testimonial
I have been working with Drew for almost a year now and have had nothing but awesome experiences. Drew and the staff at Music Garden are professional and honest. Service has been speedy and top notch. I  would recommend Drew and Music Garden to anyone.

Stephen - LSU
 
What a fabulous experience working with Drew Nelson and Music Garden, I was extremely nervous going in as "Ball Chairman" 2009-2010, and with a lot of questions. But, a few short phone calls to Drew, and I had all of my questions answered, two bands booked, and I met my budget! I don't know how I would have done it without him!!
 
Barbara - Mardi Gras Ball Chairman, Mobile, AL

Patrick Norris with his daughter
Sales - South Carolina 

BIO

Patrick is a graduate of Clemson University and Charleston School of Law. He has over 10 years of experience booking and managing bands, and has also played guitar in some of the Southeast's more prominent touring bands. Patrick lives in Mount Pleasant, SC with his wife and two children.  In his spare time, Patrick enjoys going to the beach with his family, playing golf, playing guitar, and attending Clemson football games.

Testimonial

Patrick is very good at what he does. He is extremely available and promptly responds to calls and emails. He also does a very good job of getting us the exact kind of band we need for each event. On top of that he's a good guy too.  

Brann Fowler - KA Social Chair, Furman University

Patrick and I met in college at Clemson while I was in KA. He was playing in his own band while managing several others. When it came time for me to find a band for my own wedding reception, I immediately called Patrick. He matched my wife and I with the perfect band for us that our guests still talk about today. His understanding of our needs and patience in matching a band to our obscure requests for songs and showmanship will always be appreciated. 

Miles Thomas - Wedding reference

Patrick is as helpful and dedicated as any in the profession. He possesses an innate ability to understand the client's needs, and to deliver them with the right band for the right occasion every time. Along with his extensive knowledge of different groups in the area, Patrick also has resources in every pocket of the southeast, making any event easy and accessible.  Whenever I need something planned or organized, Patrick is my guy. I will continue to call and count on his efforts for years to come."

Richard Amaker - KA Social Chair, Clemson University

Jason Ozburn

Sales - Atlanta

BIO

I am from Lilburn, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, and grew up here playing sports, fishing and hunting.  I graduated from Parkview High School and went on to complete a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and a minor in Business Finance from Auburn University.  I was active in Sigma Chi Fraternity and very active on campus.  In my spare time I enjoy playing golf, offshore fishing, hunting, and playing tennis.

I have experience working with bands from college holding a position in Sigma Chi fraternity as social chairman.  I am very easy to work with and will be there for you  24-7 to make sure your experience with Music Garden is perfect.  I am working for you, to make sure we find the perfect set up for your event.

Kenny Strickland with wife Holly Strickland
Sales - Univ. of Tenn., Florida

BIO

Kenny Strickland grew up in Valdosta Georgia.  After high school, he attended Valdosta State University and graduated with a degree in communications. Kenny joined the Music Garden in 2002 and works the Universtiy of Tennessse Campus,and the state of Florida.  He currently resides in Albany, Georgia with his wife Holly, daughter Emmy and son Brooks.  When he is not working, Kenny enjoys spending time with his friends and family.

Testimonial

I started working with Kenny Strickland and Music Garden back in 2006 when I was a sophomore at UT and I got thrown into the social duties at Alpha Tau Omega.  I remember calling Kenny and asking what to do and how to do it.  He took the time out of his day to explain to me about the process.  So to start off on our social and band rep relationship, he made it easy for me. I must have called/texted him a 1000 questions.  Through my three years of being social chair, Kenny was the one rep that I would call and give as much business to as I was allowed by Alpha Tau Omega, because of his professionalism.  
I graduated Tennessee in May 2005, moved to Atlanta. Kenny never stopped keeping in touch.  I actually took on my company’s event planning responsibilities for sales conferences twice a year at hotels.  Even though my company only books two band parties a year, you better believe my first call is to Kenny.  Not only has he been great for the last three years of my college life (personally and as the social chair), but also the  four years that I have been out of college.  That is why he was the one that I called to book a band to play at my wedding this July 25th. 
So to conclude, I doubt there are many band reps that are as professional, friendly, honest, and like a good friend as Kenny.  Mainly, it is hard to find someone that you can trust and that follows up as fast as Kenny, but that is why he is as good as they come. 

David Whitson - Corporate Recruiter, Insight Global, Inc.

Michael Strickland with family

Sales - USC, Clemson non-campus clubs

BIO

Michael Strickland grew up in Valdosta, Georgia. After high school, he attended Valdosta State University and graduated with a degree in Business. Mike joined The Music Garden in 2007.  He works the state of South Carolina and non-campus bars and clubs in the southeast. He lives in Valdosta, Georgia with his wife Alisha and three children, Katie, Halie and Payton.
When he's not working, Mike enjoys spending time with his family and bass fishing.

Testimonial

My name is Nathan Colian, owner of Nates Sports Bar & Grill in Gulfport, Mississippi. I have been dealing with Music Garden since May of 2008. Mike Strickland is the agent I started dealing with and still deal with now. At that time - it was a couple of months into my new bar - I wanted to get some different bands in my venue but I had two problems. I was new at booking bands and my budget wasn't very big. Mike could have brushed me and my small budget off, but he embraced the challenge and found bands that were willing to build a relationship with my bar and develop a crowd. Now, over a year later, he has helped make my bar one of the most popular spots on the coast - known for great, live bands.  Mike is very hard working and is very diligent and I am glad I have the pleasure to work with him.

Nathan Colian - Owner, Nates Sports Bar & Grill

Michael Wright

Sales - National acts
Headline Acts for all customers

BIO

Michael Wright has been with the Music Garden for over 10 years.  He began his involvement in the music industry as a singer/songwriter.  Michael is in charge of booking national acts and high-end regional bands for numerous promoters, festivals, colleges, casinos and other customers throughout the United States. When Michael is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife Cynthia and his three children - Alexandra, Isadora and Zachary. 

Testimonial

“Michael’s professionalism makes this process run so smoothly, and he really pays attention to the needs of everyone he is working for and with. It’s not just the bands that rock, he rocks too!”

Nicole Halston - Marketing Manager, Costa Del Mar

Michael Wright made our "St. Augustine Sunrise Rotary" event happen.  He is a consummate professional!

Stuart Perry -  St. Augustine Sunrise Rotary