About Brent Oliver Presents
Brent Oliver Presents (BOP) is responsible for some of Edmonton's best concert bookings and promotions. Since 1990, Brent Oliver has matched up some of the most talented rising Canadian artists with the city’s finest venues.
In 16 years, Brent Oliver and his booking company Brent Oliver Presents have booked over 3000 shows, becoming the name to trust in Edmonton's music scene. Whether helping small bands get to the next level, or seeing large bands sell-out performances at premier venues, Brent’s commitment to both the local and national scene has grown into a significant musical history.
In 1998, Brent took over the Entertainment and Promotions for New City Likwid Lounge. There he presented 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 others.
In 2001, Brent moved to The Rev Cabaret & Lush Nightclub. Some of the acts gracing the Rev’s stage included Maceo Parker, Herbaliser, Antibalas, Neko Case, Sadies, Old Reliable, Nashville Pussy, Bourne & Macleod, Nomeansno and many more. With the closing of the Rev Cabaret in 2003, Brent focused his energy in helping build and establish Edmonton’s next premier venue: The Starlite Room.
As well as booking these larger showcase venues Brent has been booking The Black Dog Freehouse since 2000. The Black Dog’s “Hair of the Dog” Saturday series and “Glitter Gulch” Wednesday series have been a mainstay in Edmonton’s musical life for almost 14 years. Brent's booking has brought some of the best solo and acoustic artists (Carolyn Mark, Neko Case) and surprise shows with huge stars (Sadies, Jon Spencer, Blue Rodeo) to the Whyte avenue pub.
Brent became the Entertainment manager for Edmonton's longest running live venue The Sidetrack Café in 2003. The legendary western Canadian venue experienced a resurgence of popularity with presentations of 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, and Mikey Dread to name a few. The Sidetrack Café moved locations in spring of 2006 and Brent was instrumental in organizing the 25 shows in 25 days for the 25th anniversary of the club, as well as 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 the province’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 & the Be Good Tanyas.
In November 2006, Brent Oliver Presents secured a contract with The Starlite Room and Velvet Underground in Edmonton. The Legendary building that once housed Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre, boasts the two best live music rooms in Western Canada. Brent Oliver’s involvement as the Talent Buyer/ Promotions Manager for the club guarantees a long list of top tier talent into the fore seeable future.
In June of 2007, BOP began working with Keystone Music in Western Canada as a talent buyer. Keystone Music has been making a big splash as a western Canadian concert company with shows for Corb Lund, Van Morrison, Chris Issak & Marianne Faithful. Brent is handling the new talent division of the company.
In addition to The Black Dog, The Starlite & Keystone, BOP currently books Edmonton's Axis Cafe (75 person, roots room), provides additional consulting and booking services for the Works festival, and works in conjunction with independent promoters throughout Western Canada.
