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Industry Profile:  Barbara Hubbard

— By Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner

09/12/2003

Affectionately known as "Mother Hubbard," (pegged by none other than the late Bob Hope), Barbara Hubbard enjoyed nearly a 30-year reign as special events director at New Mexico State University, until her "retirement" in 1996. Today, she continues as executive director of the American Collegiate Showcase (ACTS), a position she's held since 1978.

There are few in the concert industry that have not worked with, or have been touched by Barbara. She has integrity and sincerity. Her love of people and her dedication to her NMSU "kids" is what makes her who she is. Everyone's favorite "mother", Barbara's "retirement" as NMSU's special events director has not slowed her down in the least. This summer Barbara taught two music business classes: one at NMSU and another at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

As executive director of ACTS (formerly All-American Collegiate Talent Search), a non-profit organization that raises scholarships for students seeking a career in the performing arts, Barbara oversees all aspects of the program: organizes, produces and markets the program; administers and control the budget and fundraising; formulates recommendations for the program and recruitment of the Advisory Board, judges, guest stars and seminar instructors. With the scholarship money raised, Barbara is able to take her students to various industry conferences and help nurture their involvement and give them the experience and exposure they need. Industry events Barbara and her kids go to include the IAAM national convention, CIC, PLSN and TourLink this year.

Barbara's career at NMSU began in 1966 as an administrator and part-time instructor in the school's athletic department. Four years later, she became involved in campus activities such as program advisor at NMSU's 13,000-capacity Pan American Center, working with the sports association. Barbara then became a student activities advisor in August 1970 and started bringing events to the building. The first act she brought in was the Ike and Tina Turner Revue; Charlie Pride was her first in-house production.

In 1977 Barbara was named director of special events, a position she held until 1996. Barbara advised student government and organizations, negotiated and processed contracts between student organizations and booking agents and agencies, scheduled and approved the use of the Pan Am Center, administered and controlled the Pan Am building budget and supervised all major campus productions, among other duties.

Her honors are many, including: Minority Affairs Award, National Minority Affairs Committee of the National Association of Campus Activities (1976), First Annual NMSU President's Award for Service (1982), Associated Students of NMSU Dedicated Service Award (1982-93), Performance Magazine's Readers Poll College Promoter of the Year (1981, 1983, 1985, 1987), Teacher of the Year, NMSU (1989), Performance Magazine Touring Hall of Fame (1996), Honorary Sun Bowl Director, NMSU, Racial Harmony Award (1998), and the accolades go on and on.

How is ACTS today?
I'm still producing shows and raising money for scholarships. Since October, we've got 21 kids covered. We recently had two students from Florida and one from East Tennessee State go to the annual IAAM convention this summer.

Who are some of your very own "kids" who have wound up in some pretty impressive industry positions?
Michael Lorick is out with Bruce Springsteen, Richard Glasgow's out with Phish, Dave Swift is at Coors Amphitheatre in San Diego; Steve Dixon is out with Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake; and Anthony Clark is on the TV sitcom, "Yes Dear."

How do you feel about the music industry today considering that your so-called "retirement" came just before SFX began buying up promoters?
Relationships and creativity have been taken out of the mix. The personal touch has been lost. It's just not as fun as it used to be. Ticket prices are ridiculous. Everyone's got to give a little. The little guy has all sorts of problems. We're trying to keep tickets below $50.

How were you able to make NMSU a must-play city for most major tours?
I got in on the ground floor and established my program when there wasn't anything between Dallas and Los Cruces, New Mexico. The more shows I have, the more kids get to work. As far as co-promoting with established promoters, I don't care if we get to buy or not, so long as my kids get to work.

What has been a big obstacle in getting shows?
Insurance. It's getting so out of hand. I'd like to know why artists just don't name the venue and promoter as an additional cost.

You have allegedly "retired" but you're active as ever so how will people know when you've really hung it up?
I've told people, I bought a sheet of stamps with "That's all folks!" on them and will be sending them out when I'm through!

First industry job
Director of Pan American Center, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 1967.

Career highlights
Producing Bob Hope; playing gin rummy with John Wayne; discussing my paper route with George Burns; dining out with Red Skelton in New Orleans; and scholarships created at different institutions with help of Bill Cosby and Bob Hope.

Career disappointments
To cancel the Eagle's first reunion tour due to Glenn Frey's illness in 1994. It was a stadium show and was rescheduled for 1995 and that ACTS has not found a national sponsor.

Greatest challenge
To raise enough money to help students through their educational process.

Best business decision
To accept the job of director of Special Events at New Mexico State University, which lasted approximately 30 years.

Best advice you received
From Frank Barcelona: "the bottom line is always green."

Best advice to offer
As a promoter, learn to say "pass." Also, if you don't have a passion for the business, don't get in it!

Most memorable industry experience
Bob Hope's Vietnam show in 1973.

What friends would be surprised to learn about you
That some of my colleagues would find I haven't really retired!

Industry pet peeve
Phone calls not getting returned!

Office paraphernalia
Pencil with eraser!

If I wasn't doing this, I would be...
…selling real estate.

Industry mentors
Lon Varnell and Ben Farrell.

Barbara can be reached at (505) 524-4418; e-mail: motherhubbard@zianet.com