July 21, 2008

By By Mitchell Peters, L.A.

Nashville-based independent booking agency Buddy Lee Attractions (BLA) has acquired Florida-based Diversified National Artists Agency (DNA). As part of the deal, DNA founder Steve Peck will join BLA's team in Nashville.

In his new role, veteran artists representative Peck will launch the rock department at BLA and handle the West Coast territory for the agency's entire roster, which includes Billy Ray Cyrus, Buddy Jewel, Jason Aldean, John Michael Montgomery and Jeff Foxworthy, among others.

Peck launched DNA last March in the wake of Live Nation's acquisition of Fantasma Productions. Peck served as the responsible agent for the artists of Fantasma Tours International, Fantasma's booking division. His roster includes Bob Welch, Edgar Winter, A Flock of Seagulls, Ambrosia, 10,000 Maniacs, Gallagher, Gary Wright, Great White, the Knack, Rare Earth, Rick Derringer, and many others.

Approximately 17 artists will be making the move with Peck to BLA, with a full list expected shortly. Peck's decision to relocate to Nashville was influenced by his daughter's decision to attend Belmont University, according to a statement.

"With the recent acquisition of Fantasma Productions in Florida by Live Nation, and the passing of its owner Jon Stoll, we began conversation with Steve about relocating to Nashville," BLA president/CEO Tony Conway said in a statement. "He was an agent with BLA 12 years prior so this transition is so natural."

It was unclear at deadline if the rest of DNA's staff would join BLA.

With the move Peck joins current BLA agents Kevin Neal (southeast), Bob Kinkead (northeast, eastern Canada), Jon Folk (southwest), David Kiswiney (Midwest, central Canada), Gary Kirves (northwest, western Canada), Joan Saltel (fairs, festivals) and Conway (international, special events).

Peck began his career in 1977 and worked with such agencies as the Bobby Roberts Company and BLA. Since the inception of Fantasma Tours International in 1997, Peck had directed all operations at the West Palm Beach, Fla.-based talent agency.

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