A Brief History of Southeastern Attractions 

SouthEastren Attractions was founded in 1963 by Richard Dingler. The company first booked local and regional acts at events such as dances, parties, and concerts held at armories, hotels and dance halls. Some of those early acts went on to become national and international stars. Lynyrd Skynryd and The Allman Joys (who would later become The Allman Brothers) were among the bands booked in the late 60's when SEA had a division known as Peace Concerts. The 70's saw Alabama-based bands go to the Top 40 and beyond. SouthEastren was the first agency to book The Commodores, from Tuskeegee, Alabama. By the end of the decade The Commodores were touring and selling records around the world.  The band set the stage for the solo career of Lionel Ritchie, one of the original lead singers. To this day, their hit “Brick House” is a top request for many SEA bands at parties all over the south.

Aside from the success of The Commodores, over the years, SEA has booked and maintained relationships with numerous successful regional bands.  One of the most successful hometown bands from the early days of SEA was a rock group known as Hotel. The band recorded several albums for MCA Records and had one top 40 hit in 19'79 with a song called “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming.” Members of this band have been in other area groups since then and SEA still works closely with them. In the 1980’s SEA was instrumental in booking several regional favorites. Chevy 6, Telluride, and The White Animals all enjoyed popularity at college parties and nightclubs. These bands released their own LP’s and cassette tapes, which were sold at live shows and independent record stores.

Following Mr. Dingler’s ownership, two of his early employees bought the agency and focused heavily on booking bands at nightclubs, college parties, and country clubs. Barbara Hallerman and Bunky Anderson became known as the top agents in the south through out the 70s and most of the 80's. They brought bookings in from colleges, corporations and private organizations, many of whom remain faithful SEA clients even today. Both Hallerman and Anderson were responsible for signing talent that has benefited the company by “making the phone ring” for years. Anderson retired as an agent before 1990 leaving Barbara and her husband, Jerry Hallerman, with the ownership of the business.

By 1993 the Hallerman family began to see that it was time for change. At this point, the agency was known for booking cover bands and DJ’s that appeared at high schools and colleges.  In addition to this business, the real strong suit for the company was corporate and private party business. Around this time Adam Trowbridge and Rusty LuQuire joined SEA and began to bring in additional business, focusing on new bands, major universities and night clubs. Soon to come was a bigger involvement in festivals and special events. Regional bands such as Brother Cane, Allgood, Beanland and Widespread Panic were among the acts that SouthEastern Attractions did business with during this time. These groups represented the indie-rock and jam band scenes that were now dominating the area clubs and colleges.

In the last decade, SouthEastern Attractions has increased involvement in nightclubs and special events. Clubs like the Chukker, Zydeco and the Yellow Rose gave SEA the opportunity to work with national talent on a regular basis. Festivals such as the Local X Music Fest, Spook-a-delic, Radio Free Tuscaloosa and Straitland helped increase the presence of the agency in the promotional markets and local media. In recent years the corporate market has seen bookings by Diamond Rio, Three Dog Night and the Charlie Daniels Band, giving added value to fundraising efforts by associations and charities in the area.

Currently, with a staff of four full time and two part time employees, SouthEastern Attractions is gearing up for new opportunities in the college party and concert markets.  Special events such as wedding receptions and social galas, plus band management, major music festival support and small concert promotion have become the mainstay of the business. After forty years of entertainment service, the focus is on what SEA can become by their fiftieth anniversary.  A talented and resourceful staff mixed with new energy and ideas should make for some fantastic results.