April Potter Holleman's success in the music industry is nothing less than remarkable.
The Franklin County native's booking and management company, the April Potter Agency, represents up-and-coming Christian artists like MARK209, along with gospel legends like Gold City.
With MARK209 in the midst of a New England tour, Holleman wanted to fly to hear her clients perform a beachfront concert last weekend. She waited and waited for airfares to drop, and when they didn't, Holleman stayed in Nashville.
Next time, she'll likely buy a plane ticket, regardless of the cost, as she learned MARK209 was invited to perform an impromptu concert at the home of President George H.W. Bush at the Bush Compound in Kennebunkport, Maine.
“I was supposed to be there, and I wanted to go so bad," Holleman said. "But I couldn't ever get the plane ticket cost right. Now I really wish I had been there."
The concert came on the group's only scheduled day off on their 23-day tour. Group members planned to spend the day sightseeing in Kennebunkport. While touring the Bush Compound, MARK209 members had an unexpected opportunity to perform a song for Margaret Bush, an accomplished singer and actress. After leaving the property, they received a call inviting them back to do a concert that evening for the Bush family, including President George H.W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush, along with President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush, along with Marvin and Margaret Bush.
When they arrived at the Bush home, President George W. Bush answered the door. Before leaving, the elder President Bush invited them to return to perform a concert sometime in the future.
“The Bush Family invited them to come back for a full concert another time. I'll be there for that one,” Holleman said.
MARK209 recently signed a booking and management deal with April Potter Agency and will be in the studio working on a new project this fall.
Holleman reopened her agency several years ago after closing it in 2005. She and her husband Greg have one daughter, Chloe, 9. April is the daughter of Terrell and Debbie Potter of East Franklin.
Her agency represents primarily Christian and gospel artists, including The Freemans, Crosby Lane and Ivan Parker.
“Christian music is where my contacts were," Holleman said. "I have done some things in country and done some crossover work, but most of it is gospel and Christian music."
Holleman has more than 20 years of experience as a booking agent in Nashville. She has worked with the Harper Agency, as well as serving as a freelance agent and consultant.
Holleman is a 1992 graduate of Phil Campbell High School. She also attended Northwest Junior College and earned her Commercial Music Business degree from the University of North Alabama. She tries to come home at least once each month from Nashville to see her parents.
“I love Nashville. As a young girl, I loved coming to Opryland and everything about Nashville,” Holleman said. “It's only three hours from Mom and Dad, and it's where everything is happening in this industry. Everyone comes through here at some point."
When one of her clients performs a private concert for two presidents, that's publicity you couldn't dream of for her agency. Not bad for a young woman who almost left the booking end of her business several years ago.
“I wanted to do more marketing, and I was going to leave booking," Holleman said. "I got out for one season but came back with the Harper Agency again and eventually restarted the April Potter Agency. I just kept coming back to the booking and management side of the business."
Holleman said there were so many 'coincidental' events that had to take place for MARK209 to end up singing a private concert for the Bush Family that she knows Someone greater had a hand in it.
“It was their only day off. They had no clearance to see a President. They were going to hang out on a boat and do some sightseeing,” Holleman said. “Their host surprised them with a tour of the Bush Compound, where they happened to see Margaret Bush rehearsing some lines and she asked them to sing a song. They left the compound and were asked to come back to do a few songs for the family that night.
“I cried when I saw the picture. This was not one but two presidents, and they got to come into their home. It's so special for them to be able to do that. I know it was the Lord's hand that brought this together."
