To Whom it may concern:

It has been my privilege to know Hal Smith through his work as a Financial Advisor and with the Azalea Festival. I first recruited Hal to chair the Festival's Variety Show. This event, a long time staple of the Azalea Festival had not been held for nine years due to financial constraints. I asked him to resurrect The Variety Show on a miniscule budget and, without hesitation, he agreed to accept the challenge. He was able to leverage his vast experience in the music industry, as a performer and promoter, to bring together all the essential components of such a production and made the "new" Variety Show a resounding success. His understanding of the local music landscape, personal contacts with local artists, formidable business IQ and tireless energy to "get things done, the right way" proved to be a recipe for unqualified success. As a result of that accomplishment, I have recently appointed Hal to Co-Chair the Main Stage committee for the Festival, in addition to the Variety Show. Based on his unique skill-set and strength of character, I have total confidence that these Azalea Festival events are in great hands. I would highly recommend that you work with Hal to meet your entertainment needs, whether you are an artist, talent buyer, festival promoter or venue manager. He is a very honest, competent and motivated individual whose word you can confidently rely on. Please feel free to call me, personally, if you would like to discuss Hal qualifications in further detail.

Sincerely,
Steve Coble, Attorney
Azalea Festival, Treasurer

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 I have had the opportunity to get to know Hal Smith over the last couple years. I have never met anyone as well spoken, professional, and honest as Hal. As a professional musician of 37 years, it is rare to find someone of Hal's character. I am the director of the Music School of Wilmington, perform with several bands, and lead numerous musical projects throughout the region. Hal is the kind of individual that I feel strongly about in representing me in all my musical endeavors. I am happy to say that, not only is he a great agent, but also a great friend.....

Lee Venters, Director, Music School of Wilmington
Musician

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Hal Smith is actually doing what club owners and musicians would most hope for from a booking agent - seeing the business from both sides. I have been so impressed with his dedication to truly serving the best interests of everyone involved. Imagine working with a person where what you see is ACTUALLY what you get! In a business where it's so easy to become jaded and cynical, Hal continues to deliver professionalism, creativity, attention to detail and common courtesy in everything that he does.

Robert Beauchene
BLIVET!

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To other Club, Restaurant. Bar or Venue Owners and Managers:

I have worked with Hal Smith and Only the Best Talent for the last six months here at the Tnagerine.  He has handled the talent booking for our very busy entertainment calendar, advised me on many facets of the music business and served as a very effective liasion with the various artists.  This was a task I was assigned and was attempting to do with little experience.  Having Hal relieve me of the numerous issues and headaches that come with booking talent, has proved to be extremely beneficial to me and the Tangerine.  A remarkable fact of this relationship is that he has accomplished this with virtually no addtional cost to the establishment.  In fact, because of the quality of the talent he has booked for us, all at very fair rates, he has actually made and saved us money.  Every month I give him our working budget and the dates we want to fill.  He uses his familiarity with the local music scene to find us excellent bands, trios, duos and solo performers, all within our allotted budget or less.  He has a very professional, honest, hands-on style that I find gives me high confidence in his abilities.  If a problem or issue with a date or artist ever occurs, it is nice to have someone of his expertise and experience handle it for me.  I believe Hal has a true passion for his work in the entertainment field and that gives him a real edge when it comes to the way he conducts business.  He always strives to not only meet, but exceed, our expectations.  As far as I am concerned. he has done precisely that for the Tnagerine.  I would highly recommend that you use Hal Smith and Only the Best Talent to mange your establishment's entertainment program.  It is a sound business decision and one, I assure you, you will never regret.

Respectfully,
Lisa Robbins
General Manager, Tangerine-Caribbean Grill
Carolina Beach, NC