At 218 Entertainment, talent buying is at the heart of what we do. Based in Duluth, MN, we specialize in connecting event organizers with the right artists to create unforgettable live experiences. Acting as the bridge between our clients and top-tier talent, we draw on deep industry relationships, strategic insight, and skilled negotiation to book artists that match each event’s vision, audience, and budget.

Whether it’s securing major acts for a music festival, lining up headliners for a casino, or curating the perfect mix of performers for a county fair, we take pride in delivering entertainment that resonates. Our mission is to go beyond expectations—ensuring every event is elevated by high-quality talent that leaves a lasting impact.

Why us?

  • Our expertise is rooted in years of hands-on experience in the live entertainment world. Our track record reflects a deep understanding of the industry, strong relationships with agents and artists, and a sharp eye for what makes an event successful. We're committed, adaptable, and passionate about helping our clients bring their entertainment visions to life—no matter the scale.

  • Relationships are everything. We've built a strong and growing network of trusted industry contacts—including top talent agencies, artists, and production professionals—that allows us to move quickly and book the right talent for any event. Our connections open doors to a wide range of performers and resources, ensuring every show is well-matched, well-executed, and unforgettable.

  • No two events are the same—and we like it that way. We take a personalized approach to every project, working closely with you to understand your goals, audience, and budget. Whether you're planning a festival, casino performance, or community fair, we craft creative talent-buying solutions that reflect your vision and bring your event to life.

  • We believe trust starts with transparency. From the first conversation to the final contract, we keep you informed, involved, and in control. No surprises, no hidden fees—just clear communication, honest guidance, and straightforward pricing. We see our clients as partners, and we’re committed to making the talent buying process as smooth, open, and stress-free as possible.

Our Services

Talent Buying

218 Entertainment specializes in sourcing, negotiating, and booking the right talent for your event—whether it’s a single headliner or a full lineup. We handle all the details: identifying artists that align with your event’s goals, negotiating contracts, coordinating with agents, and ensuring everything runs smoothly from inquiry to showtime.

Our pricing is simple and transparent: We charge a flat 6% of the total artist cost. If you're booking multiple artists for a single event, we charge 6% of the combined total of all artist fees.

That’s it—no hidden fees, no surprises. Our goal is to deliver expert talent buying support that saves you time, minimizes stress, and ensures your entertainment lineup hits the mark.

Consulting

Whether you're navigating your first concert, planning a new venue launch, or just need help refining your approach, our Event Consulting Services are designed for clients who want expert insight while handling the artist booking or event planning themselves.

We provide support on:

  • Artist selection strategy

  • Budget planning and offer structuring

  • Venue and production considerations

  • Contract insights and best practices

  • Communication tips for working with agents and managers

Our flat rate for consulting is $1,500 per event, giving you access to professional guidance without ongoing commitments or hidden costs. You get clear, actionable advice tailored to your event—so you can move forward with confidence.

FAQ

  • Everyone's favorite question. Artist pricing varies based on several factors, such as where they're at in their career, if their tour is routed, whether they sell more or less tickets in a particular market and type of venue to name a few.

  • The Artist's booking fee is a large portion of your event's budget, but also factor in production, hospitality, lodging for the Artist (if needed), marketing costs and talent buying fees.

  • Some Artists don't mind performing at first time events or new venues, however others can be hesitant and ask for a larger deposit until the event is more established. If this is your first rodeo, contact us first so we can learn more about your event.