Meet Tu Kute of TuKute Presents in Smyrna

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tu Kute.

Tu, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started doing standup comedy when I turned 50 yrs. old 13yrs ago. I worked in Corporate America before then and wanted to spend my winter years doing something I loved. Wasn’t sure about comedy but it morphed into my entertainment business today.

When I started doing standup it was in front of 20 somethings who weren’t even born during the time period I referenced in my act. Most of my routine became “okay” to “let me explain”. This led me to gather my friends that were my own age and develop entertainment for them. I added live music and other clean comedians.

My business has grown mostly within the last couple of years. Staff has grown as other facets of entertainment and networking were added. Recently added are wine tasting events, sale of wine accessories, grooming artists to find professional management, artist promotion and the ATL Top Vocals competition.

I have surrounded myself with individuals in the industry who have been advantageous to the development of this company. Partnering with them has poised my company to grow internationally. Very excited about this as I have been looking forward to this for some time now.

The best part of my business growth is my audience. I try to listen to what they like. Of course that could be very loud chatter from time to time but the realization is that there is no me without them. So I listen selectively. I have lots of repeat attendees that have been supporting me for years. They are important. With their support comes an obligation for me not to fail. I never want to look at them and say you wasted your time and/or efforts.

That keeps me going. That keeps me strong. That keeps me winning.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Learning as I go along has been difficult but fun. I haven’t always had the financial resources to get things done but being creative and not giving up has been the most important. This business was not built on a dream of how things should be but what my supporters needed in terms of entertainment. I do believe I care too much for artists making it good. It’s hard to come to terms with the fact that I care more about their success than they do. Developing a thicker skin was more of a necessity than a struggle. Still a work in progress.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about TuKute Presents – what should we know?
I have an entertainment business. My tagline is “An Artist for Artists”. As a comic I understand what it’s like to book jobs, get rejected, the highs and the lows. I have experienced the life of an Artist. I try to treat the artists I work with the way I would want to be treated. With some dignity and respect. This is a tough business but it is important that we learn the business itself. All facets of it. Sometimes I get requests for huge amounts of money and I would if I could but if they did the math properly they would know that most times they are making more money during a show than I am. I try to teach but everybody’s famous.

My audience is mature adults and so is 95% of my artists. Sometimes it’s hard to get them to step up to 2017 and wrap their arms around what it’s like today.

I am very proud and honored to be around so many people that have and are supporting me and my venture. I aim to provide mature adults with fun events where they can meet new people and not feel like they are chaperoning a kiddie event. I absolutely love it when they tell me what a great time they had. I love it even more when they return.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
The very first time I stepped onto the stage and given the opportunity to promote my first show 13 years ago was by John Scatina, Owner of Café 290. I am still doing shows there today. We have developed a business relationship that has spawned trust, which is what I think is the most important element in any relationship. I have had some hits and some misses and he has always been faithful in allowing me to grow on my own terms with his guidance.

Dr. David Ellis has helped me to look at my business from a satellite view which was so difficult for me as I was the everything in growing my business. He made me accountable and it was necessary and I am grateful.

My team is spot on with keeping my head together and making sure my vision is realized. Ike Harris, Musical Director, Tracey Cobb, Promotional Director. Jefferson Ford, Event Operations Director. Nana Idehen, Entertainment Events Director. They make it happen.

Wow, there is a much longer list of people that are there only sometimes but at the exact moment I need them and without hesitation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tukute.net
• Phone: 404-394-4779
• Email: tukute@tukute.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetukute
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TuKutePresents
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/tukutepresents
• Yelp: https://www.linkedin.com/tukute

Image Credit:
Neal Hamilton, Paint Out Loud
Jefferson Ford
Tracey Cobb
Judy Echols