Meet the Man
Who Puts Together Jack Honey’s
Art, Beats & Lyrics Show
While the lot of us are still hunkered down riding out a global pandemic, traveling exhibition Jack Honey Art, Beats & Lyrics isn’t letting that get in the way of its show. It’s gearing up to launch its first virtual exhibition to bring its roster of artists into the digital world for all to enjoy.
But before that launches, we wanted to shine a light on one of the show’s unsung heroes whose role is crucial for the show to move from one city to the next.
We connected with Cedric Lott over the phone, who’s the operations manager for Jack Honey Art, Beats & Lyrics, to get his thoughts on how the show has changed over the years, his most memorable experiences from traveling with the show, and more. Read on to get a glimpse at how an art show is built from the ground up.
Tell us a little about your professional background and experience in events.
I have an extensive background in events and event management. I had been doing music events across the country for quite some time before I met with the guys at Jack Honey Art, Beats & Lyrics.
How did you first become involved with Jack Honey Art, Beats & Lyrics?
I was on a tour and I was approached by a guy that had been watching me work. He asked me to come out to Atlanta to see what they were doing, which was setting up booth walls for Jack Honey Arts, Beats & Lyrics. At that time, I had no clue what it was. I flew to Atlanta and I liked the walls they were showing me, so I got in contact with Jabari and Dubelyoo and we went from there.
What’s it like building out a show of this scale and what changes have you experienced over the years?
It’s fun. I fly into town, we’ll go to the venue to see the room and the space that we’re dealing with. We get started pulling everything off the truck, putting things in the proper places where we’re going to build it. The show has grown and the artist levels have changed. It originally went from about four to five walls to about six to eight walls now.
Could you tell us about some of your most memorable experiences from putting the show together over the years?
The crowds, the people that come out, and the excitement that comes behind the show — it’s great. You love seeing people come out, taking pictures, enjoying Jack Honey, it’s just something to behold. People know about the show way before we get there, and once we’re there, the lines are around the corner.
What are the major differences between Jack Honey Art, Beats & Lyrics and other shows you’ve been a part of?
“I never worked a show like Jack Honey Art, Beats & Lyrics.
I’ve never seen that combination put together — the art along with the staging. And it’s not just any art, it’s great art. They’re great artists that put everything together and it’s a different look. It’s for everybody and not just one dynamic of people.”
What are the most challenging aspects of what you do in your role?
Timing — I always put pressure on myself to get the show up a couple of hours before we open the doors. Sometimes we run behind, but we always make the showtime. Putting up lighting and getting everything to run and flow so it doesn’t take away from the people that are coming out. I want everything to look clean and crisp. I want people to be able to see the art.
What’s been the most rewarding part?
Honestly, just being a part of it. Because it feels great to be a part of something like this. That’s one show I definitely tell people I’m a part of. Just seeing people come out and enjoy themselves.