The School Tour is a promotional tour in based in Los Angeles that takes independent and new artists to high schools, middle schools, county fairs, parades, convention centers, nightclubs and other special events to perform in front of large audiences. The tour has welcomed Pop, Rock, R&B, Rap artists and groups. Dancers and dance crews are also featured on the tour on a regular basis.

The School Tour started in 2004. Since then, participating acts have performed in front of over 200,000 students and supporting audience.

Check out where we’ve been:

• Nikki Diaz opened up for Keyshia Cole at the Kodak Theatre
• Lil Scooter performed with Chris Brown in a 52 city tour
• Pocdawone was featured in Die Hard 4
• Trueful’s song, “Wherever” reached (13) on Billboard R&B Sales Charts
• Brandon Kane and Destenee won the Las Vegas Music Awards
• Big Meech aka Meech was recently signed to Epic Records
• Simone just finished “That Asian Tour” with Will-I-Am
• Young B will be featured in an coming feature film with
  Jack Black & Mos Def

Randy Hankins founded The School Tour to give students in the Los Angeles Unified School District an opportunity to enjoy quality positive entertainment at school. The tour encourages the students to learn about the arts and reminds them to stay in school. For the artist, The School Tour has become an important outlet for them to gain exposure and build a loyal fan base in the second largest music market in the United States. Randy is also the entertainment coordinate for the Watt Summerfest and Black Business Expo. Executives and staff supporting Randy are also music industry veterans, who understand the business and can assist the artist in reaching their goals. Randy also hosts “Da Radio Show” on KBLA 1580 AM. The show gives independent artists an opportunity to be heard throughout Los Angeles. In addition to the radio show and The School Tour, Randy promotes the R&B Group, Surface. Surface is internationally known for their classic hits, “Shower Me With Your Love” and “Happy”.

Head of Promotions
Chris Roker is music industry veteran. Over the years he has held various executive level positions at major and independent record labels. This includes West Coast VP of Promotions for Russell Simmons Music Group (Los Angeles), Head of Promotions for Avatar Records (EMI Distribution) and National Director of Urban and NAC for Sin-Drome Music Force. He is also the co-founder of Spin Doctors Promo Group, a independent promotions and management company who client list includes Rawkus Records, VP Records, Universal Records, Def Jam and Virgin Records to name a few. Mr. Roker, while at Sin -Drome Music Force, created a cross between Rap and R&B Smooth Jazz. He was responsible for Bobby Caldwell being sampled over 100 times by artists such as Notorious B.I.G. 2Pac, Master P. and Common just to name a few.

Marketing and Promotions
Rankin Ruff was one of the key contacts for managers, producers and record labels in the 1990’s for live performances at high capacity Southern California nightclubs. Ruff promoted nightclubs and worked with new artists and groups to get them featured in front of industry executives and potential fans. As an artist/songwriter, Ruff writes uplifting songs that promote peace and unity. He recently managed the design of The School Tour Web site and will be guiding the team in the all areas of marketing and promotions.

Event Coordinator
Working in the Entertainment industry for over 15 years Noemi has developed a keen eye for talent and strong relationships with powerplayers. Presently head of Kestebray Entertainment, LLP a Multimedia Company entailing a Record Label, Film and TV Production divison, a Marketing and Promotions arm, an Artist Management firm as well as a Publishing company, Noemi is becoming the go to for both major and independent entertainment needs. Over the past two yeras she has worked with Randy Hankins in making some events possible as well as spreading The School Tour wings.

How do I qualify to be on The School Tour

Are you an inspiring artist or entertainer who wants to build a fan base? Los Angeles in the second largest radio market, and we can help you reach your fans and gain airplay. The School Tour is a community program that promotes music and the arts, we are excited to work with entertainers who have a positive message for the students.

How many events are offered each year?

The School Tour offered approximately 100 events in 2007 and plans to meet or beat the number of shows in 2008. The number of shows also depends on the number of participants at any given time.

How many people will I reach per show?

The number of students or guests in attendance varies. School auditorium shows averages 1,000 students, while outside shows range from 350 to 2,000 students.

Can I select my schools?

The School Tour has established relationships with numerous schools throughout Los Angeles. The list is getting longer every week, and we will be glad to work with you to select schools that match your target audience.

How do you match schools with my type of music or entertainment?

The School Tour visits approximately 100 schools and events each year and knows our audience. Although each student has his or her own preference in music and dance, we can find schools that bring you the highest potential fans.

Can we sell merchandise at the events?

Due to tight school schedule, we offer our artists and artist sponsor the opportunity to place promotional materials or samples in goodies bags. The “goodie bags” will be distributed to those in attendance.

Have there been many success stories associated with the tour?

The School Tour has benefited many entertainers prior to the success and following their success. Those who perform gain performance experience, while building a loyal fan base. The fans will be encouraged to support the entertainer during the course of the career by making radio station requests and word-of-mouth promotions.

How do I get started?

In order to get started, please contact your School Tour representative. He or she will be your guide and help you customize a package that matches your goals within your budget. Although The School Tour offers direct personal exposure at an affordable rate, a sponsor or financial supporter is recommended.