Celebrating 90 years of history in 2020
“Let Me Entertain You!” This classic show tune from one of the mid-20th century’s ultimate stage musicals could easily have served as the original theme song for Klein’s Entertainment as well. But, by the time the classic musical hit the stage, Klein’s Attractions (as it was known at the time) had already been in business for more than 20 years and had built a business not solely on entertainment but on honesty, integrity and plain old hard work.
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Just months after the Great Depression began with the Wall Street Crash of October 1929, Ohio couple Carl and Margaret Klein set out to bring a little joy to those who had lost so much. And from their efforts, Klein’s Attractions was born in 1930. Throughout a decade that witnessed the Great Depression; the Prohibition Era, entertainment phenomena Gone with the Wind and the War of the Worlds; and the erection of the Empire State Building, the Klein’s kept people smiling as they brought revues featuring variety acts, clowns, magicians and acrobats to venues throughout the East and Midwest. And, as notoriety grew for their company and for the entertainers they represented, “name” acts quickly became part of their business as well.
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Carl Klein Circa 1948
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For more than 22 years, Carl and Margaret along with their children grew their business together until Carl’s death in 1952. At that time, Margaret and her daughter Peggy encouraged Peggy’s husband Bob to join her in running Klein’s Attractions.
So, in 1952, Margaret Klein, Peggy (Klein) Kaltenbach and Bob Kaltenbach joined forces to begin a new era of bringing entertainment to the masses. The trio was successful in furthering Carl and Margaret’s original vision with steady growth in volume of business, variety of clientele and the types of artists represented. As well, in 1965 they became the producers and owners of Circus Continental producing circuses in tents, buildings and open-air settings such as fairground grandstands. Klein’s Attractions became one of the first booking agencies in the industry to purchase its own sound, lighting and staging equipment giving it the capacity to offer a total entertainment package including all production under one contractual agreement.
So, in 1952, Margaret Klein, Peggy (Klein) Kaltenbach and Bob Kaltenbach joined forces to begin a new era of bringing entertainment to the masses. The trio was successful in furthering Carl and Margaret’s original vision with steady growth in volume of business, variety of clientele and the types of artists represented. As well, in 1965 they became the producers and owners of Circus Continental producing circuses in tents, buildings and open-air settings such as fairground grandstands. Klein’s Attractions became one of the first booking agencies in the industry to purchase its own sound, lighting and staging equipment giving it the capacity to offer a total entertainment package including all production under one contractual agreement.
RJ Kaltenbach Circa 1976
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Nine decades after the inception of Klein’s Attractions and an official name change to Klein’s Entertainment, LLC., business is still booming and it’s still kept all in the family. Just as Carl and Margaret passed their love of the business on to Peggy and Bob, Peggy and Bob passed it on to their son RJ and his wife Patty. RJ now serves as the company’s president. And don’t forget the 4th generation of family members who have been learning the ropes of event management and production since the day they were born. “I am thrilled to have my kids following in the family footsteps and doing a great job”, says RJ.
Klein's Entertainment has produced shows of all types for all types of clients. And, even after 90 years in business, each day still brings new challenges and opportunities. |
From producing and promoting concerts and major events throughout the United States like rodeos, automobile stunt shows and circuses to contracting with comedians, actors and major artists from every musical genre, the organization has seen it all. One major event represented by Klein’s Entertainment was FarmFest – the definitive tribute to America’s agricultural industry – which reached attendance figures for one performance of 187,856. At this event, Klein's Entertainment was also selected to present to the American public a nationally televised appearance of the United States’ presidential candidates and their running mates. All in a day’s work!
Klein’s Entertainment remains dedicated to preserving the values that have been the foundation of Klein’s since it’s inception in 1930 Through the years, Klein’s has gained its outstanding reputation – those fundamentals of honesty, integrity and theatrical knowledge.
Official accolades have come to the company many times throughout its history. Company president RJ Kaltenbach was honored in 2012 (and in 2006) with a nomination by the Academy of Country Music’s ACM Awards, for the prestigious “ACM Talent Buyer of the Year Award.” RJ was also nominated in 2013 & 2014 by the International Entertainment Buyers Association, (I.E.B.A.) for their “Fair Buyer of the Year” award. While he is grateful for these and other nominations and awards, R.J. maintains that what really means the most is the number of clients across North America who continue their long-term relationships with Klein’s Entertainment – some having worked with the organization for a span of more than 65 consecutive years.
In 2014, Klein's Entertainment was again honored when Bob and Peggy Kaltenbach were inducted into the I.E.B.A. Hall of Fame along with legendary manager and impresario Jim Halsey and legendary rock group The Doobie Brothers.
While the “family” of Klein’s Entertainment has grown to include many outside the official bloodline, their way of business hasn’t changed. They continue to set the industry standard in talent buying and show production while offering their clients value, service and integrity in every contract they write.
Official accolades have come to the company many times throughout its history. Company president RJ Kaltenbach was honored in 2012 (and in 2006) with a nomination by the Academy of Country Music’s ACM Awards, for the prestigious “ACM Talent Buyer of the Year Award.” RJ was also nominated in 2013 & 2014 by the International Entertainment Buyers Association, (I.E.B.A.) for their “Fair Buyer of the Year” award. While he is grateful for these and other nominations and awards, R.J. maintains that what really means the most is the number of clients across North America who continue their long-term relationships with Klein’s Entertainment – some having worked with the organization for a span of more than 65 consecutive years.
In 2014, Klein's Entertainment was again honored when Bob and Peggy Kaltenbach were inducted into the I.E.B.A. Hall of Fame along with legendary manager and impresario Jim Halsey and legendary rock group The Doobie Brothers.
While the “family” of Klein’s Entertainment has grown to include many outside the official bloodline, their way of business hasn’t changed. They continue to set the industry standard in talent buying and show production while offering their clients value, service and integrity in every contract they write.