Sunday, November 9, 2008
Dallas reunion draws thousands to Parker’s Southfork Ranch
On the grounds of Southfork Ranch yesterday (Sat., Nov. 8), thousands gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the airing of the TV show, Dallas.
Apparently folks flew in from all over the world to commemorate the show and rub elbows with celebrities in attendance, including original stars of the show Ken Kercheval, Steve Kanaly, Susan Howard, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, Charlene Tilton, Audren Landers, Mary Crosby and - of course - Larry Hagman, who played J.R. Ewing.
Time for the networks to consider a new show based in/on North Texas and North Texans, I reckon. I'm advocating for Duncanville.
posted by JM
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In case you have not heard, the Dallas Reunion TV Show event was a scam and a bust last night!! People paid $500, or $1,000 a seat and did not get crap, no live concert by Billy Joe Shaver, no "Ewing BBQ" to eat for dinner, no rubbing elbows with the stars, and no front row seat either! They were treated and shouted at, with disrespect after 10:00pm, to get out of the Ewing House and go home. What a bunch of nonsense. I know a couple of the TV show cast members, they were also VERY MAD about the contract they had to sign, at the last minute, in a garage, and were paid pennies on the dollar for attending. The public got conned and the celebrities also got conned. Who scammed and conned everyone and now reaps the profit from last night, I wanna talk to them about a lawsuit!!! :(
Russ Vandeveerdonk Verified
1 year ago
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<p>Wow, Russ, it sounds like you had a horrible experience. Could you perhaps get one of the cast members you're acquainted with to comment on the record?</p>
<p>Anybody else amongst our readership with a similar story to tell?</p>
John Meyer Staff
1 year ago
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John, hate to say it, but www.dallasnews.com site has many fresh complaints coming in right now, see thier comments on the story. I was not alone! Ken Kercheval was very unhappy. I'll see if I can get a comment, BUT they are flying out right now back to thier homes.
Russ Vandeveerdonk Verified
1 year ago
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<p>Russ, sure looks like you're right, judging by what I'm reading <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/110908dnmetdallas.3958416.html">here</a>. (Scroll down to comments at bottom of story.)</p>
<p>NOTE: I think you have to be logged in as a DMN user to see the comments (just in case anyone's having trouble with them.)</p>
John Meyer Staff
1 year ago
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Paid our $2000 for everything advertised, just like everyone else and received the following,,
No reserved seating in vip, they threw out reserved tables at 3:30 pm and it was grab your own seat.
No cocktail hour with the celebs, they were in the garage resigning paperwork when everyone arrived at 3:00 pm.
No mingling with the stars or personal photos..
Ran out of food...
Bartenders were very rude regarding the free drink slips with the tickets..
Sat next to Mayor of Parker, and overheard him saying he had seen the stars signing paperwork in the garage. He also hoped the complete scheduling mess would not reflect poorly on the city of Parker.
Manager of Southfork was hoping the word would get out they were involved only in the catering and etc. He had a great fear this would affect their future business with scheduling events at Southfork.
Also heard this young promoter was the son of Larry Hagmans driver during the actual filming of the series.
It was a very sad mess, to what could have been an incredibly wonderful experience.
Truly most tried to have a great time despite all of the above.
rjdallas Anonymous
1 year ago
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Wait.. 2000 dollars? Was that for 100 tickets??
Clay213 Anonymous
1 year ago
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It was a bomb, a waste of money and time for the stars AND the fans. Someone, the promoter, "Hardison" or something I think is his name, needs to be held accountable. Charges should be filed, it was a crooked scam, period. No excuses! It was knowingly oversold, just like what that former preacher Jim Baker did years ago on Gloryland, he oversold and ran with the cash, later he served prison time. If you were to sell false or worthless stocks you would be indicted AND at $2000 bucks for some Dallas Reunion tickets, there should be an investigation. It damaged the City of Dallas' reputation, the city of Parker and Southfork Ranch as well. And it pissed-off those old stars from the tv show. They won't ever come back to Dallas for any promo's. That hurts our city worldwide, the show still is VERY popular even now, all over the world. Let's sue! Who is in? Someone needs to be held accountable.
Russ Vandeveerdonk Verified
1 year ago
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Yo RussJFK,
I'm not even a fan of the show, watched my first 3 episodes ever that morning before heading over with my girlfriend who is a fan. But I cannot let you blatantly lie on this message board without posting some facts:
You say no concert from Billy Joe Shaver? It started up after the cast left, around 1030pm.
You say no Ewing BBQ? What do you call all that meat, beans, potato salad, and dessert they had for us?
Tickets were $100 - $1000, not $500 - $1000 that you claim.
I'll actually agree with you, that young male employee did loudly announce to leave the house around 10pm. That part definitely could have been handled better. But shouting? C'mon. I'm sorry if your feelings were hurt, but get over it. Why don't you mention how nice the female workers were in the house and how they graciously took the picture of anyone who asked.
The food was indeed poorly managed, and there should have been a more constant supply ready to replace the food when it ran out. But the bars were stationed well around the house. Those lines were always short, and the bartenders very polite and professional.
Overall, I had a great time from an unintentional comedy standpoint, watching all the Dallas fans was like being at a Trekie Convention.
The whole event could have and should have been planned MUCH better, but I enjoyed myself, and think the event bashers like yourself should take a deep breath and relax. Life goes on...
SA66 Anonymous
1 year ago
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SA66--I am over it now, thanks for your input, guess I have too much free time on my hands. I still think it was over-sold and over-promised. Billy Joe never played, it turned into Asleep at the Wheel playing. Anyway, I have been swamped with other new issues as of noon today. By the way go to www.shakeout.org and at 10:00am Thursday earthquake event in LA. Huge event, check it out!
Russ Vandeveerdonk Verified
1 year ago
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To SA66 and all. That was two tickets for $1000 a pop in the VIP section, including cocktails & photo op with the stars inside the mansion from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM & Reserved seats in Section A! Everyone is & was entitled to what we paid for! Like I said, we all tried to make the best of the day, but it certainly does not make Southfork, the city of Parker or the state of Texas look any better, especially for those flying in from London having paid for reserved seats and finding no seats available in the VIP Section. We're all big boys and girls and have been there before. A Dallas fan would really like to think for the VIP money, you would get an autograph and a personal picture with each star. However, it always ends up, be careful of promoters, they can hurt a lot of people, places and images. The event was not oversold, the promoter was in over his head, plain and simple. I was also told that Hardison was to blame for the mess! The stars did a great job of making everyone as happy as possible. I guess that's the main point to remember.
We move on remembering the great weather, new acquaintances and the once in a lifetime experience.
rjdallas Anonymous
1 year ago
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I heard from a waiter friend that worked the event that the reporter from Entertainment Tonight was almost arrested because that Jason Hardison promoter guy got mad because the reporter said the event was unorganized and that Jason broke promises to the show and fans. So Jason cancelled their interviews with the cast members without telling the cast. And when the Ford Motor PR guy tried to intervene, he was almost arrested and was also removed from Southfork.
MeganWash818 Anonymous
1 year ago
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Sounds like the city of Parker, Dallas fans, etc..all got "JR'd"...
Travis Bush Verified
1 year ago
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I'm pretty sure I attended and was this disappointed, I'd find a way to help myself to a few expensive souvenirs.
Or at least break something expensive.
Pavel Lishin Verified
1 year ago
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Jason Hardison, cell #972-832-7044, the promoter and crook of this event is hiding at the Hotel Crescent Court in his suite counting his cash right now. His office is in Austin, Texas and is in a one bedroom apartment. We all got screwed, but he WAS a friend of Larry Hagman, JR so, oh well!!
Russ Vandeveerdonk Verified
1 year ago
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Well, you got his telephone number..plenty of autodialer mischief to be had there..
Travis Bush Verified
1 year ago
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Maybe Peg News can do a follow up with these monkeys..
Jason Hardison, President 972.832.7044 jason@austinmediagroup.com
Logan Lockett, Chief of Operations 512.589.5643 logan@austinmediagroup.com
Paul Salfen, Media Relations (removed by staff) paul@austinmediagroup.com
Travis Bush Verified
1 year ago
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They office out of a 1 bedroom, dumpy apartment, I am sure they will move on. Jason is in room 402 or 502 at the expensive Crescent Hotel right now. Just makes me mad!
Russ Vandeveerdonk Verified
1 year ago
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Jet Rink and J.R And maybe..J.F.K, The mean bastard of a TexRoman God who has the spunk and Hillbilly in him to be what Texas is and to became after 1836, even Sam Houston was a bit shy of this behavior, and so was Travis and Bowie, while in the modern age we should realize the content of Texana that has survived, And we know who he is ...Larry H.....of Bewitched and a dozen other T,V. events to become this..,a World icon For Dallas Texas..good luck to the lights and camera men and makeup artist who work with the script writers of the old Gunsmoke, by Katsman, who made Dallas the Icon it is today... add a little WolfGang Puck, it's J.R for the 21st Century...A.T,..reformed T.V Addict of the 20th Century
alexander troup Verified
1 year ago
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Still another unlikely post on my checkered resume is that, during the 1980s, I dressed the 'Dallas' TV series females when they were in Dallas (each summer oddly enough) shooting on location. I made a ton of moolah doing it at a time when the savings and loan debacle (Dallas was the epicenter), real estate prices tumbled to all-time lows and oil plumetted from $41 a barrel to $14. A guy's gotta find a way to make a buck when bucking the odds in a lousy economy. 'Dallas' made me a fiscal bucking bronco.
PS: I got the gig by calling them and lying that I had dressed other movies. I had not. But after 'Dallas' I certainly did, including 'RoboCop'. Sue me.
Rawlins Gilliland Verified
1 year ago
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Rawlins, that is the kind of stuff we need to hear, that makes Dallas real, sometimes a time card and a photo shot, until then make it real Dallas, A.T., is Dallas real.
alexander troup Verified
1 year ago
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Hey, Russ: do your own dirty work. Some of us can't afford to trespass and damage hotel rooms anymore.
Pavel Lishin Verified
1 year ago
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Ask Larry Hagman he dosent get drunk anymore...A.T.. Probation office for T.V Stars.
alexander troup Verified
1 year ago
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<p>I contacted Paul Salfen by email, who is (incorrectly) identified in an above comment as having something to do with Austin Media Group, and - by association - the whole Dallas reunion mess:</p>
<p>"Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I've been getting calls today about this and, to clarify, I am not and have never been a part of Austin Media Group. I do know Jason and have helped him with some projects with Larry Hagman, but I am lost as to why my name and cell number are listed on his website with a job title and e-mail address that I've never had. I am trying to get it removed as we speak. I can't reach Jason right now as his phone is off and his voicemail is full, so if you could pass this information on to your readers, I'd certainly appreciate it.</p>
<p>"P.S. I had nothing to do with the organization of the Dallas Reunion, so I can't really comment on that, but I hope that there is some kind of resolution."</p>
John Meyer Staff
1 year ago
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Maybe they should have gotten that Nastia girl to do some backflips. It's not like she'd have to stay in the lines or anything.
IF YOU SPENT 2K ON THIS THING, SUE YOURSELF
DC Anonymous
1 year ago
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John..you can take that post away if you would like. Wouldn't want to name and shame anyone who wasn't involved. The info was indeed info I got from his website, which should of set off some alarms, but I am guessing that no one checked out any of his credentials before signing on. Looks like quite a few people are getting played by this guy..
Travis Bush Verified
1 year ago
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The "First 48" hours have passed since the event at Southfork. Start the chase for him? Don't bother, event promoter Jason is gone now, checked out of the expensive Crescent Hotel, his phone number in the Austin offices is disconnected. He took the money and ran. I bet and hope he is on the way to Malibu, CA, to face Larry and Maj Hagman, and to explain, why he used thier good name and celebrity status to do this thing. Then maybe, JR himself and the rest of us just might be saying, "Who shot Jason Hardison!?".
Russ Vandeveerdonk Verified
1 year ago
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No sweat, Travis. As you say, his name was on the site. I know Paul - so I suspected there was no way he'd have had time to mess with promotion for something like this.
John Meyer Staff
1 year ago
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While Larry Hagman looks the JR he has become on the rag here in town, he should off run for office..while the Reunion is somthing the Europeans will shell out lots of money to come and see, this is a bigger event then King Tut....over at Wolfgang Pucks...A.T,..Southfork Maintance crew.
alexander troup Verified
1 year ago
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AP did a <a href="http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/11/10/arts/NA-US-Dallas-Reunion.php">story</a> in which everyone blames everyone else.
still cannot believe 4,000 people showed up for this thing
Teresa Gubbins Staff
1 year ago
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TG, if reruns air before or after their "stories" - I believe it.
Scott Doyle Verified
1 year ago
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Just in case any of you are interested. Jason Hardison's company is listed on the website for music promotion on the Office of the Governor's webiste. Complaints can be filed here:
music@governor.state.tx.us
Travis Bush Verified
1 year ago
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Oops! Forgot the rest..
Texas Music Office P.O. Box 13246, Austin, Texas 78711 Phone: (512) 463-6666 Fax: (512) 463-4114
Travis Bush Verified
1 year ago
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<p>Well, much as I hate to keep on whaling away at this gasping equine, Paul now informs me that both he and Logan (the other guy who was listed as being involved with Austin Media Group) have had their info legally removed from Hardison's site.</p>
<p>BUT both he and Logan are still receiving angry calls on their cell phones - which they hope will soon stop.</p>
<p>So please stop calling 'em.</p>
John Meyer Staff
1 year ago
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Did JR Ewing get a nose ring....A.T,..h.2.0
alexander troup Verified
1 year ago
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Note to self: People willing to pay hundreds, if not thousands, for the reunion of a show that's been off the air for 17 years will become an angry mob if there's any kind of hitch.
Scott Doyle Verified
1 year ago
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That is why I said Larry Hagman has to have a nose ring. A.T, Makeup artist.
alexander troup Verified
1 year ago
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We've removed Paul's phone number from the thread. Thanks for your diligence, Travis!
David Gouldin Staff
1 year ago
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heh..just for sh*ts and giggles I contacted the email I listed above for the Governors Office of Music and let them know about the Southfork debacle. The person who mailed back said they would also be alerting the Film Commission and it looks like they removed AMG from their music production company list..They still have him listed as a "freelance journalist", but some small slap up side his head anyways.
Travis Bush Verified
1 year ago
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Team work for J.R....loyality and the T. V... fan..A.T.....
alexander troup Verified
1 year ago
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Jason was rude and apparently liked to yell and push people around. If you didn't like what he was saying, you were threatened with arrest, period. Never in all my years in the media have I seen this type of behavior at an event!
Please sue him, your media friends would be grateful. One of our own was escorted out by the police and lost the opportunity to do an interview with the cast. Jason himself should have been arrested for assault.
Southfork was in no way responsible for any of this mess. I feel sorry for them. There's a lot of fence mending to do for them. Hopefully Southfork has lawsuits pending!
Good luck to all ticket holders....it would be a miracle if you receive any money back. If you can find Jason, sue him.
teakettle Anonymous
1 year ago
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I don't think I've ever seen an episode of Dallas, but I'm relatively sure peeps who follow it would sooner kick someone's ass than sue them.
If not, may Satan have mercy on your souls.
Scott Doyle Verified
1 year ago
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teakettle-I WAS chasing Jason Hardison down, see earlier posts above, but now it is Thursday. Time to move on. God is watching, he will get his. However, we could still sue. I respect the media, sorry you guys were treated like crapola!
Russ Vandeveerdonk Verified
1 year ago
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RussJFK
Oh trust me, I have moved on. At least I get paid to stand out there and get treated like crapola! A friend in the business informed me of this website yesterday, so I thought I would post a comment on it, that's all. Just wanted to let Dallas fans know they were not the only ones getting the run around.
teakettle Anonymous
1 year ago
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teakettle, i like your "handle"
Teresa Gubbins Staff
1 year ago
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teakettle-This website IS good, good and quick for Dallas information and is updated as needed. A true player in the DFW news market, in my opinion. Funny Gubbins and clever!
Russ Vandeveerdonk Verified
1 year ago
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Clever, or erotic?
Guess it can be both.
Scott Doyle Verified
1 year ago
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I try to stick to the story, despite the many years this program came up, why.....DALLAS was J.F.K..problem's in the 60's,.. while the J.F.K is comming up again, then I met people who would promote and work on the program, then I had some client's in Europe who had me do this historical search and they would ask me about J.R, and now we have the big one after so many years....while the story of the now should be realized, is the myth, T.V recall, Reality Film respersenting the Dallas of today, and I try to stick to the story.....A.T. Pop Culture Historian.
alexander troup Verified
1 year ago
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Lots of interesting followup here:
http://www.soapchat.burtonhosting.com...
Mike Orren Staff
1 year ago
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And it has been a good story, but need more on j.r of 2008, until then A.T.
alexander troup Verified
1 year ago
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Yo, "alexander troup", seek help, Dude. Your posts are incoherent. (And not in an e.e. cummings sort of way...)
El_Huevon Anonymous
1 year ago
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El Huevon...don't be hating on da Troupe. We like our local historians to be mad crazy...and when I say mad crazy I mean like the Dallas County Commissioner's Court or DISD financial statements. ¿Entiendes Mendez?
Travis Bush Verified
1 year ago
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