"Justin Locke . . . borders on genius I think." -- Mary Richardson, WCVB-TV, Boston

If you are an event planner, here are two unique programs for you to consider for your attendees (view one sheet here):

1) Principles of Applied Stupidity: Most people presume that intelligence is always good, and stupidity is always bad. There are literally hundreds of thousands of books telling you how to be smarter, how to think faster, and how to avoid failure.

Sure, there's a lot to be said for intelligence, but that's only half of the story. After all, admitting to ignorance is key to learning new things. Slow thinking is generally more accurate. Occasional failures are an inevitable part of any meaningful endeavor. Four of the five richest people in America are college dropouts. And, as Justin is fond of saying, he was hired to play with the Boston Pops at age 20 because he was "too dumb to know it was impossible." (This illustrates Principle #6: Ignorance of Difficulty = Optimism).

The word "stupidity" comes from the Latin word "stupidus," meaning "to be astonished," and you may very well be astonished at what the Principles of Applied Stupidity can do for you. Buy the book here (not sold in stores).

Principles of Applied Stupidity was the focus of an entire episode of Chronicle HD, WCVB-TV's Popular New England magazine show. View excerpts from the broadcast

2) Real Men Don't Rehearse: Taken from Justin's popular book of the same title, these tales of concert meltdowns, cannon mishaps, and wild backstage goings-on at Boston Pops concerts will have your audience rolling on the floor laughing. Perfect for music industry meetings, for any group (such as symphony donors) with an interest in music, also for events needing a distinctive "Boston flair." Or perhaps you just need a comedy routine with a touch of class. If you can't manage to book the Boston Pops for your event, this is the next best thing. View sample videos | recent appearances.

All programs are tailored for each audience and event.

"Read the book, then book the speaker! Justin Locke’s hilarious presentation made me look like a marketing genius. Shared laughter has to be one of the best ways to promote communication and goodwill among your association’s membership. Just one word of caution when scheduling Justin - he’s a hard act to follow!" -- Madeleine Crouch, Executive Director, Retail Print Music Dealers Association

Bio:

Justin Locke grew up on a farm in Ohio, and, despite the supposed disadvantage of being largely self-taught, at age 20 he began the first of 18 seasons of playing the double bass with the Boston Pops. He worked with many of the greatest conductors of our time, including Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Fiedler, Henry Mancini, and John Williams. He is no stranger to the limelight; the thousands of concerts he played include the 1976 Bicentennial Concert with Arthur Fiedler, which is in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the largest audience ever at a classical music concert.

Justin Locke is now an author. Along with “Real Men Don’t Rehearse,” a humorous memoir of his playing days with the Pops, he also wrote “Peter VS the Wolf” and "The Phantom of the Orchestra." These musical plays for family concerts have been performed for hundreds of thousands of children on four continents, in six languages. His latest book, “Principles of Applied Stupidity,” is a most unique approach to management, leadership, and innovation. Justin still keeps his hand in the music biz here and there; he has been a “score reader” for live television broadcasts of the Boston Pops, and he was the creator and manager of the Bose Philharmonic, one of the most widely heard orchestras in the world. He speaks, blogs, and consults extensively about applying performance techniques to other fields.

Having worked “in the trenches” of the bass sections of major orchestras, as well as being the only person who exports family concert programming around the globe, Justin brings a refreshingly down to earth, and often laugh-out-loud, look at the world of professional performance, and how the culture and lessons of that world can be used in your life and your organization.

“Justin, our attendees’ evaluation of your presentation was the highest of all the speakers for the two days. In fact you received the same score as the celebration we had the night before with open bar, shrimp, etc.! People are still talking about you.” – Ron Ponte, Director, Partners Healthcare / Newton-Wellesley Hospital Leadership Institute

"I would highly recommend Justin's lectures . . . a very entertaining and comedic insight into the world of classical music!" -- Ellen Silverman, Chief Concierge/Event Manager, Marriott's Custom House, Boston

To book Mr. Locke as your next guest speaker, or just to chat about possibilities, please call 781 577 0169, or justinlocke@juno.com

Publications:

REAL MEN DON'T REHEARSE is a humorous book about the world of professional orchestras. It was featured on WCVB's Chronicle, the Paul Sullivan Show on CBS Radio, and on Greater Boston on WGBH with Emily Rooney, also in The International Musician, American Harp Journal, Strings Magazine, Classical Music Magazine, and Stringendo Magazine in Australia.

Mr. Locke's newest book, Principles of Applied Stupidity, is an intriguing and amusing look at some unorthodox yet highly effective management techniques that no one ever talks about, at least not until now.

Mr. Locke's Peter VS the Wolf and The Phantom of the Orchestra have been performed on four continents and two island nations, and have been translated into German, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, and Chinese.

See all videos from justin Locke, including the infamous Real men Don't Rehearse promos!

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