The College Circuit
The National Association of Campus Activities (NACA)
By Michael Angelo Caruso

Eager to avoid being trapped in the local bar circuit in 1979 and 1980, the Caruso band started to look for other ways to score gigs. We liked the appeal of playing the college market and investigated an organization called NECAA(?), which later became the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA). Our music attorney, Mike Novak, may have given us the idea.
Joe and I were handling business matters for the band at that time and I think we attended NACA's Regional Conference to see what it was all about. In the early years, we attended the conference and manned a booth in an exhibit hall. The Caruso booth contained looped video of the band, also looping audio with multiple headsets, albums & cassettes, posters, promo, banner, and our smiling faces. A band that showcased, of course, had an edge over these two-dimensional displays in the exhibit hall.

Mike Love toured the exhibit hall while we were exhibiting there.  We got our pictures taken with MTV VJ Kevin Seal, entertainer Ben Vereen, and comedian Emo Phillips.  We showcased with up-and-coming acts like Paula Poundstone, Richard Marx and The Amazing Jonathon.


The Caruso booth at NACA
Joe Caruso, Arnie Neuman, Kevin Seal, Mike Caruso, Rob Caruso Joe Caruso and Ben Vereen Joe Caruso, Emo Phillips, Mike Caruso

After the Carusos established a reputation on the circuit, we only attended regional conferences that selected us to showcase.  We showcased at a few of NACA's national conferences, including one held in Dallas and one at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. NACA introduced us to dozens of  colleges and universities, which led to some radio play, newspaper interviews and in general,  fattened our resume. Eventually we toured thirty states, as far south as Florida and Texas and as far east as New York City.

Whether we actually showcased or merely exhibited, strong Interest forms were submitted by schools that were interested in booking the band. These forms were used to show the other schools that a "block booking" was possible. A block booking was good for all concerned because the schools were assured a discounted performance fee and the band could count on multiple engagements during a single trip, which can amount to better routing and less driving.

Dave Caruso: "Often we supplemented our NACA trips by working at other schools or lounges in the same area."
 

In 1985, Caruso was nominated for NACA's Entertainers of the Year Award.  Then, in 1986 and 1987, they were nominated for two consecutive Contemporary Music Awards.  Past nominees for this award include The Police, Journey, and Huey Lewis & the News.  In 1987, Caruso's competition for this award were The Bangles and The Del Fuegos.  In 1986, they received recognition as a 5-year member of NACA.

  

March 25, 1986

Congratulations on your nomination for the 1985 Campus Entertainment Awards!  It is my pleasure to send you the enclosed Campus Entertainment Award certificate in recognition of your nomination.  Your nomination reflects the respect that colleges and universities have for your talents.  We wish you continued success in your career.

Colleen Hennessy
NACA Campus Entertainment Awards Committee Chair