Shane Evans named musical guest at Vegas auction

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Shane Evans will serve as the musical guest of MidAmerica Auction's 22nd Annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction and Races on Jan. 10-12, 2013

MidAmerica rocks Vegas with motorcycle auction, races and celebrities

Extravaganza features Steve McQueen’s widow and platinum artist Shane Evans

The wheels are in motion and the music is cued up for MidAmerica Auctions’ 22nd Annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction and Races on Jan. 10-12, 2013, at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev.

More than 600 antique and classic motorcycles will be up for auction. Kicking off the event, Shane Evans, former drummer of the platinum selling rock group Collective Soul, will serve as the musical guest at the Jan. 10 Children’s Hospital Benefit Dinner Auction featuring 75 premium motorcycles. Evans will sign CDs, photos and memorabilia as well as greet fans throughout the weekend. As a co-founding member of Collective Soul, Evans drummed on seven No. 1 radio hits (“Shine”, “The World I Know”, “Heavy”), 19 Top 40 singles, and sold more than 10 million albums worldwide. It will be his first public appearance in seven years.

“I’m looking forward to playing music again for a cool crowd in a fun city,” said Evans from his Georgia residence. “I hope to visit with a lot of fans and let them know how much I have appreciated their support over the years.”

MidAmerica Auctions will be featuring several exciting private motorcycle collections available for auction, including three motorcycles owned by legendary actor and biking enthusiast, Steve McQueen. Serving as guest of honor is his wife, Barbara McQueen, who will share memories of her famous husband and sign copies of her 2012 book, “Steve McQueen: The Last Mile...Revisited.” Joining her will be McQueen biographer Marshall Terrill, who’ll also sign copies of his two books on ‘The King of Cool.’

“Steve loved collecting antique motorcycles and these were the types of bikes that were in our garage and hangar,” said Barbara McQueen. “He loved kicking back with a couple of brews with like-minded people, trying to talk somebody out of a bike or part. I find it humorous and a tad ironic that I am doing the same thing almost three decades later.”

The life and career of Steve McQueen is a classic example of the American dream made real: of a small town boy from a broken home triumphing over adversity to become one of the richest and most sought-after superstars in the world. McQueen lived every day as if it were his last, and by doing so he lived an extraordinary life, both on screen and off.

On display and for sale will be McQueen's 1941 Indian 741 military Scout, which comes with a 1976 photo of McQueen with the bike on the set of his movie “An Enemy Of The People” as well as a signed check with the power of attorney. Since then the rare bike has been featured in military parades, museum displays and mock warfare. A video of the motorcycle can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O-tnQl_OMI. Two other Steve McQueen motorcycles – a 1938 Triumph Speed Twin and a 1940 Indian Four Cylinder – are also on the auction block.

MidAmerica Auctions is also proud to announce the offering of the world renowned MV Agusta Collection. Formerly offered as a single lot, motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors will have the rare opportunity to obtain a piece of treasure from this prized collection as it will be offered as seventy-one individual lots. Other rare bikes that will be auctioned include: 1925 N.U.T. V-twin; 1936 Harley Davidson VLH-CHP; 1949 Vincent Rapide Custom; 1953 MV Augusta 125 Bialero Grand Prix; 1961 Cotton Continental; 1963 BSA Rocket Gold Star Spitfire Scrambler and a 1975 MV Augusta 750S.

Barbara McQueen and Shane Evans will be at the opening event dinner on Jan. 10 and available through Jan. 12 to sign autographs and greet fans. For information or questions, please contact MidAmerica Auctions at 651-633-9655 or by email at midauction@aol.com

Schedule of Events for 22nd Annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction:

· Thursday, Jan. 10, 5 p.m. Children’s Hospital Benefit Dinner Auction featuring guest of honor Barbara McQueen and musical entertainment Shane Evans; 6 to 10 p.m. auction of 75 premium vintage and collectible motorcycles.

· Friday, Jan. 11, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., auction of 300 vintage and collectible motorcycles; 7:30 p.m. Championship Indoor Short Track Series.

·Saturday, Jan. 12, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. auction of 225 vintage and collectible motorcycles; 7:30 p.m. Championship Indoor Short Track Series.

About MidAmerica Auctions
St. Paul-based MidAmerica Auctions is the world's largest seller of antique motorcycles and has sold more than 16,000 bikes since 1990. Their Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction has become a mecca for antique motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide and sets more world records for motorcycles than all other auctions companies combined. Please visit www.MidAmericaAuctions.com for more information.

Shane Evans back from the brink

Shane Evans breaks silence to discuss highs and lows with students

Shane Evans, the former drummer of Collective Soul and a member of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, is breaking a seven-year silence to warn teens about fame, the consequences of lifestyle choices, and his descent and eventual recovery from drug addiction.

Evans, 42, will address a group of students from Lumpkin County Middle School in Dahlonega on Friday, Nov. 30, 2012. Evans’ speech titled, “Rock, Recovery and Redemption” will touch upon the meteoric rise of Collective Soul, his departure from the group, his substance abuse problem and the long road to recovery.

“I've been clean and sober for three years and I'm finally at a point where I can discuss my triumphs and tragedies in public,” Evans said. “So if I am to tell my story, I want to tell it to someone who will listen and learn from my mistakes. I want this to really count.”

Almost two decades ago, Evans was riding high as the drummer for Collective Soul. The Stockbridge-based quintet shot to international fame with their 1994 release “Hints, Allegations and Things Left Unsaid”, and their mega-hit, “Shine.” In the span of seven years, they tallied a total seven #1 radio hits, 19 Top 40 singles, and sold more than 10 million albums and CDs worldwide. Evans says with fame came the spoils of success and lifestyle choices that almost killed him.

“It's nothing short of a miracle that I'm still alive. Drugs robbed me of almost everything including my family, friends, my home, and my dignity,” Evans said. “Through sobriety I've gained all of those things back and more. My life today is blessed and I want to share my experiences to help others.”

Evans said he was dismissed from the group in 2005 because of his excessive drug use. His mother's demise from complications of diabetes, the accidental death of a girlfriend and a pair of DUI arrests pushed him further into despair. Evans said he hit rock bottom while living on the run from police at a run-down motel in Loganville. He says he was two days away from being homeless when he finally made the decision to get clean and sober in August 2009. Weeks after his decision to get sober, Collective Soul was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and Evans was on hand to celebrate the honor.

“I still love all of the guys in Collective Soul because they are my brothers and we shared a lot of wonderful and life-changing experiences,” Evans said. “Me getting kicked out of the group was entirely my fault because of my addiction. It’s something I’ve finally come to terms with and must own up to in order to remain sober.”

After completing a yearlong recovery program at Waypoint Center in Dahlonega, Evans became a substance abuse counselor, helping others to overcome their addictions. This year he celebrated three years of sobriety and plays drums in the music choir at The Source Worship Center Church in Canton, Ga.

In January 2013 Evans will be the musical headline at the 22^nd annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction hosted by MidAmerica Auctions, and will be featured in Ken Mansfield’s “Rock and a Heart Place”, a book chronicling the spiritual journeys of 20 famous musicians from the rock era.

McQueen tops bill at Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction

MidAmerica Auctions, the world's largest seller of antique motorcycles, will host the 21st Annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction and Races Jan. 12-14, 2012, at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nev.

500 antique and classic motorcycles will be up for auction, including three motorcycles owned by legendary actor and biking enthusiast, Steve McQueen. Serving as guest of honor is his widow, Barbara McQueen, who will share memories of her famous husband and sign copies, "Steve McQueen: The Last Mile." Joining her will be McQueen biographer Marshall Terrill, who will sign copies of his 2010 book, "Steve McQueen: A Tribute to the King of Cool."

Barbara McQueen's photographs record a behind-the-scenes life of personal pleasures and enthusiasms. They include hitting the road in Steve's pickup trucks, visiting collectors' shows and swap-meets, driving 700 miles to view a rare World War I motorcycle, flying a vintage mail plane, and generally ducking out of Hollywood life. But when work did call, Barbara was also on hand to capture marvelous candid shots on the sets of McQueen's two last films, "Tom Horn" and "The Hunter."

The life and career of Steve McQueen is a classic example of the American dream made real: of a small town boy from a broken home triumphing over adversity to become one of the richest and most sought-after superstars in the world. McQueen lived every day as if it were his last, and by doing so he lived an extraordinary life, both on screen and off.

Barbara McQueen's "Steve McQueen: The Last Mile" tells the story of a simple love affair with life. Barbara, who had carved a very successful career for herself as a fashion model, met Steve McQueen in 1977. Together for less than four years, these rare and private photographs share Steve's rugged, blue-eyed features him in a relaxed and uninhibited setting, doing the things he loved. Barbara's photographs show a tough guy at peace but who retained an inner strength. In one particularly striking shot his hair is wild, his beard thick, and unkempt, and he is looking over his shoulder with a troubled vulnerability. Barbara catches him unaware perhaps in a deeply pensive mood.

MidAmerica Auctions have on display and for sale McQueen's Husqvarna, which he rode for the cover of the August 23, 1971 issue of Sports Illustrated as documented by factory and dealer bills of sale. Also available for auction will be two other Steve McQueen motorcycles – a 1938 Triumph Speed Twin and a 1940 Indian Four Cylinder. A 1970 Bell motorcycle helmet that was owned by McQueen will also be auctioned.

Barbara McQueen will be at the opening event dinner on Jan. 12 and available through Jan. 14 to sign books and greet fans. For information or questions, please contact MidAmerica Auctions at 651-633-9655 or by email at midauction@aol.com


Event Schedule for 21st Annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction:
•Thursday, Jan. 12, 5 p.m. Children’s Hospital Benefit Dinner Auction featuring Barbara McQueen as guest of honor; 6 p.m. auction; 6 to 10 p.m. auction of 75 premium vintage and collectible motorcycles.
•Friday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., auction of 200 vintage and collectible motorcycles; 7 p.m. Champion Indoor Short Flat Track Series.
•Saturday, Jan. 14, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. auction of 225 vintage and collectible motorcycles; 7:30 p.m. Championship Indoor Short Track Flat Track Series.

About MidAmerica Auctions
St. Paul-based MidAmerica Auctions is the world's largest seller of antique motorcycles and has sold more than 15,000 bikes since 1990. Their Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction has become a mecca for antique motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide and sets more world records for motorcycles than all other auctions companies combined. Please visit www.MidAmericaAuctions.com for more information.

Wayne Federman at Harrah's during All-Star Week

A look at Pistol Pete and more
Story Tools:

Kevin Hench / Special to FOXSports.com
Feb. 18, 2007

Hanging out at the free carbs media brunch at the MGM Grand on Sunday morning, I caught up with Wayne Federman, the world's foremost Pete Maravich biographer/comedian.

After a week of slaying 'em at Harrah's, Federman, co-author of Maravich, fielded questions about Vegas, All-Star weekend and his favorite NBA subject, Pistol Pete.

1. The big question surrounding this weekend's festivities is should the NBA make a permanent home in Las Vegas. What do you think?

I don't know if this is such a great idea. Every time a guy goes 3-for-17 you'll wonder if he's shaving points. They'll be surrounded by strippers, hookers, pimps, gamblers and gangsters — and that's just at the buffet line at Treasure Island — but the players will still have a dress code. No jeans! And now that they all have at least a semester of college under their belt, the NBA doesn't have to worry if they're mature enough to handle Vegas. I mean, how could a 19-year-old millionaire get into trouble here? Impossible.

If the NBA has a team in Vegas, the so-called "fifth quarter" will be extended to three overtimes. And there will be a whole bunch of new proposition bets. You'll be able to bet the over-under on positive paternity tests or get odds on Tim Hardaway and Elton John co-hosting a charity event.

2. If Bird and Magic through Jordan was basketball's Golden Age, where do you see the league right now?

I think the league is in great shape. The globalization of the game is incredible. I mean, just 10 years ago could you imagine that the two best players in the league would be Canadian and German? Not after the Leo Rautins and Uwe Blab flameouts. Like any era, there are only about eight teams you care about, but that's to be expected. I mean, does anybody really want to watch the Milwaukee Bucks? Or did they fold? Are they still in the league?

3. It's the 30th anniversary of Pete Maravich leading the NBA in scoring and the 10th anniversary of his being named to the Top 50 all-time team. Where do you see the Pistol's influence?

Well, Pete only had the moustache for a couple of years, the ancient mariner look, but it's great to see young Adam Morrison picking up the mantle. It just gives you that moment of hesitation, is that a basketball player or an arms dealer?

You see Pete's influence everywhere in the league. Steve Nash goes between his legs three times just bringing the ball up the court. What is common now was extraordinary when Pete was doing it. Nobody was making behind the back passes. Pete used to say that there was a method behind throwing a behind the back pass, that it gave another option for the defender to think about. Pete was all about misdirection, like a great close-up magician. Not like David Copperfield who makes entire airplanes disappear.

4. Bird won three MVPs and Nash has won two, but there hasn't been a white scoring champ since Maravich. Do you root for Pete to maintain this legacy?

Wow, I hadn't thought about that. I guess I'm just color blind when it comes to the NBA. I just see ballplayers. But now that you mention it, I guess Pete was white.

5. A young Dick Bavetta made a dubious charge call that led to Maravich fouling out of his career-high 68-point game in 1977. Do you feel a measure of satisfaction with Bavetta's loss to Charles Barkley on Saturday?

Bavetta still can't keep up with the speed of the league, even if the league is a 44-year-old, 300-pound, hungover TV commentator. Tom McMillan still hasn't gotten set on the one charge call where Bavetta waved off a Maravich basket. The bucket should have counted and Pete should have gone to the line. That would have been 71 right there.

6. Pete must have loved the All-Star game, the one game every year where nobody else played any defense either.

He was playing zone defense when the rest of the league was playing man-to-man. It's just another example of his artistry. Of course there are a couple of people, including Pat Riley, who had their career highs against Pete.

7. Doesn't the All-Star skills competition look like something right out of a Maravich instructional video?

It's almost like it was designed by his dad Press Maravich, except he would make Pete do it blindfolded hanging out a moving car.

8. Wouldn't Pete have owned the 3-point contest?

He loved the idea of the 3-point shot. Anything that made the game more exciting to the fans, he liked. Pete said, "The game is entertainment for the fans. It's not for the coaches, it's not for the players, it's for the fans. If you don't have the product that's marketed right, that's out there, that's entertaining, nobody will show up." In his one NBA season with the 3-pointer Pete went 10-for-15 from behind the arc as a part-time player for the Celtics, so the mind boggles at what might have been had he had the 3-pointer for his whole career.

9. Is it just me or has the All-Star game lost a little of its luster?

It's just you, you've lost a little of your luster. Pete had an idea for the All-Star game. Instead of teams of 12, he wanted to go five-on-five for the whole game. That's a game you wouldn't forget. There's always a point in the second quarter of the All-Star game where the subs come in and the game loses some juice. Pete's idea would have solved that. Not sure what his contingency plan was for guys getting hurt.

10. What can the hoop world learn about Pete Maravich that it doesn't already know by reading your book?

Well, one thing people don't know is that Pete's teams won 82 percent of the games in which he scored 40 or more points. What that tells me is Pete should have shot more. Also, Pete is the only player in NBA history to score 50 points on Super Bowl Sunday, which he did in 1972 against the Sixers. But you probably knew that.