For the 2010 Christmas Season, once again Omotesando Hills called on Empire Entertainment Japan for artist casting, production and direction of their Christmas SPIRAL LIVE 2010. Empire proposed, negotiated, booked and produced a variety of artists to make the multi-day event a strong draw for Omotesando Hills during the competitive holiday shopping season.The artists performed on a stage constructed in the center of the grand staircase, beside an 8 meter tall Christmas tree decorated with 250,000 Swarovski crystals.The event successfully kicked off with Misako Sakazume singing tunes from her album "Love Notes", followed by performance by Hanah, Mao Denda, Lil'B, YU-A, Tiara, and Dew. Altogether 7 artists performed across the course of the 7 day event, successfully attracting both new and old customers to Omotesando Hills, and re-confirming the shopping complex as a center of not only Japanese fashion, but culture as well.

December 7, 2010 – New York, NYWhen a client needed a headliner to perform for a small group of top executives and their spouses during the final night of their meeting in NYC, they turned to Empire to secure talent, fulfill production and provide décor for their prestigious annual dinner event. With the party slated to take place in the historic Celeste Bartos Forum at the New York Public Library, Empire had to abide by strict sound & production guidelines.

Empire secured and produced Grammy Award Winner John Mellencamp, who performed 70 minutes of his greatest hits including “Small Town,” “R.O.C. K. in the U.S.A.” and “Jack and Diane”, with his 6-piece band. Following the performance, Mellencamp participated in a meet & greet, taking photographs with all 130 guests. The intimate show in this spectacular venue was a hit with the high level attendees. December 10, 2010 – New York, NYWhen looking to surprise his wife for her birthday, Empire was chosen by an excited husband to help secure and produce the entertainment for a very special celebration. With over 200 family and friends joining them at New York’s Edison Ballroom, Empire was on-hand to manage all technical elements, stage management and flow of the event.

Throughout the evening, friends and family members took to the stage to surprise the guest-of-honor with individual presentations supported by projected graphics, designed by Empire. But the final surprise of the night was a headline concert by Grammy Award winners Maroon 5. By special request of the client, the band began their 65 minute set with “Harder to Breathe,” and followed it with hits such as “Misery,” “This Love,” “She Will Be Loved,” and “Sunday Morning.” Throughout the concert, lead singer, Adam Levine wished our client a happy birthday and even invited her and her children up on stage. Following the performance, the band invited the client and her family into their dressing room to mingle and pose for photos.December 16, 2010 – Dallas, TexasAs the finalé of the December headline concerts, Empire took to the field of a major Stadium where a client hosted an event for approximately 800-900 guests. Empire worked with the Stadium to build a 50’ X 40’ truck stage into the end zone. This stage would host a rare private concert by Grammy Award winners The Dave Matthews Band. Empire contracted the band as well as provided all technical and logistical support for this major headliner. Prior to the concert, Dave Matthews participated in a Meet & Greet with approximately 80 of client’s VIPs. When it was time for the concert to begin, guests gathered in front of the stage as DMB performed a 100-minute concert that included hits from the past 14 years such as “Satellite,” “Crash,” “Ants Marching,” and a lengthy encore of “Two Step,” which made the crowd go crazy!

Whether it’s securing headline talent, handling production or logistical needs, Empire Entertainment is a capable of executing back-to-back headline concerts with the biggest names in the world throughout the United States and around the world!

Famous Japanese pop singer Mai kuraki kicked off the 2010 Christmas Tree Lighting at Omotesando Hills with a live performance, including the hit single "Tomorrow is the last time" from her new album "Future Kiss".The Christmas tree, decorated with no less than 250,000 Swarovski crystal elements, provided the backdrop for Kuraki's performance for throngs of enthusiastic fans and customers.In addition to proposing, negotiating, booking and producing Kuraki for the event, Empire Entertainment Japan supported in the pre and post publicity of the event, generating excellent media exposure for both client Omotesando Hills and artist Mai Kuraki, and increased foot-traffic for Omotesando Hills.Empire Entertainment is a leading provider of marketing entertainment solutions for retail and real-estate companies across the world, consistently and reliably leveraging entertainment contents to drive quantifiable marketing results for our clients.

"What a night!" shouted John Turturro, flanked by Julianne Moore and Harvey Keitel, as the three members of acting's royal family opened the 20th Anniversary Gotham Independent Film Awards. And what a night it was - the stars came out to celebrate in force: Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, Hilary Swank, Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, Paul Rudd, Ethan Hawke, Winona Rider, Rosie Perez, Steve Buscemi -- all there for the intimate dinner wrapped in an elegant awards ceremony that is The Gotham Independent Film Awards. For the third year running, Independent Feature Project (IFP) turned to Empire Entertainment to produce its marquee event, which has kicked off the film industry's Awards season for 20 years, now. The event honors the filmmaking community but with specific objectives: expanding the audience for independent films and supporting the work that IFP does behind the scenes, throughout the year, to bring great films to theaters everywhere.

The Gotham's signature award is the (now classic) "Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You". The winner in this category benefits from a large cash prize, a new marketing campaign and a limited theater release. Every Gotham Awards program also includes "lifetime achievement" award-type Tributes. 2010's Tributees were Hilary Swank, directors James Schamus and Darren Aronofsky, and the legendary Robert Duvall. Because it was the 20th anniversary, Empire made a few key modifications to the event, including bringing the elegant, star-studded step & repeat actually inside Cipriani Wall Street -- right alongside the 80 guest tables -- and building a beautiful, custom-made stage set that changed color and mood throughout the evening. This year's 800-person dinner was hosted by Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson who spent the evening alternately introducing, and making fun of, industry giant after industry giant. Event sponsors included Russian Standard Vodka, Stella Artois and Dunhill.

Empire acted as overall event producer, handling all event design and planning, technical production, set design, video roll-ins & scripting, stage management and talent wrangling, event logistics, budgeting and coordination.Empire is a leading producer of major award shows.

When a global technology company was looking to launch their new online shopping portal in style, they presented Empire Entertainment with the challenge of capturing the essence of this unique brand that fuses high fashion with high technology. This groundbreaking new portal personalizes the online shopping experience through the use of innovative visual technologies and virtual boutiques curated by celebrities, stylists, designers, fashion bloggers and other shoppers who visit the site to inspire and be inspired.In less than four weeks, Empire worked closely with the client to conceptualize and deliver an impressive real life interpretation of the website’s six themed fashion environments at Skylight Soho in Lower Manhattan.

Skylight’s large raw space was sectioned into individual, stylized vignettes in the themes of “Boho”, “Romantic”, “Classic”, “Edgy”, “Casual” and “Street.” Each vignette incorporated décor elements, lighting, and custom furnishings and featured sleek demo stations to showcase the website to attendees.The vignettes also featured distinctive live entertainment, activities, décor elements and a menu of thematically-linked hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails. The street vignette included laser graffiti show, break-dancing performances, a large graffiti wall and banquette seating made out of tires and galvanized steel. In the “Classic” vignette guests enjoyed a life-size chess game, and sat of oversized tufted banquettes under a large crystal chandelier. Guests had their fortunes told in the lavishly decorated “Boho” vignette adorned with lanterns, Moroccan poufs and beaded curtains while guests in the “Romantic” area enjoyed an aerial performance surrounded silk and lace accents, birdcages and candles.In the hallways a fashion show of live model “mannequins” on pedestals wearing various couture and looks created by top fashion designers and stylists was presented with models changing throughout the evening.

The evening’s entertainment featured three of the fashion world’s top DJs. DJ and Nylon fashion reporter Becka Diamond started the evening, followed by San Francisco mashup artist DJ Earworm. To close the event New York nightlife collective The Misshapes featuring Leigh Lezark spun a mix of music as guests filled the dance floor. The launch event created a great deal of buzz in the fashion and online communities with the attendance of many celebrities, bloggers and the fashion elite. Among the 550 guests in attendance were Mary-Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen, Iman, Isaac Mizrahi, Claire Danes, Elisabeth Moss, Carey Mulligan, Christian Siriano and Vogue editor Meredith Melling Burke as well as designers Zac Posen, Tory Burch and Catherine Malandrino. Among the fashion press turnout were fashion bloggers Bryan Grey-Yambao (BryanBoy), Susie Lau (Style Bubble), and Jane Aldridge (Sea of Shoes). Empire Entertainment served as overall producer for the event and was responsible for event design, décor, technical production, catering, talent, logistics and stage management.

Empire is a leading producer of innovative product launches and has worked extensively in the fashion and luxury segments.

Building upon a strong foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration, Conservation International empowers societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, our global biodiversity, for the well-being of humanity.On November 11, 2010, Empire Entertainment, in partnership with @Radical.Media, produced Conservation International’s annual Gala in Seattle, Washington. The first of five major fundraising events Empire will produce for Conservation International, this event took place at Fremont Studios, and gave all the attendees a unique and immersive experience, unlike any other gala Seattle has seen. This gala would focus on Conservation International's important work with the world's oceans and the visual design of the event would underscore the evening's purpose and messaging.

After arrival and cocktails, guests entered into a stunning, cavernous soundstage transformed into an undersea world with huge underwater images projected onto video screens surrounding 270 degrees of the room and powerful undersea sounds. Floating jellyfish, cascading schools of fish, whales and dolphins were featured in immersive imagery that immersed guests into the ocean theme.On the minimal white stage backed by giant ocean scenes, Pearl Jam’s Stone Goddard started the program and spoke passionately about the importance of saving the ocean and the animal life within. The Seattle supporters of CI were also able to hear world-renowned experts in the field of oceanography including CI’s Chief Ocean Scientist Greg Stone and featured speaker David de Rothschild, the eco-adventurer who built a boat called the Plastiki from recycled plastic bottles and sailed it on a global adventure. An exciting panel discussion followed including Mr. de Rothschild and Mr. Stone in addition CI’s own Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO Peter Seligmann. Dr. Sylvia Earle, one of the world’s foremost ocean explorers and one of only seven National Geographic Explorers–in-Residence, was also featured in the program.

After the dinner, guests adjourned to an afterparty for a live auction, drinks and desserts with a specially-compiled soundtrack of ocean sounds. This Conservation International gala was attended by over 400 guests and stood out as the first of a new campaign for CI to get its conservation, sustainable and global mission statements across while sparking active and open discussions about the Earth and its population’s problems and solutions.For this exciting event, Empire served as overall event producer and was responsible for technical production, event design, and stage management. Empire is a leading producer of innovative gala events and is a pioneer in the use of surround video environments for special events.To learn more about Conservation International, visit http://www.conservation.org/

This year American Friends of Rabin Medical Center wanted to turn the traditional gala on its head. Looking to innovate beyond a traditional dinner function, AFRMC asked Empire make the entire event fun while still conveying the important message of supporting the hospital in Israel. Empire came up with the idea of a one-night extravaganza featuring the best of contemporary Israeli culture juxtaposed against their New York counterparts. This feast of the senses would bring authentic Israeli experiences to a New York donor audience and would deepen the attendee’s emotional connection to Israel while presenting a more dynamic and tangible association to the Rabin Medical Center.Working with AFRMC as well as the Israeli Consul General, Empire re-brand the gala as “The Best of Israel meets the Best of New York” focusing on fashion, jewelry, art, entertainment, and, of course, cuisine. For the fashion show, Empire was able to secure participation from Israeli fashion designers Irena Burshtein and Maison Bellaish (staking recent claim in the New York scene with their new flagship store in the Meatpacking district). Thanks to the cooperation of numerous different individuals and organizations, we engaged Israeli jewelry designers Hana Stern, Sigal Shohat, and Orly Wexler, and New York based designer Judith Ripka. All of this was just in the cocktail reception!Even the evening’s menu was specially designed. Together Empire and AFRMC enlisted two of the best chefs New York and Israel have to offer - Todd English and Mika Sharon. The two worked together to design different aspects of the cocktail reception food stations and the seated dinner menu with an Israeli zest.To host the dinner program, Empire again secured talk show host Charlie Rose. Rose ably emceed the program and led a captivating interview live onstage with Larry Silverstein, developer of the World Trade Center towers, alongside Stephen Siegel, Chairman of CB Richard Ellis and President of AFRMC Board of Directors. Also, in maintaining the theme Charlie showcased a brief video montage of famous Israeli’s he has interviewed over the years.For the entertainment portion of the evening, world-renowned Israeli violinist Shlomo Mintz represented the Best of Israeli entertainment, with a breathtaking solo performance. In keeping with theme, The Best of New York was a who’s who of Broadway. Legendary Broadway star Chita Rivera and critically acclaimed singer/actor Tom Wopat performed brief tributes to Award of Excellence recipients and renowned Broadway producers Barry and Fran Weissler.Empire served as event producer for this 600 person gala managing all aspects of production including entertainment, host / emcee talent, fashion show, displays and auctions, venue coordination, lighting, staging, audio, image magnification, catering (provided by Newman & Levanthal and the Grand Hyatt), security, design and décor. Empire also consulted on the invitation design, journal design, and creative programming aspects including scripting and show order.Empire is one of the world’s leading producers of not-for-profit events and fundraisers.

Empire was thrilled to serve as producer of the Coalition for the Homeless’ 16th annual ARTWALK NY––New York City's premier contemporary art auction event. More than 900 art collectors, art appreciators, and celebrities came together in Skylight Studio for a night of festivities, including a live and silent auction. The core of ARTWALK was a silent and live auction featuring over 130 works of contemporary art donated by some of the world’s most celebrated artists. This included Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, Jeff Koons, Wade Guyton, Shepherd Fairey, and Yoko Ono. All of the biggest names were represented and for sale for a good cause. The evening began with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails graciously provided by Nicholas Feuillatte, Stella Artois, and Sud de France. Food was provided by several of New York City’s best restaurants, including Bethel, Ed’s Lobster Bar, Indochine, Macao Trading Company, Michael’s, and Osteria il Paiolo. For dessert, Lulu Cake Boutique provided cupcakes.

In the live auction room, Co-Chairs Alec Baldwin, Carey Lowell, and Richard Gere took the stage to acknowledge the important work and various projects of the Coalition for the Homeless. James Rosenquist, the event's honoree, further underlined the importance of fighting for housing, job training, and children’s services while he spoke about his memories of being a homeless New Yorker. When the live auction bidding began, Phillips du Pury auctioneer, Aileen Agogplan, auctioned off Rosenquist’s work as well as those by Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente, Nan Goldin, Jenny Holzer, and others. The rest of Skylight’s cavernous space served as a gallery for the silent auction. Throughout the night, guests bid on and purchased established artists like Shepard Fairey, Yoko Ono, Olaf Breuning, and Christo. The silent auction featured works ranging from paintings and photographs to sculptures and installation pieces. The event was sponsored by FENDI and featured an exclusive FENDI Lounge where guests relaxed on lounge furnishings and drank Nicholas Feuillatte champagne between bidding sessions.

Working closely with Coalition for the Homeless’ events team, Empire served as overall producer of the event and was responsible for aspects including event design, art solicitation, layout, production, logistics, décor, restaurant coordination, and music. Empire also worked closely with Joyce Manalo and ArtForward who were responsible for overall coordination of the art solicitation, donations, delivery, and handling of all of the pieces for both the live and silent auctions. Bettina Prentice Communications handled press and the development of the art advisory and benefit committees as well as working to secure the evening’s honoree and many of the donated artworks. ARTWALK NY raised over $800,000 for the Coalition for the Homeless and reached the highest attendance in the event’s 16 years. Empire is honored to have worked in collaboration with the Coalition for the Homeless and its many supporters to make this year’s ARTWALK NY event the most successful one yet. To learn more about the Coalition for the Homeless or to get involved and donate, visit http://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/

Tsukicon, the largest convention in Northern Europe featuring Japanese music and fashion, was convened in Helsinki Finland. The event took place at both the Gloria Hall and Kulttuuriarena Gloria, on November 13th and November 14h. Including live performances by Japanese rock bands on both days, the convention also feature fashion shows, panel discussions, contests and talk shows. Over 1,000 aficionados from across Europe gathered in Helsinki for the Two-day event.Empire coordinated the appearance of the charismatic "Gal" duo Yumachi & Aina at this year's Tsukicon event. Headilining the event, Yumachi & Aina performed live for the very first time on foreign soil, and were overwhelmingly well received by both foreign press and Japan press that had traveled over to witness the debut.In addition to managing the casting and coordination that allowed Yumachi & Aina to participate in this year's Tsukicon Convention, Empire Entertainment Japan also directed and stage managed the live show.

On October 18, 2010, The Center for Hearing and Communication celebrated it’s 100th Anniversary at the iconic 583 Park in New York City. Empire was proud to produce this centennial event, raising critical funds to provide high quality comprehensive services to those affected by hearing loss and deafness.

Over 400 guests were brought together for this black-tie cocktail and dinner to celebrate the achievements of CHC’s life changing services for those with hearing loss and auditory challenges. The evening’s program was hosted by ABC News anchor Bill Ritter, followed by an emotional and inspirational lineup of speakers and performers who were all supported by live interpreters and open captioning to facilitate for all guests.

Some of the evening’s highlights opening remarks by CHC’s President, Jeffrey Cohen, musical performance by One Life to Live actress, Kassie DePaiva, an acoustic performance by American Idol’s Crystal Bowersox and stand up comedic performance by Comedy Central’s Christian Finnegan.

Dr. Noel Kohen was honored as the pioneer for cochlear implants, while Mariella Paulino, a recipient of CHC’s services shared a personal and moving story of how CHC impacted her life. Other highlights included a live auction by Nick Dawes and a musical performance by Joey McIntyre, who shared a beautiful story about his son who was born deaf, early diagnosis and the solutions available to treat it.

Empire is a leading producer of fundraising galas and proud to support the Center for Hearing and Communication in their commitment to improving the quality of life for people with hearing loss and auditory and listening challenges. To learn more and donate to the Center for Hearing and Communication, please visit chchearing.org/