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In 2005, Empire Entertainment produced the 9th Annual Webby Awards - - the first time the event was held in New York City. The event was a great success, and Recognition Media, LLC called on Empire the very next week to begin brainstorming how to make the gala even bigger and better yet again for it's 10th Anniversary. That mission was accomplished on Monday, June 12, 2006 at majestic Cipriani Wall Street in New York City's Financial District.The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence in web design, creativity, usability and functionality, and the event has been dubbed the "Oscars of the Internet" by the New York Times, and "the Online Oscars" by Time Magazine.

On the night of the event, more than 750 of the best and the brightest minds on the net came to honor and be honored for their contributions to the information superhighway. Empire created a stage set and lighting design that wowed attendees as they entered the space. A lush, dramatic Austrian drape in a beautiful muted shade of dusty rose created the backdrop for the stage, with a dazzling silver "10th Annual Webby Awards" logo set in the center. Three large video screens were flown, adding to the sleek, high-tech feel of the event. Palm trees set around the room were uplit with rose and amber colored lighting, as were the impressive pillars and columns in the space. Centerpieces of gorgeous white Calla Lillies surrounded by votives, as well as other deco-styled floral arrangements strategically set by the bars, added to the elegance of the event.

The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour in Cipriani's spacious mezzanine. Hors d'ouvres and cocktails were passed while pink cosmopolitans flowed through an elaborate spiral ice sculpture designed to resemble the Webby Awards trophy at the generously stocked bar. Then it was time to commence the show."The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" correspondent Rob Corddry returned to host the event for the second consecutive year. After a fantastic comedy set, Rob laid the ground rules, including a reminder of the time-honored Webby tradition that winners' acceptance speeches would be limited to just five words (a rule that remains unchanged since the inception of the Award in 1996). Arianna Huffington's speech "darlings, make blogs, not war" was among the best received of the evening.

The program was packed with memorable moments, including a hilarious performance by "Avenue Q", the 2004 Tony Award winner for Best Broadway Musical, as well as an appearance by the characters from the virtual band "Gorillaz" whose puppets accepted their "Artist of the Year" award with their 5-words "the future's only just begun" before debating the merits of the internet in hilarious fashion. Other special achievement distinctions presented included "Entrepreneur of the Year" to Mark Cuban whose Dallas Mavericks were in the midst of the NBA finals, "Breakout of the Year" to MySpace founders Chris DeWolfe and Thomas Anderson, and "Person of the Year" to New York Times journalist and author Thomas Friedman. Dr. Robert Kahn who is credited with co-inventing the modern Internet was met with a standing ovation as he accepted a Webby "Lifetime Achievement Award".

But the highlight of the evening came when musical legend Prince took the stage to accept the second "Lifetime Achievement" award of the evening. The crowd response was so tremendous that he could barely get his 5-word acceptance speech heard, but he eventually told the crowd "everything you think…..is true". He then proceeded to perform an incredible number solo on acoustic guitar, bringing down the house, perhaps an answer to one savvy winner's speech earlier in the evening "Prince, play us some songs".To see video of this extraordinary event, please visit http//:www.cnn.com and search the term "webby awards". There you will find a link for "5-word speeches" that will give you a glimpse of the evening.

It is hard to believe that multi-Grammy winners Los Lobos have been performing consistently for over 30 years. However, this hard-rocking band from East L. A. has earned a reputation as one of America's most highly-acclaimed and successsful Latin / Rock crossover acts. Moreover, they are an amazing party band. When a technology client wanted to hold a major customer event at the Orlando House of Blues, they and their event logisitics team turned to Empire to sscure a nationally-known headline act that would suit the venue.

Empire, in turn, delivered Los Lobos who performed a concert that was nothing short of magical. Los Lobos jumped right into their massive song list that features songs from the La Bamba soundtrack, however, as soon as they launched into The Grateful Dead's "Bertha" the crowd exploded in dance. David and Cesar, two of Los Lobos' principal performers, invited as many attendees as possible to join them on stage for this "classic" and the party kicked into a high gear that lasted the rest of the evening, even after bars closed. After the show Empire Entertainment organized a loose meet and greet without the customary, stiff photo reception line, and instead guided the large gathering of guests to meet the band in an informal reception as the group signed as many set-lists, CDs, T-shirts and jackets as they could before leaving the venue. The band even took their bows on stage with attendees arm in arm and finished their double encore set with Neil Young's classic "Cinnamon Girl". Their triple guitar rendition was a powerful climax indeed.

Empire is a leading producer of sponsored trade events and event marketing parties that take place surrounding major trade shows such as The Consumer Electronics Show, The North American International Auto Show, the Magic Show, etc.

In the world of television advertising, nothing is more important to the networks than the annual "Upfront" Presentations which take place in New York City each Spring. On May 18th in New York City, it was Fox Broadcasting's turn to deliver a knockout performance to impress the most important advertisers. The decision was made to create an opening sequence based on FOX's hit animated series "Family Guy."

Fox producers needed an opening entertainment segment that would start the show in a witty and playful fashion and make use of the show's creator and co-star. FOX needed a creative team with the ability to develop a theatrical concept, cast, choreograph and handle all aspects of a live performance piece, and thus, FOX turned to Empire Entertainment and LIVE LAB. LIVE LAB worked in conjunction with the Fox Creative Services team to produce a Las Vegas-style production number that paralleled the opening sequence of Family Guy, complete with Broadway / Showgirl style dancers! Seth MacFarlane, the creator and star of "Family Guy", along with Alex Borstein, the voice of Lois Griffin, had the lead roles while the dancers turned the performance into a stunning spectacle complete with a Rockettes-style kickline.

LIVE LAB once again proved that they are the premier choice for building and designing innovative and customized performances. FOX Broadcasting relied on the skills of LIVE LAB's team of creative professionals to set the tone for the Upfront event, and LIVE LAB delivered with a piece that started the event in style and with laughs and applause!LIVE LAB: If you can dream it, we can build it.

Matt's Promise is a charitable organization that seeks to make a difference in the lives of young people with cancer and terminal illnessses, both through the funding of treatments and through support & education programs. Matt's Promise was founded by one of Google's earliest employees, Matt Wiederkehr, who pased away at age 33 of colon cancer. When the foundation wanted to create their first-ever benefit event, they turned to Empire Entertainment's innovative not-for-profit division to guide them through the process and to deliver a resoundingly successful first event. Many not-for-pronfit clients turn to Empire not just for world class event planning and execution, but also because we are able to raise money directly through sponosrships, table sales, development and through the creation of auctions and other revenue producing programs. For this benefit, Empire handled all aspects of the event including decor, photography, auction solicitation & production (for both a live and silent auction), invitation / program design, goody bag solicitation & production, sponsorship solicitation / table sales, RSVP tracking, mailing lkist development and updating, seating assignments, registration as well as talent booking and event production.

The event was hosted by Maria Milito, an on-air personality from Q104.3 and honored Tim Armstrong, Vice President of Ad Sales for Google. The event featured cocktails, a dinner, a vcideo / slide show and then an amazing headline performance by platinum-selling artist Seal that had the entire audience on their feet and dancing. Seal's wife, Heidi Klum also attended. Julie Chang of WB 11 News Reporter covered the event as did the Daily News.Empire and Matt's Promise delived sponsors that included The Corporate Edge, HBO, Vitamin Water,MSG and Google as well as donations from The New York Knicks, Kerzner International, Miraval, DKNY, Calypso, Freeze 24/7, Laura Mercier, Equinox, Relais and Chateau, New York Magazine, Best Life magazine, The New Jersey Nets, Superbowl Champion - Roland Williams and The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.By the time the sold out audience left the building, Matt's Promise had raised over $600,000.

Empire Entertainment is a leading producer of not-for-profit events and programs.

For the fourth year in a row, Empire Entertainment provided headline talent for a major Louisville, KY-based corporations' Kentucky Derby celebration. In the 132 years of the Kentucky Derby there had never been an official sponsor; however, this year Empire's client boasted this prestigious honor. A week of events and activities was was capped off with an inspired performance by Hootie And The Blowfish at a major party on the night before the running of the race. Well known in the corporate concert circuit, Hootie and The Blowfish are a nationally and internationally known concert act who deliver a high energy show of hits and coveers that is perfectly suited for many corporate events. For this engagement, the band added to its already formidable lineup by adding percussion player and a third guitar. The result was a 75 minute, full throttle carnival of dancing and singing along to well known hits by the band like "I Only Want to Be With You" and other surprising contemporary standards like Kool & The Gang's "Lady's Night."

Empire had to overcome the challenge of tight logisitical management for this engagement as Hootie and the Blowfish's lead singer, Darius Rucker, was asked by Tiger Woods to perform at his father's funeral that same morning in California. Ordinarily, this would have been an easy solution with the use of a private aircraft however, in this case because so many private aircraft visit Louisville for this event, special arrangements had to be made to accommodate the landing. This done, Darius arrived in Louisville in plenty of time for the pre-show meet & greet and concert. "Each year we up the ante" remarked their Master of Ceremonies before the concert. When it was over, the client's respose to the evening: "What will we do next year to top it, I don't know".

Empire is a leading producer of major entertainment and hospitality events at sporting events and have delivered major programs at such sporting events as the Kentucky Derby, The Winter & Summer Olympics, the Super Bowl and World Series and World Cup among others.

Homes for the Homeless is a charitable organization that aims to educate and provide housing to those who can not do this for themselves. HFH creates living situations to housethose indiviuals while providing child care and a safe environment for families in need!For their May 2006 gala, Homes for the Homeless selected Candace Sands and Empire's Not for Profit division to producing their important fundraising event.The evebt was chaired by Andrea Stern and honored New York Real Estate and media entrepreneur and well known philanthropist, Leonard Stern. The audience of approximately 500 guests consisted of New Yorkers from the workds of real estate, finance, etc.

The event featured a video, a performance by the Paul Hemmings Jazz Trio, minimalist decor by Wolfgang design and a house of Legos by Nathan Sawaya built to symbolize what the charity does...Among other roles, Empire put together a silent auction consisting of several one-of-a-kind packages including:1. An HBO Heavyweight fight - including 2 tix to a fight in Atlantic City or Las Vegas with stays at the Borgata or hard Rock hotel with airfare2. An HBO Entourage Premiere and after party VIP package3. A New Jersey Nets package that included an opportunity to meet the players during practice and receive signed jerseys4. A New York Rangers Package including 4 premium seats to a 2007 Rangers game - a $100 food per diem and signed hockey stick5. A 2 day stay at the Miraval Resort including food and 2 treatments for 2 people6. A Golf package Twosome @ Atlantic (Hamptons) and Old Oaks including tee times, green fees, caddies, golf carts, etc. and7. The chance to be the New York Knick's ball Boy for one game!!!Empire also arranged for an event gift bag for 500 including donated products such as Home Depot Tool Kits valued @ $26 each, Vitamin Water, Burts bees Lipwax, Black Book Restaurant Guides, etc. The event was a resounding success and raised significant funds for this important cause.

When a private client wanted to celebrate his 50th birthday party in style, he called Empire Entertainment to produce the event. The party would take place in his backyard in Ho-Ho-Kus New Jersey and would include cocktails, a dinner and concert by Blondie. Empire scouted the location and determined that the best setting for the event would be a tented site built on the hard surface of a tennis court on the clients property. Empire created a 50' X 80' tent and built staging, sound and lighting suitable for the setting. Empire also created a catering menu of backyard barbecue and created seating and lounge vignettes before a large dance floor in front of the stage.

On the evening of the event, DJ Jordan Kessler spun a mix of 1970s and 1980s rock & roll, new wave and punk consistent with the clients taste. After the dinner, Debbie Harry took the stage and performed an amazing 75 minute set that included all of her hits like "Call Me," "Dreaming," "One Way or Another," "Heart of Glass," "The Tie is High," "Hanging on the Telephone," "Rapture" and more. After the concert the audience stayed around late into the evening drinking and dancing to the DJ. The client was thrilled with the event. Empire was responsible for details including tenting, talent coordination, production, catering, decor, security and logistics.

Empire is a leading producer of private, tented events at private homes.

A 50th birthday party only comes once in a lifetime, so when a highly accomplished investment banker and New York socialite threw his half-century soiree, Empire was called upon to make it an unforgettable night. Empire's task was to deliver a concert act that would get the Boomer-age crowd dancing with a string of upbeat and recognizable hits. Seeking something fresh, Empire secured The New Cars featuring Todd Rundgren -- before the act had even played their first public/ticketed show! The band performed on a dazzling stage designed by Empire to seamlessly blend with the exquisite, existing decor of Four Seasons restaurant, which is not designed for live performances.

As is often the case, Empire worked with the venue to find solutions to the many challenges of presenting a major headliner in a small space including power, lighting, audio considerations, etc. The New Cars, which features members of the original Cars, played the hits one after the other including "Just What I Needed," "You Might Think," "Drive" and many others and the high-spirited crowd danced the night away.

Empire is a leading producer of social and personal events for discernng clients worldwide.

When one of the world's largest manufacturers of consumer electronics wanted some "different and exciting" entertainment to energize their sales team in order to launch their new portable global positioning device, they turned to Empire for help. The chosen talent would not only have to appeal to a predominantly young and male audience, but they would also need to be affiliated with the company's interests in the recording industry.

Working carefully through both corporate channels and the band's representation, Empire was able to negotiate and secure a performance by legendary southern rock and rollers, The Black Crowes. From the moment the Black Crowes exploded onto the stage, it was clear that this would not be your standard corporate show. The band played, loud and loose, like it was a sold-out, 1991 show at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City, and their lives depended on delivering a memorable performance. The 2500 strong crowd rocked to Chris Robinson and company's long, winding jams and uplifting hits, including "Hard To Handle," "Jealous Again," "Twice As Hard," "She Talks To Angels" and Remedy among others. As the adrenaline-pumped audience exited the ballroom of the posh Westin Kierland Resort, the client quickly declared the concert "A home run!" A casual meet and greet followed the concert, with the gracious band members joking with guests and posing for pictures.

Empire is a leading provider of headline musical talent for events around the globe.

When one of the world's most respected internet brands was looking for a major entertainment marketing property in Japan to sponsor in connection with its Spring 2006 promotions they turned to Empire Entertainment's Japan Office for ideas. Empire Japan, working with advertising agency partner Frontage, Inc., identified the upcoming Rolling Stones, "A Bigger Bang Tour," as the perfect promotional opportunity and one that would offer extremely high visability throughout the Nation of Japan. Through careful negotiations with local partners, Empire developed a robust title sponsorship package and provided support throughout the process from contracting through to completion.

The full suite of sponsorship benefits negotiated for the client included logo inclusion and title mention of sponsor in all official media, on-line usage rights to video and images of the Rolling Stones Japan tour, a corporate client meet-and-greet with the members of the Rolling Stones, as well as on-line concert tickets promotional sweepstakes. The response from customers and clients to the promotion was tremendous, and when the Rolling Stones hit the stage - from Tokyo to Sapporo - there was no doubt as to why. With their unique energy and charisma, the Stones thrilled the nearly 150,000 fans at their 5 Japan shows with their hits including classics such as "Start Me Up", "Jumping Jack Flash", "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash" in their sets.

Empire Japan is proud to have played a role in the planning and execution of the Rolling Stones 2006 Japan tour sponsorship, and to continue to support an ever-growing field of corporate sponsorship and marketing promotions.

When the world-renowned Schatz-Ornstein photographic studio wanted to throw a party to celebrate Howard Schatz' 16th book of photographs, they called on Empire Entertainment to produce the smash opening party for 150 select VIPs and members of the media. For "In Character : Actors Acting", Schatz photographed 100 actors of stage, screen and television, directing them in one-on-one improvisation, as he snapped beautiful and poignant photographs that captured the actor's portrayal of Schatz' direction. Beverly Ornstein, Schatz' partner and a former documentary producer, created a behind the scenes mini-movie featuring Robert Klein to illuminate how Schatz directed the actors to get his shots.

To represent the photographic work at the event, Empire Entertainment flew a projector system from the ceiling of the studio, and used the hard cyclorama as the screen, creating a visual centerpiece to the party. Empire also strategically placed three other 50" plasma screens in the studio, each featuring different actors being put through their paces by Schatz with his subtle voiceover describing the motivation of each shot.One specific request made by the studio was to create passed hor d'oeuvres that were as visually unique as Schatz' photographs. The tasty and visual treats included a six-hour braised bacon and quail egg with a Guinness beer chaser presented inside the quail shell; tomato fondue with basil sorbet in a wafer cone; bruschetta, red wine mayonnaise and caramelized shallots; apple tart filled with foie gras terrine and caramel; Osetra caviar on smashed Yukon potatoes with lemon; all washed down with Veuve Clicquot Champagne and sparkling waters.

Some of the theatrical & cinematic luminaries in attendance included Robert Klein, Robert Vaughn, Robert Loggia, Bruce Altman, Dan Hedaya, PJ Barry, Christopher Lloyd, Mark Margolis, Giancarlo Esposito, Daniel Sunjata as well as VIPs, and the CBS Sunday morning Crew who are doing a feature on Schatz' work. The event was a complete success and Empire helped to design, plan and implement all aspects from security and décor to catering, production, and room layout.

When one of the world's largest technology companies sought to recognize, reward and inspire its top technical employees and scientists, it chose to conduct a weekend retreat with spouses at the Fairmont Hotel in picturesque Vancouver, British Columbia. The 3 day program for more than 400 guests would include several meal functions, inspiring speakers, activities, entertainment, a gala dinner and a disco after-party. Based on a multi-year working relationship, this global corporation turned to Empire Entertainment to serve as production company for the entire program.

Over the course of many months, Empire worked closely with the clients to develop an agenda and theme that would resonate throughout the weekend and leave a lasting impression long after the guests returned home. The example of the Apollo space program that ultimately sent the first men to the moon was chosen as a source of inspiration and appropriate imagery and content were adopted to theme the entire weekend.

The program began with an arrival night reception and dinner where the company's most senior technical executive delivered a keynote address, followed by an inspiring speech by Dr. Jerry Linenger, an American astronaut who served aboard the Space Station MIR. Dr. Linenger's speech was met with a standing ovation and guests lined up to meet Dr. Linenger after his remarks. The next morning following breakfast, guests were treated to a keynote address by BBC broadcaster and author, James Burke, who shared his perspectives on the history and future of knowledge and technological change. The breakfast was followed by an interactive scavenger hunt game that took place throughout the day.

That evening, guests arrived dressed in ‘Geek Chic' attire for the recognition dinner. Following a cocktail hour, guests entered a ballroom that Empire had transformed into a space-aged fantasy. Square tables set with dark grey linens, silver chargers and square glass centerpieces sat arrayed in lines below a light ceiling in blue chase lights. Each centerpiece glowed with white pin-spotting. Looping footage of high resolution space animations ran on dual projection screens while beams of cobalt blue lighting slowly tracked the room. The evening featured a keynote address and Q&A by the company's chairman followed by a set of side-splitting humor by former Saturday Night Live player and Wayne's World star, Dana Carvey.

Following the dinner, guests adjourned to the rooftop ballroom for a night of dancing to 1980's hits in a mini-disco designed and decorated by Empire and DJ'd by Los Angeles turntablist DJ Crash.On the final morning, Empire set up a farewell brunch which featured bright florals, baskets of hangover cures on each table, and a performance of soft blues, gospel and R&B music by Vancouver's own Kenny Wayne.The results speak for themselves. In the client's post-program analysis, the attendee surveys were returned with 95% of the attendees indicating that they were satisfied and 70% of those indicating that they were very satisfied (the highest ranking).

For this program Empire served as the one-stop production company, developed and designed every aspect of the program in collaboration with the client and supplied all speaker and entertainment booking, staging, sound, lighting and audio visual services, décor, production management and onsite staffing.

Many of the world's most successful corporations choose Empire Entertainment as their one-stop production company to produce their most important programs.

When National Geographic Channel wanted to present an extraordinary client event for their New York City Upfront, they again selected Empire Entertainment as their event producer. The direction from management was that this year's event would have to relate to NGC's programming and would also have to challenge guests with an authentic adventure and learning experience that they would not soon forget. Empire worked closely with NGC's marketing and events team, considered all of NGC's upcoming programming carefully, and ultimately chose a space / astronaut-themed event. The theme would provide a solid basis for the intelligent, experiential, and forward-looking event that would best promote the world's fastest-growing cable network to its most important customers. The event would feature real astronaut training exercises for the attendees as well as authentic exhibits, simulations and access to top, current astronauts and space scientists. But creating an authentic space / astronaut-themed event from scratch would be no easy matter, especially because NASA would not be able to support a commercial event. Empire and NGC would have to create a space program from scratch.

The event was held at Skylight NYC - a spacious, modern former gallery space in lower Manhattan that perfectly resembled what one would expect to be the interior of a NASA astronaut training facility. The décor featured a large entrance statement in the form of a yellow border lit from within through which guests entered the event. The registration area was bathed in red light and resembled a rocket gantry through which astronauts enter a shuttle or capsule. Guests then walked through a chain curtain and into rolling fog like a rocket ready to blast off and entered another world. Guests stepped into a tunnel made of black drape and fiber optic star drop that led into the main room of the event. Before them stood a giant 60' wall of star drop on which was mounted a giant, high definition projection screen looping NGC's high definition footage. Images of the blue earth below, taken from the International Space Station, passed by the giant portal-style window. A vignette featuring the a full size Apollo 13 space capsule (that was used in the motion picture Apollo 13), along with a full scale model of a lunar rover and a current EVA (extra-vehicular activity) space suit, were lit in blue light. Before this, a series of white ottomans were placed for seating with a pillar at the center of each, topped with a Lucite dome containing hydroponic arrangements of beautiful specimen orchids. Guests were served specialty ‘Galaxy' cocktails from two large bars - one a ‘Mars Bar' lit in red and another a ‘Moon bar' lit in blue. Abigail Kirsch provided space aged catering served on Lucite trays by waitstaff and bartenders all dressed in blue NASA flight jumpsuits.

Surrounding the bars were a series of astronaut training activities and guest speaker stations including: Do You Have What it Takes to Become an Astronaut?• This multi-station area featured staff in lab coats administering timed aptitude tests and challenges similar to the exams taken to become an astronaut. These interactive stations were themed to the NGC series "Crash Test Humans" and included:Orbitron • This was a stationary G-force space simulated activity. The user stepped into the innermost of three concentric rings that move and roll the participant along the tilt, roll and yaw access and are used to help train individuals for the disorientation of space flight. As soon as guests completed their time on the Orbitron, they were asked to participate in a timed manual dexterity exercise where they stacked blocks. Space Walk Simulator • This activity consisted of a large, ground supported truss structure and harness rig in which guests were suspended in space and asked to conduct a series of activities similar to those that an astronaut might have to perform onActivities were led by a variety of experts and real astronauts. Dr. Leroy Chiaho, commander of the International Space Station and several Space Shuttle Missions led the Space Shuttle landing simulation, talking guests throuh an authentic landing on headsets while Dr. Max Bernstein, Astrobiophysicist of NASA's SETI program (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) taught guests about how we search the stars for signs of life.

There are great rewards and great challenges to producing the same corporate meeting for a group year after year. Such is the case with Empire Entertainment's long standing relationship with one of the world's largest investment banks. For many years, Empire has delivered top name talent and attractions at the annual client conference of this client, to a highly educated and sophisticated group. Over the past several years, Empire has delivered for this meeting intimate performances by Ray Charles and his 44 Piece Orchestra, The Beach Boys, Latin sensation Albita, comedian Al Franken and Glenn Frey to name a few. This year, the client wanted something completely different - something interactive.

Empire Entertainment suggested and delivered "Who's Line Is It Anyway" star Wayne Brady. The result was like nothing they'd ever seen before. Best known for his role on ABC's television show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and for a memorable sketch on Comedy Central's Chappelle's Show, Brady astounds his audience with dead-on impressions of various singers and sense of humor. However, the highlights in his 60 minute shows are they ways he incorporates audience suggestions and uses the audience members to create spontaneous comedy. It is not only challenging to make songs and movie sketches "on-the-fly", but to make them personalized to the client and attendee without humiliating the audience or the client, is the mark of a truly talented artist. Wayne Brady achieved this and more and delivered a hysterical and appropriate show that had many in the audience wiping away tears of laughter as they exited the ballroom.

From Wayne Brady and Gotham City Improv to the Second City National Touring Company, Empire Entertainment is a leader in presenting improv comedy for corporate events.

When one of the world's largest global software firms suffered an event-disrupting blow, it called on Empire Entertainment to turn a negative into a positive. Hurricane Katrina ended the client's plans to hold their annual "kick off" meeting in New Orleans. Both date and venue had to change in the wake of the catastrophic storm. But in planning for the new event in San Antonio's Conventiuon Center Arena, Empire acted quickly to secure an act that would not only blow the audience away, but that would also connect to New Orleans and speak to the upheaval in the Big Not-So-Easy-Anymore.

Empire landed the bayou's own, John Fogerty, best known as the voice of Creedence Clearwater Revival to perform a headline concert. The result was an ecstatic audience who swayed and danced to a stream of smash radio hits including "Proud Mary," "Bad Moon Rising," "Fortunate Son," "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?", and "Centerfield," to name but a few.The spectacular evening ended with a lengthy meet and greet, where the very affable John Fogerty chatted with guests and posed for pictures.

Empire is a leading provider of headline musical talent for events around the globe.

Since the New York launch of their channel in 2003, the National Geographic Channel has partnered with Empire to produce and manage numerous unique events including the New York and Chicago Upfronts, public press events at Chelsea Piers and the Central Park Zoo, and the multi-character "Adventure Squad" street marketing team. Therefore, it was no coincidence that they called on Empire to produce an elegant reception to celebrate the National Geographic Channel's launch on high definition television and to mark the 5th Anniversary of the channel's inception. The reception was held at the Explorers Club, renowned for its century-old tradition of being the meeting point for a professional society of select explorers and scientists worldwide, most notably, astronaut Neil Armstrong and Sir Edmund Hillary – the first mountaineer to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.

Amidst the club's stately features of dark varnished wood, imported stone fireplaces, polar bear taxidermy and oil paintings depicting explorations to the North Pole, Empire delicately integrated technical production elements and a décor scheme that enhanced the National Geographic Channel brand without overwhelming the space. Upon arrival at the club, guests entered through an 8-foot-high doorway recreation of National Geographic's signature yellow border, consisting of yellow gerbera daisies and green foliage. Once inside, a Eurasian hawk and a pair of Blackfoot penguins greeted guests as they nibbled on passed hors d'oeuvres and sipped cocktails. On the terrace, which was tented and draped with flowing red & yellow silk, guests shot photos of themselves on a green screen with NGC-themed backgrounds and interacted with a mix of exotic creatures including a Lemur, young Alligator, Siberian Lynx, Armadillo, and a Slow Loris.

The event was co-hosted by ADWEEK Magazine, featured remarks by President Laureen Ong and looping high definition video footage of NGC programming, and attracted NGC talent including Explorer host Lisa Ling, Explorer-in-Residence Bob Ballard and the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan. Empire coordinated and managed every aspect of the event including venue, catering, décor, live animals, lighting, video plasmas, audio, staging & security.In the words of the client, the party was "A fun, classy event which once again drove home to key constituencies that NGC is a young powerhouse on the move."

When legendary performers look to market their own latest releases, they turn to Empire Entertainment to help present them in their best light. Such was the case when Barry Manilow and BMG released Barry's newest album, "The Greatest Songs of the Fifties," and sought to perform selections of this material for an exclusive audience of influential New Yorkers and music industry executives. The event was held at the spectacular Allen Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center and featured a cocktail hour, an introduction speech by legendary label executive Clive Davis and a fifty minute concert during which Barry performed both Fifties classics and his greatest hits. Performing high above Columbus Circle with the lights of Central Park as a backdrop, Barry performed such great classics as "Mandy," "Made it Through the Rain," "Copacabana," and "I Write the Songs" as well as selections from this new album such as "Unchained Melody," "It's Not For Me to Say," "Moments to Remember" and "Venus." Onstage Barry performed with a large orchestra including a horn section, background vocalists, and dancers. Barry performed both at the vocal microphone and at the piano. The evening ended with a streamer burst and a standing ovation as Barry concluded this rare New York concert appearance to thunderous applause. For this program Empire helped to coordinate all logistics and supervised production, interfacing among Barry Manilow's camp, Jazz at Lincoln Center and various outside resources to provide the highest caliber production quality.

When the stars present themselves, they turn to Empire to help them produce the show.

Marco Tempest performs his next generation magic at the Apple Store in Tokyo's Ginza. Marco Tempest stunned visitors to Apple's Ginza store in Tokyo Japan with his breakthrough combination of technology and magic. Located in the middle of Tokyo's posh Ginza shopping district, on some of the world's most expensive real estate, the Apple Store is a high-profile location always buzzing with activity. Marco, visiting Japan to produce a new TV special, was invited to perform at the Apple Store during its peak December sales season. Despite short notice Marco drew an excited and diverse crowd of shoppers, families, tourists and Apple fans. Entitled "Multimedia Magic Made on a Mac", Marco's performance not only showcased his world-renowned and innovative routines, but it also demonstrated his ability to use Mac products to produce magic.

Using Wi Fi technology, integration between various products ranging from cell phones with cameras to computers to LCD screens, Marco proved once again that he is the future of magic. Under the watchful eye of the audience, Marco solved in less than 5 seconds one of the most popular (and difficult) puzzles in the world - The Rubik's Cube! Marco then asked a random audience member to imagine they were holding a card, and took a photo of them with his cell phone. After placing the cell phone face down in the hand of the subject, they were asked to reveal the card they imagined they were holding. They were then asked to look at the image on the cell phone, and were understandable amazed to see a photo of them holding the actual card that they had only imagined holding moments ago!

The Apple Store management was understandably thrilled with Marco's performance, and is looking forward to future visits to Japan when he will perform at their store again. Marco Tempest continues to blur the line between magic and technology, making Arthur C. Clarkes famous words, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic," ring truer then ever.

Marco Tempest stars in NHK broadcast Japanese Television Special, "The Astounding World of Virtual Magic!" NHK, Japan's national broadcaster, was looking for outstanding content for a prime-time slot in their year-end schedule. They chose to partner with Empire Entertainment Japan to produce a unique television special starring Marco Tempest. Working together with NHK, Marco Tempest and Empire Entertainment developed a program packed with both Marco's world-renowned illusions customized for Japan and entirely original content. Marco Tempest filmed in the studio and on location in Tokyo for 4 days to produce the 70-minute show. Famous Japanese personalities, Jay Kabira, Riho Makise, Michiko Shimizu and the duo Napoleons, joined Marco in the studio, and were treated to an up-close and personal display of Virtual Magic. Locations such as a retail store in Akihabara – also known as Electric Town, a video arcade in Shibuya - the capital of Japanese youth fashion, and a pool & darts bar in Roppongi – the center of Tokyo's nightlife, provided a perfect background to Marco's original blend of hi-technology and illusions.

In one illusion in Electric Town Marco thrilled shoppers by changing part of the live picture on a random screen with just the touch of his finger. But the magic didn't stop there. Marco then pulled a small doll out of one TV in a bank of plasma screens airing the same show. The impromptu audience was shocked to discover that the doll, which had disappeared from the screen Marco plucked it from, was still pictured in all of the other TVs! The program was filmed and broadcast in ultra clear hi-definition, and aired for the first time during prime time on December 27. It earned an average rating of nearly 10 points, and was watched by almost 13 million people during its 70 minute broadcast. E-mails and phone calls received from viewers following the broadcast showed that many were left baffled, and Marco had single-handedly made people believe in magic again! NHK was delighted with the result, and are already in talks with Marco for new specials for 2006.

Marco continues to be a master at walking the line between the actual world we live in, and the virtual one that exists in our amazing technology and imaginations. As the creative force and production designer behind all of his work, Marco is a producer and event planner's dream. Empire Entertainment is pleased to have played a role in the development of Marco Tempest's NHK Special, and to continue to support an ever-growing field of original ventures in television and film. About NHK: The Nippon Hyoso Kyokai (NHK) dates from the early 1920s with establishment of a license fee-based national radio broadcaster. In contrast to many overseas public broadcasters, NHK is still one of the most watched channels in Japan, enjoying substantial market share across a wide demographic. The NHK group operates 54 stations throughout Japan and has 29 overseas bureaus. In 1953, after making Japan's first television broadcast, NHK introduced commercial broadcasting to Japan.

When one of Russia's largest energy companies wanted to throw a spectacular year-end event, their Netherlands-based producers contacted Empire Entertainment to deliver the appropriate host.The event took place at the historic Rossia Concert Hall, just steps away from Moscow's Red Square. The dinner and performance, held for an audience of approximately 650 of Russia's wealthiest and most powerful people, featured performances by Sarah Brightman, Jem, Fuego!, and Pink along with her laser effects, video and a spectacular fireworks display in a very snowy Red Square.

With so many program features and so much talent, it was important to find the right host who could keep the evening's flow moving, deliver physical humor that would transcend the language barrier and be recognized by the audience. Actor Jim Belushi fit the bill in every respect. His legendary physical comedy abilities, his willingness to perform Blues Brothers songs to track, and the fact that he is highly recognized in Russia due to some of his motion pictures like "K-9" and "Red Heat", made him the ideal candidate. Jim Belushi worked with co-host Yelena Hanga, a Russian-American who is also a television personality in Russia, and together they were able to set-up the jokes and translate all of Jim's humor to the appreciative audience.

The spectacular evening, whose attendees included entrepreneurs, politicians and notable Russian business figures, ended with Jim Belushi getting everyone on their feet and dancing as he performed "Sweet Home Chicago" and led them in a final champagne toast before guests went outside for an amazing fireworks show in Red Square. For this program, Empire contracted Jim Belushi, handled all logistics and visa needs, facilitated the development of creative and script, and stage managed the hosting segments.

Empire is a leading provider of talent for events around the globe.

When ShopRite LPGA sought to create an innovative and large-scale fundraising event to benefit a series of New Jersey charities, they turned to Empire Entertainment to help them achieve their goal. Their objective was to create a novel, hybrid concert event which would be publicly promoted with public advertising and tickets sold to the general public, but for which all of the proceeds would to benefit four charities: AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Shore Memorial Hospital, Gilda's Club of New Jersey and the Ruth Newman Shapiro Cancer & Heart Fund. The concert event would have to be on a large scale - with a gross potential at or above $1 million dollars. The concert would also need to be held in Atlantic City and, because the client was looking for an activity that would take place approximately six months from their huge LPGA Golf Tournament event at the end of May, the concert would need to take place at the end of the year and feature an artist who was in a sense 'Christmas-proof ' and would be able to deliver the large scale crowd an event like this would demand.

Working closely with the client over almost an entire year, Empire steadily negotiated with and ultimately secured superstar recording artist and 2005 MusiCares Man of the Year, James Taylor.The concert was held at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, an historic renovated venue that seats more than 12,000 people. Empire worked closely with the client, James Taylor's management and Boardwalk Hall to oversee every element of the production including ticket scaling, seating kills, on-sale strategy, marketing & promotion, concert production, logistics, signed James Taylor memorabilia, merchandising, music licensing royalties and budget management. In conjunction with the concert a cocktail reception and a post-show meet & greet with James Taylor and high roller sponsors and guests were held.The concert drew almost 8,000 attendees. James Taylor performed nearly a two hour show comprised of holiday songs and his hits including "Fire & Rain," "Handyman," "Sweet Baby James," "How Sweet It Is," and "You've Got a Friend" among many others. The concert was thoroughly enjoyed by all of the attendees and represents an innovation in fund raising events by ShopRite LPGA where a purely commercial entertainment served several charitable organizations.

Empire Entertainment is proud to have served as producer for this successful and innovative charitable concert event.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of one of New York's most notable weekly magazines, TIME OUT NEW YORK came to Empire Entertainment to coordinate a 7 month series of street marketing stunts in partnership with their advertising client, city specific American Express card IN:NYC. The concept was simple. On every tenth day of the month, TONY and IN:NYC would surprise New Yorkers by giving them a birthday present at some of New York's more frequented venues. Each month's location and stunt would relate to a different element of TONY's editorial content such as music, film, etc. To develop and execute this 7 month series of events, Empire worked closely with TONY's marketing department and IN:NYC's agency - Momentum Worldwide to craft, coordinate and manage all logistics of each promotion and help bring visibility to both brands.Every promotion involved a street team of six actors/models, who served as brand ambassadors and who were nicknamed 'Team TONY.' Empire cast, contracted, and attired the ethnically diverse team in specially styled TONY and IN:NYC-branded clothing.

We trained the team so that they would be well-versed about the product in order to introduce guests to the newly born IN:NYC card and rewards program and create buzz and awareness surrounding TONY's 10th Birthday. Team TONY interacted with members of the public and handed out custom made TONY birthday cards which offered opportunities to win a free subscription to the magazine.The seven months of promotions began in June 2005, where free single-pass subway Metrocards were given to commuters entering subway stations in three neighborhoods. In July, TONY and a team of stylists gave free manicure / color changes at Hudson River Park. In August, TONY and IN:NYC surprised guests at 9 IN:NYC participating restaurant & bar hot spots with free Grey Goose Vodka "MAR-TONY'S". These restaurants included Brasserio: Caviar and Banana, Kitchen 22, 66, Underbar in the W Hotel, Callo Ocho, Ono in the Hotel Gansevoort, Django, Kitchen 82, and NY favorite, SushiSamba 7. In September, guests were given a free night at the movies - with free movie passes, free popcorn and soda. In October, TONY and the IN:NYC Card gave jazz fans free $10 iTunes certificates at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola in honor of TONY's 10 years as New York's go to guide for the best music and music happenings across the city.

In November, free "MAR-TONYS" were given to those attending one of the many great Off Broadway shows at Dodger Stages. To celebrate the last birthday event, TONY and IN:NYC gave free coffee at 3 Upper east side and 3 Upper West side locations to morning pedestrian commuters.Empire also coordinated the logistics for an onsite IN:NYC acquisition team who informed guests about the cards benefits and provided an opportunity to sign up those who were interested in the IN:NYC rewards program. Those who did sign up received a gift bag with multiple gifts particular to each promotion, such as gift certificates to various IN:NYC restaurants, IN:NYC branded martini glasses, gift certificates to J&R Music and Oasis Day Spa, as well as Godiva hot chocolate, and a free night at the movies to name a few.At every promotion, Team TONY managed to surprise New Yorkers and build good will and brand awareness for both TONY and IN:NYC. On the whole, thousands of birthday cards were distributed leading to strong subscriptions and far more people than had been expected signed up for the IN:NYC card.

Empire is a leading producer of attention-getting and results-achieving street marketing and brand awareness events.

On December 6, 2005, a dinner was hosted at the home of Roger Waters (founder of Pink Floyd) and Laura Durning to promote awareness and funding of the Millennium Promise organization (www.millenniumpromise.org) whose objective is to fight extreme poverty, especially in Africa. The evening's event was co-hosted by Tracey Durning and Jon Ein and was produced by J. B. Miller and Empire Entertainment.

The evening began with a cocktail hour in Roger Water's Library, with magnificent views overlooking New York in 3 directions from 51st & Fifth Avenue. At the cocktail hour guests arrived and were treated to floral creations designed by Michael Kowalski using predominantly African flowers & greens, catering provided by Great Performances and Veuve Cliquot champagne generously supplied by Moet Hennessey U.S.Guests included guest of honor and director of both the UN Millennium Project and The Earth Institute at Columbia University, Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, as well as Angelina Jolie, Philip Seymour Hoffman, MOBY, Roger Waters, Patti Smith and a variety of key donors and representatives of private foundations. Guests were then seated for dinner in the dining room at eight 5' square tables, each sset for 8 guests where they enjoyed a three course meal, a showing of a video on Millennium Promise produced by Tracey Durning, an acoustic performance by Patti Smith and remarks and Q&A with Dr. Jeffrey Sachs. Following the dinner guests returned to the library for Hennessey cognac and further discussion which a soundtrack of African music created by Empire Entertainment played.

The event was a success on every level with the guests thoroughly enjoying themselves. Dr. Sachs was "Over the moon" and significant interest in the Millennium Promise initiatives were generated.

On November 10, 2005, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment engaged Empire Entertainment to bring to life and produce an elegant cocktail reception and press event celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the legendary motion picture, "The Sound of Music." Attended by Dame Julie Andrews and all seven actors and actresses who portrayed the Von Trapp children in the film, this milestone event garnered wide press coverage throughout television and print, including The Today Show, which taped one-on-one interviews with each actor at the event.

The reception was held in the Chestnut Room at New York's famed Tavern on the Green. Guests dined on a traditional Austrian buffet including weiner schnitzel, bratwurst, and traditional Viennese desserts such as apple strudel and sacher torte. Empire provided pianist Julie McBride who performed Rodgers & Hammerstein classics as background music for the affair. The highlight of the party was a 16' x 8' custom-made replica of the marionette theatre featured in the film's much-loved "Lonely Goat Herd" scene. Within the theater's proscenium were displayed six of the original marionettes featured in the film, which Empire acquired on a special loan from the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum in Mason City, Iowa. Inside Tavern's Crystal Garden, Empire installed a 20' x 40' press tent and draped it with gold and white silk. To create an environment similar to an Austrian field, the interior was carpeted in green and filled with clusters of birch trees and fresh flower arrangements. Working under the direction of Twentieth Century FOX, Empire Entertainment managed all details for the event, coordinated all logistics with the venue, catering and tenting, and provided all décor, scenic, lighting and audio.

Empire is a leading producer of high-end publicity events and has established a strong track record of delivering high quality events that are uniquely customized to the products and services they promote.

When a major technology company wanted to provide an exciting opening number and evening celebration for their product launch they turned to Empire Entertainment to secure headline entertainment that would lend itself to a 'Rock & Roll' launch theme. Empire presented the client with a variety of band recommendations and worked with them to ultimately secure 1970's and 1980's rock icons, Cheap Trick, to headline the launch event and party. Cheap Trick, with their many hard rock hits and reputation as a fun and boisterous band, lent themselves perfectly to the launch theme of "Ready to Rock / Ready to Launch" and were the ideal partners for realizing the client's creative vision. Set in front of a unique stage set of VersaTile LED surfaces at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, Cheap Trick kicked off the morning session with an electrifying, high energy rendition of their hit "Hello There" promptly at 9:00AM.

Just as the opening video ended, the band counted off and tore into the song as a wall of vertical banners suddenly dropped to reveal the band onstage. Lead singer Robin Zander greeted the amazed audience with the lyrics "Hello there. Ladies and gents, are you ready to rock?" Cheap Trick returned later that same evening for the finale of the Product Launch, a final party. The party featured various rock and roll-themed activities, a performance by the all-female AC/DC cover-group, AC/Dshe and also featured live airbrush artists painting 80's rock icons. The concert portion of the party was kicked off by Paul Sr. of Orange County Choppers featured on the television show American Choppers, who rode a custom motorcycle onto the stage to introduce the band. Cheap Trick then played a full set of their hits that included "I Want You to Want Me," "The Flame," "Surrender," and "Dream Police" among others. Original band members Robin Zander, Rick Neilsen, Bun E. Carlson and Tom Peterson kept the crowd rocking as they threw guitar picks to lucky guests in the crowd.

The show was a great success with the audience calling out for more as the band left the stage, which they happily obliged with a two song encore, concluding with the client's recommendation of "Goodnight" which made the event come full circle.Cheap Trick were the ideal partner for this launch. Their great, collaborative attitude showed itself in many ways as the band cooperated on issues ranging from set design, lighting and branding to the selection of material and show flow.

Empire is a leading booker and producer of headline entertainment for major business events worldwide.

Keep a Child Alive is an innovative, fast-growing charitable organization that raises money and awareness to provide anti-retroviral drugs and programs to children with HIV/AIDS in Africa. Keep a Child Alive takes a powerful, activist approach to its mission: To provide funding for ARV treatment and surrounding services for children and families To fund nutritional projects where necessary in clinic sites, To provide funding for the training or employment of health care workers, To build and scale up sites where ARV treatment can be made available, To fund sites where AIDS orphans can be cared for and to engage the public directly in the fight against global HIV/AIDS. Keep a Child Alive has raised considerable program funds and awareness though various media programs to combat this catastrophic health crisis in Africa.

Empire Entertainment was honored to again have the opportunity to produce Keep A Child Alive's annual fundraising event, "The Black Ball" in 2005.This year's event was scheduled as the closing event for the Time Magazine Healthcare Summit at the Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center in the Time Warner Building. This is a prestigious program that included speeches and workshops with speakers such as Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, Bono and Paul Farmer among many others. For this extraordinary event, Empire served as overall event producer and was responsible for all program aspects working alongside Keep a Child Alive and in collaboration with many wonderful event partners and donors.

The event began with a stunning cocktail reception in the Rose Hall Atrium. The cocktail reception featured projections of image campaigns, elegantly lit collections of African art, floral designs using all native African flowers and plants featuring King Proteas, and a soundtrack of African music. Great Performances handled the catering and featured a custom "Triple Drug Cocktail" utilizing sponsored Belvedere vodka.Following the cocktail reception, 380 guests entered the spectacular Allen Room for an elegant, seated dinner. The tables for this dinner were designed by Helena Lehane and featured smoked glassware, black silverware, textured African-style linens and hurricane candle groupings.

A diverse group of celebrities attended the dinner including Clive Davis, Jessica Alba, Jamie Foxx, Rosie Perez, and many others. Following the dinner and a 2nd cocktail seating, approximately 1,000 guests entered the Rose Theater for an extraordinary program and concert. Whoopi Goldberg emceed the program, which included speeches by Eileen Naughton (President of Time Magazine) and Leigh Blake (Founder of Keep a Child Alive). Natasha Richardson, Cynthia Nixon (Sex in the City), and Jeffrey Wright presented awards to Michael Weinstein (President of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation), HBO (to Executive Vice President Richard Plepler) and Kim Nichols (Executive Director of the African Services Committee.) The program also included a poetry reading by 18-year-old poet Shacoya V. Harts, and a dance & song performance by Erika Rose.After the speaking program, Alicia Keys and her band took the stage and began an incredible concert program.

The 90 minute concert, supported by visual projections by Earle Sebastian, included solos by Alicia Keys and duets with other amazing artists. Some highlights were Alicia Keys and John Mayer dueting on "A Little Help From My Friends," the song "Sorrow Tears and Blood" with Femi Kuti and Common, "Ain't Got You" and "Can't Help It" duets between Alicia Keys and Usher, an incredible performance of "Homeless" by Paul Simon with the Agape Children's Choir, a choir of AIDS orphans from South Africa, and additional duets between Alicia Keys and Baaba Maal on "African Woman" and a final duet with Angelique Kidjo on "Afrika" to close out the show.The high point of this incredible show was a duet between U2's Bono and Alicia Keys on the Peter Gabriel / Kate Bush song "Don't Give Up (Africa)" For more information on the 2005 Black Ball visit: http://keepachildalive.org/kcaAtWork/index.php?p=BlackBall2005