When Mindshare, one of the world's largest advertising & media buying agencies sought to create an original branded entertainment work for their client Kimberly-Clarke, they turned to Empire as their production company and creative partner. Shedding light on a topic often discussed in hushed whispers, feminine product Poise and their agency Mindshare teamed up Empire to crete and present The Hot Flash Road Show - a traveling sketch comedy show based on the trials and tribulations of Menopause. The show was written by the Daily Show writer Mo Gaffney and featured Daytime Emmy award-winning co-host of ABC’s “The View,” Sherri Shepherd, and nine time Emmy award-winning actress, Cloris Leachman. Together with the All Girl Review, an all-female comedy troupe straight out of Second City in Chicago, Shepherd and Leachman brought the house down in live performances in New York City and Los Angeles with original skits entitled "The Last Two Eggs," "If Men Had Menopause," and a show-stopping musical performance entitled "Menopositive." Bookending the sketches, pre-recorded interstitial "Couch Talk" videos featured hilarious outtakes of candid interviews with everyday women talking about their experiences with The Change in the manner of When Harry Met Sally. The live events in New York and Los Angeles were also taped for broadcast and livecast to remote audiences.In addition to the olive show, the program also featured a pre-show branded experience with product displays presented in Poise-themed purple lighting while powerful female anthems from Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, and Donna Summer set the tone for the evening.For this unique branded entertainment initiative, Empire worked closely with Mindshare served and served as the overall production company responsible for concept development, venue acquisition, staging design, technical production, camera facilities and livecast, branded installations, as well as audience and talent logistics. To learn more and to see excerpts of the Hot Flash Road Show visit:http://www.poise.com/personal-stories-and-blogs/the-2nd-talk/the-2nd-talk-eventsEmpire is proud to work with world class advertising agencies, media buyers and marketing firms to create original branded entertainment content of all types.

On October 18, 2012, Empire was proud to serve as production partner to Elizabeth Rose Consulting to produce the inaugural Tyra Banks presents the Flawsome Ball.Hosted by Tyra Banks, the event supported the Lower Eastside Girls Club. Founded in 1996, the mission of the Lower Eastside Girls Club (LESGC) is to provide a place where girls and young women 8-23 can grow, learn, have fun, and develop confidence in themselves and their ability to make a difference in the world. With the catchphrase “I Love My…,” the Flawsome Ball celebrated the flaws in all of us.The star-studded evening began with a yellow carpet and an elaborate cocktail reception where variations on the catchphrase were interspersed with live circus performances by the House of Yes and a “smize” photo booth. Once guests moved into the majestic Capitale main ballroom they were trested to a sumptuous seated dinner by chef, Marcus Samuelson, surpassed only by the rich stage program.

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to performances by the female drum core, Brooklyn Express, electric violinist Sarah Charness, and artist’s Nicolina & Lexi Bella. In addition, the girls of the LESGC participated in the show through videos, onstage moments, and a very special spoken word piece.Friends and supporters of Tyra Banks and the LESGC, including Rosario Dawson, Clay Aiken and Simon Doonan joined Tyra Banks on stage throughout the program. In addition, led by auctioneer, Lucy Sexton, the event included a cash call and a very rowdy live-auction, for a date with former boxer, model and America’s Next Top Model judge, Rob Evans.To top off an incredible night, Grammy-nominated artist Drake and DJ Future took to the stage, and had the entire room on their feet as they performed their hits: “Take Care,” “The Motto,” and “Best I Ever Had,” “Make me Proud,” and “Find Your Love.”Empire Entertainment served as event producer of the main ballroom and stage program, which included stage and production management, and coordination of all talent and technical logistics and production.

Empire is a leading producer of celebrity-driven not-for-profit events.

On the evening of October 10th, 2012, Reel Works hosted its 3rd Annual Benefit Gala at the Edison Ballroom in Times Square, New York City. Reel Works welcomed over 230 guests including Academy and Emmy award winning screenwriter, producer and playwright, Aaron Sorkin, Academy Award winner Fischer Stevens, Alessandro Nivola, Elizabeth Gilles, and Zoey Deutch.Reel Works is a youth filmmaking program based in New York City that matches students with film and television professionals who serve as mentors.

The gala began in the mezzanine level of the Edison Ballroom where guests were invited to mingle and enjoy elegant cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres while they participated in the extensive silent auction. Items for the auction included Google Nexus 7, Apple iPad, backstage passes for The Daily Show and an Aaron Sorkin autographed poster of HBO’s The Newsroom. Custom movie posters featuring the movies of the six teens that were nominated by their peers for the night’s featured F. John Occult Award decorated the cocktail area.

After cocktails, guests were invited downstairs to a gourmet three-course meal and full award program featuring The Daily Show comedian Al Madrigal as emcee for the evening. Featured remarks included Reel Works founders, John and Stephanie Williams honoring long time Reel Works supporter, Emily Mortimer, with the Inspiring Artist Award. Reel Works alumni welcomed to the stage Actor Jeffery Wright to the stage to accept the award for The Visionary Artist Award. The Reel Works Junior Advisory board awarded the 2012 F. John Outcalt Award to Emily Batista for her movie, My Skin. Nickelodeon star, Avan Jogia invited Kelleigh Dulany, VP of Corporate Responsibility at Viacom Entertainment Group to the stage to accept the Corporate Leadership Award on behalf of Viacom. The evening concluded with a stellar performance by Grammy Nominated artist, Karina Pasian who dedicated her hit, Winner to all of the teen nominees of the evening.As guests left the ballroom a highlights from the evening that the Reel Works students edited together in real time throughout the evening played on the big screen.

Event sponsors included Viacom, HBO, Vivendi, Empire Entertainment, and C2 Media among others. Dave Bernath, Executive VP, Program Strategy and Multiplatform Programming of Comedy Central was the Event Chair of the event.Working closely with the Reel Works’ team, Empire Entertainment served as sponsor and overall producer of the Reel Works Gala 2012. Empire was also responsible for aspects ranging from event design, technical production, layout design and logistics and music.

To learn more about Reel Works or to donate, please visit, ReelWorks.org.

On September 14th, 2012, Omotesando Hills held their “Special Party 2012”. For this exclusive party, Empire Entertainment Japan was asked to handle casting. For the stage, Empire invited Ms. OOJA, Risa Ono and MEG. As DJs, Empire cast DJ KIKIORIX and DJ KAWASAKI.DJ KIKIORIX kicked off the music while guests perused the shops, enjoying the exclusive atmosphere with complimentary champagne in their hands. Ms. OOJA then appeared on the main stage to sing several of her hit songs. Risa Ono, one of the first Japanese artists to gain fame singing bossa nova in Japan then appeared on stage to perform several well loved songs. Finally, MEG greeted the crowd with her dancers before her own amazing performance. DJ KAWASAKI spun the discs with jazz-fusion songs for the rest of the evening. Responsible for stage production and casting, Empire was able to deliver yet another successful event to Omotesando Hills.

Kenny G was invited to perform his live act in Japan. He performed his hit numbers to an audience of 5,000 at Japan’s Yokohama Arena. Empire provided transportation and logistics services between the airport, hotels and venue, and talent management for Kenny and his team in communicating with transport, hotel and venue staff. Empire supported Kenny with his Japanese speeches, and with interpretation between the stage managers, Kenny and his technical team.

Leading cosmetic industry giant, L'Oreal Paris unveiled their newest innovation in hair care: Advanced Hair Care at Cedar Lake Studio on September 24. In an effort to impress the notoriously hard-to-impress beauty editors on the guest list, L'Oreal and their event marketing agency Momentum Worldwide partnered with Empire Entertainment to create a series of original, live theatrical performances illustrating the unique benefits of each product. As guests arrived, they were led into a dimly lit room, surrounded by five hidden "vaults" – each displaying a large projected lock on the facade. Once all guests had arrived, a theatrical sequence ‘unlocked’ vault one and a traveler curtain parted revealing a sunny, colorful room where two models dressed in the French mod style performed a choreographed dance routine set to the music of Pizzicato 5. As the sun blazed overhead, the colors began to fade from the scene, until everything was drab and dull in shades of black, white and gray - everything that is, except the model’s brilliant hair color, which managed to stay vivid and beautiful in spite of the damage incurred from the sun. As soon as the first vault closed a second vault opened to reveal a series of three dancers with short hair standing underneath of a sculpture of fluorescent light tubes before three large van de Graffe static electricity generators. As they danced the models placed their hands on the orbs causing their hair to stick straight up and fall in time with the music. At the conclusion of the routine their hair returned to it’s original, beautiful condition. After that a third vault opened to reveal he façade of a giant water tank. Inside a gorgeous performer appeared as if floating underwater as rays of blue and green light slowly radiated behind her as her long hair flowed and undulated along with tall growths of sea grass beside her. As she danced and played underwater, her hair kept its natural sheen and luster. Just then a fourth vault opened to reveal an industrial setting of steam pipes in a vivid red color palette. Amidst the factory a lithe model with chiseled muscles and 10’ locks of hair stood as if in the midst of a workout. As the music began to play the model reached up to take hold of her three braids of hair to reveal that each was attached to a weight – a 500 lb. barbell, a huge dumbbell and an anvil. The model stepped forward and lifted each of the weights by pulling on her hair, demonstrating the hair strength created by the product. A final vault revealed a series of floral & foliage panels each representing one of the four seasons. As a soundtrack of Vivaldi progressed throughout the year, each panel sprang to light and a model at the center’s hair was attacked by each seasons trials – cold, wind, rain, heat, etc. and a series of hot hair tools. At the end of the full year cycle the model stepped forward to reveal that her hair had survived all of the challenges and retained all of its original beauty. In each vault the benefits of the hair care line continued to unfold in breath-taking, dramatic vignettes, composed of avant-garde scenic installations, exquisitely choreographed. As the final vault closed, L'Oreal's President and CEO, Karen Fondu took the main stage and announced Lea Michelle, star of Fox's hit show Glee, as the new face of Advanced Hair Care. Lea then took the stage herself to say a few words about her exciting new role. Following the presentation specialty cocktails and delicious small bites were served as the product itself was dramatically revealed by male models on custom-designed product displays. As DJ music played the crowd lingered to take photos with the vignette models in the vignettes and to discuss the benefits of the new products with hair care expert Dr. David Kingsley and stylist to the stars, Johnny Lavoy. Empire is a leading producer of innovative product launches and serves brand marketers and agencies from every industry as a creative and production partner of innovative product launches and rollouts.

Fashion's Night Out has become one of the largest citywide events in New York and it is expanding to an increasing number of cities around the world every year. This year marked its 4th year and was the biggest yet, with over 500 retailers participating in the U.S. alone. As part of this shopping extravaganza, Scoop NYC hosted a block party in the Meatpacking District and Empire Entertainment served as their production partner. Scoop NYC's Fashion's Night Out Block Party was a free event that took place on Washington Street between 13th Street and 14th Street. Mick Boogie was the DJ for the evening and he provided an excellent mix of tunes for the streets filled with Fashion's Night Out shoppers. The highlight of the night was when Brooklyn-based electro pop band, St. Lucia, rocked the main stage with a 30 minute set that got the entire block packed with fans and spectators. While they performed the Scoop NYC stores were filled to capacity with fashionistas enjoying special promotions from select designer brands and sponsored drinks. Empire provided all staging, audio, and lighting, and managed all of the outdoor logistics for this event. Despite strict city regulations for outdoor entertainment and a short time frame to produce, Empire was able to make a quick turnaround and get the party ready on time.Empire Entertainment is a leading producer of consumer-facing marketing projects in markets worldwide.

When wedding planners, JOWY Productions, received the request from a bride-to-be to surprise her future husband with his favorite musician, they turned to Empire Entertainment to deliver Elvis Costello for the occasion.Taking place outdoors, amongst the mountains of Park City, UT the intimate wedding reception called for a solo performance by the Grammy award winning, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member.After an introduction by the bride, Elvis took to the stage, as the groom, (whose family describes at the worlds biggest Elvis Costello fan) nearly dropped to the floor. After the initial shock wore off, the groom joined his bride on the dance floor, directly in front of Elvis as he began to perform his 6-song set. The crown sang along as he performed his hits including “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes,” “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding,” and “Every Day I Write the Book.” Songs that made a huge splash included the jazz classic, “Makin’ Whoopee!” and “Alison,” where Elvis changed the lyrics to include the bride’s name. Towards the end of the set, Elvis got the entire wedding party up on the dance floor as he performed an exciting version of “Pump it Up.”Following his performance, Elvis participated in an intimate meet & greet with the bride, groom, and their immediate family. Elvis also signed their wedding guest book, as well as a drum skin for the groom, who drums along to the Elvis Costello classics at home.Empire was responsible for negotiating, contracting and arranging travel and accommodations for Elvis Costello, as well as working with the wedding planner to coordinate all schedules, logistical and technical aspects of his performance, while keeping the performance a secret.Empire Entertainment is a leading producer of private and corporate events in the U.S. and around the world.

When a longtime Empire client and notable Russian family sought to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in New York City, they turned to Empire to serve as their producer. The event at the historic Metropolitan Club on Fifth Avenue and 60th Street was attended by an audience of over 200 Russian oligarchs, political figures and celebrities, and included over a dozen performances by many of Russia's and the world's biggest stars.

The evening began with an elegant cocktail reception in the Metropolitan Club's Great Hall with its marble walls, imposing staircase and lavish ornamentation. The anniversary couple greeted and posed for photos with arriving guests in a receiving line while a team of Russian hostesses received gifts from the attendees. At the center of the Great Hall, a large bar stood with giant ice sculptures formed to create ice buckets for magnums of champagne. After the cocktail reception, guests moved upstairs into the President's Ballroom where Empire had created an elegant dinner setting. Guests were seated at the lavish tables, each set with custom-made gold and salmon-colored damask linens and chair covers, gold plates, glassware & flatware, hemstitched napkins embroidered with the family crest and ornate floral displays of peach, yellow and pink roses.

The program began with welcome remarks by emcee and Russian television star Yana Churikova who conducted the entire evening's program in Russian. Yana then introduced a video about the couple that set the theme for the evening. Since the couple met at a train station, the video and the segments of the evening would each reflect a different 'station' of their lives including periods in Tajikistan, Europe, Israel the the United States. Performances included a 45 minute set by International superstar Julio Iglesias and his full band, Russian crooner Alexander Kogan, Lev Leshchenko, hockey player Vladislav Tretiak and ethnic performers from Tajikistan. At the conclusion of the dinner, a surprise performance by a real Gipsy orchestra of singers and dancers got the guests on their feet and led them to the extraordinary, historic West Lounge that Empire had transformed into a nightclub cabaret.

On one end of the room Empire had created a huge proscenium stage finished with architectural details that perfectly matched the room, a large custom dance floor featuring the family crest and cabaret seating at tables appointed with burgundy and gold linens and chair covers and, red flowers with red, Baccarat-style cut glass votives. The candle and pinspot-lit tables gave off a gorgeous red & gold glow beneath the gorgeous ceiling frescoes. Yana Churikova then introduced the last surprise performance of the evening, the legendary Diana Ross, who performed a 45-minute set of her greatest hits including "I'm Coming Up," "Mr. Postman," and "You Can't Hurry Love," that had the entire audience dancing.

For this ambitious program, Empire was responsible for overseeing every detail from event design and decor to production, staging, talent logistics, stage management, catering planning, staffing and flow. Joining the project was decor partner Colin Cowie Lifestyle and the Metropolitan Club provided extraordinary service.Empire is a leading producer of private events, parties and milestone celebrations and has worked extensively for many of Russia's most prominent families.

When a powerful headline performer was needed for the closing night of a week-long meeting, Benchmarc360, Inc. worked with their strategic entertainment partner, Empire to contract and deliver the legendary Sammy Hagar for a high-energy hard rock show. With his backing band The Wabos, the former Van Halen frontman performed a surprise 60-minute set at the Gaylord Palms convention center for the client's 1,500 guests. The performance included all of his greatest hits, such as "I Can't Drive 55", "Right Now", "Why Can't This Be Love", "Mas Tequila", "(There's Only) One Way To Rock", "Finish What Ya Started", as well as a medley of Montrose songs. Sammy Hagar and the audience were having so much fun that he added an impromptu second encore, covering the Beastie Boys' "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party!)". Following the extraordinary concert, Sammy Hagar participated in a Meet & Greet and photo-op with approximately 30 of client’s VIPs, including the CEO of the company. Empire has been recommending, securing, and producing headline entertainment for private events since its inception in 1993. We pride ourselves on suggesting the best possible entertainers for our clients based on their attendees, budgets, and event objectives.