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

When Arista Records and Clive Davis wanted to throw a party to celebrate the release of Carlos Santana's latest album, "All That I Am," they turned to Empire Entertainment to pull together a terrific event on short notice. The event took place in the ornate Grand Ballroom of the Manhattan Center, located directly above the Hammerstein Ballroom. The party immediately followed Santana's concert downstairs. The late night lounge-style event was presented by Carlos Santana's recording label, Arista Records and was also sponsored by Real Networks music download service, Rhapsody.

The event featured a press room for interviews and photographs with Carlos Santana, Clive Davis, Anthony Hamilton and other Arista recording artists, a giant central bar surrounding towering palm trees, ottoman seating, square cocktail hi-tops, video projection of collected footage from Santana's career and lighting design by Empire's client that perfectly complemented the hundreds of red, yellow and white candles that glowed on every surface. The soundtrack of assorted work from Santana's career set the right mood for the event as guests chatted and mingled to the sounds of "Oye Como Va", "Black Magic Woman" and other Santana hits.The event was a complete success and Empire helped to design, plan and implement all aspects from security and decor to catering, production and room layout with less than one week's notice.

When the biggest names in entertainment choose to entertain themselves, they call Empire Entertainment.

When Real Estate Developer Donald Trump wished to thank the Phoenix City Council for approving his plans to build a 40-story luxury condo-hotel in Phoenix, Arizona, he turned to Empire Entertainment's Film & Video Division to produce the 00:30 second commercial spots for television and radio. Working closely with Bayrock Group's marketing department, Empire presented the Bayrock marketing department with a number of ideas, and chose to go with a straight forward, and simple approach to the commercial spot.Mr. Trump sits in his office saying thank you for the city council's approval that allows him, and another company, Phoenix-based Westcor, to build taller buildings than the present city ordinances allow.

As Mr. Trump speaks about the economic benefits his Trump Phoenix will create, beautiful renderings of the proposed multi-use, luxury destination are shown on-screen.The Phonecians for Smart Growth support Mr. Trump and the Bayrock group, pointing to the economic benefits a project like Trump Phoenix provides the city of Phoenix, including 1.4 million dollars of tax revenue annually, over $900,000 generated annually for phoenix schools, and jobs.An opposition group called "People Organized, Exercising Democracy" contends that tall building projects inhibit the enjoyment of Camelback Mountain, and they have collected petitions to force a citywide referendum on the issue.

Empire Entertainment's Film & Video Division creates Film, Video, and DVDs to assist companies with their marketing and communications messages.Empire's Film & Video unit have produced many industrial and private projects and were involved in the production of the 2006 Oscar Nominated film, "Capote," and Empire's two principals won the Emmy award for outstanding achievement in News & documentary programming for their first long-form project, a documentary motion picture entitled "The Cruise," directed by Bennett Miller. The Cruise tied with ABC News' Millennium coverage for this prestigious award. Empire's Film and Video division can produce any kind of film & video required by corporate clients including commercials, music videos, television pilots, long form projects, and corporate industrials for training, sales & motivation.

On Saturday, September 10th, Marco Tempest gave Apple consumers something that they did not expect! Performing his unique brand of hi-tech magic and illusions, Marco filled the audience with wonder, laughter, and awe. Entitled "Multimedia Magic Made on a Mac", Marco's performance not only showcased is world-renowned and innovative routines, it also demonstrated his abilities to use MAC products to produce his magic. Using Wi Fi technology, integration between various products ranging from cell phones and cameras to computers and plasma screens, Marco proved once again that he is the most ground-breaking magician of the 21st century. Marco and a team of eight assistants attracted so many viewers, that the 2nd floor theater was at maximum capacity!

Performing in the heart of trendy Soho, Marco's audience was entirely diverse. Ranging from computer geeks to families to tourists to supermodels in town for fashion week, the result was unanimous: Marco Tempest had single-handedly made people believe in magic again! Marco was able to solve one of the most popular (and difficult) puzzles in the world; The Rubik's Cube! To the audience's bewilderment, Marco mysteriously pulled a cube right out of the TV monitor. As excited participants would jumble up the cube as much as possible, Marco would foil them all by solving the puzzle in less than 5 seconds. Marco then asked seven random audience members to punch their favorite number into a spectator's cell phone, which magically ended up dialing Marco's personal phone!

Marco continues to be a master at walking the line between the actual world in which we live, and the virtual reality that exists in our amazing technology and our imaginations. As the creative force and production designer behind all of his work, Marco is an event planner and producer's dream!

When one of the world's most respected and established publications, Fortune Magazine, celebrated its 75th Anniversary for its major advertisers in New York City, they turned to Empire Entertainment to help design, produce and execute a signature event for this very special occasion.Empire collaborated with Fortune's event marketing team to create an event that would reflect the values and traditions of the 75 year old brand and utilize imagery from the period of it's launch in 1930. The event would also need to provide a contemporary, relevant and entertaining experience for the guests that would project Fortune Magazine's contining vitality.The Mandarin Oriental Ballroom served as the perfect location for the party with it's art deco design and incredible views of Central Park and the New York City skyline.

In addition, Empire installed and lit a series of standing displays depicting classic Fortune Magazine cover artwork and bountiful arrangements of calla lillies. The party featured music by the Stingers, a 10 piece R&B Motown band, and a series of performances by acrobatic / aerial troupe Antigravity®. Guests were amazed by their skill and flawless performances. The final Antigravity® performance segment led by the "famous jumping boots," segued into remarks from the evening's host to a dance set by the Stingers who kept the crowd on their feet.Towards the end of the party, Empire opened the doors to yet another section of the ballroom to reveal a Diamond décor themed lounge. All white lounge furniture, glowing cocktail tables, diamond inspired decorations and Fortune Magazine branded pillows were all draped in blue lighting to create a cool and modern ambience. To top it off, sexy world music DJ Donna D'Cruz spun an incredible set of dance music for two hours on her customized diamond studded DJ façade. For this event Empire provided all decor and design, lighting, staging, sound, talent booking and coordination, onsite logistics and production management.

When the world's most respected brands celebrate their anniversaries, they turn to Empire Entertainment to do it right.Photos courtesy of Martin Nystrom Photography

One of the most critically-acclaimed motion pictures to debut in Fall of 2005 was the SONY Classics release "Capote" directed by filmmaker Bennett Miller, brother of Empire Entertainment Co-Founder and Co-President, J. B. Miller."Capote" is based on the life of acclaimed author Truman Capote and specifically on the period of his life when he wrote In Cold Blood, a groundbreaking work of American literature based on a series of shacking murders in the 1950's. The film stars an incredible ensemble cast of rising stars including Philip Seymour (Boogie Nights, The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Big Lebowski), Catherine Keener (The 40 Year Old Virgin, Adaptation, The Interpreter), Chris Cooper (American Beauty), Bob Balaban (A Mighty Wind, Gosford Park, Best In Show) and newcomer Clifton Collins Jr. "Capote" made it's New York debut as one of the centerpiece films of the 2005 New York Film Festival and garnered outstanding reviews including the following:"Not only does Mr. Hoffman achieve an impressive physical and vocal transformation. . . but he also conveys, with clarity and subtlety, the complexities of Capote's temperament. . . Ms. Keener performs the role of foil with particular grace.  Through her wary, witty performance, she becomes the bridge that connects Capote with the audience."-A.O. Scott, THE NEW YORK TIMES"Philip Seymour Hoffman caps a decade of brilliant work on stage and screen with the lead role in Capote. . . he and the film are terrific."-Richard Corliss, TIME MAGAZINE"A clear, steady gaze graces the smart biopic "Capote," which takes a mordant look at Truman Capote (Philip Seymour Hoffman) at the time he was writing "In Cold Blood." It's an etched-in-acid portrait of a writer whose talent was as ruthless as it was brilliant."-David Ansen, NEWSWEEKEmpire Entertainment was thrilled to have the opportunity to produce, sponsor and co-host the premiere party for the film following it's screening to a sold-out house at Lincoln Center.

The party took place at Jean-Georges Restaurant and featured top shelf open bar and Jean-Georges famous food. The event was attended by the cast and crew of the film including all of the stars as well as a variety of individuaals including Pink Floyd's Roger Waters.Empire Entertainment is pleased to have played a role in the creation of "Capote" and to support an ever growing field of original ventures in film and television.

Empire brought its automotive industry skills to bear this Fall in connection with booking talent for a National Announcement Show for one of the industry's leading firms. For this top-secret meeting, over 6000 dealers from around the country and executive management from all over the world gathered together to look at the forthcoming models and to prepare for the coming business year.The show was bookended with performances by alternative pop sensation Lifehouse, and hosted throughout by the incomparable Robin Williams, who tore the house down with his fast-paced, hyperkinetic comedy, zany impressions and event-customized material.

Empire worked with the client to enhance the reveal of their urban-oriented product line by arranging for a customized hip hop collaboration featuring Common and Mos Def, backed by the 60 piece Dakah Hip Hop Orchestra, outfitted in all white.Luma, one of the most versatile performance troupes available for corporate applications, enhancedthe reveal of another client product line, with a visually stunning custom application of their black light performance art.As if the forgoing was not enough for a 90 minute experience, the gathering also featured two product-oriented industrial films, one of which featured three of the Desperate Housewives, and the other featured Whose Line Is It Anyway star, Greg Proops.For this annual program, Empire secured and contracted all of the above talent, managed all logistical artrangements and provided support for the crerative and production integration.

From speakers to musical artists, from comedians to theatrical talent, Empire is the corporate events indutry's leading one-stop-shop for all types of talent and speakers.