Diana Ross Concert on Ellis Island

On September 9, 2009, Empire Entertainment produced Diana Ross, AntiGravity®, and a fireworks display by Fireworks by Grucci on world-renowned Ellis Island. It was the second straight year that Empire was tapped by a NYC based investment bank to produce their annual gala, and Empire again provided oversight of nearly every element of the event, including staging, audio & lighting designs, tenting, talent booking and consultation, fireworks, bus and ferry transportation, stage management, signage, catering, décor, registration, staffing, and more.Empire arranged for 15 buses to transport the attendees from the Palace Hotel to three private ferries in Battery Park, also arranged by the Empire team.

As guests disembarked the ferries at Ellis Island, they walked a red carpet that led into the Exhibit Halls. The red carpet was flanked by a number of greeters costumed in red, white, and blue which played into the "Red, White & Blue All-American Barbecue" themed dinner that had been promised on the invitation (which was designed by Empire in consultation with the client). Stiltwalkers, cowgirls, jugglers and more welcomed the attendees upon their arrival.Once inside the Museum, attendees were treated to the spectacular jazz stylings of The Neal Sugarman Quartet while they enjoyed cocktails and private guided tours of the Great Hall and other incredible exhibits of Ellis Island. Following the cocktail reception the doors were opened to allow the 1700 guests to move to the main event area - - a 100' x 182' clearspan tent outside on the famed Ellis Island "Wall of Honor" lawn.

At the client's request, Empire designed three separate seating areas for guests which were arranged in a lounge setting, with white leather ottomans, banquettes, and sofas, accented with red coffee tables, blue pillows and throws. A 20' x 20' central white bar was dressed with vibrant florals and lit in a stunning fashion.The tent was built without sidewalls in order to accommodate the client's request to keep the event's outdoor atmosphere intact. Empire's caterer provided foodstations featuring barbecue favorites such as honey-chipotle barbequed baby back ribs, all-natural fried chicken, jumbo smoked turkey legs, as well as clambake elements including Maryland crab cakes, lobster rolls, and fried clams. The great food was washed down with blackberry basil lemonade, ginger iced tea, as well as red & white sangrias. During dinner, guests enjoyed Cirque-style performance segments by AntiGravity®, such as hand-balancing acts, contortionists, sword-swallowers, and fire-breathers, all costumed in attire to match the red, white, and blue theme of the evening. And when dinner was completed, the attendees were wowed by an incredible fireworks display over the New York City skyline.

The finalé of the evening came when Diana Ross made her grand entrance onstage, opening with her song "I'm Coming Out". Changing costumes a number of times during the performance, the Motown legend turned back time with smash hits including "Upside Down", "Love Hangover", and "You Can't Hurry Love". When she invited guests onstage to dance with her to "Ease on Down The Road", more than 30 attendees obliged. After finishing the set with "I Will Survive", she graciously met with 30 of the client's top VIP's at a private meet and greet.Empire prides itself in our ability to flawlessly execute complex events with large audiences in some of the most incredible event venues in the world such as Ellis Island.