Private Janet Jackson Concert in New York City

2010 was the third consecutive year that Empire was tapped by a NYC based investment bank to produce their annual gala. With a limited number of venues with the capacity for a dinner for more than 1400 guests, as well as substantial staging for a headline concert performance, Empire made a novel recommendation of working in two spaces rather than one for the event. The cocktail reception and dinner was held in the garden of Rockefeller Center as well as the surrounding restaurants, The Sea Grill and Rock Center Café. In close consultation with the client regarding the overall design, Empire transformed the garden/ice rink area into a black & white Art Deco mecca, creating lush and comfortable lounge seating areas with 1920's-era inspired furnishings, such as white-leather tufted couches, sectionals, and chaises, slipper chairs, complemented by mirrored and beveled cocktail tables and highboys, as well as oversized, grandiose white-feathered umbrellas throughout the space.

Each of the restaurants was designed with it's own unique feel and vibe, the Sea Grill as a "King Kong Lounge", and the Rock Center Café as a dark-hued speakeasy. Empire also covered the entry steps to the space in a lush black carpet, branded with a Deco-inspired client logo, created especially for the event. As guests walked down the steps into the garden, they were greeted by 10 statuesque models, dressed in authentic Deco-era beaded gowns, wavy, bobbed 1920's hairstyle wigs, and all manner of accessories carefully selected by Empire to mimic the fashion of the times. The models initially greeted guests with specialty cocktails, and then walked among the guests distributing candies and treats that also fit the look and feel of the event, such as Necco Wafers, Abba Zabbas, and Lucky Strike candy cigarettes.

Guests were also treated to the sounds of the Deco era, as Rob Scheps' All-Star 19-piece big band performed on a stage built directly over the beautiful Rockefeller Center fountain. The stage allowed the fountain to run as usual, providing a beautiful backdrop for the tuxedoed band's fantastic performance. Empire created a custom Deco facade for the stage, and also used the client's Deco logo as a vinyl transfer that was affixed to the bandstands onstage, providing some additional sophisticated branding that fit in with the overall theme. After a spectacular dinner that included succulent items such as Colossal Poached Shrimp in a Spiced Gin Cocktail Sauce and Flame Seared Beef Tenderloin in a classic Béarnaise Sauce, guests were escorted one block to world-renowned Radio City Music Hall where they were joined by another 1500 or so attendees. After enjoying another drink in Radio City's storied Grand Foyer, guests entered the Theatre where legendary comedian Robert Klein performed a hilarious opening set which included piano accompaniment for a side-splitting song Robert had written about the middle-aged man's nemesis, the colonoscopy.

The crowd was then completely awed as global icon, Janet Jackson took the stage with a full band and 10 backup dancers, and set the stage on fire with a greatest hits set that included pop classics including "Nasty", "Rhythm Nation", "Control", "What Have You Done for Me Lately", and many, many more. The fully-choreographed show was electric, and utilized Radio CIty Music Hall's immense 90' x 40' LED screen as a backdrop, allowing for a jaw-dropping video and light show that complemented Janet Jackson's energy and four costume changes. Janet then also graciously met with 20 of the client's VIP's, posing for photos and mingling with the guests. Empire again provided oversight of nearly every element of this event, including site selection, staging, audio, video & lighting designs, tenting, talent booking consultation, stage management, signage/branding, catering, décor, registration, staffing, and more.

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 Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall.