Encore Creative Re-enters the Arizona Native American Gaming Market

Encore has been working in the Indian Gaming market since its entry 15 years ago when it procured the entertainment contract with Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino and Resort.   That relationship lasted well over 10 years during which Encore provided entertainment from the pre-opening until the construction of the resort and hotel.  During that time, Harrah's Ak-Chin provided entertainment its lounge for two shifts every day 365 days a year.  The Encore team worked closely with the local marketing department as well as the advertising agency and P.R. firm to promote ambient entertainment on the casino floor for "celebrations" and, ultimately, large-scale outdoor concerts and special events in the hotel ballroom.  Along with the marketing team, Encore Creative helped to develop a weekly series of concerts cleverly and with tongue-in-cheek, called "SeniorFest" during which a number of legendary performers including the likes of Mickey Rooney to the Modernaires and a host of "Big Bands" and vocal groups entertained the senior audicence with afternoon concerts.  Encore Creative developed and managed the schedules for all of the performers, negotiated the contracts, riders and provided all of the production and backline equipment in addition to stage managing all of  the casino's events. Since October 2008, Encore has re-entered the market, working with Gila River Gaming Enterprises on the production of two major concerts, the grand opening of the Lone Butte Casino featuring Natalie Cole, the National Indian Gaming Association with Gladys Knight, and casino floor ambient entertainment. In addition,  Encore has assisted Lone Butte Casino in producing the American Idol/Gong Show-like "Lucky Break" television show, with company president,  Jeff Lowy, serving  as one of the regular judges.  In helping Lone Butte to prepare for the production of Lucky Break, Encore was enlisted to assist in the purchasing of lighting and sound equipment, and ultimately, in designing a permanent promotional stage "set" designed to display the casino's logo in all of the prime camera shots during the taping of the hour-long show. Encore has now returned to its roots by being given an opportunity to book and manage the schedule for Lone Butte's Jazz Happy Hour and Brunch.  Bringing live jazz to the casino market in Arizona is quite forward thinking of the Lone Butte marketing team, making it one of the few high profile venues for Jazz in the east valley of the Phoenix market.  The booking of local and national jazz luminary Judy Roberts along with local favorites Ken Wain at piano and vocals and Jerry Donato and John Knowlton being reunited on sax and guitar for the brunch shift makes for a diverse bit of entertainment and a great addition to the local jazz and entertainment "scene". In the next installment of this blog look for pictures and video clips of Encore Creative's other participation and contribution to the Casino market-scenic installations, specialty signage and custom fabricated casino promotional tools.