At the heart of Gulf Coast Entertainment is its founder, Susie Criner. To kick off GCE’s new series of videos, GCE In Our Own Words, we invite you to hear directly from Susie herself in the video HERE, in which she shares the story behind building GCE. From the early days of Houston’s nightlife scene to shaping GCE into the trusted name it is today, Susie’s journey is as inspiring as it is impactful.
Susie and BB King at Rockefeller’s
In the late 1970’s, Susie embarked on a journey that would shape the live entertainment landscape of Houston. The transformation began when her husband, Sanford, spearheaded the restoration of the old Heights State Bank on Washington Avenue, later christened Rockefeller’s, an elegant live-music nightclub. When no experienced operators came forward to lease the venue, Susie and Sanford boldly stepped into the void, immersing themselves in every aspect of running the club.
A cocktail party in Los Angeles in the 1970’s led to pivotal connections—most notably with B.B. King’s manager, Sid Seidenberg—ushering in a cascade of legendary bookings at Rockefeller’s.
One evening at Rockefeller’s, a client asked Susie if she could book the Four Tops, who were playing at the club that night, for his daughter’s debutante party—and a lightbulb went off. She could do that.
In 1979, she launched The Party Company, a modest venture run from her kitchen while raising two young daughters. It didn’t take long before her energy and refined taste homed in on what she truly loved—music—and she rebranded professionally as Gulf Coast Entertainment.
Rockefeller’s April 1983 Calendar ft. Tina Turner, James Brown, Four Tops, Taj Mahal, and so many more
Since its establishment in 1979, Gulf Coast Entertainment has become synonymous with high-touch, white-glove entertainment booking—serving weddings, corporate events, non-profit galas, private parties, and more. GCE is notable for representing entertainment buyers, while maintaining strong relationships with artists, and preserving its reputation for industry expertise and attention to detail.
Under Susie’s leadership, GCE grew into Houston’s premier entertainment booking agency and expanded its reach statewide and beyond. Media have acknowledged her for “helping build Houston’s entertainment industry infrastructure,” and for weaving entertainment into the fabric of the city through both business and philanthropy.
Susie’s vision and passion built more than just an agency—she created a legacy of unforgettable experiences. If you’d like to bring that same excellence to your next celebration, Gulf Coast Entertainment is here to help.
