Annie Eifler: Shaping the Future of Gulf Coast Entertainment
We are thrilled to share the second installment of our series, GCE In Our Own Words. In this episode, we spotlight the journey of Annie Criner Eifler, Managing Director & Principal of Gulf Coast Entertainment—from growing up immersed in Houston’s legendary music scene at Rockefeller’s to stepping into leadership at GCE.
Annie’s story reflects her family’s legacy and a lifelong commitment to creating exceptional experiences for both clients and artists.
Growing Up at Rockefeller’s
Annie’s connection to live music began long before her time at Gulf Coast Entertainment. As the daughter of Sanford and Susie Criner, she grew up surrounded by the energy of her parents’ iconic Houston nightclubs, including the Fabulous Satellite Lounge and Rockefeller’s—the legendary Washington Avenue venue that hosted artists such as B.B. King, James Brown, Ray Charles, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Watching her parents run Rockefeller’s gave Annie a firsthand look at the transformative power of live music—and planted the seeds for her own future in the business.
In high school, Annie began working summers at GCE, learning the ins and outs of entertainment booking. Those early experiences taught her that it wasn’t just about music—it was about creating moments that bring people together.
From Behind the Scenes to Center Stage
After graduating from Rice University with a degree in English, Annie began her career in nonprofit development before returning to Gulf Coast Entertainment full time. She brought with her a unique blend of analytical thinking, emotional intelligence, and a deep personal connection to the company’s roots.
Today, as Managing Director and Principal, Annie guides GCE with the same high-touch, white-glove approach established by her mother, Susie—while expanding the company’s reach into new markets and audiences.
When asked what she loves most about her work, Annie says:
“I love a show day, but I equally love the day-to-day. We’re with our clients from inquiry to execution—sometimes for more than a year—negotiating contracts and diving deep into their vision. GCE works to anticipate needs and translate artist requirements alongside client goals. That takes time, expertise, and a deliberate process. My goal is for there to be no surprises on event day, so everyone—artist and client alike—can just have a blast.”
Carrying the GCE Legacy Forward
With Annie at the helm, Gulf Coast Entertainment continues to honor the foundation laid by Susie Criner while embracing new opportunities for the future. Her leadership ensures that every performance is thoughtfully curated, seamlessly executed, and truly memorable.
If you’d like to bring that same energy and excellence to your next event, Gulf Coast Entertainment is here to help.
Contact us today to discover how we can make your event extraordinary.
