A look back at a weeklong, music-filled corporate celebration for the books.

At Gulf Coast Entertainment, we believe in creating experiences that resonate deeply and leave lasting impressions. We had the honor of working with Sullivan Group on Houston-based SMITH’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, bringing to life a week of concerts for their employees. The weeklong celebration featured iconic performances by Nile Rodgers and Chic, Fitz and the Tantrums, and Weezer—three diverse and energetic acts that rocked the crowd with hits that spanned decades. This was not just another corporate event; it was a milestone, and we were honored to be trusted with the headliner entertainment for our music-loving client.
The weeklong celebration, beautifully orchestrated by Sullivan Group, kicked off at the Rustic in Houston with a concert by Nile Rodgers and CHIC, who performed hits like “Le Freak,” “Good Times,” “Let’s Dance,” We Are Family,” “I’m Coming Out,” “Upside Down,” “Like a Virgin” and many more.

Weezer’s show for this rock-and-roll-loving-client, but this time, it took place on the 30th Anniversary of their Blue Album. The harmony of celebrating two milestone anniversaries in one night doesn’t get any sweeter than thatThe chart-topping evening set the tone for the rocking week, culminating in a gala, which took place at 713 Music Hall in Houston, featuring Weezer as headliner and Fitz and the Tantrums who opened up the night. Weezer performed their hits like “Buddy Holly,” “Say It Ain’t So,” “Africa,” “Holiday,” “Island in the Sun,” and many others. This was the second time we had the privilege of producing Weezer’s show for this rock-and-roll-loving-client, but this time, it took place on the 30th Anniversary of their Blue Album. The harmony of celebrating two milestone anniversaries in one night doesn’t get any sweeter than that. The harmony of celebrating two 40th anniversaries in one night doesn’t get any sweeter than that.

The process of booking, coordinating, and producing the entertainment for an event like this requires focus on details and industry experience. As seasoned professionals in the entertainment industry, Gulf Coast Entertainment brings 45 years of expertise in ensuring that every aspect of a live performance goes off without a hitch. Here’s a closer look at why our team at GCE is the ideal partner for any company looking to take their event to the next level.
Expert Booking and Artist Coordination
When you work with GCE, we do more than just book the artist. We are with you at every step, from inquiry to execution. We believe booking world-class talent should be more than just securing a name for your event—we strive for harmony at all levels, for our client, artist, venue, and vendors.
Our goal is for there to be no questions on the day of the event so that everyone has a seamless and smooth experience, so we work diligently on the front end to ensure that the artists’ expectations align with the capabilities of the venue and the client’s goals. The result is a happy artist, who puts on an incredible show to captivate your audience. One way we do this is by working with our clients before the offer is in, to understand their goals and needs for the event and translate that in the offer we submit to the artist. Leading up to the date, we work with artist management teams to understand their technical needs, performance preferences, and schedule constraints. The
process can be complex, especially when you’re working with multiple artists on one night, but our industry knowledge and deep understanding of artist requirements make the production coordination seamless for the venue, artist, and client.
Logistical Coordination with Vendors
Once the talent is locked in, we make sure that all the logistics align perfectly. Working in tandem with the venue, vendors, and event coordinators, we coordinate the staging, sound equipment, lighting, backline, and catering. Every detail has to be accounted for. We are honored to have decades-long relationships with the best vendors in the industry, who share our commitment to excellence.
We ensure that each entertainment vendor is well-briefed on their roles, timelines, and the specific nuances of each artist’s performance. With multiple performances scheduled over several days, we carefully plan the arrival, setup, and soundcheck timelines to avoid any overlap. This requires meticulous planning and constant communication with the venue and other event vendors, and it’s one of the areas where our experience truly shines, because we know what questions to ask. Our goal is to deliver a smooth experience for both the artists and client, without any surprises.
Serving as a Resource for the Client
At Gulf Coast Entertainment, our role goes beyond just booking the artists and coordinating logistics. We are there every step of the way to serve as a resource for the client—whether that’s handling last-minute changes or offering guidance based on our extensive experience. Our team works closely with our client and event coordinators, keeping them in the loop on all decisions and providing recommendations when asked. With every headliner show we produce, we are on site the day of the performance to manage logistics, troubleshoot any unforeseen issues, and make sure everything runs smoothly for our client.
Why Choose Gulf Coast Entertainment?
We believe producing headliner entertainment for private events should be fun for the artist and the client. Our seasoned team understands the intricacies of the entertainment industry and what private and corporate clients typically expect, and we make sure everyone is on the same page. At Gulf Coast Entertainment, we have the experience, the relationships, and the passion to take your event from concept to reality, ensuring that every detail is flawless.
If you’re planning a corporate milestone, special celebration, or any event that requires exceptional entertainment, look no further than Gulf Coast Entertainment. Let us handle the details, so you can focus on creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Contact Gulf Coast Entertainment today to start planning your next unforgettable event! Call 713-523-7004 or email info@gulfcoastentertainment.com.