Gordon MacKay

Gordon D. MacKay was meant for show business. Experiencing all facets of the entertainment industry: music, circus, rodeo, fairs, festivals and politics. Gordon believes in a cross-disciplinary approach, of what works in one industry, can be easily adapted to work in another industry.Getting his feet wet in the entertainment industry came at the early age of 14 when he would tour the east coast with the band Sabotage as their bass player. Sabotage built a large fan base, and the teenager was learning the power of promotion. MacKay enjoyed what he was helping to create, but knew that he can go only so far playing other peoples music.MacKay met Frank Cariola a nightclub impresario and former manager of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and Cindy Lauper’s Blue Angel. Cariola saw that Gordon had a knack for promoting events, so he started teaching MacKay the art of Concert Production. In that first year MacKay booked and promoted such legends as Willie Nelson, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Roy Orbison, Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, and Ricky Nelson. From 1984 though 1992 MacKay also booked and promoted such artists as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Megadeth, Faith No More, Poison, Warrant, Cinderella, Anthrax, Run DMC, Extreme, The Ramones, and Dokken, to name just a few.While working with Frank Cariola, Gordon attended St. John’s University as a film student (later graduating with a Communications and Marketing degree). He developed his own internship his junior year, and was an intern at Polygram Records’ newly formed video department. Not more than six weeks as an intern, was he sitting in on Promotion Department meetings and was quickly hired by VP of Promotion Randy Roberts and worked with Diane Earl and John Boulos. Gordon was promoting major acts and worked on "number one" singles for John “Cougar” Mellencamp, Tears for Fears, Bananarama, Bon Jovi and Vanessa Williams. With his knowledge of the hard rock and heavy metal scene MacKay was assigned to work with Kiss, Def Leppard, Rush, Scorpions, Lita Ford, Deep Purple, ELP and more.In 1986 MacKay Bros. Entertainment was started and Gordon and his brother Frank teamed up to promote tours for several acts on Atlantic and Polygram Records.Promoting three or more shows a week, they were hit with heavy advertising bills. The brothers needed a cost effective way to promote their shows throughout the New York Tri-State area. They decided to publish Network Tri-State Music & Entertainment Paper. The paper was published monthly and was supported by advertisers, who in fact indirectly financed the promotion of their concerts. Network grew and became a cult favorite, and through their contacts the MacKay Brothers were getting the toughest interviews in the business and even started scooping the big national magazines. Financing and distribution was secured and the brothers went national with Metal Network. It didn’t take long, until Metal Network was a national favorite, and in 1989 the brothers sold the magazine to the New York Publishing Group.The Brothers also manged such acts as Forbidden, Overdose and A&E's "MindFreak" Criss Angel. The MacKay Brothers have also negotiated over 50 record deals for acts.Frank & Gordon along with business partner Bill Bogardt also owned a string of music oriented nightclubs by the name of Dr. Shay's.In January of 1990 at the Orlando Arena Gordon met legendary animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams of Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus. After spending the afternoon speaking with Mr. Williams, MacKay spoke of his background as a promoter, and asked if Ringling had an opening. “We just started our season, so we haven’t lost anyone yet”, said Williams. “Call the Beatty Show and tell them Gunther sent you.”The next morning MacKay called the offices of the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus and told them that Gunther sent him. That afternoon he was hired as a Marketing Director. Gordon spent parts of four seasons with Beatty-Cole and then met his wife Marybeth in 1993.In 1994, Gordon was introduced to Circus producer Ed Migley. Up until this moment, MacKay was only familiar with American Style Circuses, three rings and more. Migley’s Circus America was a one ring European style show which showcased the artistry of the circus. Circus America emphasized quality rather than quantity, a theatre in the round. MacKay was hired by Migley to handle Marketing and Public Relations for his dates throughout New England. MacKay became National Marketing Director for Circus America in 1995-1996. MacKay joined Ed Migley once again for the inaugural tour of Circo Mundial in 1997, for a Tour of Puerto Rico.Upon his return from Puerto Rico, Gordon started MacKay Marketing & Entertainment an agency and consulting firm representing Family Entertainment, including Daredevils, Circuses, Rodeos, Bull Riding Events, Parades, Concerts, Fairs and Festivals.MacKay Marketing www.mackaymarketing.comMacKay Marketing is a firm focused on the Amusement and Entertainment Industries. Gordon's team is talented, full of creative energy, and brings a wealth of experience and skill to each engagement. MacKay Marketing's highly motivated staff can not only design, but can also fully implement a marketing or management strategy from top to bottom.1999 Gordon & Marybeth MacKay were hired to consult and train personnel for Circus Smirkus in preparation and during filming of the Disney Channel production of “Totally Circus”. MacKay developed and implemented a marketing plan to assist local hosts in filling all performances, so that Circus Smirkus and the Disney Channel could have the best possible showing in front of the American Public.MacKay Marketing works with clients in a variety of ways depending on their needs. Creating brand images for touring circuses, bands, and traditional fairs; Developing and implementing Non-traditional and Lifestyle campaigns for such artists as Beyonce, Jessica Simpson, the Jonas Brothers, Pink, Avril Lavigne, Lil John, Usher, Michelle Branch, Luther Vandros, Three Days Grace, Dashboard Confessional and more.Creating and implementing advertising and promotional campaigns, and booking national tours are our primary focuses.MacKay Promoted "number one" Singles for Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Vanessa Williams, John Mellencamp, Tears For Fears and Bananarama. Also handled video promotion for Kiss, Rush, Kool and The Gang, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, the Everly Brothers, Kathy Mattea, Billy Ray Cyrus, Deep Purple, ELP and the Scorpions.MacKay Entertainment www.mackayentertainment.comMacKay Entertainment is full service agency, working with each client on a one-to-one basis fulfilling the needs and goals that they have to make each event a success. We specialize in producing branding and promotional events as well as a full range of services for casinos, fairs, festivals, corporate events, cruise lines, malls, television, movies and commercials.Whether you need help with an existing event or a planning a new event MacKay Entertainment has the experience and expertise to achieve all the goals of your event. Mackay Entertainment makes it easy for our customers, by tailoring a program to fulfill their needs. Our range of service range from talent buying, consulting, to complete turnkey show productions.Gordon has Promoted and acted as Talent Buyer for over 500 venues. Acts Included but not limited to Guns n Roses, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chuck Berry, America, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Faith No More, Roy Orbison, Conway Twitty, Ricky Nelson, Soundgarden, The Platters, The Ramones, The Drifters, Shirelles, Poison, Extreme, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Joe Nichols, Trick Pony, and Sawyer Brown.MacKay Marketing and Entertainment has worked with such clients as Evel Knievel, Robbie Knievel, The Flying Wallendas, Bello Nock, The Galaxy Girl, Willie Nelson, Criss Angel, Jade Kindar-Martin, Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey and most recently Circus Flora.Straw House Entertainment www.strawhouseentertainment.comMacKay's newest venture along with Marybeth is Straw House Entertainment. Straw House will be a one-stop entertainment solution, with worldwide distribution.Straw House will be a home for Heritage & Classic Acts; as well as developing newer artists to assist them in getting to the next step in their careers. Straw House is proud to announce our signing for distribution in the United States through SONY/RED. plain layout @ HOT FreeLayouts.com