Powerhouse live entertainment booking agency AGI (Artist Group International) has signed with the BrandMark Agency. This marks the first major signing for BrandMark, which recently established itself as a standalone sponsorship, branding and marketing agency after initially developing under top independent live entertainment producer and promoter Danny Wimmer Presents.
BrandMark will work with AGI to align strategic partnerships, endorsements, tour sponsorships and media opportunities that support the diversity of their roster. Led by Chairman Dennis Arfa, AGI is a leading live entertainment agency that books an expansive roster of musicians worldwide. Their current roster includes star artists such as Billy Joel, Metallica, Rod Stewart, Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Hall & Oates, Neil Young, Elvis Costello, The Strokes, Five Finger Death Punch, Smashing Pumpkins and Why Don’t We, among many others.
Jarred Arfa, newly elevated COO for AGI, commented on the BrandMark alignment, “AGI President Marsha Vlasic and I have long sought the right strategic partner in the branding and sponsorship sector for our prolific roster of talent, and we have now found that in Maureen and her team at BrandMark. Maureen‘s track record of success in representing brands, artists, and major music festivals speaks for itself and is very unique. We are thrilled to be able to offer these additional services to our clients, who will be able to utilize brand / commercial relationships to enhance exposure for their tours and other projects, as well as providing them additional financial opportunities.”
Pete Pappalardo, AGI Agent representing artists including Mötley Crüe, Hall & Oates, Five Finger Death Punch and Kidz Bop, noted, “Having a strong partner in the branding and sponsorship space has become increasingly important as artists look for ways to not only increase their revenue potential, but build their profile. BrandMark will be a great addition to the AGI Family. I am excited to work with Maureen and her team.”
Maureen Valker-Barlow, President of BrandMark stated, “We are so pleased to join forces and represent AGI’s incredible roster. Dennis and his team embody stellar emerging and legendary acts that will supercharge meaningful conversations across the brand partnership landscape.”
AGI is a part of Y Entertainment Group LLC, the Yucaipa Companies’ dedicated entertainment vehicle. For more information, visit: www.artistgrp.info
BrandMark is a full-service sponsorship and marketing agency, which focuses on elevating brands and growing their worldwide impact. For more information on BrandMark, visit: https://thebrandmarkagency.com
About Artist Group International
Founded by chairman Dennis Arfa in 1986, Artist Group International has been recognized multiple times as one of Billboard Magazine’s top 3 gross booking agencies of the year. AGI sports a diverse roster of talent, many of whom are represented on a worldwide basis. For over 25 years, AGI has represented superstar acts such as Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Metallica, Motley Crue, and Def Leppard. AGI has expanded its roster of talent in recent years to include Darryl Hall & John Oates, Five Finger Death Punch, Why Don’t We, Ghost, The Smashing Pumpkins, Linkin Park, Jane’s Addiction, Kidz Bop, and many more. In 2014 Marsha Vlasic joined AGI as president, bringing over her star roster of clients, including Neil Young, Elvis Costello, The Strokes, Cage the Elephant, Iggy Pop, and others. In December 2011, The Yucaipa companies acquired AGI to expand its reach in the live entertainment space through strategic acquisitions and organic growth. In August 2020, London Based K2 agency led by founder and renowned agent John Jackson joined AGI in the Yucaipa owned Y Entertainment group. K2 represents superstars such as Metallica, Iron Maiden, Slayer, and Alter Bridge.
About The Yucaipa Companies
The Yucaipa Companies is a premier investment firm that has established a record of fostering economic value through the growth and responsible development of companies. Founded in 1986 by Ron Burkle, the firm has completed mergers and acquisitions valued at more than $40 billion. As an investor, Yucaipa works with management to strategically reposition businesses and implement operational improvements, resulting in value creation for investors.