LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Danny Wimmer Presents (“DWP”), one of the largest independent producers of destination rock music festivals in the U.S., announced today that it has received a significant investment from the United Auburn Indian Community Development Corp. (“UAIC”), the investment arm of the Native American tribe. UAIC owns and operates Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Northern California’s premier entertainment destination. DWP will partner with the UAIC and use proceeds of the investment to grow and diversify its business through the development of new festivals and offerings (including additional music genres), acquisitions of established events and promoters, and the expansion of DWP’s artist management division and its subsidiary, Southern Hospitality Concessions. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“Music festivals now make up the largest growth sector in the live events industry, and the time is ripe for our business to expand,” said DWP Founder and Chairman Danny Wimmer. “We’re thrilled to be working with the UAIC, whose understanding of the live entertainment business and experience as developers, investors and community leaders make them an ideal partner for us as we take our company to the next level and capitalize on the significant opportunities that exist in the music business. In fact, we’ve already gotten started and are looking forward to announcing DWP’s first strategic investment in the coming weeks.”
Founded in 2007 and based in Los Angeles, DWP has grown into the world’s premier production company for rock music festivals, producing 10 unique live music festivals in high-demand markets across the United States per year. By merging well-known talent with local cuisine and culture, DWP has become recognized within the industry for delivering the highest-quality, exceptional value entertainment experiences to customers, artists, sponsors, partners and host cities alike. Over the past six years, DWP has grown – while constantly innovating its production, promotion and fan experiences – from a partner in one single event to producing sold out events across the country, doubling its number of produced events between 2012 and 2013 alone. DWP plans to add as many as five new music festivals in 2015 to its already stellar portfolio, which includes: Rock On The Range, Monster Energy AFTERSHOCK Festival, Monster Energy Welcome To Rockville, Monster Energy Carolina Rebellion, and LOUDER THAN LIFE, among others.
“DWP has set the standard for delivering amazing, innovative rock festivals to fans across the country, and the UAIC could not be more pleased to partner with such a phenomenal music festival producer as we work to expand and grow our presence in the live entertainment industry,” said Gene Whitehouse, Chairman of UAIC. “We are looking forward to helping DWP build on its vision and supporting the continued rapid growth of this very promising company.”
The company also announced today that Danny Hayes, a business advisor and attorney for Mr. Wimmer since DWP’s inception, has been appointed CEO of DWP. A preeminent entertainment attorney and founding partner of consumer rewards website Swagbucks and its parent company, Prodege, Mr. Hayes will oversee day-to-day operations, as well as drive the company’s business development and accelerated growth initiatives. Mr. Hayes has represented iconic artists including Tool, Linkin Park, Marilyn Manson, Paramore, Staind, Corey Taylor and Yanni. His considerable experience with members of the music industry, as well as his entrepreneurial success with Prodege and Swagbucks, gives him a unique understanding of the full spectrum of DWP’s industry. DWP founder, Danny Wimmer, will continue to lead the company as Chairman and Chief Creative Officer.
Danny Wimmer said, “Since day one, Hayes has been instrumental in helping me build my company, and now that DWP has grown so extensively, it has become crucial for Hayes to join the team full-time. His creative approach to business and entrepreneurial spirit set him apart as an attorney, and his diverse experience makes him a perfect fit for what we’re doing. In the ever-changing environment of the music business, I could not have a better CEO that understands the full spectrum of the industry.”
Mr. Hayes added, “I am thrilled to be joining DWP at such a pivotal point for the company. With Danny’s incredible vision and leadership, DWP has achieved exceptional growth over the last six years. This investment from the UAIC will enable us to capitalize on significant opportunities and I am excited to work alongside both Danny and the UAIC, leveraging our combined expertise to provide an even better experience to a broader number of customers, artists, sponsors, and partners in the years ahead.”
As a part of today’s announcement, DWP has appointed Mr. Hayes along with two UAIC representatives, Danny Rey (Tribal Secretary) and Calvin Moman (Council Member at Large), to its Board of Directors. Chaired by Mr. Wimmer, the Board will also benefit from new appointees Tony Guanci and Peter Luukko, accomplished executives with over 65 years of combined experience in the sports, entertainment and development industries. Full biographies for DWP’s Board Members are listed below.
DWP was advised on the UAIC transaction by McCafferty & Company of Los Angeles and attorneys David Sands and Jennifer Lee of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP. UAIC was advised by attorney Scott MacTaggert of Lewis Roca Rothgerber LLP.
Board of Director Biographies:
Danny Wimmer
Mr. Wimmer has over 20 years experience as an event creator, producer and promoter, and has unparalleled relationships within the music industry and a proven track record of executing successful events. His previous positions include SVP of A&R at Atlantic Records, Epic Records and Flawless Records.
Danny Hayes
Mr. Hayes has been in private practice as an entertainment attorney for the past 25 years. A graduate of the University of Southern California’s Gould School of Law, Mr. Hayes most recently was at his firm Bowen Hayes & Kreisberg. He was previously the managing partner at Davis Shapiro Lewit & Hayes and prior to that, a partner at Manatt Phelps & Phillips. His clients have included iconic artists Tool, Linkin Park, Marilyn Manson, Paramore, Staind, Corey Taylor, and Yanni. Hayes was also a founding partner of Prodege and its social rewards community Swagbucks.
Danny Rey
Danny Rey serves as the Tribal Secretary for the United Auburn Indian Community, a position he has held since January 2013. During his tenure, Mr. Rey has been actively involved in strengthening academic programs for the Tribe’s youth and advocating for the preservation of Native American cultural sites.
Calvin Moman
Calvin Moman was elected to the UAIC Tribal Council in June 2010. Mr. Moman has also served on the Tribal Finance Committee and was a construction supervisor during the successful 2010 expansion of Thunder Valley Casino Resort. He has also been a dedicated advocate of the Tribe's Elder Center and the preservation of cultural resources.
Peter Luukko
Mr. Luukko has more than 35 years of experience in the sports management and marketing industries. In addition to his role as Chairman of Philly Sports Holdings, LLC, he currently serves as Executive Chairman of Pointstreak Sports Technologies Inc., a company offering sports technology solutions. Previously, he was President and COO of Comcast-Spectacor, where he was responsible for the creation of new business opportunities in the fields of facility management, sports ownership, ticketing, and food and concessions operations. He also oversaw all operations of the Philadelphia Flyers and served as a member of the NHL’s Board of Governors. His prior positions include President of The Spectrum, Vice President of Spectacor Management Group’s Western Region, Assistant General Manager of the Providence Civic Center, and Director of Marketing for the New Haven Coliseum. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Philadelphia Sports Congress, and the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation.
Tony Guanci
Tony Guanci brings over thirty years of professional experience in the areas of business development, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, and management as well as an overall knowledge of the sports and entertainment industry to DWP. Over his career, Mr. Guanci has consulted for many of the top companies in sports, music and entertainment, such as: Walt Disney Co., NBC Universal Studios, Spectacor Management Group (SMG), Comcast Spectacor, and sports teams including the Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), Anaheim Ducks (NHL), Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (MLB), and Oakland Raiders (NFL). Outside of the world of sports, music and entertainment, Mr. Guanci has developed over 35 million square feet of real estate, which includes industrial, hotels and high-rise residential throughout California, Texas, Las Vegas, and Massachusetts.
About Danny Wimmer Presents
Since 1995, Danny Wimmer has created, developed and produced events from the club level to some of the largest North American festivals. Founded in 2007 by industry veteran Wimmer, DWP produces some of the largest festivals in the rock and alternative landscapes. Never satisfied with the status quo, Danny Wimmer Presents strives to create memorable and fulfilling concert experiences leaving both consumers and partners with lasting and meaningful impressions. www.DannyWimmerPresents.com
About United Auburn Indian Community
The United Auburn Indian Community is a federally recognized Indian tribe, comprised of both Miwok and Maidu Indians. The historic Auburn Rancheria is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Auburn, California. The Tribe operates as a sovereign nation and is governed by its Tribal Council, which consists of the chairperson, vice-chairperson, treasurer, secretary and council member at large. The United Auburn Indian Community opened Thunder Valley Casino Resort in June 2003. Located 30 miles east of Sacramento, Thunder Valley Casino Resort offers 250,000 square feet of gaming space – including over 2,500 slot and video machines, 103 table games and a live poker room with space for 240 players. During the summer months, Thunder Valley’s expansive Outdoor Amphitheater is home to the resort’s highly successful Summer Concert Series – featuring some of the biggest entertainment acts in Northern California. Thunder Valley Casino Resort also has 14 restaurants and bars and a luxury, 17-story hotel with 297 rooms, including 40 suites and an expansive outdoor pool complete with private cabanas and a poolside bar.