A curated music series that let the rock-and-roll hotel prove it still knew what was next.
00 / Overview
Live music worthy of a hotel filled with musicians.
Sunset Marquis had the guests, recording studio, and credibility to do more than place background music in a lobby. Agency689 and the hotel team created a curated showcase for emerging artists, industry guests, partners, and visitors. It ran for nearly a decade, ending when the pandemic halted live events.
Agency role Co-Creator / Brand and Event Partner
Client Sunset Marquis
Services Event Strategy / Naming / Logo Design / Annual Identity Refresh / Program Development / Artist Support / Stage and Backdrop Design / Lighting Direction / Flyers / Website Content / Sponsorship Support / Content Strategy
01 / Creation
A credible showcase with a brand built to evolve.
Agency689 worked with sales and marketing director Chris Cope to define the format and attract artists. The agency named the series, created its logo, refreshed the identity across seasons, and designed stage backdrops, lighting gels, flyers, and digital materials. One annual mark eventually became the master identity.
02 / Content Archive
Every performance became a lasting brand asset.
Documentation was part of the plan from the beginning. Filmmaker Mark Burnadue recorded performances and backstage interviews, creating an enduring hotel archive. It includes early appearances by Gary Clark Jr., who earned his first Grammy within months, Vintage Trouble, and other artists at important points in their careers.
03 / Sponsorship and Revenue
The series grew from hotel-funded program to sponsored platform.
The first season drove room, restaurant, and bar activity on event nights. From the second year forward, partners including Jack Daniel’s, John Varvatos, and Blue Microphones helped turn the series into a direct revenue source, with client-reported sponsorship typically reaching approximately $35,000 to $45,000 per year. The program combined brand experience, reusable content, and a client-reported recurring revenue stream.
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