Pictured left to right: UAA client Keith Sweat, Joel Brandes, Chase Edwards
Feb 21, 2023, New York, NY – Universal Attractions Agency is proud to announce the promotions of Joel Brandes and Chase Edwards, both based out of the Los Angeles office. Joel Brandes will oversee all casino endeavors, while Chase Edwards will represent Universal Attractions Agency as the West Coast casino agent.
Music industry veteran Joel Brandes joined Universal Attractions Agency in 2014 as part of the agency’s then-newly minted casino division. In the years since, Joel has overseen immense growth in the casino department, including the additions of agent Ricky Regalado (promoted in 2021) and the most recent promotion of Chase Edwards.
Joel’s most significant accomplishments at Universal Attractions Agency include brokering Keith Sweat’s Las Vegas residency at The Flamingo and bringing the acclaimed “I Love the 90s” tour to MGM’s Mandalay Bay. Each of these garnered high notoriety, paving the way for greater UAA casino department success.
Chase Edwards, who joined the agency in 2017, was most recently the West Coast small-capacity (1,500 and under) agent before his promotion to casinos, fairs, and festivals in the same territory. At Universal Attractions Agency, Chase is the responsible agent for numerous acts, including Sir Mix A Lot, Warren G, Nappy Roots, and DJ Skribble, among others.
On Joel’s accomplishments, Universal Attractions Agency General Manager Nick Martucci said: “After working with Joel for a decade-plus, I can say nobody is more tenacious or passionate about servicing casino talent buyers. His ambition is contagious and continues to add tremendous value to our agency. We consider Joel family, and I have been fortunate to watch him rise the ranks with us at Universal Attractions.”
Universal Attractions Agency announced the expansion of the casino division in 2014. This coincided with the agency’s Los Angeles office opening in the same year.
About Universal Attractions:
In business since 1945, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) boasts locations in the heart of New York City and Los Angeles. The agency’s celebrated history includes launching the career of the legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for more than 40 years, in addition to a truly jaw-dropping list of talent on its rosters, including Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Smokey Robinson, and the Miracles, Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, the Staples Singers, The Grateful Dead, Sepultura, Salt-N-Pepa, Coolio, Naughty By Nature, The Jacksons, New Edition, MC Hammer, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and so many more. UAA has proven itself as an industry leader among talent agencies, continuing to help direct the careers of some of the most prominent artists, comedians, and entertainers of today, such as Nelly, Ludacris, T.I., Ja Rule & Ashanti, Cedric the Entertainer, UB40, Keith Sweat, Flo Rida, and countless others. UAA also created one of the most sensational tours of the last decade with the “I Love the 90’s Tour,” which sold out large amphitheaters and arenas across the country, selling millions of tickets.
To find more information about Universal Attractions and the agency’s roster, visit the official UAA website.
