Universal Attractions Agency has announced the promotion of Ricky Regalado to Co-Head of the Casinos, Fair & Festival Department, based in the New York office. Ricky will join the current head of the Department, Joel Brandes, in spearheading the Department’s operations. UAA’s Casino, Fair & Festival Department has experienced significant growth in 2025, marked by notable signings, including Chippendales, GenX -The Comedy Takeover Tour, Deal Or No Deal Live!, and The Brotherly Love Podcast.
Ricky joined UAA in 2018 as part of the internship program and quickly progressed through various positions, including agent trainee and executive assistant. In 2021, he was promoted to agent, where he has since overseen bookings in the East Coast territories. He has also served as the Responsible Agent for numerous artists and programs, including Johnny Gill, Chippendales, GenX – The Comedy Takeover Tour, The Stylistics, Deal or No Deal Live!, 70’s Soul Jam, and more.
As agent, Ricky has brokered high-profile bookings, including Erykah Badu’s 2024 headline performance at Afropunk Blktopia in Brooklyn, NY, Ludacris’s sold-out performance at The Big E! in West Springfield, MA, the national broadcast of the “I Love The 90’s” Tour for “The Fourth in America” segment on CNN, and most recently, a sold-out performance by R&B singer Joe at MGM’s stunning Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, MS.
On the promotion, UAA co-owner Jeff Epstein said: “I’m so proud of Ricky and everything he’s accomplished.” I’m honored to be working with him, and it’s been a pleasure to see him come up through the ranks from being an intern to being my assistant to helping develop and grow our Casino, Fair, and Festival Department. He’s one of the most tenacious people I know, and there’s no stopping him. Congrats, Ricky, on the well-deserved promotion!
UAA General Manager Nick Martucci added: “Ricky has grown into one of the most trusted voices at UAA. His work ethic and commitment to our artists make this promotion well deserved, and I’m excited to see what he and Joel accomplish together.”
The Casino, Fair, and Festival Department at Universal Attractions was established in 2014, when veteran agent Joel Brandes was appointed to lead the division at the agency’s newly opened Los Angeles office. In 2017, Chase Edwards joined the agency and was later promoted to West Coast casino agent in 2023. This year, the department has begun expanding into new genres—including comedy, Latin, pop/rock, and the emerging podcast space. Ricky and Joel will oversee the growth of these areas, guiding both the development of talent and the management of future projects within the department.
About Universal Attractions Agency / UAA:
Celebrating 80 years in the music business and founded in 1945 by Ben Bart, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) is a leading talent agency headquartered in New York City. With a rich history that includes launching the career of legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for over 40 years, UAA has been at the forefront of the entertainment industry for decades.
Today, UAA continues to guide the careers of prominent artists and entertainers. The agency represents over 250 artists, facilitates performances worldwide, and maintains its status as an industry leader under the leadership of Jeff Epstein and Jeff Allen.
UAA’s commitment to personalized attention and professionalism has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the entertainment sector, consistently adapting to the evolving landscape of the live music and entertainment industries.
