Life & Work with Mike Moloney of Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Moloney.

Hi Mike, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
Following 20 years (as an onstage musician and entertainer), I enjoyed the business part more and the performing less. I started MMEC in 1992. One of the GMs (from one of the Nevada Casinos where I had been performing) suggested I look into the new and surging marketing of Tribal Gaming. I knew some folks opening a small casino (near Globe, AZ) called Apache Gold. I applied for a license (with the Arizona Department of Gaming) and started booking their shows. A short time later, the GM left to help build a new property on the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community (which would become Casino Arizona). We opened with first a sprung (tent) structure and booked a few small events (to enhance the gaming experience).

From the opening of Casino Arizona, we created a show (specifically for the venue) called Showstoppers “Live.” The show had a revolving cast of celebrity/rock tributes (Elvis, Michael Jackson, Madonna, etc.) and was always a featured comedian. Casino Arizona originally booked it for a short 7-week run. The show’s success encouraged them to extend the booking, and 7 weeks turned into 12 years! Casino Arizona celebrates its 25 anniversary this year with the return of Showstoppers “Live.”

The success of Casino Arizona was the driving force to build Talking Stick Resort. We’ve been a part of the team since it was first conceived (working closely with the architects, designers, etc. ) to bring state-of-the-art performance facilities to the community. Currently, we book entertainment in both venues 7 days a week (from lounge acts to tribute shows to headline talent). I believe we’re the longest-tenured vendor in Tribal gaming funny how a suggestion 30 years ago turned into a lifelong passion.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
A lot of upload challenges, some bumpy parts, and some smooth rides. When I was first starting, I asked a friend (who was a seasoned industry veteran). “how do you like being a producer?” He said, “A producer? I’m too a producer to see that guy chasing the light bulb. He’s a producer, that lady setting the table, she’s a producer” With entertainment, everyone has their idea, they know what they like, and consequently, they believe it’s what everyone else also likes. The key is it’s about something other than what you’d like to see but learn what the audience wants to see (and who or what they’ll put their hard-earned dollar down to buy a ticket.).

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Whether there is a task or not, I always work on a new project. Once the opportunity strikes, something is always ready to come to life. About 12 years ago, I was toying with an idea for a Rock and Roll show about two guys trying to make it big. We have a great team (choreographer and music producer in Scottsdale) and a solid extended group of associates. I had the concept, dialogue, and story set. I was speaking with a client on an entirely different subject when he asked, “Do you have any new show concepts?” I shared my idea they asked if I could present the project in 3 days. I flew to Miami and came up with an agreement for 8 shows.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the weather, the vibe, the positive interaction. We had a show once with the late great country singer Don Williams Pre-show; Don was standing on the loading dock (behind the stage) just looking at the sunset. He came on stage and said, “You folks are so blessed to live in a place like this” Truer words have never been spoken.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.mmec.com
• Instagram: mmec_entertainment
• Facebook: MMEC Productions
• Linkedin: Mike Moloney Entertainment
• Twitter: mmec vegas
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_OVVYE9R1OK-U17JIfFRA