(NOTE: This story appears in the July 2024 issue of ED Magazine.)
For many clubs across the country, feature entertainers are part of their monthly promotional schedule. But other clubs, for whatever reason, are hesitant to book them. Here are some industry folks to tell you why features work well for them, and why you should consider adding features to boost your event promotions.
Brian Nance, GM at Bucks Cabaret in El Paso, TX
“A great feature entertainer can give such fresh energy to a night or weekend. They provide a different level of excitement for our guests, staff and our entertainers. They are very much next-level entertainment and can wow a crowd in such a way that everyone is talking about it for days, weeks or months to come. And that really builds excitement for our next events and features down the road. Everyone wants to see what’s going to happen next. A great feature can build anticipation for the next one and the crowds will grow and that makes business good for everyone. And for our entertainers, it can show them that they can do more, that their stage shows really matter, and because of that some will step up their game as well, which helps our business and theirs.
“We all want our clubs to be considered the spot to be. The place to go for the best adult entertainment. Features can provide that extra level that creates the buzz we all want for our clubs. They get people talking. They can get your staff and entertainers excited. It can be like having a rock star in the building and most features that I know are so humble, so great about interacting with our people. They make it where everyone wants to be there for those nights, and that’s what we all want: To be the place everyone wants to be.”
Jeremy Sweigert, DJ & promotions at Michael’s Men’s Club, Broussard, LA
“I feel it’s important to break the monotony of the usual operation. To create more events, pump the girls up and inspire them to create excitement, and more importantly, word of mouth and good rapport to the surrounding area of potential untapped customers. I have had quite a few girls become features and win awards from just being inspired by other features performing. This also looks good on your club.
“If it works for your market area it may be something to try. I have been to hole-in-the-wall places completely packed with people getting loud and throwing money to a ‘good performance show.’ The audience is there; they just need to know where to go to find it.
“Features, whether them being adult film stars or showgirls provide your guests with an added live performance that creates a bespoke and personalized experience. It shows guests that you’re always thinking of how to entertain them and draw them back for the next one.”
Thom Naylor, GM at Archibald’s in Washington DC
“These features have loyal and dedicated fan bases that you can contractually tap into to promote your club. Both types of performers should feel obligated to use their influence, it’s not one-sided… it benefits both parties. They are tremendous assets that are easily looked over, but once you’re there, it’s hard to imagine your club not having them.”
Raychel Revolver, feature entertainer and head of the Worldwide Showgirl Association
“Feature entertainers add a bit of pizzazz to your club and why you got into featuring in the first place. It challenges entertainers to dive into their creativity and truly captivate an audience. Features bring the energy and set the tone for your event! They also bring in customers who may not frequent the club or venue. Many times I have seen the house dancers perform harder after being inspired by seeing features, and that is an overall win!”
Joseph Cunningham, owner of Kandy’s Adult Playground in Waterford, PA
Dino Palmiotto, president and CEO of Exposé in San Diego, CA
