Danny Zelisko

It was June 1974 when jazz-fusion artists, Mahavishnu Orchestra were performing at the Tucson Music Hall. It was this performance that launched the beginning of a career. However, it wasn’t the band’s career, it was that of the young promoter producing the show, Danny Zelisko. With the help of his father, the 19-year-old Zelisko moved to Arizona from Chicago and began promoting concerts for a living. Zelisko’s first show in Phoenix was on June 21, 1974 with Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters

Although Zelisko has been promoting shows in Arizona since 1974, the first time he was paid to promote was when he was in grade school in Niles, Illinois. Zelisko, a diehard sports fan was a regular at Chicago Cubs and Bears games. Hanging out at the games paid off when the Little League coach wanted a celebrity for the team meeting. Zelisko arranged for the late Chicago Bears Running Back, Brian Piccolo to attend one of the meetings. In appreciation for the “booking”, Piccolo paid Zelisko $30. (10% of what Brian was paid)

As a pioneer of nightclub concert presentations in the late ‘70’s, Zelisko has established himself in a facet of the business that thrives to this day. Danny Zelisko’s company Evening Star Productions, located in Phoenix, Arizona, evolved into a multi-faceted organization active primarily throughout the Southwest presenting a diverse range of events including festivals, concerts, theatre and corporate events. With Zelisko’s reputation spanning over four decades, his client list reads like a “who’s who” in the industry; Ozzy Osbourne/Ozzfest, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Tina Turner, Bette Midler, The Eagles, KISS, Tim McGraw, The Rolling Stones, U2, Eric Clapton, Cher, James Taylor, Santana and thousands of others.

Zelisko and Evening Star have achieved a sound reputation as well as longevity within an industry that constantly changes. Danny Zelisko has established himself as a “player” in the entertainment industry. His tireless efforts have made Evening Star one of the most prominent promoters nationwide.

In January 2001, Evening Star Productions was acquired by SFX, which was later acquired by Clear Channel Entertainment, a subsidiary of Clear Channel Worldwide. Danny Zelisko and his staff continue to promote and produce events in Arizona, New Mexico and Las Vegas.

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