On the origin of Mlicata Entertainment, she said, “About 13 years ago I sold my tanning salons and wanted to do something that motivated me. Being a huge disco lover since I was a young girl, I decided to work for an entertainment company. After working for someone else, I wanted to expand my horizons and started to go to a couple of small shows in the area. I met France Joli, which by the way I was a huge fan of hers, and we started to talk backstage. Something just clicked with us and we exchanged phone numbers. A year later, I called her and from there forward she has been my No. 1 supporter. I formed MLicataEntertainment approximately 11 years ago, and this has been such a wonderful journey for me.”
As manager and promoter, her job description involves many hats. “I book entertainment, promote and produce shows. I enjoy each and every one of my jobs. My favorite are the large shows. I enjoy to see people smile and have a good time even if it’s just for one night,” she said.
Over the years, Licata has had many proud moments. “I would have to say that my proudest moment was my very first show at Resorts World Casino five years ago. The entertainment director gave me a shot to bring a disco show there for the very first time. The excitement was beyond words. I grabbed my partner Bob Goodrich and we brought Disco Inferno to the Casino’s main ballroom where we had 3,500 people attend. I will never forget the feeling of watching so many people smile, dance and relive their youth. That is my proudest moment and will always be forever thankful to Angela Gozzi for putting trust in me,” she said.
Licata continued, “Another proud moment for me was putting Disco Unlimited on a stage for the very first time to perform in front of the Long Island fans. When I watched the people dancing and boogieing to this great group of musicians dressed in disco outfits I was on cloud nine. DU over the past six years has become the most powerful band in the New York area, and I am super proud to be their Boogie Mama (as they call me).”
She subsequently praised Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh for being one of the “best venues” to work with. “Everyone is kind and helpful. They get it! Some don’t but the management team understands what needs to be done to make nights work successfully,” she said.
For aspiring managers and promoters, she said, “Work hard and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t make it in this business. You get what you put in. Keep a strong will and ignore the negativity. Keep fighting for what you believe and enjoy the ride.”
On the key to longevity in the entertainment industry over the years, she said, “Thinking out of the box always. You need to keep things fresh and new so the fans will continue to come see all these great shows.”
Licata shared that she has many big shows coming during the summer and fall and winter from Outside clubs to The Copacabana to Coney Island and the St. George Theatre in Staten Island. “Let’s not forget we have some great things coming to Mulcahy’s all year long,” she said.
Each day, Licata is motivates as soon as she wakes up at 7 a.m. “My head thinks and thinks of what I can do next that is different and unique. This business makes me very happy and that’s what motivates me,” she said.
To learn more about Mlicata Entertainment, check out their official website.
