Universal Attractions Agency Promotes Joel Brandes To Head Casino Division, Chase Edwards To West Coast Agent

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(L-R) Artist Keith Sweat, Universal Attractions Agency’s Joel Brandes and Chase Edwards

Veteran agent Joel Brandes has been tapped to lead Universal Attractions Agency’s Casino Division, while Chase Edwards is promoted to West Coast casino agent, both based in Los Angeles, the agency announced.

Brandes joined Universal Attractions Agency in 2014 as part of the agency’s then-newly minted casino division. In the years since, Joel has overseen growth in the casino department, including the additions of agent Ricky Regalado (promoted in 2021) and the most recent promotion of Edwards.

Brandes brokered Keith Sweat’s Las Vegas residency at The Flamingo and brought the acclaimed “I Love the 90s” tour to MGM’s Mandalay Bay. Each of these paved the way for further growth in UAA’s casino department.

Edwards joined the agency in 2017, and most recently was the West Coast small-capacity (1,500 and under) agent before his promotion to casinos, fairs, and festivals in the same territory.  He is the responsible agent for artists including Sir Mix A Lot, Warren G, Nappy Roots, and DJ Skribble, among others.

“After working with Joel for a decade-plus, I can say nobody is more tenacious or passionate about servicing casino talent buyers. His ambition is contagious and continues to add tremendous value to our agency. We consider Joel family, and I have been fortunate to watch him rise the ranks with us at Universal Attractions,” UAA General Manager Nick Martucci said.