ONEIDA NATION HONELANDS, NY (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — In the five years since the Showroom at Turning Stone opened, the resort has earned a national reputation as a great place for musical acts to connect with their fans. And in a region where country acts dominate the state fair line-up and country radio stations consistently capture high ratings, it’s no surprise that Turning Stone has become known as a great venue for country artists.

In the past two years, the Showroom has hosted performances from the broad spectrum of country artists, including Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Gary Allen, Lorrie Morgan, Chris Cagle, George Jones, Billy Ray Cyrus, Trace Adkins, Merle Haggard, Trick Pony, Diamond Rio, Collin Raye, Jo Dee Messina, Terri Clark, Chely Wright, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Loretta Lynn, Travis Tritt, Aaron Tippin, and Billy Gilman.

Many of these artists are perennial visitors, drawn here again and again by the quality of the performance space, the ardor of fans, and the exceptional amenities.

“It’s the whole package that keeps these artists coming back,” said Sam Madonia, director of entertainment at Turning Stone. “Entertainers want to come here because it’s like a mini-vacation for them. They get to perform for their fans, but they also get to enjoy the restaurants, the spa, the golf, the gaming, and all the amenities Turning Stone has to offer.”

That high-quality all-around experience has led Madonia to coin a slogan for Turning Stone: Bands don’t come here to work, they come here to play.

The agents who book acts at Turning Stone agree with that assessment. Turning Stone garnered back-to-back “Casino of the Year” nominations from the Academy of Country Music in 2003 and 2004, in part because the resort itself is an attraction for artists.

“Of the casinos on the East Coast, Turning Stone has the nicest room to play, and certainly the nicest room of that size on the Coast,” said Jay Williams, an agent with the William Morris Agency, which books many of the country acts here. “Our clients enjoy playing there and they want to go back because they like the room and because they’re taken care of when they get there.”

Darin Murphy, an agent with Creative Artists Agency, also said his artists enjoy the total experience of playing at Turning Stone.

“All the artists who go there enjoy the amenities, and they enjoy playing the Showroom,” Murphy said. “Everybody’s looking forward to the opening of the Events Center, too. They’re anxious to get into that venue because they enjoy Turning Stone so much. It’s just a great place to play.”

The Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort and Casino is an outstanding four-season destination resort conveniently located about 30 miles east of Syracuse in Upstate New York. The resort offers guests a variety of choices including gaming, bingo, golf, entertainment and fine dining. Its conference center provides 30,000 square feet of meeting space and banquet facilities.

Turning Stone recently opened The Lodge, a 98-suite luxury hotel, and Atunyote, Oneida for “The Eagle,” a championship level golf course designed by Tom Fazio. A 19-story, 287-room hotel tower is already accepting guests, and the 5,000-seat event center hosts its first event in mid October.

Booking Contact Information for
Turning Stone Casino Resort:

Sam Madonia
Director of Entertainment

5218 Patrick Road
Verona, NY 13478
Main Phone: 315-361-7768
Main FAX: 315-361-7682
Direct Phone: 315-361-8515
Direct FAX: 315-361-7868
Email:

Assistant Information
Lori Curtin
Asst Phone: 315-361-8515
Asst Fax: 315-361-7868
Email: