Encore!

By Deb Vietor

Susan Foster has been in the music business for more than 35 years. She plays keyboard and percussion and moved from New York to San Diego in 1973. Her father is the well-known Wayne Foster and as she says, “Music is in my blood and we love what we do!”

Her business, Encore Event Entertainment is comprised of diverse entertainment and has worked with Grammy award-winning talent including: Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Brad Paisely, The Beach Boys, Natalie Cole, Santana, Justin Timberlake, Barbra Streisand and more.

Encore Event Entertainment was created in San Diego to carry on the tradition of creating quality musical events and productions internationally. The company is a full service event, entertainment and production company, servicing corporate events, charity fundraisers and wedding events. The company can work with any budget for musical entertainment.

Asked what sets Encore apart from other musical production companies, Foster replied: “One of the biggest things that sets us apart is playing the right music for the right length of time at the right volume. I am intensely passionate about the right volume!”

Foster’s fiancé, Armando Cepeda plays bass and sings as well. He has performed throughout Asia, India and Mexico, with Foster having played in many countries including England and France as acting Musical Director, Band Director and MC. Foster has performed nationally in Hawaii, Wyoming, Montana, New York, Florida and Texas.

“Whether big band and swing, Top 40 or any type of music, we have an extensive playlist to offer. We provide a wide variety of styles, including hits from every decade from the 1920s to contemporary sound.” Foster said.

When asked what type of events are her favorite to produce, Foster shared that she has a special place in her heart for weddings and brides and prides herself on making the event particularly special for them.

“I love seeing people have a great time and enjoying the moment. I want the music to be a relief from the stress in life and help people forget about their worries, spreading love, joy, peace and happiness through music, ” she said.

Encore Event Entertainment customizes the configuration of the band and musical selections based on the vision of the client, whether that’s the bride and groom, chairman of the board or guest of honor. Encore is comprised of a core group; featuring a duo or trio or a full Las Vegas-style review with a full orchestra with specialty performers, dancers and entertainers. The company is fully licensed, bonded and insured.

Currently, Foster is the Entertainment Director for the La Jolla Art and Wine Festival, recently held October 10-11 in downtown La Jolla (LJAWF.com). The festival raises funds for local schools in La Jolla. I this role, she scheduled many fine musical artists from all over San Diego and coordinated music for this wonderful 2 day event. On October 11, she performed with Encore and over 40 musicians for BraveCort, an event which raises funds and provides brain cancer research for children, but her company’s philanthropic efforts don’t end there.

“We support an organization called Hope2gether which provides education for prescription drugs and creates awareness in the community,” Foster said. “I am most passionate about family and have 4 sons: Benjamin, Joshua, Zachary and Gabriel who is in heaven. Gabriel passed away in December 2011 due to an accidental drug overdose. I would like to share information through this organization to help others.”

For more information about Encore Event Entertainment, visit EncoreSanDiego.com or call Susan Foster at (619) 838-7667.