Showco through the Years

In 1965, visionary entrepreneurs Angus Wynne and Jack Calmes launched Showco Concert Promotions, a groundbreaking company that transformed the concert scene in Dallas. With Angus coining the name, Showco quickly became synonymous with high-profile events, bringing iconic artists like The Doors, Bob Dylan, and The Beach Boys to the city. Two years later, in 1967, they took their passion for music a step further by opening Soul City, a vibrant nightclub on Greenville Avenue boasting a 300-capacity venue. During their brief ownership, this hotspot showcased legendary performances from artists such as Stevie Wonder, Fats Domino, and Chuck Berry. Calmes often joined these music giants on stage, enhancing the experience for audiences and artists alike.

After selling their stake in Soul City in 1968, the duo continued to revolutionize live music, utilizing their innovative Showco sound system that impressed countless performers. In 1969, they collaborated with Atlanta-based promoter Alex Cooley to host the Texas International Pop Festival, featuring headliners like Led Zeppelin, B.B. King, and Janis Joplin. While the festival incurred a loss of $100,000, Calmes didn't back down. Wynne may have exited the business, but Calmes regrouped, determined to elevate Showco’s legacy. He enlisted college friend Rusty Brutsche and local engineering talent Jack Maxson,   officially turning SHOWCO(est. 1970) into a touring sound reinforcement company propelling Showco into a thriving empire dedicated to delivering unmatched sound quality for rock shows and unforgettable musical experiences.