SHOWCO ALUMNI
The Family Behind the Music
Please browse through the alumni legends of SHOWCO. From the office to the stage, these were the ones making it happen.
This page is being updated daily. If you are an alum and don't see your name or don't see other alumni that should be represented, please contact me. There are hundreds of alumni to add and I promise to have them all recognized!
Dirk Arnold:1978 Lighting
Bob Hickey: FOH Sound Mixer, System Engineer, Crew Chief, Audio & Recording Engineer
Paul Richard Boren: Roadie; Lighting
George Benson, Dave Mason – He joined the tour in Pittsburg, PA in '78 to replace someone who got sick. Last show of tour in '78 in South Bend, IN. Alice Cooper - '78, AC/DC opening act Willie Nelson
Bob Welch opening act David Bowie - 1979 - Linda Ronstadt – The BeeGees –The Jacksons
1980 - Weather Report - Willie Nelson - Genesis - C
George Benson, Dave Mason – He joined the tour in Pittsburg, PA in '78 to replace someone who got sick. Last show of tour in '78 in South Bend, IN. Alice Cooper - '78, AC/DC opening act Willie Nelson
Bob Welch opening act David Bowie - 1979 - Linda Ronstadt – The BeeGees –The Jacksons
1980 - Weather Report - Willie Nelson - Genesis - Commodores – Mary Kay - The Kinks - Blondie and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers opening act Black Sabbath - Van Halen opening act - Richard Pryor
1981 Dirk went to Showlites.
Paul Richard Boren: Roadie; Lighting
Bob Hickey: FOH Sound Mixer, System Engineer, Crew Chief, Audio & Recording Engineer
Paul Richard Boren: Roadie; Lighting
Paul worked in Lighting with SHOWCO from 1978 - 1981 with the following bands: O'Jays, Brothers Johnson, Peter Gabriel, New Barbarians, Bee Gees, Parlament Funkadelics, Louisiana Jam II, Karla Bonoff, Rufus and Chaka Kahn, and Blues Brothers.
He remained in the business with Showlites for an additional four years, then another 8 years wi
Paul worked in Lighting with SHOWCO from 1978 - 1981 with the following bands: O'Jays, Brothers Johnson, Peter Gabriel, New Barbarians, Bee Gees, Parlament Funkadelics, Louisiana Jam II, Karla Bonoff, Rufus and Chaka Kahn, and Blues Brothers.
He remained in the business with Showlites for an additional four years, then another 8 years with the I.A.T.S.E.
He worked just over 800 shows and toured 20 countries! (Showco & Showlites)
Paul has a picture book w/stories about his time with Showco and Showlites.
Bill "Doc" Gans: 1973 - 1982 ; Sound & Operations
Bob Hickey: FOH Sound Mixer, System Engineer, Crew Chief, Audio & Recording Engineer
Bob Hickey: FOH Sound Mixer, System Engineer, Crew Chief, Audio & Recording Engineer
James Taylor - Monitors
Kim Carnes - Monitors
Karla Bonoff - Monitors, FOH Jackson Browne - Monitors FOH Larry Coryell - Monitors
Al Jarreau - Monitors
George Benson - FOH
Dionne Warwick - 3rd Man
Mountain - 3rd Man
Wishbone Ash - Monitors
ELO - FOH(Babysitter)
Beach Boys - FOH
Uriah Heep - FOH
Starship Encounters/Variuos Orchestras - FOH
The Wh
James Taylor - Monitors
Kim Carnes - Monitors
Karla Bonoff - Monitors, FOH Jackson Browne - Monitors FOH Larry Coryell - Monitors
Al Jarreau - Monitors
George Benson - FOH
Dionne Warwick - 3rd Man
Mountain - 3rd Man
Wishbone Ash - Monitors
ELO - FOH(Babysitter)
Beach Boys - FOH
Uriah Heep - FOH
Starship Encounters/Variuos Orchestras - FOH
The Who - Monitors - Pridden (Babysitter)
Elvis Costello - FOH (Babysitter, I think)
Emmy Lou Harris - Monitors Golden Earring - Monitors Carole King - Monitors
AWB (Average White Band) - Monitors, FOH
Cretones - Monitors
Neil Sedaka - FOH
Elvin Bishop - FOH
ZZ Top- 3rd Man
Black Oak Arkansas - FOH
JD Souther - Monitors
A Showtime Special w/James Taylor @Blossum
Midnight Special w/ELO
Soul Train w/AWB
Buddy Holly Movie Premiere Party @Longhorn Ballroom
Muse Concerts (Movie) @ MSG NYC
Bob Hickey: FOH Sound Mixer, System Engineer, Crew Chief, Audio & Recording Engineer
Bob Hickey: FOH Sound Mixer, System Engineer, Crew Chief, Audio & Recording Engineer
Bob Hickey: FOH Sound Mixer, System Engineer, Crew Chief, Audio & Recording Engineer
The Marcus Miller-David, Sanborn Project, David Sanborn, Al Jarreau, David Sanborn, Quintet, Joe Sample * Gerald Albright *, Lalah Hathaway, David Sanborn Band, Wendy and Lisa, The Jazz AllStars, Rickie Lee Jones & Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, Kitaro, Bruce Hornsby and the Range, Pink Floyd, We The People, Red and The Red Hots, T-Bone
The Marcus Miller-David, Sanborn Project, David Sanborn, Al Jarreau, David Sanborn, Quintet, Joe Sample * Gerald Albright *, Lalah Hathaway, David Sanborn Band, Wendy and Lisa, The Jazz AllStars, Rickie Lee Jones & Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, Kitaro, Bruce Hornsby and the Range, Pink Floyd, We The People, Red and The Red Hots, T-Bone Burnette, Pat Metheny, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt with Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra, Julian Lennon, Prince, Randy Newman, Linda Ronstadt, , The Bus Boys. James Taylor, Concert For No Nukes , Linda Ronstadt, Karla Bonoff, Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, Melissa Manchester, The US ARMS. Free Lance Recording Engineer @Dallasonic Recording Studio, Eagle Audio, BC Records Recording Studio, Palmyra Recording Studio, Peter Case
Hugh Moffatt, Sam Phillips
Charles Perrino, Johnny Reno
Rollock
Recording of Radio and TV Spots
The Acme Sisters(Acme Brick Co.) * All Saints Hospital * Blackman Mooring * Citrian "The T" * Fort Worth Star-Telegram "Reach for a Star" * General Dynamics (M1 Tank Film) * Harris Hospital (TV) * Hooker Barns Homes * Hulen Fashion Center * Larry's Shoes * Log Cabin Homes * Radio Shack (AV Shows) * Tarrant County Bond (TV) * The Waddly Medical Center (TV) * University VW (TV) * WBAP "ID Package" * Western Savings * Wolf Nursery
Band Demos
Johnny Reno * Bill Ham Band * Killer Squid(LP) * Harrol Bosarge * Mark Rosier * Mike Early * Mark Dombrowski * The Danny Stegoville Band * The Stingrays * Philip White(1,000 Hrs.) * The Artists(EP) * The Plaid * Treasure Island*Blackhorse
Stage Manager@ Palladium of Dallas Eaton - Page Productions 1978-80: Al Jarreau * Ambrosia * Aren Gale * Arlo Guthrie * Asleep at the Wheel * B.W. Stevens * Black Oak Arkansas * Blackhorse * Blondie * Bob Welsh * BoomTown Rats * Bugs Henderson * Chet Atkins * Count Basie * Captian Beefheart * David Bromberg * Delbert McClinton * Devo * Dire Straits * Don Williams * Earl Scruggs * Elvin Bishop * Emylou Harris * Fog Hat * Gatemouth YELLOW * Guy Clark * Hall and Oats * Harry Chapin * Head East * Herbie Mann * J.J. Cale * Jan Hammer * Jerry Jeff Walker * Jesse Winchester * Joe Ely * John Mayhall * John Nitzinger * John Prine * Johnny Harra * Johnny Paycheck * Johnny Winter * Jose Feliciano * Leggs Diamond * Leon Redbone * Leon Russell * McGuin Hill Clark * Michael Murphy * Molly Hatchet * Muddy Waters * Neil Sadaka * Nitty Gritty Dirt Band * Pat Metheny * Peter Tosh * Ramsey Lewis * Ray W. Hubbard * Rickie Lee Jones * Robert Gordon * Robert Johnson * Rusty Weir * Sea Level * Shawn Phillips * Spyra Gyra * St.Elmos Fire * Steve Forbert * Still Water * Talking Heads * Tanya Tucker * The Lotions * The Police * The Ramones * The Thunderbirds * Tina Turner * Todd Rundgren * Tom Scott * Tom Waits * Toto * Wendel Atkins * Willie Nelson * Phil Woods
Gary Kudrna: 1979 -1988; Engineer
Gary Kudrna: 1979 -1988; Engineer
Gary Kudrna: 1979 -1988; Engineer
3 Dog Night Andy Fairweather Lowe Annie Haslem/Rennaissance Arc Angels Ashford & Simpson Asleep at the Wheel Association Atlantic Star Bangles Barbara Mandrell Bar-Kays BB King Beach Boys Belinda Carlisle Berlin Bill Gable Bill Wyman Black Uhuru Blasters Blow Monkeys Blue Oyster Cult Bob Marley B
3 Dog Night Andy Fairweather Lowe Annie Haslem/Rennaissance Arc Angels Ashford & Simpson Asleep at the Wheel Association Atlantic Star Bangles Barbara Mandrell Bar-Kays BB King Beach Boys Belinda Carlisle Berlin Bill Gable Bill Wyman Black Uhuru Blasters Blow Monkeys Blue Oyster Cult Bob Marley Bon Jovi Bonnie Raitt Bootsy Collins Bourgeois Tagg Cameo Cars Charlie Daniels Charlie Sexton Christopher Cross Con Funk Shun Darling Cruel Dave Mason David Rhodes Dazz Band Delbert McClinton Dime Bag Django Walker Eric Johnson Fabulous Thunderbirds Fat Boys Firefall Flash Kahan Frankie Beverly & Maze Gap Band Gary US Bonds George Burns Glass Tiger Grand Master Flash Greg Kihn Henry Lee Summer Huey Lewis & News Ian Moore Jack Bruce Jan & Dean Jason & the Scorchers Jason Boland Jeff Beck Jeff Healy Band Jerry Merotta Jimmy Ryser Joan Jett Joe Cocker Joe Ely Joe Jackson Joe Satriani John Cafferty & Beaver Brown John Mayall John Parr Julio Iglesias Kansas Kenny Jones Kid Rock Kinky Friedman Kiss Kitaro Kool & the Gang Kris Kristofferson L.A. Philharmonic Lakeside Larry Gatlin LaToya Jackson Led Zeppelin Leon Russell Leroy Parnell Lita Ford Little Feat Little River Band London World Festival Orchestra Louise Mandrell Loverboy Lynard Skynard Mary J. Blige Michael Crawford Michael Jackson Mick Fleetwood Mick Jagger Moody Blues Mr. Mister National Symphony Neville Brothers Oak Ridge Boys Paul Rogers Platters Poco Queen Ratt Ray Cooper Red House REM Rick Springfield Rik Emmett (Triumph) Ringo Starr Robert Palmer Roger McGuinn Roger Zapp Rossington-Collins Screams Sheena Easton Skyy Slave Sly Stone SOS Spoons St. Louis Symphony Stephanie Mills Steve Morse Stevie Ray Vaughn Survivor Susan Anton Taj Mahal Tim Finn Tom Cochran & Red Ryder Tony Levin Uncle Kracker Van Halen Waylon Jennings Whispers Willie Nelson World Trade Wren Symphony Orchestra Yarborough & Peoples Yellowman Zapp Band
Lewis Lee: 1976 - 1999
Gary Kudrna: 1979 -1988; Engineer
Gary Kudrna: 1979 -1988; Engineer
Photographer-
Bad Company, The Osmonds, James Taylor, BOA, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Linda Ronstadt, Phil Collins
Benji LeFevre: FOH Engineer
Gary Kudrna: 1979 -1988; Engineer
Bill Leggat: 1978 - Trucking
Lefevre operated the Front-of-House (FOH) vocal effects, in particular the echo and Eventide Harmonizer effects, for Plant during his Zeppelin years.
On the 1976 film The Song Remains the Same he was credited as technician. Lefevre is also credited for coining the nickname 'the Beast' for John Bonham.
After Led Zeppelin, Lefevre went on
Lefevre operated the Front-of-House (FOH) vocal effects, in particular the echo and Eventide Harmonizer effects, for Plant during his Zeppelin years.
On the 1976 film The Song Remains the Same he was credited as technician. Lefevre is also credited for coining the nickname 'the Beast' for John Bonham.
After Led Zeppelin, Lefevre went on to producing Plant's solo albums Pictures at Eleven (1982), The Principle of Moments (1983), Shaken 'n' Stirred (1985), and tracks 'Heaven Knows' and 'Tall Cool One' from Now and Zen (1988). He was also engineer on the Rolling Stones' 1991 album Flashpoint, as well as engineer for singers Elton Dean and Anastacia. Lefevre produced the David Vanian and the Phantom Chords album in 1995, and Gong's 'Seven Year Itch' in 1998.
On tours, Lefevre was employed mixing the live vocal sounds of Peter Gabriel, INXS, George Michael, and the Rolling Stones on their 1989 Steel Wheels and 1994 Voodoo Lounge tours.
Bill Leggat: 1978 - Trucking
Gary Kudrna: 1979 -1988; Engineer
Bill Leggat: 1978 - Trucking
On the CB radio he was known as "The "Ugliest Man in the World". He always had the Muppet "Animal" with him sitting on his dash board, leaning against the radar detector, holding a drum stick! Along with the CB radio he also had a Ham (Amateur) Radio with him in the truck. When Showco sold the trucks he went to Clark Transfer with the pr
On the CB radio he was known as "The "Ugliest Man in the World". He always had the Muppet "Animal" with him sitting on his dash board, leaning against the radar detector, holding a drum stick! Along with the CB radio he also had a Ham (Amateur) Radio with him in the truck. When Showco sold the trucks he went to Clark Transfer with the promise that they
could keep our their same trucks and Clark Transfer kept that promise. Bands he carried: Genesis, The Rolling Stones, BeeGees, Dave Mason, Winters Brothers, Doug Kershaw, Commodores, O'Jays, ConFunction, L.T.D., Linda Ronstadt, Eddie Money, Livingston Taylor, Little River Band, Exile, Still Water, April Wine, Firefall, Toto, Stephen Stills, Keith Richards & The New Barbarians, Simon & Garfunkel in Central Park, K.C. & the Sunshine Band, David Bowie, Gloria Gaynor & the Worlds Largest Disco, David Sanborn w/Linda Ronstadt, IraKere, Doobie Brothers, Crystal Gayle, Tommy Johnston, America, The Cars, Steve Forbert, Captain & Tenille, Leon Russell, Willie Nelson, Bad Company, Beach Boys, The Police, Flock of Seagulls, Joan Jett, The Fixx, Marshall Tucker Band, YES, George Benson, Black Oak Arkansas, Jimmy Buffett, Bonnie Bramlett, Kenny Loggins, Stevie Wonder, Foghat,
Off Broadway Theatre and other gigs: My Fair Lady, Camelot, Peking Opera, Da, A Chorus Line, Star Wars, International Fashion Show, Mardi Gras '79, The World's Largest Disco.
Michael Macrum: 1976-1978; Trucking
Michael Macrum: 1976-1978; Trucking
Michael Macrum: 1976-1978; Trucking
Chester "Roy Boy" Snyder
Michael Macrum: 1976-1978; Trucking
Michael Macrum: 1976-1978; Trucking
Monitors; FOH Engineer
Richard Pryor Thin Lizzy Mary Kay Rufus & Chaka Khan Rolling Stones The Who Wings Bentwood Spectacular - Horse Auction Kinks The Baby's CBS Convention Bugs Henderson Joel Gray Joe Ely US Festival Leon Redbone Jerry Seinfield ZZTop The Sparkplugs* New Orleans Festival Beach Boys Ray Charle
Monitors; FOH Engineer
Richard Pryor Thin Lizzy Mary Kay Rufus & Chaka Khan Rolling Stones The Who Wings Bentwood Spectacular - Horse Auction Kinks The Baby's CBS Convention Bugs Henderson Joel Gray Joe Ely US Festival Leon Redbone Jerry Seinfield ZZTop The Sparkplugs* New Orleans Festival Beach Boys Ray Charles Kenny Loggins James Taylor Mardi Gras Diana Ross Waylon & Friends Gatlin Brothers & Friends Diana Ross Blues Brothers Linda Ronstadt Doug Kershaw Kim Carnes Van Halen Saga
Jerry Trojan: 1995-2000: CFO SHOWCO
Michael Macrum: 1976-1978; Trucking
Jerry Trojan: 1995-2000: CFO SHOWCO
Tom Littrell: 1976-2002 Lighting
Michael Macrum: 1976-1978; Trucking
Jerry Trojan: 1995-2000: CFO SHOWCO
Showco: Wings over America, Led Zeppelin, The Who,
The Osmonds, Havana Jam, Stephen Stills, Weather Report, MUSE Concert, Blues Brothers, The Kinks, Vari-Lite: Genesis, ZZ, David Bowie, JT, Diana Ross, Culture Club, Barbara Mandrell, Hall & Oates, Don Henley, Mariah Carey, First VL operator on Genesis.
Rance Caldwell
David "Fuzzy" Evangelista: Production Manager/ Stage Design
Gary Carnes: 1977 - 1980 (Showco); 1981-2000 (Vari-Lites)
1976 - Monitors
Gary Carnes: 1977 - 1980 (Showco); 1981-2000 (Vari-Lites)
David "Fuzzy" Evangelista: Production Manager/ Stage Design
Gary Carnes: 1977 - 1980 (Showco); 1981-2000 (Vari-Lites)
Commodores, O'Jays, Phoebe Snow, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Nazareth, KC & the Sunshine Band, Thin Lizzy, Toto, The Kinks
Blake Dewberry: 1979 - 1986; Monitors, FOH
David "Fuzzy" Evangelista: Production Manager/ Stage Design
David "Fuzzy" Evangelista: Production Manager/ Stage Design
Blake worked with Showco from 1979 - 1986 then on to Crossroads 1986-1994; Freeman 1994-1996, AVMG 1996-2014, and Freeman 2014-2020.
Blake is still in the industry working part-time at the Dallas Cowboys Corporate Space with fellow Showco Alumni audio engineers: David Friedman and Mike 'Funk' Ponczek.
David "Fuzzy" Evangelista: Production Manager/ Stage Design
David "Fuzzy" Evangelista: Production Manager/ Stage Design
David "Fuzzy" Evangelista: Production Manager/ Stage Design
Doug Hall: Sound Engineer
Bruce Jones: 1982-1994 F.O.H. Sound Engineer and Systems Engineer
Paul "Groovy" Holcomb: 1976 - ; Audio Technician
Paul "Groovy" Holcomb: 1976 - ; Audio Technician
Bruce Jones: 1982-1994 F.O.H. Sound Engineer and Systems Engineer
Paul "Groovy" Holcomb: 1976 - ; Audio Technician
Dusty Hudgins
Bruce Jones: 1982-1994 F.O.H. Sound Engineer and Systems Engineer
Bruce Jones: 1982-1994 F.O.H. Sound Engineer and Systems Engineer
LONG-TERM LIGHTING DESIGN, DIRECTION AND/OR PROGRAMMING
Genesis 3/78 to 4/79
Willie Nelson 2/80 to 3/84
Delbert McClinton 2/80 to 6/81
Liza Minnelli 1/85 to 6/86
Kenny Rogers 7/86 to 7/91
SHORT TERM TOURS
B. J. Thomas Bad Company Baillie and the Boys Beach Boys Billy Squire Black Sabbath Buddy Guy David Allen Coe Dolly Par
LONG-TERM LIGHTING DESIGN, DIRECTION AND/OR PROGRAMMING
Genesis 3/78 to 4/79
Willie Nelson 2/80 to 3/84
Delbert McClinton 2/80 to 6/81
Liza Minnelli 1/85 to 6/86
Kenny Rogers 7/86 to 7/91
SHORT TERM TOURS
B. J. Thomas Bad Company Baillie and the Boys Beach Boys Billy Squire Black Sabbath Buddy Guy David Allen Coe Dolly Parton Eric Clapton Garth Brooks Gary Morris Glenn Campbell Hall and Oates Holly Dunn Jimmie Vaughan Joan Rivers KC and the Sunshine Band Leon Russell Lorrie Morgan Mac Davis Mark Chesnutt Parliament Funkadelic Pointer Sisters REO Speedwagon Ringo Starr Rip Taylor Robert Cray Roy Clark Sammy Hagar Skip Ewing Sweethearts of the Rodeo T. Graham Brown Tanya Tucker The Bellamy Brothers The Commodores The Grateful Dead The Kinks The Tubes Toto Travis Tritt Van Halen Waylon Jennings Wayne Newton ZZ Top
TELEVISION LIGHTING DESIGN, DIRECTION, INSTALLATION AND/OR PROGRAMMING “Real Life” with Dr. Gerald Mann – The Hallmark Channel
Liza Minnelli in London at the Palladium - HBO Network
Willie Nelson and Family - HBO Network
American Music Awards - Dick Clark Productions
Statue of Liberty Celebration - ABC Network
Martin Luther King Special - NBC Network
YMO Festival - FUJI Television Japan
Nashville Now - The Nashville Network
Arsenio Hall - Paramount Television
US Festival - Turner Broadcasting
Kenny Rogers Special - Working for a Living - NBC Network
Miss Teen U.S.A. Pageant - CBS Network
“Real Life” with Dr. Gerald Mann – The Hallmark Channel
Star Search, Solid Gold, Motown Revue
BROADWAY LIGHTING DESIGN, INSTALLATION AND/OR PROGRAMMING
Patti LaBelle on Broadway
NIGHTCLUB LIGHTING DESIGN, INSTALLATION AND/OR PROGRAMMING Willie Nelson's "NIGHT LIFE" - Nashville, Tennessee
VIDEO LIGHTING DESIGN AND/OR PROGRAMMING
Tina Turner - Pepsi Cola Video Commercials
FILM
"THE SONGWRITER" (1984) - Concert Lighting Director
“IDIOCRACY” (2006) – Automated Lighting Programmer
SPORTING EVENTS
1996 Olympics Opening Ceremonies - Project Manager for Syncrolite Systems, Inc.
1996 John Hancock Tour of World Gymnastic Champions - Lighting Director
1997 John Hancock Tour of World Gymnastic Champions - Lighting Director
CONVENTIONS AND TRADE SHOWS
Procter & Gamble, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals, GTE, J.C. Penney, Dole Foods, National Teachers Association, National Association of Record Manufacturer, Apple Computers, YWCA Women of Achievement Awards, American Rental Association Convention, American Cancer Society Hall of Fashion Ball, Big Easy Entertainment Awards, Michael Jordan Foundation, US Air Pittsburgh Terminal Grand Opening, The St. Paul Companies, The Pura Vida Awards
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS AND MAGAZINE ARTICLES
Lighting Dimensions International Convention '89
"Lighting Country and Western" Lighting Dimensions International Convention '91 "Designing Headliners" Lighting Dimensions International Convention ‘92 “CAD Design” Lighting Dimensions Magazine May 2000
Bruce Jones: 1982-1994 F.O.H. Sound Engineer and Systems Engineer
Bruce Jones: 1982-1994 F.O.H. Sound Engineer and Systems Engineer
Bruce Jones: 1982-1994 F.O.H. Sound Engineer and Systems Engineer
COUNTING CROWS
TALLAHASSEE SYMPHONY
HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS
JOE COCKER PINK
TED NUGENT SANTANA
RICK JAMES DEEP PURPLE
STEEL HEART
THE HIGHWAYMEN
STEVIE RAY VAUGHN REM
ROBERT PALMER
SANTANA / WAYNE SHORTER
PATTY SMYTH NEW EDITION
WILLIW NELSON SCANDAL
FRANKIE BEVERLY & MAZE AEROSMITH THE CLASH
DAVID BOWIE THE KINKS
THE GAP BAND RAY PRIC
COUNTING CROWS
TALLAHASSEE SYMPHONY
HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS
JOE COCKER PINK
TED NUGENT SANTANA
RICK JAMES DEEP PURPLE
STEEL HEART
THE HIGHWAYMEN
STEVIE RAY VAUGHN REM
ROBERT PALMER
SANTANA / WAYNE SHORTER
PATTY SMYTH NEW EDITION
WILLIW NELSON SCANDAL
FRANKIE BEVERLY & MAZE AEROSMITH THE CLASH
DAVID BOWIE THE KINKS
THE GAP BAND RAY PRICE
HOTEL (Opening for Hall & Oats, Little River Band)
Cheech and Chong (first act)
Arlo Guthrie Peter Tosh
Bob Marley
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Patti Smith Wet Willie
Talking Heads Devo
Elvis Costello The Ramones
The Police Pat Benatar
Dire Straits Greg Allman
Warren Zevon Joe Perry Project
George Thorogood
The Romantics Hotel
Sea Level Dixie Dregs
Atlanta Rhythm Section
Toto Harry Chapin
Ronnie Montrose
John Kay (Steppenwolf)
Johnny Paycheck The Baby’s
Amazing Rhythm Aces
Tom Johnson (Doobie Brothers) John Prine Chick Corea Hank Williams Jr
Lucinda Williams Robert Cray Cracker
Bob Weir Rat Dog
Brand Brothers, Hutch & Brand
Brand & Langston, Madonna & Brand Brothers, Duck, Tallahassee Band, Rainbow Band, ELI
Dennis W. McDonald : 1979 - 2000: Accounting; Business Manager for SHOWCO Creative Services
Dennis W. McDonald : 1979 - 2000: Accounting; Business Manager for SHOWCO Creative Services
Dennis W. McDonald : 1979 - 2000: Accounting; Business Manager for SHOWCO Creative Services
I started working at SHOWCO in June 1979 in Accounting: Job computer and Data Processing.
After a couple of years I transferred to Dept. 50 SHOWCO Creative Services (Industrial Shows), and worked there until fall of 2000: Job- Business Manager I drafted and prepared Contracts for clients like Mary Kay Inc., NARM, VSDA, BeautiControl, Kawa
I started working at SHOWCO in June 1979 in Accounting: Job computer and Data Processing.
After a couple of years I transferred to Dept. 50 SHOWCO Creative Services (Industrial Shows), and worked there until fall of 2000: Job- Business Manager I drafted and prepared Contracts for clients like Mary Kay Inc., NARM, VSDA, BeautiControl, Kawasaki, Bankers Association, Disney, Universal Studios, WEA - Warner, to name a few. On occasion I went to entertainment gigs to collect final payment before the show...I entered the data for our department and ran the financial statements and paid our bills.
- Dennis
Steve McNeal: 1979-1980 Sound Department
Dennis W. McDonald : 1979 - 2000: Accounting; Business Manager for SHOWCO Creative Services
Dennis W. McDonald : 1979 - 2000: Accounting; Business Manager for SHOWCO Creative Services
Steve worked for BJ Schiller in the
Electronics Shop. Then off to:
1980 Wille Nelson - Roadie
1980-81 Judas Priest -Monitor Mix.
He then left the Music Industry until 2014 and is now the owner of a Security Company (AMA Security from 2008-2014 and Owner of 'Live Act Productions LLC 2014-2021) It produced small to large events. Steve has been a Las Vegas resident since 2021.
Andy Moore
Dennis W. McDonald : 1979 - 2000: Accounting; Business Manager for SHOWCO Creative Services
Patrick "Catfish" O'Rourke
Patrick "Catfish" O'Rourke
Dennis W. McDonald : 1979 - 2000: Accounting; Business Manager for SHOWCO Creative Services
Patrick "Catfish" O'Rourke
Rich Mayne and BJ hired me from a touring band after seeing the show. First day BJ said sound was full but needed someone over at lights, never had anything to do with lighting but I said sure. REO was my first time with Showco. Did a few more with lights like Stephanie Mills. Rich wanted to go back on the road so they made me the Transp
Rich Mayne and BJ hired me from a touring band after seeing the show. First day BJ said sound was full but needed someone over at lights, never had anything to do with lighting but I said sure. REO was my first time with Showco. Did a few more with lights like Stephanie Mills. Rich wanted to go back on the road so they made me the Transportation Manager. One day Robin Magrugder asked me to go out with Rufus and Chaka Kahn. That’s where I teamed up with Roy Boy Snyder. Next up would be The Commendors, after that wild ride BJ said you’re done with lights go to The Who Bob Pridden was doing the mixing with Roy Boy I did the stage and hung the PA, my second tour Bob was having issues so Roy was mixing. Here comes Thin Lizzy with Roy, Gary Carnes said you are going to have a blast and he was correct. We went to Europe for this tour we picked up Rich Adams all over Europe. On Gamma it was just myself and Roy in Europe after we just stayed there for Al Jarreau. Got home after many tours with Roy and then they broke us up and I went with JT. Buford was running but Bobby was mixing with Doc on monitors. This was where I went back to being a guitar tech for Waddy and J.D. Souther and after this, I left Showco and went back to Gregg and then Montrose. I’ve left out a lot of little tours like Willie with Mr. Funk but always thought about my Showco days. -Patrick 2024
Jim Bornhorst
Buford Jones: FOH 1971-1979
Ralph C. Carabetta
1971- 2000
Engineer; Developer of Vari-Lite
Ralph C. Carabetta
Buford Jones: FOH 1971-1979
Ralph C. Carabetta
Manufacturing
Chuck Conrad
Buford Jones: FOH 1971-1979
Buford Jones: FOH 1971-1979
Chuck was one of Showco’s earliest employees. He joined the company in the late fall of 1970 as a part timer and became full time in 1971. Back then, daily operation was run out of Jack Maxson’s home and two car garage on West Beverly Drive in Dallas. The offices were at 2800 Routh Street (The Quadrangle). Since he was handy at repairin
Chuck was one of Showco’s earliest employees. He joined the company in the late fall of 1970 as a part timer and became full time in 1971. Back then, daily operation was run out of Jack Maxson’s home and two car garage on West Beverly Drive in Dallas. The offices were at 2800 Routh Street (The Quadrangle). Since he was handy at repairing electronics, he had an electronic shop in the unused maid’s quarters of Jack’s house. There was plenty to fix.
His first major project involved figuring out why the Showco sound systems destroyed expensive JBL high frequency drivers on a very regular basis. It turned out that the gain structure of the entire system was horribly out of kilter, resulting in severe clipping when run at concert levels. One of the major problems was Showco’s use of tube type Grommes-Precision mixers. They were quite easy to overload. Despite Chuck’s modifications, it was obvious that these were not really suitable for live rock and roll sound, especially when transported daily in a rough riding truck. Their major advantage was costing a mere $169.00, which was still a considerable sum in 1970. Both Rusty Brutsche and Jack Maxson found that many of their clients desired a mixer that had equalization on each channel. That feature was missing on these mixers. There also was no way to send a separate mix for the stage monitors. As a result, Chuck was given the task of designing and building a proprietary mixer to replace the Grommes, but there was a catch: It had to cost no more than the Grommes. Thus, was born the Showco “Yellow Mixer,” which became the standard for the company for several years. It was all solid state, with individual modules that could be quickly replaced in the event of failure (which was rare). It had basic bass and treble controls on each input as well as a separate monitor send. Better yet, it could manage the extreme volume levels that their rock & roll clients demanded.
Chuck spent a lot of time on the road doing shows for numerous groups, including Rare Earth, The Doobie Brothers, Three Dog Night, Alice Cooper, James Taylor, Arlo Guthrie, and Cat Stevens. This gave him the opportunity to discover what clients were looking for and find out what new innovations could be made to improve the company’s sound systems.
As Showco's R&D manager, Chuck began to develop a concept for an efficient mobile concert sound system consisting of compact, easy to set up, self-powered full range speakers - as opposed to the large, heavy, cumbersome bass bins with a variety of separate mid/high horns that comprised typical systems of that early era. He proposed the idea to Showco's owners, but at that time they were committed to the big visual impact and high SPL of their existing system design. Having faith in the concept of a compact array-able self-powered speaker system, he made the decision to leave Showco. He, his wife Diane, and Jim Fitzgerald founded Crossroads Audio. In 2000, Crossroads was purchased by Ex-Showco people, Robin Magruder, Ed Spoto and Stewart Bennet.
Moving to East Texas after the sale, Chuck found that retirement was boring, and East Texas radio was awful. As a result, he started his own radio station, which has grown to three radio stations, KZQX, KDOK and KYZS, which serve the Tyler-Longview market.
Over the years, he amassed a large amount of vintage radio and TV broadcast equipment, recording equipment, microphones, vintage radios, early TVs, and even sound reinforcement gear. Wondering what he could do with all this, he partnered with some local friends to establish the Texas Broadcast Museum in nearby Kilgore. As of this writing, it has been open to the public for over 7 ½ years. It has grown to be one of the largest museums of its kind and become a major tourist attraction for the City of Kilgore. For Showco aficionado’s, the company is represented showcasing Showco’s “Super Board A” on display and in operation when the Museum is open. The Museum has the remains of another of Chuck’s creations, the “Jack Maxson Console” which he built to be used by Three Dog Night. It is a restoration project in progress, needing the talents of a cabinet maker to recreate the cabinet. When finished the Museum plans to exhibit it as well.
Todd Love
Morris Lyda: 1972-1977
Morris Lyda: 1972-1977
Morris Lyda: 1972-1977
Morris Lyda: 1972-1977
Morris Lyda: 1972-1977
Born in Austin Texas, Morris Lyda grew up on a rural property where tractors, hoists, welders, and livestock formed a world populated with problems waiting for solutions. However, in late 1972, SHOWCO replaced the farm, and suddenly the problems and technology expanded logarithmically.
Morris had gone to a Freddie King concert at the Bron
Born in Austin Texas, Morris Lyda grew up on a rural property where tractors, hoists, welders, and livestock formed a world populated with problems waiting for solutions. However, in late 1972, SHOWCO replaced the farm, and suddenly the problems and technology expanded logarithmically.
Morris had gone to a Freddie King concert at the Bronco Bowl in Dallas. He was so impressed that after the show he went up to the audio engineer to thank him and met Keny Whitright. When asked how he got started, Keny said, “I applied for a job”. Keny slipped him a business card. With card in-tow he met Robert Medley then Buford Jones and was soon sitting in the cab of one of the brand-new triple-sleeper extended frame SHOWCO touring trucks.
Touring with SHOWCO from ‘72 to ‘76 covering thousands of miles crossing the USA with bands ranging from The Beach Boys, Carpenters, It’s a Beautiful Day, Uriah Heap, Grand Funk, David Bowie and a million truck stops and Ryder truck depots. He was mentored by some of the greatest engineers at SHOWCO; Buford Jones, Craig Schertz, and Jack Maxson. SHOWCO provided the conduit for Morris to tour internationally with McCartney & Wings and under the watchful guidance of the legendary Eric Barrett, Morris toured internationally with Bowie and Ronstadt. Then freelancing in the 80’s with The Blues Brothers, The Three Tenors, Genesis, Pink Floyd, and Phil Collins. Many of those years were wrapped in collaborations with great designers. Initially it was the magic Ian Knight, Professor Richard Hartman and The Goat, Alan Owen. Then later, he conspired with one of the most imaginative people on the planet, Marc Brickman, and luckily a tour with the remarkably creative Jeremy Railton.
“There are too many variables for Farming or Entertainment to be a science, and too many fundamentals to rely solely on magic. Without technology, magic never appears, and without magic, no seeds sprout, no audiences stand cheering. Success in live entertainment is a blend of science and magic and harnessing both without over relying on one or the other; that’s the trick.” – Morris
Industrial Projects: Regional Operation Manager – Asia @APR Energy
2012-16 Regional Operation Manager (Japan to Australia). Country Manager
APR Energy
2011-12 Country Manager for installation and operation of 320 MW emergency power generation post-tsunami Japan.
Line-Producer Freestate
2008-10 – SONY International exhibit at Berlin’s annual IFA trade show transforming 6,000 SqM of exhibition space into massive showcase for SONY.
Founder of Biodiesel Station
2006–11 – Owner & founder of Sydney-based biofuel distribution company.
Director Operations
Power – Haiti APR Energy
2005-06 – Contract Management for 60 MW Power Station serving Government of Haiti.
Develop and execute new communications, operations, and security procedures for temporary power plants in Haiti.
Project Manager for Rapid Deployment
Emergency Power Installations
APR Energy
2002–04 – Project Management responsible for rapid transport, installation,operation, and dismantling of temporary power stations ranging from 20 – 100 Megawatts in Sri Lanka, Mexico, and Canada
Special Events
The 3 Tenors at Forbidden City
2001 –Technical Director - Forbidden City, Beijing, China
2000 Summer Olympics
1998 - 2000 – Technical Director for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies – Sydney Olympics
Disney Fest – Asia 1996-98 - Project Consultant
Yumi Matsutoya
1994 - Project Manager
1992 - Project Manager for "Tears and Reason Tour"
1991 - Project Manager for Special Theatrical Elements for "Dawn Purple Tour"
1992 Summer Olympics
1992 - Lighting Project Manager for the Opening and Closing
Ceremonies – Barcelona Olympics
Bill of Rights Tour
1991 - Tour Manager for nation-wide touring exhibit. (USA)
Farm Aid I & II 1985 & 1986 - Stage Manager
Musical & Concert Tours
Man From Snowy River – 2002 - Technical Director for Australian Arena Tour
The Three Tenors 2001 - Site Coordinator for “Forbidden City” Event
95-96 - International Site Coordinator / Production Consultant
Phil Collins - 95 - International Logistics Coordinator 94 - Production Director (Global Tour) 90 - Production Manager (World Tour)
85 - Production Manager - (World Tour)
Pink Floyd
87-89 - Production Manager (World Tour)
Genesis 92 - Production Director (USA, Europe.) 86-87 - Production Manager (World Tour) 83 – Advance man & Production Manager (Euro, USA) 81 - Advance man & Production Manager (Euro, USA)
78 - Outdoor Show Coordinator (Euro)
Michael Jackson 93 - International Logistics Coordinator (Global Tour)
David Bowie 83 - Production Manager (Euro, USA) 78 - Advance & Asst. Production Manager (World Tour) 76 - Showco Advance man (Euro.) (Apr-May76)
74 - Showco Monitor Engineer (USA) (Jun-Jul74) Blues Brothers 79-80 - Road Manager (USA) Prince 84 - Advance man (USA)
Marlboro Country Music
83 - 86 - Head of Production (USA)
Mc Cartney/Wings
75-76 - Showco Monitor Engineer (Euro, Aust, USA) Linda Ronstadt
79 - Production Advance (Aust, Japan)
Professional Recognition
Green Room Awards AUS
Technical Director of the Year Award - 2002
Performance Magazine USA
Hall of Fame Award - 1992
Production Manager of the Year 1983, 1986, & 1990 Stage Manager of the Year 1983
Tour Link Conference USA
Top Dog Award Ceremony – Lifetime Achieve Award - 2018
Robin Magruder
Morris Lyda: 1972-1977
Robin Magruder
1971 - 2000 - Showco (Grunt, Roadie, Monitor Engr, FOH Enr , E-Shop E-Shp Mgr, Op's Mg, VP Op's, Sr. VP Sales/Mktg, Exec VP/GM/Director)
2001 - Present
President/Owner
Crossroads Audio
Harold Pearce
Morris Lyda: 1972-1977
Robin Magruder
1976/1978 - Audio/Sound
I was on the sound / audio side of the house. Tours were mainly with Mark Haynes and Paul strong on Willie. Did the infamous Star Wars tour with William Shatner and orchestras, As I recall Rusty was FOH. Multiple one-off shows jumping between tours. Then I moved over to Crossroads with Chuck and that group. - Harold
Craig Satterfield: Lighting 1972 - 1975
Craig Satterfield: Lighting 1972 - 1975
Craig Satterfield: Lighting 1972 - 1975
Craig Satterfield was one of the original 3 lighting guys when SHOWCO first started providing lighting. He had been personal friends with Jack Maxson and had started a little lighting company, when he called him to invite him to join them. In the years to follow, he toured and did lighting for many groups including Cat Stevens, Led Zeppe
Craig Satterfield was one of the original 3 lighting guys when SHOWCO first started providing lighting. He had been personal friends with Jack Maxson and had started a little lighting company, when he called him to invite him to join them. In the years to follow, he toured and did lighting for many groups including Cat Stevens, Led Zeppelin, Leon Russell, the Carpenters, and ZZ Top. He was also a photographer and took many pictures of the shows.
Ed Spoto
Craig Satterfield: Lighting 1972 - 1975
Craig Satterfield: Lighting 1972 - 1975
Operations Manager
Derek 'Wilko' Wilkinson
Craig Satterfield: Lighting 1972 - 1975
Derek 'Wilko' Wilkinson
1975-1980
Jack Calmes
Donnie (DK) Kretzschmar
David Friedman
JNC Management; Soul City Nightclub; SHOWCO Founder; Syncrolite
Billboard profiled Calmes in August 1972, when he'd already built what the music trade referred to as a "vast empire" providing sound to rock shows.
He was married to actress Morgan Fairchild from 1967 until 1973.
“He was a great musician first, and a great salesman,” says Angu
JNC Management; Soul City Nightclub; SHOWCO Founder; Syncrolite
Billboard profiled Calmes in August 1972, when he'd already built what the music trade referred to as a "vast empire" providing sound to rock shows.
He was married to actress Morgan Fairchild from 1967 until 1973.
“He was a great musician first, and a great salesman,” says Angus Wynne, Calmes’ long-ago partner in the Soul City nightclub and Showco, the concert-promotion business that became a sight-and-sound company that brought rock shows into Soul City. “That was his forte. He did that with the sound company to great acclaim and later with the lighting company.”
Wynne had known Calmes since 1963, when Calmes, a Highland Park High School graduate, was a senior at Southern Methodist University. They met at Ernstrom’s Records on Lovers Lane.
“We discovered the other guy was pretty cool,” said Wynne.
And right then, right there — or close to it — they decided to get into the music business. By Texas-OU weekend that fall, they were putting on a show at Market Hall, with Chuck Berry as the headliner. Calmes happened to have the rock pioneer’s phone number.
Showco brought the Beach Boys to Dallas. Then the Doors. Then Bob Dylan. Everybody played Soul City when they opened it in 1967, including Stevie Wonder and Ike and Tina Turner.
During Labor Day Weekend 1969, it all coalesced into the Texas International Pop Festival, North Texas’ Woodstock, headlined by Led Zeppelin, Sly and the Family Stone, B.B. King, Janis Joplin, Johnny Winter and others on their way to fame, infamy or some combination of the two. The show lost $100,000. Not long after that, Wynne sold his share of Showco. Calmes carried on.
He’d lost enough money to know where it had all gone — to the sound guys. He wanted a piece. He wound up getting it all.
"When I saw how much money [sound guy] Bill Hanley got for doing the sound at the Texas Pop Festival and at Woodstock, it set me thinking," Calmes told D Magazine in 1980. "Hanley didn't get burned at either festival, although the rest of us did."
Calmes said he knew sound setups could be run better, leading to more business.
That collaboration built the vast empire. With it came the legendary friends, among them Mick Jagger, whom he persuaded in 1978 to let him film the “Some Girls” show in Fort Worth after a Bobby “Blue” Bland show at the Longhorn Ballroom.
That film eventually became The Rolling Stones: Some Girls Live in Texas, which went unreleased until three years ago.
There were other businesses, too: He and Wynne co-managed Freddie King, while Calmes alone handled Bloodrock. In the early 1980s, he also founded and ran Syncrolite, which did for lighting what Showco did for sound.
He produced the 1982 Who show “The Who Rocks America.” And before any of it, he was lead guitarist for one of Dallas’ best garage-rock bands of the 1960s: the Jades. And he still played with the Forever Fabulous Chickenhawks. -
Dallas Morning News. (2015, January 6). Jack Calmes. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/obituaries/2015/01/07/jack-calmes-early-figure-in-dallas-rock-n-roll-scene/.
David Friedman
Donnie (DK) Kretzschmar
David Friedman
Engineer 1986-1990
Donnie (DK) Kretzschmar
Donnie (DK) Kretzschmar
Donnie (DK) Kretzschmar
1974 - 1986 Senior Engineer
My father's first "gig" with SHOWCO was The Lee Pickens Group who were being managed by JNC Management (Jack N. Calmes). He saw the Pickens Group perform often at Ruby's in Denton, TX a popular live music venue where he also saw Freddie King, one of SHOWCO's first acts. He continued with SHOWCO until his passing in 1986.
Jack Maxson
Donnie (DK) Kretzschmar
Donnie (DK) Kretzschmar
SHOWCO co-founder, audio/recording engineer.
John (JR) Rea
Merrick E. "Ted" Shawe
David Knight Reinke
1971 - 1979
Joe Cocker, Leon Russell, Clapton. Also worked in the shop and manufacturing.
David Knight Reinke
Merrick E. "Ted" Shawe
David Knight Reinke
Monitors
Merrick E. "Ted" Shawe
Merrick E. "Ted" Shawe
Merrick E. "Ted" Shawe
1979 - 1984 - System Tech
Merrick "Ted" spent his Showco years primarily as what is nowadays called a "system tech" or assistant FOH on some amazing tours with Jack Maxson, Buford Jones and Roy Snyder.
James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Van Halen, The Rolling Stones, Saga, P-Funk, The Gap Band, and Jimmy Buffett kept him off the streets. One
1979 - 1984 - System Tech
Merrick "Ted" spent his Showco years primarily as what is nowadays called a "system tech" or assistant FOH on some amazing tours with Jack Maxson, Buford Jones and Roy Snyder.
James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Van Halen, The Rolling Stones, Saga, P-Funk, The Gap Band, and Jimmy Buffett kept him off the streets. One of his favorite experiences while with Showco was living in a Greenwich Village loft for an entire summer while running the Miller Concerts on the Pier venue next to an aging aircraft carrier!
He grew up just outside of Washington, DC in a family immersed in theatre and rocket science so, naturally, he gravitated to a career in audio engineering. After 10 years on the road with everything from the Star Wars Symphony Orchestra to the Rolling Stones, he settled in Rochester, NY to start a family of his own.
After designing and installing sound systems for Xerox, Kodak, the U of R, RIT/NTID and a multitude of local churches and other institutions, he began a second career developing and integrating complex compute systems for Xerox and Computer Consoles. His children and various nieces and nephews got him back into designing sound and lighting for theatre and dance for Victor Central Schools, Nazareth College, the Rochester Children’s Theatre, Drumcliffe School of Irish Dance, et al., as well as mixing live and in the studio for various local bands.
The pandemic years found him dusting off his studio chops and mixing several multi-track "livestreamed" musical theatre and dramatic productions as well as the virtual WGI Championship season for Victor's Indoor Percussion ensemble.
Johnny "JW" Roberts
Merrick E. "Ted" Shawe
Merrick E. "Ted" Shawe
1976 - 2004 - Monitors
1st Tour Black Oak Arkansas
Elvin Bishop
AWB
ALI -Spinks New Orleans
Genesis
Jackson Browne Running on Empty
Havana Jam
The Clash
Judas Priest
The New Barbarians
BEE GEES Saturday Night Fever
ZZ TOP
Blues Brothers
The Who
The Stones
Van Halen
Van Halen US Festival
Aerosmith
Julian Lennon
Boston
SRV & Jeff Beck
1976 - 2004 - Monitors
1st Tour Black Oak Arkansas
Elvin Bishop
AWB
ALI -Spinks New Orleans
Genesis
Jackson Browne Running on Empty
Havana Jam
The Clash
Judas Priest
The New Barbarians
BEE GEES Saturday Night Fever
ZZ TOP
Blues Brothers
The Who
The Stones
Van Halen
Van Halen US Festival
Aerosmith
Julian Lennon
Boston
SRV & Jeff Beck
Joe Satriani
Bob Dylan
SoundGarden
Bad Company
BEE Gee’s 1 Night Only Vegas
Black Sabbath
Audio Slave Letterman Marquee
Van Halen - Last tour
In the Studio with Redbeard
https://www.inthestudio.net/uncategorized/showco-johnny-roberts-pt1/
https://www.inthestudio.net/uncategorized/showco-johnny-roberts-pt-2/
John Blasutta
Larry Sizemore
John Blasutta
1974 - 2003 - Engineer
Beach Boys, Ozzy Osbourne, ZZ Top '90 and more, Deep Purple, Willie Nelson, Average White Band, Bad Company, Steve Miller Band, Genesis And Then There Were Three, Alice Cooper, the Osmonds, George Benson, Weather Report, the Bee Gees, Marvin Gaye, the Blues Brothers, Rick James, War, Vince Gill & more
Steve Nutting
Larry Sizemore
John Blasutta
1979 - 1984 - Engineer
Larry Sizemore
Larry Sizemore
Larry Sizemore
Lighting Consultant -
Showco Inc. / VariliteNov
1974 - Apr 1996 · 21 yrs 6 mos
Lighting Designer - ZZ TopMay
1983 - Dec 1997 · 14 yrs 8 mos
Production Mgr. House Of Blues Concerts Nov 1998 - Oct 2006 · 8 yrs
*Operations and Production Manager at Smirnoff Music Centre
Owner - Production Personnel Services
2001 - 2017
Larry worked alongside m
Lighting Consultant -
Showco Inc. / VariliteNov
1974 - Apr 1996 · 21 yrs 6 mos
Lighting Designer - ZZ TopMay
1983 - Dec 1997 · 14 yrs 8 mos
Production Mgr. House Of Blues Concerts Nov 1998 - Oct 2006 · 8 yrs
*Operations and Production Manager at Smirnoff Music Centre
Owner - Production Personnel Services
2001 - 2017
Larry worked alongside my father, Donnie (DK) Kretzschmar, on many tours including ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Led Zeppelin. He was a close family friend and is sorely missed since his passing in 2017.
George Masek
George Wheatley
George Masek
1986 - 1990
Lighting
I came to Showco through Gemini Stage Lighting and my fellow students at SMU starting about 1986 or '87. They connected me with Kirby Wyatt and the Dept. 50 bunch and I did a lot of shows with them - all the while, hoping to get hired at Vari-Lite.
Finally, in June of 1990, Blake Dewberry introduced me to Larry Sizem
1986 - 1990
Lighting
I came to Showco through Gemini Stage Lighting and my fellow students at SMU starting about 1986 or '87. They connected me with Kirby Wyatt and the Dept. 50 bunch and I did a lot of shows with them - all the while, hoping to get hired at Vari-Lite.
Finally, in June of 1990, Blake Dewberry introduced me to Larry Sizemore for an interview and I got hired by VL. I stayed until 2012 - ultimately becoming the VL Product Manager.
It was an honor to work with every person in that building, and I learned so much from each of them. I have far more fond memories from there than I do from either high school or college - I could care less about those reunions, but Showco and VL - ALWAYS happy to see old friends.
Brent Brito
George Wheatley
George Masek
Toured with
Carole King
Beach Boys
Living Colour
Andrew Dice Clay
Paul McCartney
Milli Vanilli
INXS
DREAM THEATER
George Wheatley
George Wheatley
George Wheatley
1972 - 2013
Woody Pope
George Wheatley
George Wheatley
Shop Manager
Michael Rivera
Michael Rivera
Michael Rivera
I worked as a cable technician at Vari-lite then slid over to SHOWCO. I loved my time there and worked with great hard working individuals that became life long friends.
Rob Roberson
Michael Rivera
Michael Rivera
1971-1973
Bill Thompson
Michael Rivera
Bill Thompson
1972 - 1977 & 1980 - 1982
ZZ Top, Grand Funk Railroad, Joe Cocker/Leon, Guess Who, Willie Nelson, Bread, T Rex, James Taylor, Led Zeppelin, War, The Kinks, Linda Ronstadt, Eric Clapton, BOA
Thom Hansen
Michael Rivera
Bill Thompson
1976-1981
Lighting
Carole King, Genesis, Black Oak Arkansas, the Who, Bee Gees, George Benson, ELO, Toto, Elvin Bishop, Mahogany Rush
Mark 'Herg' Allen Hergenrader
Mark 'Herg' Allen Hergenrader
Mark 'Herg' Allen Hergenrader
1979 - 1980 /1982 - 1990
Electronics tech
John Wiseman
Mark 'Herg' Allen Hergenrader
Mark 'Herg' Allen Hergenrader
1985 - 1992
I was hired as a sales executive for Vari-Lite in late 1985. Initially, I was an employee of Showco but later moved, along with many others, to the Vari-Lite brand as Vari-Lite eventually became the parent company of Showco. I left the company in November 1992, but I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Showco/Vari-Lite family. - John
Michael Garvey
Mark 'Herg' Allen Hergenrader
Michael Garvey
1976 to 1980
Electronics
Jim Bornhorst hired Garvey right out of school to work in the electronic shop building Superboards G & H. Their team included Robin Magruder, Linda "Lunar" Johnson and Tom Walsh. After that he went on to run lighting electronics (under Kirby Wyatt), the Studer 24 track mobile recorder and finally to mix FOH on sever
1976 to 1980
Electronics
Jim Bornhorst hired Garvey right out of school to work in the electronic shop building Superboards G & H. Their team included Robin Magruder, Linda "Lunar" Johnson and Tom Walsh. After that he went on to run lighting electronics (under Kirby Wyatt), the Studer 24 track mobile recorder and finally to mix FOH on several tours... including Willie Nelson.
Rolling Stones, The Who, Willie & Family Live, Freddie King & Eric Clapton, Genesis (CNE), Art Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Bonnie Raitt, Waylon Jennings, Mardi Gras in the Superdome
FOH: Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, Steven Stills, Phoebe Snow, Robert Palmer
CF Bernil
Mark 'Herg' Allen Hergenrader
Michael Garvey
1984-1990
A veteran of the US Coast Guard, active duty from 1971 to 1973. Serving as a Radioman. Started as a sound engineer and working locally in Memphis, 1973 through 1983. In 1984 through 1990, worked as a Monitor Mix / Sound Systems Engineer with Showco, Inc., Dallas, TX. Working with national & international music artist (Genesis, Li
1984-1990
A veteran of the US Coast Guard, active duty from 1971 to 1973. Serving as a Radioman. Started as a sound engineer and working locally in Memphis, 1973 through 1983. In 1984 through 1990, worked as a Monitor Mix / Sound Systems Engineer with Showco, Inc., Dallas, TX. Working with national & international music artist (Genesis, Linda Ronstadt, Paul McCartney, Spinal Tap, Ozzy Osborne, Carole King & others). From 1990 through 1997, again in 1999 & 2014, worked as the Monitor Mix Engineer & Production Co-Ordinator with the Australian rock band, INXS. From 1998 through 2018 worked as the Department Head of the Audio Department (and AV Department) of the Orpheum Theatre, Memphis, TN. Have been involved with University of Memphis, Commercial Music Department, in a teaching capacity during academic years 1984-85 (as Memphis State University) and again in 1994-95. Currently serving with the U of M Commencement Services Department as Chief Audio Engineer, since 1996. Also listed as, Emeritus Adjunct Faculty, College of Communications and Fine Arts. Knowledgeable & experienced in design, implementation, operation & maintenance of fixed & mobile sound systems. Experienced as a theatrical sound designer and in all aspects of technical events production & labor management.
David Alley
Philip Barrett
Philip Barrett
1970 - 1974/1982 - 1998
Showco, Inc. – Vice President
Vari-Lite, Inc. – Executive Vice Pres. International Operations
Carpenters – Tour Manager
Freddie King – Tour Manager
Bloodrock – Tour Manager
Rolling Stones – General Contractor, Production Accountant, “Tattoo You” 1982 World Tour
David Bowie – General Contractor, Production Account
1970 - 1974/1982 - 1998
Showco, Inc. – Vice President
Vari-Lite, Inc. – Executive Vice Pres. International Operations
Carpenters – Tour Manager
Freddie King – Tour Manager
Bloodrock – Tour Manager
Rolling Stones – General Contractor, Production Accountant, “Tattoo You” 1982 World Tour
David Bowie – General Contractor, Production Accountant, “Serious Moonlight” 1983 World Tour
David Bowie – General Contractor, Production Accountant, “Glass Spider” 1987 World Tour
Alley Management, Inc.
Richard Carpenter – Personal Manager
Tierney Sutton – Personal Manager
David Alley Photography, CPP
Philip Barrett
Philip Barrett
Philip Barrett
Operations Manager
1993 - 1995
Responsible for the specification, delivery, shipping, and coordination of all touring equipment on a global basis.
Todd Garrett
Philip Barrett
Tyler Garrett
Audio Tech
Tyler Garrett
Philip Barrett
Tyler Garrett
Audio Tech
Steve Miller
Mike 'Dr. Funk' Ponczek
Steve Jander
Lighting Crew
1975-1980
'77 Led Zeppelin
'78-79 Showco Manufacturing
'80 Commodores
Ken Peden
Mike 'Dr. Funk' Ponczek
Mike 'Dr. Funk' Ponczek
Audio Engineer
1974 - 1980
Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash Survivor
Mike 'Dr. Funk' Ponczek
Mike 'Dr. Funk' Ponczek
Mike 'Dr. Funk' Ponczek
Senior Engineer 1977- 1993
ethos band member (pre-Showco)
Toto, Havana Jam, Bee Gees, Rufus w/Chaka Khan, The O'Jays, The Commodores, The Kinks, The Who, Farm Aid(s), Willie Nelson, CBS Conventions, The Fixx, Eric Clapton, Mike & the Mechanics, ELO w/Moscow Orchestra, John Fogerty, Bonnie Raitt, Harry Connick Jr., Robert Cray, Rock in Rio
Senior Engineer 1977- 1993
ethos band member (pre-Showco)
Toto, Havana Jam, Bee Gees, Rufus w/Chaka Khan, The O'Jays, The Commodores, The Kinks, The Who, Farm Aid(s), Willie Nelson, CBS Conventions, The Fixx, Eric Clapton, Mike & the Mechanics, ELO w/Moscow Orchestra, John Fogerty, Bonnie Raitt, Harry Connick Jr., Robert Cray, Rock in Rio, Paul McCartney, Rick James, The Clash, The Jam, Van Morrison, Genesis, Robert Plant, Phil Collins, and many more.
Buddy 'Budrock' Prewitt
Buddy 'Budrock' Prewitt
Buddy 'Budrock' Prewitt
Lighting Engineer 1975 - 1980
Jimmy Dyer
Buddy 'Budrock' Prewitt
Jeremy 'Plate' Wyatt
1988 - 1990
"My position was building PRISM PA and Monitors. I worked in the Recone Room with Randy Birch. I never toured. Mostly, I was a PITA for Lester Burton and Randy as I came from a small cotton farming community in the Lubbock area. I had no business being involved in the music business at that level...lol."
Jeremy 'Plate' Wyatt
Buddy 'Budrock' Prewitt
Jeremy 'Plate' Wyatt
"My time with Showco was just a blink of an eye in the big picture and played a minor role in what was the best job I ever had. I worked with some of the greatest people who were not just work colleagues but friends.
I was there during a great time as we moved from the AX sound system to the Prism sound system. My main focus was building
"My time with Showco was just a blink of an eye in the big picture and played a minor role in what was the best job I ever had. I worked with some of the greatest people who were not just work colleagues but friends.
I was there during a great time as we moved from the AX sound system to the Prism sound system. My main focus was building and maintaining the drive rack for the system. It was a great learning experience and something to be proud of working on the first digital live sound control (to the best of my knowledge)."
- Jeremy
Ian 'Iggy' Knight
Kevin 'Tater' McCarthy
Kevin 'Tater' McCarthy
Lighting, Stage Design
Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Genesis, Rod Stewart
Kevin 'Tater' McCarthy
Kevin 'Tater' McCarthy
Kevin 'Tater' McCarthy
Monitors 1987 - 1997
Ric Levit
Kevin 'Tater' McCarthy
Jimmy (Henderson) Page
Monitors 1972 - 1974
The Guess Who, It's a Beautiful Day, Elvis, Beach Boys, War, Bloodrock, Led Zeppelin, Jesus Christ Superstar, Bread, Mountain, Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, the Osmond's, Grand Funk Railroad.
Jimmy (Henderson) Page
Kevin 'Tater' McCarthy
Jimmy (Henderson) Page
Promoter Concerts West
1969 - 1972
Vice President /Sales Showco
1972 - 1978
Vice President Syncrolite
1991 - 2016
Glenn (Michael) Roth
Glenn (Michael) Roth
Glenn (Michael) Roth
Audio
Kirby Wyatt
Glenn (Michael) Roth
Glenn (Michael) Roth
1971 - 1995
SHOWCO Creative Services - Vice President / SHOWCO Conventional Lighting Department
Pat Farrell
Glenn (Michael) Roth
Paul Welch
Audio Engineer - 1978 - 1994
Mark Hughes
Keny Whitright
Mark Hughes
Audio - 1978 - 1993
Phil Schad
Keny Whitright
Mark Hughes
Woodshop - 1972-1975, 1979
Bee Gees, Led Zeppelin, CBS Convention
Wil Sharpe
Keny Whitright
Keny Whitright
1982 - 1989
Ethos band member, Showco Sales, Showco President
Bob Brown
Terry Fountain
Rusty Brutsche
1979 - 1986
Lighting
Terry Fountain
Terry Fountain
Terry Fountain
1974 -1978
Led Zeppelin, Bad Co., Steve Miller, Dave Mason, Uriah Heep, The Osmonds, George Benson, and Nazareth.
Mark Harless
Terry Fountain
Terry Fountain
1981 - 1988
Woodshop, Department 50, Vari-Lite
Matt Sullivan
Matt Sullivan
Matt Sullivan
1979 - 1984
"From 1979 to 1984, I worked with '77 Led Zeppelin and '80 Commodores. I was a gopher for purchasing, and I worked with JR and Mike, also known as The Gunther. I worked in the warehouse with the woodworkers, including Lester, on ZZ, Blues Brothers, Kinks, Linda, and Zep stages and PA. There were too many people to remember. We
1979 - 1984
"From 1979 to 1984, I worked with '77 Led Zeppelin and '80 Commodores. I was a gopher for purchasing, and I worked with JR and Mike, also known as The Gunther. I worked in the warehouse with the woodworkers, including Lester, on ZZ, Blues Brothers, Kinks, Linda, and Zep stages and PA. There were too many people to remember. We used the old Pyramid 9000 system. I have great memories of spending time outside the back door behind the dumpster by the RR tracks, having safety meetings and listening to stories. We used to pick up equipment from Dallas Backup for tours, and for bands to come in and do live demos of stages and lasers." -Matt
John Walthall
Matt Sullivan
Matt Sullivan
Rigging, logistics, audio tech
Greg Smith
Matt Sullivan
Howard Page
1989 - 2000
Engineer
"I remember on The Rolling Stones Tour in 1989 we had the Prism “Blue” cabinet, serial #1. It had the plate on the back dedicated to your dad(Donnie Kretzschmar). It was the center speaker of the 5 speaker downstage center front fill. Benji the FoH mixer insisted on this being there at every gig.
Thanks for keeping th
1989 - 2000
Engineer
"I remember on The Rolling Stones Tour in 1989 we had the Prism “Blue” cabinet, serial #1. It had the plate on the back dedicated to your dad(Donnie Kretzschmar). It was the center speaker of the 5 speaker downstage center front fill. Benji the FoH mixer insisted on this being there at every gig.
Thanks for keeping the memory of those that have come before alive. We are all standing on their shoulders."
- Greg
Howard Page
Matt Sullivan
Howard Page
1989 - 2000
Engineer
Mark Jay
Martin Luther (ML) Procise
Martin Luther (ML) Procise
1984 - 1986
Eric Clapton, Ted Nugent, Kiss, The Kinks, Krokus
Martin Luther (ML) Procise
Martin Luther (ML) Procise
Martin Luther (ML) Procise
1976 - 2000 (2015) Clair Bro.
Sound Engineer / Sales
Todd Bechenko
Martin Luther (ML) Procise
Todd Bechenko
1993 - 2000
Cable Department
"It was great to be a part of something special like that. It truly was a family atmosphere and a lot of the procedures and values that I learned back then I still champion today in the shop I manage now. I’m the manager for Clair Backline here in Lititz."
Bob Davis
Martin Luther (ML) Procise
Todd Bechenko
1978 - 1980
During the years 1978 to 1980, I had the privilege of working in the woodshop alongside skilled individuals such as Hans, Tommy Turner, and Dick Lindberg, all under the expert guidance of Fuzzy.
Delton Bass
Warren Cunningham
James "Jim" Beck
1974 - 1985?
Lighting Designer
Wishbone Ash, Bad Company, the Bee Gees´ World Tour, the Michael Jackson Victory tour and for "The Last Waltz" documentary for the farewell show at San Francisco´s Winterland Ballroom filmed by Martin Scorsese (check the end credits), starting, of course, with lighting designer for the Stillwater, Oklahoma band - Sweet Virginia.
James "Jim" Beck
Warren Cunningham
James "Jim" Beck
1981 - 1984
Audio
Rick James, Commodores, Van Halen, James Taylor, US Festival, Santana, Quiet Riot, Willie and Waylon
John Covington
Warren Cunningham
Warren Cunningham
Warren Cunningham
Warren Cunningham
Warren Cunningham
1975 - 1980
Showco Lighting
(President of CommuniLux Productions)
Randy Garrett
Jimmy Monkress
Jimmy Monkress
1982 - 1996
Vari-Lite
Jimmy Monkress
Jimmy Monkress
Jimmy Monkress
Jimmy Sinardi
Jimmy Monkress
Monte Monkress
1974 - ?
Monitors
Uriah Heep + more
"My first FOH gig was Uriah heep (I guess Showco figured I couldn't screw this one up), Jimmy was the monitor mixer, david Byron threw a 548 at him and almost hit him, the next day David came to sound check and brought jimmy a brand new motorcycle helmet."
- Bill "Doc" Gans 2018
John Bleich
Craig (Chief) Schertz
John Bleich
1981 -
Driver/Rigger
Now President of PRODUCTION AND RIGGING RESOURCES, INC. Providing Rigging Equipment, Riggers, Stagehands, Trucking, and
Softgoods for the Entertainment Industry
Beau Carle
Craig (Chief) Schertz
John Bleich
1977-1979
Audio
Charles Pass
Craig (Chief) Schertz
Craig (Chief) Schertz
1976-1978
Driver/Trucking
Lacy Weathers
Lacy Weathers
Lacy Weathers
3/1974 - 9/1975
Monitor Engineer/Grunt
Genesis -G, James Taylor -G, Eric Clapton (stadium spkrs), Osmonds -ME, Joe Cocker - ME, Kinks - ME, Beach Boys - ME, AWB Average White Band - ME. Loggins & Messina - ME (pick up dates), Robin Trower handful of dates as replacement crew.
Lacy had the unique opportunity to be one of the drivers,
3/1974 - 9/1975
Monitor Engineer/Grunt
Genesis -G, James Taylor -G, Eric Clapton (stadium spkrs), Osmonds -ME, Joe Cocker - ME, Kinks - ME, Beach Boys - ME, AWB Average White Band - ME. Loggins & Messina - ME (pick up dates), Robin Trower handful of dates as replacement crew.
Lacy had the unique opportunity to be one of the drivers, alongside Doc Gans, taking the legendary John 'Bonzo' Bonham's newly acquired '69 Corvette from Dallas, TX, to the iconic Riot House Hotel in LA. This experience was not just a job; it was a thrilling adventure at the heart of rock 'n' roll history.
Mark Sharpe
Lacy Weathers
Lacy Weathers
5/1983 - 1987
Showco and Vari-Lite
Willie Nelson, Beach Boys, Kenny Loggins, Head East, 4 Tops and Temptations, Richard Simmons, Alabama, Willie Nelson 4th of July Picnic, David Bowie, ,The Tube's, Genesis Mama Tour, Laurie Anderson, Diana Ross, George Strait, East of Dallas (Private Party),The Romantics, Mary Kay