Each of the 23 Parnelli Awards ceremonies have lauded the heroics of people behind the scenes producing memorable live events. But what about the people behind the Parnellis? The award show’s producer and writer, Kevin Mitchell, who also serves as senior writer at PLSN and FOH magazines, took a moment to give this year’s crew their due.
As a long-time writer for PLSN and FOH magazines, I write about many productions. Then, once a year, I produce one myself. Since 2006, I put the show together working closely with Parnelli executive producer Terry Lowe and the chairman of the Parnelli Board of Advisors (first Patrick Stansfield, until his passing; then Marshall Bissett since 2014). I am overwhelmed with gratitude that I have the honor of doing so.
I have always been aware that putting on a live event for people who make their living putting on live events is not for the faint of heart; that’s why I surround myself with the best possible team. So when a show goes particularly well — like this most recent one seems to have gone — it’s important that I defer any praise to the people in this picture. (See full size image with caption details on page 14).
Some of these people have been with me from the very beginning, and a few are marking this as their first Parnelli Awards. They all deserve the accolades — Terry Lowe especially. His support of the industry in general and commitment to this show in particular has been career-defining. Many don’t realize that he supports and enables my work on this show pretty much year-round (yes, we’ve already started work on number 24). After a particularly successful night, we both enjoy watching the hugs, picture taking, and praises being shared among professionals who spend their careers out of the spotlight…except once a year at the Parnelli Awards.
Here’s what just a few of them are saying:
“Thanks to everyone who work so hard to make the Parnelli Awards the special event it has grown into over these many years. I still remember that first one in San Diego and man it has come a long way. The show was a testament to just how far the Parnelli has come and the team it takes to make it a reality. Congratulations to all recipients and especially the team that made it look so amazing.” —Dave Shadoan, Sound Image
“Great show, well done!” —Dean Roney, Solotech
“Best awards show ever!” —Robin Shaw, Upstaging
“This was the best Parnelli evening I’ve ever attended. It looked amazing — modern, clean — award worthy itself. The humility of all the honorees was inspiring. —Butch Allen, TAIT
“It is the Oscar’s of our industry, [an event] that pays tribute to those who work so hard, day in and day out, making this industry what it is today. This right here is what it’s all about. It was an amazing show!” —Michael O’Keefe, TPI
“Wonderful show.” —Kerry Keyes, Monitor Engineer
“Honoring these [career achievement honoree] pioneers has been long overdue. We all have our stories of how we got here and it’s wonderful to share them. This really is a unique industry and driven by passionate souls.” —Peter Hendrickson, Tour Tech East
