Happy Anniversary to us!

I just received an email from Bert Hensley (our director of sales) reminding me that today is the 26th anniversary of the Gary Musick Company! It would only be fitting to pay tribute to the two founders of the company (originally called "Bookends, Inc.) - Jane Alsup and Kelly Sharber McBryde. Jane and Kelly launched Bookends, Inc. on Dec. 9, 1980, after leaving Opryland Productions, which they had also founded. Their vision inspired so many of us to cast our fortunes with this new, upstart company. I was actually a performer in the first major show produced by Bookends - it was for Williams Gerard Productions and Merle Norman Cosmetics. I remember thinking this was a very cool aspect of the entertainment industry that i really did not know existed before then. Entertainment for the corporate world...what a concept! After joining the Bookends staff as a production manager, I eventually became the GM when Kelly sold out her stake to Jane, and Jane subsequently left to join the Williams Gerard staff as a producer. Bookends ultimately became Gary Musick Productions, Inc. in 1986, and we were off and running. A special thanks goes to all the clients, performers, production personnel, writers, choreograhers, directors, designers, technicians, creative directors, and "cheerleaders" who've been responsible for our success over these past 26 years. A special thanks to Jonathan Yeaworth, who has been part of the company since 1987. His talents and genius (and patience with me) are endless! If you've worked with him, I know you can appreciate his presence on any show. I have the greatest respect for Jonathan and the rest of our staff . Thanks to all of you for sharing my vision. Here's to the next 25 years!