Stage, Runway, Choir Riser, Band Stage,
Full service Stage and Sound Company, featuring Stages, Runways, Choir Riser, Band Stages, Festival Stages, Concert Stages, Commencement Stages, in heights from 4 inches to 4 feet in height. 20 years experience.
Keywords: stages, stage rental, modeling runway, choir risers, table risers, concert staging, band stages, festival stages, drum risers, skirting, stairs, steps, Memphis, Collierville, Bartlett, Southaven, Germantown, Holly Springs, Oxford, West Memphis, Marion.
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
28 years. 20 years in present form.
What is your primary product or service?
Special Event Music and Production Services. Bands, DJs, Professional Sound Systems, Lighting Systems, Stages, Modeling Runways, Choir Risers, Power Generators and Distribution, Event Management.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
We were always musical and performed in a number of touring bands across the country and overseas. After winning Capitol Records Nationwide A&R Contest (for assessing talent and developing artists), our Operations Director began helping bands further their careers. Upon returning to Memphis and experiencing - as both a band and producer - the numerous crooked talent agencies here, it became apparent that there was indeed a place for great service at a fair price.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Honesty. Training. Knowledge. Price. Memphis Sound often provides the SAME entertainment and services for hundreds, or thousands, of dollars less than our competition. How? Well, first of all, we're the ONLY 1 stop for entertainment and production. That means we have our own stages, sound, lights, etc. That also means that we can GUARANTEE EXACTLY what quality equipment and technicians will be at your event. Most other entertainment resources here have NOTHING, so they just send you what's available.
Also, in order for those agencies who own nothing to make money, they have to mark up the prices of everything they provide. Oh, and they do! 200%, 300%, 1,000%, and more...we've seen it all.
Most importantly, our staff has incredible training in all facets of entertainment. We have the ONLY major label trained talent assessment staff, so we understand what makes a great band great, and how to help them get there. And the bands love us! Why? Because we don't cheat them, and they know it. We don't have two contracts going out with different prices, so there's nothing to get "caught" over. We also have the ONLY major label tour trained production crew, so our staff knows the difference between and amp and an ohm, which is pretty important to you if you don't want your lights to go out during your wedding reception! Go ahead, ask them about power distribution...if you dare.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
Three locations: Memphis, Nashville, and New York City, which offers private consulting for managers, touring artists, and record labels.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We come to you. Most of our work is done on site in order to provide you with a valid estimate: Site assessment, Production needs, Equipment clearances, Power assessment, obstacles, etc., etc. That's information that can be best attained from a personal visit.
What type of payments do you accept?
Cash, Pre-Approved Check, Visa/MC +3%
Which areas do you service?
We service Memphis and the Mid-South region for small to large events, and nationwide for larger concerts and corporate events.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Woody Degan, Operations Director.
Woody is widely recognized across the country as both a musical and production expert, having shared the stage with a wide range of artists, from Sammy Davis Jr to Vince Gill and Southern Lights to Steve Cropper. For nearly three decades, Woody has produced concerts and events for clients including 4 U.S. Presidents, Artist Concerts (Chuck Berry, Vince Gill, Sammy Davis Jr., Rufus Thomas, Charlie Daniels, Dishwalla, Seal, Sawyer Brown, etc.) 30+ Fortune 500 Corporations, Charity Events, and Festivals nationwide.
Over the past 5 years, Woody has also produced more than 500 non-profit events and fundraisers, including church events, charity festivals, animal rescue and adoption events, and St. Jude events. As such, he understands the wide range of perspectives and needs of most everyone involved. This provides him with the ability to effectively communicate with Artists, Tour Managers, Producers, Audio and Lighting Engineers, Stagehands, Corporate Clients, Festivals, and Event Planners, etc., as he has had the EXPERIENCE in executing all of their job positions. There's nothing like experience.
That experience is shared with not only our staff and crew, but also with interested parties across the nation, as Woody is regularly recruited as a guest speaker to colleges, universities, and corporate events across the country, No other local agency possesses anywhere near his vast experience - or the knowledge that comes with it. In fact, we've found that most of the locals have very limited knowledge. What do they do if something goes wrong? Make a phone call and wait for someone to show up. How would that work for you?
What are your hours of operation?
9 AM - 5 PM, but when a show is on, we're 24/7.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
"You made me look great!" We hear that all of the time. That's what we want. You call us, we listen, we execute, and you sit back and take the credit for a job well done.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
This illustrates the picture of faith and the progression of being tired...First we FLY, then we RUN, then we WALK, but we always keep going. Keep going, and our strength will be renewed...IF we wait upon the Lord. Keep pushing on, with faith, and God will give us the strength to continue, and he will open those doors along the way.