Fred Stites
Production Manager
(19 Seasons)
Fred often jokes that he changes careers every 19 years whether he needs to or not. Fred has a BA in music from The University of North Texas, America’s premier jazz school, and a Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music. He was a percussionist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the New American Symphony with Leopold Stokowski. His Broadway shows include Man of La Mancha with José Farrer, West Side Story with Chita Rivera and I Do! I Do! with Mary Martin and Robert Preston. The last seven years of Fred’s playing career was with Doc Severinsen, after stints as the drummer for Johnny Mathis, Shirley Bassey and others.
For approximately 19 years Fred toured as a Sound Engineer/Lighting Designer/Company Manager for many artists including; Mel Tormé, Kronos Quartet, Tony Bennett, Carol Channing, Sid Caesar, Ben Vereen, The Brothers Johnson and Quincy Jones.
For 19 years (of course) Fred owned and operated Concertech which was the sound vendor for Grand Performances (then California Plaza Presents). Fred joined the Grand Performances staff in the early ‘90’s and this is his 19th season!