Founder & CFO, Delicate Productions

Chris “Smoother” Smyth is the founder and CFO of Delicate Productions, with over 45 years in live event production. His career began in the early ’70s with a spontaneous leap onto a U.S. tour, eventually working with artists like Genesis, Leo Sayer, Patti Smith, and Kiss. A pivotal tour with Supertramp led to the founding of Delicate in 1980, whose first show was The Clash at the Santa Monica Civic.

Smoother has since supported acts like Dire Straits, INXS, Tool, and Yanni, and built long-lasting relationships across the industry. Known for his calm leadership and commitment to learning by doing, he remains a respected figure in the field. “I still don’t consider this a real job,” he says—just a passion that became a legacy.

This Episode is brought to you by Elation and Main Light

Learn about the transformative power of Elation PULSE technology, from dazzling New Year’s Eve displays at the Seattle Space Needle to the revitalization of Truth Nightclub in Johannesburg. Discover how cutting-edge fixtures like the PULSE Bar and PULSE Panel conquer logistical challenges and enhance audience experiences worldwide. Chris and Lacy share practical insights on the many uses of these versatile fixtures across live events and installs alike!

Join us and discover Main Light's 42-year legacy in live event production, plus their recently expanded inventory featuring CHAINMASTER D8 hoists, and the rigorous equipment testing in their state-of-the-art facilities in all locations. Our hosts share personal experiences, emphasizing the role of reliability, innovative solutions, and exceptional service from Mainlight.

Sooner Rae Routhier is an award-winning show designer and creative producer behind some of the most iconic live performances of the past two decades. Her work with artists like Coldplay, Green Day, The Weeknd, Paramore, Muse, and Rihanna has been seen on global tours and major broadcasts including The AMA’s, The Voice, and The Tonight Show.

A two-time Parnelli winner and co-founder of SRae Productions and The Playground, Sooner is known for blending powerful storytelling with cutting-edge production.

She also co-founded EVEN, a nonprofit promoting access and equity in the live events industry.From arena shows to immersive experiences, Sooner continues to lead the way in redefining what live entertainment can look and feel like.

Summary

In this conversation, Sooner Routhier discusses the transformative experience of collaborating with other designers on show projects. She reflects on how this collaborative approach has changed her creative process and the dynamics of show design, highlighting both the challenges and the benefits of working together with other creatives.

This Episode is brought to you by Elation and Main Light

Discover how Dakota Theater in The Hague transformed its events with Elation's groundbreaking LED systems, supported by Rolight. This episode highlights the KL and FUZE series, detailing their precision, energy efficiency, and creative versatility, which benefit theaters, live shows, and cinematic setups alike. Learn how these innovations redefine professional lighting standards.

In this episode of Leading Ladies, host Sarah Birnie speaks with Kim Martin, an accomplished account manager at Felix Lighting, about her journey in the lighting industry. They discuss the importance of education, networking, and self-awareness in building a successful career.

Kim shares her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated field, the challenges of work-life balance, and the evolution of the industry over the years.

The conversation emphasizes the need for mental health awareness and the importance of communication in navigating the complexities of the lighting profession. In this conversation, Kim Martin shares her journey from being a lighting director on tours to transitioning into a corporate role in the lighting industry. She discusses the importance of effective communication, the challenges of life on tour, and the need for personal growth and self-reflection.

Kim emphasizes the significance of building relationships within the industry and the necessity of being adaptable and confident in decision-making. She also touches on the evolving nature of the industry and the importance of staying updated with technology and trends.

This episode is brought to you by Lightswitch

With over 50 years in the industry, Steve Terry has been a driving force in entertainment lighting technology and standards. As Director of Standards and Industry Relations at ETC, he has shaped global protocols like DMX512, RDM, and ACN and contributed to the National Electrical Code (NEC) Panel since 1994.

Previously, he led Production Arts Lighting, engineering major projects for Broadway, NBC Studios, Disney, and top Las Vegas resorts. A USITT Fellow and ETCP Certified Electrician, Steve continues to innovate and influence the future of lighting

SummaryIn this conversation, Steve Terry emphasizes the significance of building relationships and networking within the Broadway lighting design industry. He discusses how one's attitude and approachability can greatly influence career opportunities and collaborations.

This episode is brought to you by ETC and Artistry In Motion

With over 25 years in the music industry, Mindi is a highly respected tour manager known for her expertise in handling every facet of touring, from pre-production and logistics to budgeting and day-to-day operations. She has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including The Chicks, Avril Lavigne, Norah Jones, Tori Amos, Fleetwood Mac, and Bette Midler, successfully managing global tours across stadiums, arenas, theaters, festivals, and promotional events. Her deep passion for the industry and ability to navigate its challenges have made her a sought-after leader in live music production.

Mindi’s journey began as a stagehand at The Gorge in Washington before she transitioned into touring, landing her first major gig as an assistant to Bonnie Raitt. Since then, she has built a career based on reliability, adaptability, and a talent for problem-solving. She believes in embracing differences, fostering team motivation, and creating a supportive environment for the artists and crews she works with.

Summary

In this episode of Leading Ladies, host Sarah Birnie speaks with Mindi Pelletier, an experienced tour manager in the music industry. They discuss Mindi's journey, her work with animal charities, the importance of team dynamics in touring, and the challenges faced by women in the industry. The conversation also touches on mental health support on tour and the impact of COVID-19 on the touring landscape.

Mindi emphasizes the need for kindness and support within the industry, highlighting the importance of uplifting others and creating a positive work environment. In this conversation, Mindi Pelletier shares her insights on the evolving landscape of the touring industry post-COVID, discussing the challenges faced by crews, the importance of well-being, and the need for adaptability in roles and responsibilities. She emphasizes the significance of kindness and support among women in the industry, advocating for a culture of empowerment and collaboration.

Mindi also highlights the changing nature of tour scheduling and the financial pressures that impact crew dynamics, urging the importance of networking and knowing one's worth in the industry.

This episode is brought to you by Lightswitch

In this episode of Geezers of Gear, the hosts celebrate the 50th anniversary of ETC, a leader in entertainment lighting. They discuss the legacy of ETC, including the iconic Source Four, and explore the innovative new lineup of Hog consoles designed for various production needs. The conversation highlights the importance of reliable technology in creative fields and anticipates the future of lighting technology.

Joe is a seasoned international business executive with over 25 years of experience in global expansion, operations, and business transformation. Having lived in Japan and Hong Kong for seven years, he has successfully launched and grown businesses in over 50 countries.Currently President of Artistry In Motion, Joe led the company to record sales and profitability in 2023. Previously, he held leadership roles at Herbalife, Rodan + Fields, Arbonne, and Delphi Display Systems, driving international growth and operational excellence.

As founder of Endurance Business Solutions, he advises companies on strategic market entry.Joe holds an MBA from California State University and a BS in Engineering from Rutgers University.

A competitive endurance athlete, he has completed multiple Ironman Triathlons and eight Boston Marathons.

This episode is brought to you by ETC and Artistry In Motion