DANVILLE — In a community that boasts a plethora of performing arts groups, one thing may be more important than talent — whether the audience can hear the show.

The role sound plays in a performance can’t be overemphasized. Most companies running large productions turn to the professionals to handle this aspect.

But even small events can benefit from a professional sound system.

“If organizers spend a little extra on the sound system, a one-day occurrence becomes an event,” Alan Lynch, owner of MB Music & Sound, said.

MB dominates as the sound people to call in Danville and the surrounding area. Chances are when there’s an event in town, the men in the sound booth have the company’s name on the back of their shirts. Their services also are in demand around the country.

“The retail portion of the business has slowed down in recent years,” Lynch said. “We still install sound systems, though, especially in churches and in gyms.”

Father and son

On Wednesday, Lynch and his son Matthew started setting up for Lincoln Park Theatre Company’s performance this weekend of “Annie.”

As they went about the heavy lifting involved in unloading and setting up their equipment, Alan commented, “We basically like outdoor shows. We like it humid and hot.” That’s the weather forecast for this weekend’s production of “Annie.”

Matthew Lynch, 26, has helped his dad with sound since he was a teenager. He started touring with Alan before that when his dad performed in a band.

“It must have been around 1992,” Matthew Lynch remembered. “It was a Christian band, and about five of the members had kids they brought along. It was great to travel with them on the bus.”

Now, Matthew helps his dad part-time, especially in the busy summer months. The business was named using his and his sister Bethany’s first initials.

The younger Lynch isn’t positive that he’ll make the sound business his career. He’s studying marketing in the JTP program at Danville Area Community College and keeping his options open.

If Matthew chooses MB Music & Sound full-time, it won’t be a difficult transition for his dad.

“We think alike,” Alan Lynch said. “We’re both nuts.”

Show biz

Some might say that’s what it takes to be in a business that’s busiest when other people are having fun.

“In the entertainment world, it’s all about evenings and weekends,” Alan Lynch said. “It’s not unusual to work 16-, 18-, even 20-hour days. It takes an understanding family to live that way.”

With all the types of music they hear, it’s no surprise that the men have developed eclectic tastes. Although they both favor country and Christian music, their work with musical theater has led them to appreciate Broadway show scores.

Venues they enjoy include Danville High School’s auditorium and the David S. Palmer Arena.

Alan Lynch called Festival of Trees and Arts in the Park “two events that are very well put together.”

Larry Weatherford, who emcees the entertainment for both events, returned the compliment.

“One of the most embarrassing things on stage is to start talking into a dead mic until the person wakes up at the board and opens it,” Weatherford said. “Probably the best part of working with Alan is knowing that your mic will be open when it’s supposed to be.”

“I’ve worked with a number of sound people at the various events that I’ve emceed through the years, and I’m always pleased to find that MB is there,” he said. “I know that the performers will sound good, too.”

Variety

“One night we might be doing sound for a large concert, and the next day we need completely different equipment,” Alan Lynch said. “We basically redesign our system for each event.

“When we work with big national groups, they give us their ‘wish list’ of things they want. Some things, we have. Some we have to improvise.

“This is an expensive business to be in,” he said. “But we’ve found a niche market here that works well for us.

“Most important is that honesty is our trademark.”



FYI

MB Music & Sound has a retail store at 35 N. Vermilion St. For more information, call 442-0283.