SACS Gets Its Acts Together

David Wright, Roving Reporter

Before we can hear that train a coming, change our evil ways, or check into the Hotel California, it takes dedicated maestros working in concert behind the scenes to make our Summer Amphitheater Concert Series (SACS) sing. Lincoln Hills’ biggest event of the year bands together all departments, vendors, volunteers and even the golf course. Lifestyle Manager Allison Sertic and Entertainment Coordinator Cody Meikle are instrumental in bringing quality performances to our community.

Of course, they could not orchestrate those Longfellow serenades without the right connection. Producer Steven Shore is the right connection. Beginning as a singer/songwriter, the two-time Emmy winner spent his entire life zig-zagging and u-turning through every element of the entertainment industry before forming his own Bay Area production company. He is responsible for the contacts and contracts—booking the acts for both our amphitheater series and indoor venues.

Checking out the soundcheck

Steven is always on the lookout for new talent and new ideas. He has brought a few original stars here, but they can cause the costs to skyrocket. So, he primarily suggests tribute musicians to keep tickets affordable. He explains, “I know that I need to keep within the budget, gear the acts to the audience, negotiate their fees, and schedule their availability.”

“We know that anyone Steven recommends will be good,” Allison remarks. “He has that kind of reputation.”

Allison, Cody, and Steven showcase the lineup

With a “show-must-go-on” determination, the production team starts setting the stage a year in advance. Each fall, they mark the dates, review promotional demos, and pick from a “serious list” of artists. Though all three work in harmony, Allison and Steven credit Cody for bringing a fresh perspective. He has a “youthful exuberance and good intuition” about how to give the lineup SACS appeal.

Allison attributes her own success to her diverse interests. From helping run her mom’s catering business to directing a nonprofit arts council to organizing events at another HOA, she went wherever her heart led her. When she had a chance to join the Lincoln Hills staff, she felt “all her worlds collide.”

Now managing her third concert season, Allison welcomes the challenge of making another “puzzle” fit together. “I attend every show because I want to see my product,” she admits.

Bringing the talent to the stage

In the “Biz,” the performing artists are called “the talent.” But Allison, Cody, Steven, and the dozens of others working in concert to bring us our concerts are the talent behind the talent.