Daniel E. Mayo, director of creative services for Digital Sound Systems, passed away March 13. A 1975 graduate of the University of Kansas, Mayo was a production manager for the Ozark Mountain Daredevils and Martina McBride for years. After coming off the road, his focus shifted to scenic and lighting design and managing private and corporate events. "Those who have had the pleasure of knowing Dan understand the great loss not only to his friends and family, but also to the event and entertainment industry in Kansas City," noted Jeremy Dixon, DSS president.
"Dan's amazing ability to create stunning visuals and experiences through the use of lighting were magnificent," Dixon noted. Projects in recent years include technical production of the Ballet and Harvest Balls in Kansas City, the 50th annual Grammy Awards party at the Staples center in Los Angeles, and fundraisers including Jazoo and Treads and Threads.
"I met Dan when I was 13 years old when the company he worked for provided the lighting for numerous television events for my father. Since that time, Danny has been a mentor and a friend who has helped shape me as a person and as a businessman," Dixon noted.
"In my early days of running DSS, I would often overstep my understanding of what the expectations of working in the music industry were and what needed to be delivered. Danny was always the first person to step in and offer me assistance and try to help save me from myself. Of course, it was never without an extended conversation of my shortcomings. Danny was a teacher and a mentor, not just to me, but to all of our staff. His demand for perfection and passion for his craft is what made Danny who he was. He was as unique and eclectic as the lighting designs and stage sets he created."
Interment will be 3:30 p.m. March 22, 2011 at Pleasant View Cemetery, 61st and Quivira Rd., Shawnee, Kansas. There will be a Celebration of Life Event for Danny at The Midland Theater, 1228 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 6-8 p.m. on March 22. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Dan Mayo Memorial Fund at either The Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City Missouri or the KU Medical Center Cardiac Unit.
