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Dakota Midday: Olympics Closing Ceremony Producer Receives Honorary Doctorate by BHSU

Rapid City native Michael Shann’s expertise is producing some of the world’s biggest live shows. He produced events for Disneyland’s 35th anniversary, a Super Bowl and Disney movie premieres. Last year he produced the closing ceremony for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games. He’s currently working on the Pan American Games opening and closing ceremonies taking place this summer in Toronto.

Shann’s illustrious career goes back to productions at Black Hills State University’s Woodburn Theatre. In the 1980’s and 90’s he enjoyed a twenty-year stint with The Walt Disney Company. He’s produced shows in more than 34 countries on continents including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.

During Saturday’s commencement, Black Hills State University presents Shann with an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree. On Friday afternoon  during a 1:30 pm convocation in Meier Hall, he’ll share some of his unique experiences producing live shows for an international stage.

Michael Shann joined Dakota Midday and talked about a career that's taken him from South Dakota to Sochi.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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