T.H.E. Show Newport 2016 Report
The Home Entertainment Show 2016

T.H.E. Show Newport Opening Day Ceremony And Richard Beers Memorial

  This year's T.H.E. Show Newport was filled with joy and remembrance as the President of the Los Angeles and Orange County Audio Society, Bob Levi, gave his opening comments. Maurice Jung also came to the stage as the new show President with Marine Presson proudly looking on. It is with boy joy and sadness as Richard Beers, who took a key role of T.H.E. Show from Mike Maloney, has truly brought this event to the outstanding show it is today.

The ribbon cutting ceremony commenced with Bob Levi, Marine Presson, Robert Harley of The Absolute Sound, David Robinson of Positive Feedback and Michael Fremer of Stereophile... and some weirdo music lovin' guy who wears sunglasses indoors. Oh, hold on, wait, that's me. LOL!

i was able to catch up with Bob Levi during T.H.E. Show as he was finding some great music at Acoustic Sound's booth within the marketplace. Because, you know, it's all about enjoying the music.

After T.H.E. Show Newport wrapped up on Friday, there was a truly touching memorial for Richard Beers (July 26, 1949 to January 26, 2016), who passed away due to cancer. Richard brought this event to Newport with many live music performances, high performance cars, cigars, drinks, and high-end audio being served up. There is always something to enjoy as the SoCal weather and many industry friends bring warmth and fun.

Richard's life featured being a projectionist, being drafted into the United States of America Army, and in television. His final act in life was producing the very best West coast high-end show. The first night of T.H.E. Show Newport brought hundreds into the large tent at The Hotel Irvine as the California Honor Guard—SPC SGT Joshua Paik and Priscilla Rodriguez gave Richard Beers his final salute.

As Richard Beers chose to be cremated, this heartfelt ceremony included presenting a flag that would have been draped over his coffin. There were virtually no dry eyes as we all remember the wonderful times we shared with Richard, and all that he selflessly gave to everyone he met. There is no doubt that Richard overcame many obstacles over the years bringing this industry the very best West coast event. And believe me, there were a variety of situations from altering hotel space to legal advice, which kept his quite busy before events. No matter what the world threw at him, he always ensured the very best for us all. Everyone within the industry greatly misses the ever-glowing smile and can-do attitude of Richard Beers.

Instead of ending this page, please allow me to share a few personal feelings. i prefer to remember Richard as the smiling guy with a drink in his hand looking on us all with a sense of deep satisfaction. Over the years Richard and i had many phone conversations, and a few live videos, too. We all worked with Richard, probably hundreds of people, to help make T.H.E. Show Newport become a type of Mecca for West coast audiophiles.

As tears fill my eyes, and i know Richard would not approve of such things as he prefers us all smile in joy at all he accomplished during his lifetime, it is impossible to hold back the tears. The below two photos are from a previous T.H.E. Show Newport, with the last photo being one he printed out and personally kept on his home's fireplace.

Here's a video with Richard Beers during CES 2015.

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