PULLMAN – The town of Pullman is small, but that doesn’t keep Leo Udy from dreaming big – really big.
As director of Beasley Coliseum, Udy entertains thousands of WSU students and Pullman residents by bringing in high-demand celebrities and entertainment acts from around the world.
“I’ve really learned to enjoy the entertainment business,” Udy said. “There’s a certain amount of satisfaction that comes with bringing in performers that make people happy.”
Udy has worked for the coliseum for 32 years. He began as a member of the security crew in 1977.
As director of Beasley Coliseum, Udy entertains thousands of WSU students and Pullman residents by bringing in high-demand celebrities and entertainment acts from around the world.
“I’ve really learned to enjoy the entertainment business,” Udy said. “There’s a certain amount of satisfaction that comes with bringing in performers that make people happy.”
Udy has worked for the coliseum for 32 years. He began as a member of the security crew in 1977.
“I was attending WSU as a student at the time and working security in my off hours,” he said. “The experience allowed me skills necessary to successfully operate in the position I hold today.”
His seven-minute drive from home allows him to take an active part in family life as well.
“I’m very fortunate to have my job so close to my family. I enjoy my time at home and spending each second I can with my wife and three kids,” he said.
Pleasing the crowd
Yet, he is keenly aware that the entertainment desires of the WSU community are riding on his shoulders.
“While our staff tries to bring in celebrities that most individuals would like to see, it’s hard to please everyone. You just have to do the best you can,” he said.
Since Udy has become director, Pullman has seen such celebrities as Bill Cosby, Wayne Brady, the Beach Boys, Drew Carey, Whoopi Goldberg, the Doobie Brothers, Taylor Swift and Elton John.
“Though Pullman is considered a small market, most performers are happy to come to Beasley,” he said.
Udy works with agencies to find out which entertainers are popular, affordable and in the area. Once a list of celebrity names is compiled, a “wish list” is created and a survey is sent out asking, “Who would you like to see at Beasley Coliseum?”
Even with survey responses, decisions can be hard to make.
“We once sent out a survey to 250 students and received 150 different answers,” Udy said. “Everyone has different tastes, and it can be extremely difficult to pinpoint what everyone wants to see.”
In the future, Udy said he hopes to attract popular entertainers such as Jimmy Buffet, Eric Clapton, Ellen Degeneres and the Dave Matthews Band.
His seven-minute drive from home allows him to take an active part in family life as well.
“I’m very fortunate to have my job so close to my family. I enjoy my time at home and spending each second I can with my wife and three kids,” he said.
Pleasing the crowd
Yet, he is keenly aware that the entertainment desires of the WSU community are riding on his shoulders.
“While our staff tries to bring in celebrities that most individuals would like to see, it’s hard to please everyone. You just have to do the best you can,” he said.
Since Udy has become director, Pullman has seen such celebrities as Bill Cosby, Wayne Brady, the Beach Boys, Drew Carey, Whoopi Goldberg, the Doobie Brothers, Taylor Swift and Elton John.
“Though Pullman is considered a small market, most performers are happy to come to Beasley,” he said.
Udy works with agencies to find out which entertainers are popular, affordable and in the area. Once a list of celebrity names is compiled, a “wish list” is created and a survey is sent out asking, “Who would you like to see at Beasley Coliseum?”
Even with survey responses, decisions can be hard to make.
“We once sent out a survey to 250 students and received 150 different answers,” Udy said. “Everyone has different tastes, and it can be extremely difficult to pinpoint what everyone wants to see.”
In the future, Udy said he hopes to attract popular entertainers such as Jimmy Buffet, Eric Clapton, Ellen Degeneres and the Dave Matthews Band.
Ordinary people, extraordinary lives
While Udy has the opportunity to shake hands with international stars on a regular basis, he sees each as an ordinary individual – who is doing extraordinary things.
“More often than not they’re just normal people who are doing their job,” Udy said. “They simply take on a character when they hit the stage.”
As part of the job, he makes sure all celebrities are kept company, well-fed and completely accommodated before the show begins.
“While I have dined with many guest celebrities in the past, I found my time with Bill Cosby especially enjoyable. He’s interesting and extremely down to earth,” Udy said. “He even asked me to chat with his wife over the phone.”
Whether reserved or flamboyant, each guest receives Udy’s attention – in gratitude for their appearance at WSU and in hopes they might come back another time.
“While Jay Leno is already posted in the ‘Beasley Hall of Fame’ – where each celebrity’s picture is signed and displayed after their showing – we’re really looking forward to his fourth appearance for Mom’s Weekend 2010,” Udy said.
While Udy has the opportunity to shake hands with international stars on a regular basis, he sees each as an ordinary individual – who is doing extraordinary things.
“More often than not they’re just normal people who are doing their job,” Udy said. “They simply take on a character when they hit the stage.”
As part of the job, he makes sure all celebrities are kept company, well-fed and completely accommodated before the show begins.
“While I have dined with many guest celebrities in the past, I found my time with Bill Cosby especially enjoyable. He’s interesting and extremely down to earth,” Udy said. “He even asked me to chat with his wife over the phone.”
Whether reserved or flamboyant, each guest receives Udy’s attention – in gratitude for their appearance at WSU and in hopes they might come back another time.
“While Jay Leno is already posted in the ‘Beasley Hall of Fame’ – where each celebrity’s picture is signed and displayed after their showing – we’re really looking forward to his fourth appearance for Mom’s Weekend 2010,” Udy said.
