Ninety-nine year old Coloma “Kip” Shannon of rural Woodward, IA, has been involved in the music business without interruption since 1931. Kip is not a performer, lighting technician, music promoter, arranger, booking agent or a record producer. For the past 77 years Kip has performed a duty that is crucial to the commercial success of live music. She sells the tickets!

In 1931, when the Lake Robbins Ballroom (2007 IRRMA Hall of Fame inductee), opened its doors, Kip was there at the ticket counter. She has kept that job ever since. When IRRMA does a show at the ballroom this year in 2008, Kip will be at the ticket counter. Kip has seen a lot of change in the last 77 years (no pun intended.) In 1931 tickets were a dime each or you could buy three for a quarter. Today five dollars per ticket is a bargain.

She has been a witness to the evolution of music styles performed at the ballroom, beginning with traditional dance orchestras, to swing bands, country and rock and roll bands. Kip’s favorite is big band music but she mostly enjoys the many people she meets as they come to enjoy an evening of music at Lake Robbins.

Her employer and owner of Lake Robbins, Lyn Paschell-Wilkinson, tells us that Kip is her right arm and knows more about Lake Robbins than anyone. She takes tickets at the door and also helps Lyn prepare for weekly events. In addition to her job at Lake Robbins, Kip has also worked in the past at Brenton Banks, Bell Telephone and as a teacher. In 2004 she received a “Certificate of Recognition” from Governor Tom Vilsack to honor her for her dedicated service to the Ballroom. After 76 years on the job Kip says she wants to keep busy for as long as she is able and has no plans to retire.

We are most honored to induct Kip Shannon into the Hall of Fame in 2008 as the representative in the Support Person category, an honor 76 years in the making. She epitomizes the important role dedicated support people play in the music industry.