NCSA Welcomes Keith Norton to the Center Stage!

Keith Norton has been with NCSA for almost a year, working with Event Services through the IT department. Any time you visit NCSA for a conference, workshop or training, Event Services is involved in making the experience a smooth one for both the attendees and the host. Keith’s work involves setting up all the audio-visual equipment for events. But enough from us – take it away, Keith!

What is your title and team?

My title is Associate Audio Visual Technical Specialist, and I work on the Events Team in Business IT.

Tell us a cool fact about your job.

Technology is always changing, and our team is always trying to stay educated and current. Now, we’re trying to switch as much of our equipment over from an analog world to a digital world. Our role here is to assist the Center in sharing its work with industry members, colleagues and the world. My son thinks the coolest thing about my job is that I can control cameras with a joystick.

What would you consider your superpower?

Analysis and troubleshooting. I’m very calm and patient when there’s a problem. I can get through most problems smoothly, quickly, and while keeping my cool.

What might people find you doing outside of work?

I currently spend most of my time with my wife and two sons, doing lots of video games and soccer. We, as a family, are trying to get more into hiking. In my free time I love playing guitar in my band, riding my motorcycle, or seeing live music with friends. I’m an avid griller and have been learning more about smoking food and making food from scratch. I also try to freelance as much as I can as a live sound engineer, which I’ve been doing for nearly 20 years. 

What inspires you?

Music inspires me the most. It puts me in a great mood or pumps me up enough to get projects done. I don’t just listen; I listen to each part, each instrument, their methods and the intricacies. To me, everything in life is better with a great soundtrack.

What’s your favorite book, story or band?

I don’t have a favorite book, but currently, I am working my way through the Dark Tower series by Stephen King. I’m on book 2, and it’s been a slow process. Bands are tough because I listen to so many. A handful of music that I listen to currently would be Tyler Childers, Colter Wall, Sturgill Simpson, Tool, Clutch, Murder By Death, Deftones and Alkaline Trio. But you can catch me listening to music from any era or genre at any time. Depends on the mood.

Are you binging any shows right now? Tell us why we should check it out!

I just finished binging The Bear and loved it. Reminded me of working in a kitchen shortly after high school. I also love that it’s based in Chicago. Now I’m watching Barry on HBO and What We Do in the Shadows via Hulu.

What are a few items on your bucket list?

I’d like to travel more with my wife. Our kids are finally old enough that it should be easier to travel further. I’d also like to make some connections with regional concerts or music festivals and freelance for more large shows. My largest show as a Sound Engineer was when Leah Marlene did her Homecoming concert when she was in the Top 3 on American Idol in 2022.