Lyte’s Cynthia Parsons on joining our team, working during a global pandemic — and David Bowie

Cynthia Parsons is starting her career at Lyte during a time when the world has gone mad.

To help navigate through the COVID-19 uncertainty, she relies on her excitement about making great live events more accessible for more people — at least in the near future.

“I’m an extrovert. I’m used to being in an office. I like the camaraderie of a team, so I’m getting to know my coworkers over Zoom and the phone since the shelter in place order was enacted,” Cynthia says. “But, we are making it work and will probably end up closer once all this is over. Being at a company who finds innovative ways to keep us all connected makes it so much better.”

Adds Cynthia: “We even have the opportunity to participate in pilates, meditation, and other activities with the staff through Zoom during our work-from-home routines. It’s a company environment that engages us — in business, in our lives, and in our health.”

Here, the company’s new Director of Concierge Services talks about creating a positive ticketing experience for fans, being new, and how David Bowie smells. Read on.

Maggie: What do you do for Lyte? What has it been like so far?

Cynthia: My role at Lyte is Director of Concierge Services. I have only been there a very short time. But, my experience so far has been one of enlightenment (no pun intended). The entire team is smart, creative, and passionate about their products, their ticketing/event partners, and above all, the fans.

Maggie: Tell us about your background — where did you come from? What has been your career path?

Cynthia: I started my career in the music industry at Bill Graham Management handling the day-to-day for artists such as Eddie Money, Aaron Neville, the Neville Brothers, Joe Satriani, Train, and others. It was at Bill Graham Presents where I met the late great Shelley Lazar, aka the “Ticket Queen.” Shelley started her own company in 2002, and I joined the team at SLO Limited in 2003, the leader in VIP ticketing and packages. SLO was purchased by Ticketmaster in 2008 and became SLO VIP Services (subsequently, a division of Live Nation Entertainment), where I was Director of Concierge Services. Taking care of the fans and clients is what I love to do.

Maggie: Why Lyte?

Cynthia: I came to Lyte through LP (Lawrence Peryer, Lyte’s Chief Revenue Officer). We had met years ago as our paths had crossed through mutual artist and tour relationships. LP filled me in on Lyte’s mission of filling every seat, creating a positive ticketing experience for fans, in addition to being an extension for the primary ticket holders. It was exciting to hear about Lyte’s platform in providing a win-win ticketing situation for everyone, and I’m ¢thrilled to be part of their innovative team.

Maggie: What are you most excited about as you get to know Lyte, its culture and goals?

Cynthia: I am most excited observing how their current products serve a need in our industry and the fast-paced speed at which new ideas are discussed and implemented every day. It’s a happy place, too! A true team environment.

Maggie: Where are you from? What do you like to do for fun?

Cynthia: I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. I enjoy being outdoors whether it be running, hiking, attending San Francisco Giants games, or a golf tournament. Listening to live music, of course — from large concerts to cover bands. And, just simply singing, mostly when no one is around. I try to be considerate of others and only sing in my car or at home!

Maggie: Favorite live event?

Cynthia: It’s hard to identify a favorite live event, as there have been so many. I think one of my favorites that comes to mind is seeing David Bowie at the Berkeley Community Theatre in 2004. Knowing that I was a huge David Bowie fan, a friend offered me a front row ticket. I was so close, I could smell David’s cologne. That was a true multisensory experience.

About Lyte

Lyte’s mission is to fill every seat and make ticketing delightful, making it easier for fans to attend more events. In an industry where a “no refunds and no cancellations” policy is the standard, Lyte enables fans to return their event tickets, no questions asked, to the official point of purchase. Lyte also provides a safe and official reservation booking system, offering fans who sign up a fair price for in-demand tickets. One hundred percent of the tickets bought and sold through Lyte are issued through ticketing partners and delivered directly to fans with no chance of being fraudulent. Visit lyte.com.