Taki Pappas Named Senior Talent Buyer At NS2

– NS2

Longtime industry vet Taki Pappas joins National Shows 2 as senior talent buyer, NS2 announced March 23.

In a way, he’s coming full circle after starting his career with companies that eventually became part of the Live Nation fold. The concert giant acquired a majority of NS2’s partner, Frank Productions, in January.  

Pappas, a former senior VP of national touring for Live Nation, was most recently director of programming concerts and comedy at Durham Performing Arts Center in North Carolina.

“Taki’s diverse experience and knowledge of the industry are invaluable,” said NS2 President Darin Lashinsky in a statement. “His dedication and passion are unmatched, and his extensive background in talent buying makes him an asset to our team and its affiliates [FPC Live, CMoore Live].”

Pappas joins NS2 just less than four months after the departure of Brian Penix, who joined Vector Management in November.

 “I’m very excited to be joining a growing entrepreneurial operation,” said Pappas of his new position. “I’m thrilled to continue working with Darin and his great staff to grow the business.”

His 20-year career includes more than 13 years with Pace Touring, Avalon Attractions, and Live Nation precursor companies SFX Entertainment and Clear Channel Entertainment. After leaving Live Nation, Pappas spent time at Bass Concert Hall at the University of Texas at Austin, and Texas Performing Arts.

Pappas and his family will relocate to Nashville, and he will be based in the NS2 office there.