She says the dark sky is one of the reasons they are always so happy to come home to Flagstaff.
The two, who have been together for 51 years and married for 49, have worked together on many audio productions and projects since 1976, both locally and in other parts of the country and the world. They’ve built live streaming television studios and recording studios, designed audio/visual systems for major theatrical venues and productions and managed the sound and video for world-famous presenters. Though their services are in big demand, they find time to generously support Flagstaff’s non-profit community.
For more than 30 years, they have donated their time, expertise and equipment to help the Flagstaff Festival of Science clearly deliver the organization’s keynote presentation that often includes world-renowned scientists, astronomers and explorers.
In the last 20 years, they have volunteered their services to support the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition with their audio needs. “They are always calm, intelligent and professional, and have a solution for any audio challenges that may arise, including wind gusts at Buffalo Park!” said FDSC Executive Board member Chris Luginbuhl.
Clear Aire Audio’s in-kind donations to numerous local nonprofit organizations have easily exceeded $100,000 including the Flagstaff Festival of Science and the Flagstaff Star Party.
“As an event coordinator, I breathe a huge sigh of relief when I see Greg and Janis drive up to a location. It’s at that exact moment that I can feel my body start to relax and believe with utmost confidence that everything is going to be perfect with the microphones, the sound quality and the speakers,” said Bonnie Stevens. “Through the years, audio has become my No. 1 priority at events, no matter the size. When Clear Aire Audio is involved, those worries get put to rest.”
Greg started his broadcast and stage production career in Phoenix and then in Flagstaff, working behind the scenes for Northern Arizona University performances and at the local television station. After taking classes at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and locally, Janis met Greg at Denny’s on south Milton Road. Janis was a server; Greg and his coworkers would frequent the restaurant.
Working as a volunteer with Coconino County Planning and Zoning for eight years and participating in Doney Park area plans, Janis has long been involved in dark skies protection. “I really love the dark skies here,” she said. “I’ve seen them degrade before the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition came to be. As a representative of the neighborhood, I was involved in meetings with Chris Luginbuhl and others. We’d discuss light pollution, encourage neighbors to change out their lighting to amber bulbs and stargaze through telescopes.”
She says the dark sky is one of the reasons they are always so happy to come home to Flagstaff. “Every time we come back from a project, go out at night or even just stop to get the mail at the end of the day, we realize how fortunate we are to have the mountain, the cool fresh air and the glorious dark skies. Some people never see what we see all the time.”
For their work in keeping the nighttime dark and helping to deliver clear messages about starry skies, the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition proclaims Clear Aire Audio as October’s Dark Skies Champion.
“Greg and Janis are just wonderful people, and we are so grateful for their support each year at the Flagstaff Star Party, Celebration of the Night and other dark-skies events,” said Luginbuhl. FBN
For more about the Flagstaff Star Party, go to FlagstaffStarParty.org.
Courtesy Photo: Janis and Greg Crosman of Clear Aire Audio donate time, services, expertise and equipment to help promote awareness and protection for Flagstaff’s famous dark skies.