Brainerd Native, Manager Of Performers Dies In N.Y.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Byron Gustafson, former managing partner of the firm that managed the careers and tours of performers from Suzanne Vega to Patti LuPone, has died in Manhattan. He was 56.

Opus 3 Artists says on its website that the Brainerd, Minn., native died at his home Nov. 22, a year after he retired from his position with the company due to complications from Lou Gehrig's disease.

Gustafson spent 22 years as director of ICM Artists' touring division and expanded the company's touring roster to include the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, the Alvin Ailey

American Dance Theater, the Vienna Boys Choir and others. He also managed performers including James Galway and Wynton Marsalis.

Opus 3 Artists says Gustafson was "crucial" in organizing the buy-out of ICM Artists, which then became Opus 3.

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