Michael Goulian is honored and excited to be chosen to receive the prestigous 2009 Bill Barber Award for Showmanship during EAA’s AirVenture 2009. “It was a huge surprise for me when I was informed that I was chosen to win this award. Bill barber is a legend in the airshow business so I am very humbled to have my name attached to an award honoring his memory”, remarked Michael.

The Bill Barber Award, which began in 1987, is awarded to airshow performers that have demonstrated great skill and showmanship. This award is very special because the recipient is chosen by their peers in the industry.

Bill Barber, a famed air show pilot and entertainer had a regal bearing amidst enormous skill and kindness. Bill performed many different acts in a wide variety of aircraft, often times at the same air show. He once performed 14 different air show acts during a two-day show, which prompted one aviation writer to dub him “Aerobatic Flying’s Renaissance Man” and another, “The One-Man Air Show.” Bill had a deep and demonstrated understanding of the entertainment aspects of the air show business. His energy, talent, friendly demeanor, and approachability endeared him to air show fans and air show pilots alike. This award is given to the performer who emulates the qualities of this great pioneer, while also being know as a great artist in their own right. The list of recipients represents the very best in the air show industry.

The award is presented annually by World Airshow News and the friends and family of the late Bill Barber.

Michael joins a prestigious group of past award winners such as: Pietsch Airshows, Sean Tucker, Julie Clark, Leo Laudenslager, the Red Barons, Gene Soucy, Patty Wagstaff, Danny Clisham and others. In 2006, Michael was awarded the Art Scholl Showmanship Award for his contributions to the air show industry.

Please join us in Oshkosh, WI for the award ceremony: July 27th, 7:30pm at AirVenture’s Theater in the Woods. Post-ceremony party at the Acee Deucee lounge in Oshkosh.