Tour: John Mellencamp’s Plain Spoken Tour
Dates: In theaters, Jan. 21-Aug. 4, 2015, North America
The design process with Lighting Designer Steve Cohen: “Because we just came off working together on Ghost Brothers of Darkland County — the project with Stephen King, T Bone Burnett and John Mellencamp — Steve already had a road map he wanted me to follow lighting this. But this show is completely unique. Our backdrop is the new album cover, with John’s image removed. It’s Old School. We wanted to get away from LED sources — it was all I was seeing after LDI — and wanted a non-LED look. And because of the style of music, we wanted older colors like orange and green; colors everyone else has thrown away. It’s all big, bold strokes.
“There are many different size venues; I had to find out what would work in the Ryman or in a 110-foot proscenium theatre. I have one keylight on John Mellencamp. I light him from two sides with lekos and the band with cyc lights. It’s simple fixtures, a simple show. The musicians are so amazing that smoke and mirrors aren’t necessary. The object is the most important thing you’re lighting.”
Back Story
Home Base: Celebration, FL
Career Spark: “I wanted to be the LD for Ani DiFranco. (And eventually I was!)”
First Show: “I was nine years old; in fourth grade. My English teacher had us perform Shakespeare, and I flipped the light switches.”
First Industry Job: “Concert security at Red Rocks Amphitheater, at age 15. I saw every concert that summer.”
First Tour: “Bear in the Big Blue House Live, with Vee Corp.”
Design Inspiration: “Baz Halpin’s shows are breathtaking.”
Heroes/Mentors: “Steve Cohen. I saw Britney Spears’ “Dream Within a Dream” tour and followed him. I was working with Sugarland, sent him an email… I met him in 2009, and we did our first show together in 2010. He is an amazing designer.”
What Do You Like about What You Do? “I love the live aspect. The hushed anticipation of blackouts. I like the collaborative effort and the people you meet on the road.”
Best Advice: “Be nice, be kind to each other. You never know what will happen or where your next gig will come from.”
