KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – Erick Baker is well aware that life is full of unexpected twists and detours, but following the talented singer-songwriter’s smashing success of a Valentines concert series, Baker returned once again to the historic Bijou Theatre with Bandit Lites for two more sold out evenings of emotional professions of love, life and the journey of finding happiness.
More details from Bandit www.banditlites.com
Baker is known to his fans for baring his soul in performances, and to mirror that intimacy and tenderness in the lighting, the team at Bandit Lites crafted a design that would set the mood, draw the crowd in and encapsulate the ardor so apparent in the music.
“We provided seven of our new crystal chandeliers to help set the mood,” said Bandit Lites General Manager, Giff Swart, “with the warm glow of tungsten and the refractive properties of the crystal, it is a huge effect. We also provided Freedom Pars to light the cyc backdrop. Lastly, we provided eight Martin Mac 2000 Performances with custom heart gobos, which when used in conjunction with the effects-wheel, looked stunning.”
Lighting Director Alex Becker utilized and re-focused all the Bijou’s existing LED stage wash fixtures and Leko ellipsoidal front wash, in addition to tying in Bandit’s fixtures with their DMX control console. Bandit Lites DF-50 provided haze, giving the stage additional dimension and mood looks for the intimate performance.
While balancing color-combination, beam-looks, and basic front light to compliment any song is a normal challenge in lighting direction, the added dimension of the evening’s romantic nature added another component to balance.
“The crowd usually wants to be able to see the performers, but ultimately it is a visceral experience the audience really craves,” noted Swart. “The Bijou itself is a smaller venue, and this definitely helps to maintain an intimacy lacking in larger spaces.”.
“Being able to work with Erick is such a joy and these shows are incredibly special,” said Allison Burchett, Bandit Lites Production Manager. “To hear his music unfold and connect with the audience is an amazing experience. This is a man who truly loves what he does and it is an honor for Bandit to be involved in help sharing his gift.”
