KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – Blackberry Farm, the deluxe resort nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, was host to the 8th annual Americana Spring Celebration April 12 through April 15. The weekend event benefited the not-for-profit artist advocacy group, Americana Music Association, and featured performances by award winning singer-songwriter Brandy Clark; Americana Artist of the Year Nominee Todd Snider, and GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Tift Merritt. Bandit Lites provided the lighting package for the three different concerts that took place in three different locations on the expansive grounds.
More details from Bandit (www.BanditLites.com):
This year’s celebration made use of Blackberry Farm’s Barn, the new event center Bramble Hall and the outdoor amphitheater at Bramble Hall. Bandit Lites supplied nearly two hundred fixtures for the concerts, including GLP X4 Atoms, Chauvet Freedom Par Quad 4 and Freedom Par Quad 4 IP Rated, Chauvet Color Dashes and Chauvet EZ Washes, paying special attention to provide gear that could be utilized by for all concerts but in unique and versatile ways.
With the space at Blackberry Farm already known world over as the paragon of attention to detail and incredible aesthetics, Bandit Lites team of Production Director Allison Burchett, General Manager Giff Swart and Lighting Director Alex Becker worked with Executive Director of the Americana Music Association Jed Hilly and crafted a design that would act as suitable concert lighting, all the while accounting for the fact the same space would then be used for wine tastings or cooking demonstrations.
GLP Atoms supplied stage wash with Chauvet Freedom Pars with Gantoms as back and side light. One evening featured Chauvet Freedom Pars behind the stage with another night using them around the room itself, along with highlighting the venue’s concert posters or auction items.
“We’ve worked with Jed now for about six years, and it’s so great that he gets such talented artists to keep coming every year,” said Burchett. “The artists are just as diverse as the music, as we’ve had everyone from Sheryl Crow to Keb Mo to John Prine at Americana at Blackberry. It’s an event I look forward to every year and we’re so happy to help the Americana Music Association as they work behind the scenes within the music industry to foster an environment for growth.”
