The Northern Nights Festival has always been known for its unique fusion of music, art, and nature. Over the years, this intimate gathering in the Redwoods has grown into a major festival circuit event, drawing a diverse crowd and top-tier talent. At the forefront of this transformation is Brian Willison, Designer and Production Manager, who has consistently elevated the lighting and video design with the support of 4Wall Entertainment’s equipment and services.
“When I first began designing the stage, we started with mid-range moving heads and basic video elements, focusing on complementing the natural beauty of the forest and river setting,” said Willison. “As the festival has grown, so has the rig. We’ve added advanced moving heads, LED pixels, and pixel-mapped LED technology, all synched to video content in real-time with the help of Resolume software. Each year, I push the boundaries, incorporating new technology while honoring the natural surroundings.”
The festival’s growth mirrors that of the production. From its grassroots origins to a large-scale event, Northern Nights now boasts an expanded footprint, with more stages, art installations, and interactive experiences. This evolution has required an elevated production design to meet growing audience expectations, and Willison’s team, with 4Wall’s support, has consistently delivered.
“The goal is always to create an immersive, memorable experience,” Willison explained. “For new attendees, it’s about making a strong first impression. For returning attendees, it’s about keeping things fresh and exciting, introducing new elements every year.”
A crucial part of the festival’s success has been the use of the APEX 4240 mobile stage provided by 4Wall. “It’s mobility and versatility allow us to adapt the stage quickly and support a wide range of equipment, from large video screens to intricate lighting rigs,” said Willison. “Having Robert Gates from 4Wall Sacramento on-site with us for the past eight years adds personal value and ensures everything runs smoothly.”
Regarding service, Willison emphasized the importance of 4Wall’s role in the festival’s production. “The team at 4Wall has been incredible. Their gear consistently exceeds expectations, and their support throughout the process is top-notch. They’ve been instrumental in helping us deliver a visually stunning and immersive experience each year.”
As Northern Nights continues to grow, Willison and 4Wall remain dedicated to enhancing the festival’s visual and technical elements, ensuring that every attendee leaves with an unforgettable experience.
Production Team
Designer/Production Manager: Brian Willison
Programmer/Board Op: Jason “Magellan” Hager
Master Electrician: Carter Adams
Lead Video: Callum Davenport
Lighting Tech: Ollie Hudson
Lighting Tech: Ben James
Lighting Tech: Adam Smith
Lighting Tech: Michael Combs
Lighting Tech: Travis Mock
Stage Manager: James Spektrum
Cameras: Chris Smith and Media Apex team
Lasers: Nomadix – Laser Rob
C.R.E.A.M Team / Bossbatility
Apex 4240 Lead: Aaron Lewis
Talent & Art Director: Matty ‘World Famous’ Roberts
Marketing & Media Director: Matt Whitlock
4Wall Reps: Robert Gates & Andrew Isola
Photos by Don Idio
Further information from 4Wall Entertainment: www.4wall.com
