If you weren’t among the record-breaking crowd of nearly 700 top industry pros attending the 2013 Parnelli Awards there, you really should have been. The 2013 Parnellis had it all — there were jokes about the crazy world that is live events, honors and accolades given the amazing talent who excel in their field this year, and even some quiet moments of remembrance of those who have passed.
There was excitement in the air (plus a lot of unusual moisture) when the LDI show returned to Las Vegas Nov. 22-24. Along with new products, it seemed as though a lot of new companies were being launched this time around, as 300-plus exhibitors arrived from 72 countries around the world to impress a projected crowd of 8,000 attendees. And even many of the less-familiar brands showcased their offerings with professionally designed booth presentations.
They say that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Take that as you like, but we have a few suggestions on how to enjoy yourself while in our hometown. If you can think of it, Vegas can probably make that happen for you. We’ll let your imagination run wild. In the meantime, we have some rated PG-13 suggestions for you.
After years at Earl’s Court, PLASA moved its annual exhibition to open, airy and modern ExCeL London for 2013. More than 11,000 attended, including 2,200 international visitors from at least 84 countries, and the educational program included highlights from Eurovision 2013, the Glastonbury festival, West End theatrical productions and the 2013 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
To download a PDF of PLSN’s Nov. 2013 London Show Report, CLICK HERE
DALLAS — On October 18, the entire 19-block area of the Arts District here was used as an outdoor canvas for an immersive contemporary display of light art dubbed Dallas Aurora. Themed “Light of Convergence,” the project’s goal is to presents light art to the public in unique and unexpected ways, creating a visual interplay with the existing buildings, streets and surfaces of the arts district area. Participating artists showcased nearly 90 works involving lighting, projection, sound and performance art.
Michigan Stadium Halftime Crew Goes Long with Beams and Lasers
On Sept. 7, 2013, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, MI, the University of Michigan Wolverines squared off against the Fighting Irish from Notre Dame in the latest football matchup in a rivalry that dates back to Nov. 23, 1887. (After giving the Notre Dame students a few pointers about the new sport, Michigan won, 8-0).
Carrie Underwood and a Digital Cast of Thousands Kick Off the NFL Season for NBC
After six seasons, Faith Hill opted out and Carrie Underwood was chosen to sing the musical introduction to NBC’s NFL Sunday Night Football (SNF). A new intro video was created and shot with Underwood’s take on the theme song to kick off each week’s prime time game. It premiered Sunday, Sept. 8, before the Dallas Cowboys hosted the New York Giants.
George Travis knows who the real boss is. “You end up being part of this little touring group that can be a tight, dysfunctional family that shares one goal: putting on a good show,” he says. “We have to remember that when the music starts, we have 8,000 to 80,000 bosses who are the audience. The biggest excitement in this business is when the concert starts. Then you have your immediate reward… or you can also have your immediate judgment!”
Natural beauty, deftly lit, and singular acoustics are why the Volcano Room is among the most memorable of music venues. From the moment audiences and artists arrive, they realize this is something special. It may be the only venue that needs tour guides to get the 600-person audience to their seats. The Volcano Room is actually 333 feet below ground in the Cumberland Caverns of McMinnville, TN, and it is the home to the popular Bluegrass Underground radio and television series.
“I believe we are long overdue in honoring Eric Pearce,” says production manager and Parnelli Board Advisor Kent Black. “A lot of people can directly or indirectly trace themselves back to Eric and Showlites — in fact, a lot of people who have fallen off the ‘Showlites Apple Tree’ went on to have successful careers.”
“Anyone should be able make an impressive show with 400 lights,” says Larry Schmidt of Tallahassee, FL-based Production Support Group. “I like to see the tech-nician that can make an eye catching, innovative show with 80 lights, 60 lights, or even just 24!” Thus encapsulates the spirit of the Hometown Hero Regional Lighting Company honors. We like to think that while we can’t all be big, we can all be exceptional, serving our regions with an inspiring dedication to quality and customer service.