NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – The Country Radio Seminar returned to Nashville for a three-day conference at the Omni Hotel, giving country artists and labels the opportunity to break news, honor artists, introduce new music and highlight singles already climbing the charts.
More details from Bandit (www.BanditLites.com):
Bandit Lites worked with lighting designer Keith Hoagland and Scott DeVos of De Lux Production to supply the lighting for multiple events including the Warner Lunch where Kenny Chesney was honored for his charitable work, the Amazon showcase where Kelsea Ballerini performed one of the new songs off her upcoming album, the Big Machine Lunch and the New Faces Dinner where Ingrid Andress, Morgan Evans, Riley Green, Runaway June and Mitchell Tenpenny performed.
Production designer Scott DeVos noted the design for the event was only limited to the constraints of the building itself, sharing he was more than confident in lighting designer Hoagland’s ability to transform the hotel ballrooms into sleek, branded spaces. And with a compressed load in time, Bandit’s meticulously prepped systems shine, giving Hoagland more time to program and perfect his lighting.
“The largest challenge is making it look new and refreshing each year,” Hoagland said, noting this is his third year with the event, “but we also have very tight rigging restrictions, and not just lighting, but PA and video goes within the same space as lighting. That can create issues with weights. This year’s lighting choices helped a lot with that limit as we went down on an average of 10 pounds per fixture. When it is roughly over 40 fixtures, that is over 400 pounds saved. That is huge.”
Bandit Lites supplied 170 fixtures for the event, including GLP X4S, GLP X4 Bar 20, Ayrton Mistral-S, Elation Smarty Hybrids, Chauvet Rogue R1 FX-B, GRNLite Par 64s and Martin MAC Viper Profiles as spots for Hoagland’s FollowMe system.
Elation Smarty Hybrids were Hoagland’s air eye candy fixture of choice, with their small packaging and reduced weight, while Chauvet Rogue R1 FX-B worked as both floor lights and eye candy to shoot through the bands, while translating to great looks on camera.
“The Smarty units were great with power punch and being lighter than fixture choices of the past, which helps when you have a rigging restriction on an event like this,” Hoagland said.
Ayrton Mistral-S fixtures offered wall décor and walk in looks for the corporate mealtimes. GLP X4 Bar 20 supply even washes of color with a tight zoom while fitting in tight spots.
“They are a workhorse for me on this event,” Hoagland explained. “They provided a nice even wash across the stage for nice color and balance for cameras to read. GLP X4S units are a strong main stay for me on a venue this size. I get a lot of power and versatility from them and you can place them almost about anywhere in a system and use them well.”
The result was a system that was versatile enough to make unique looks for each of the branded experiences, and intuitive enough that when Hoagland left after the first event to work with Jason Aldean, Carter Fulghum was able to step in seamlessly.
“Carter stepped in and used my programming for some of the artists, and then had to program himself the rest of the event as things changed or showed up late,” said Hoagland. “As corporate events go, we never say ‘no,’ and sometimes we might have to say, ‘Can you hang on a minute?’ but we never say ‘no.’ A huge thank you to Carter to stepping into that role for me on CRS this year.”
“A job takes on a totally different meaning when you are working for people you have known and respected for the past quarter of a century,” said Bandit Lites Vice President Mike Golden. “I have known both Scott and Keith for well over 25 years, and I have the highest degree of respect for each. Bandit was brought into this event last year, and to be honest, it feels like we have been doing this event for much, much longer. Even during the middle of the event, the vibe backstage was one of complete control and confidence. We will always jump at any opportunity to work with the team De Lux brings together because you can be assured it will be a completely professional, positive experience.”
“I cannot say enough on how everything, from start to finish has been great,” finished Hoagland. “From talking with Mike Golden and working out the budget restraints, to Donnie Lockridge as Project Manager, down to the crew who worked it. It was my first time to have Chris Noll out with me, and he did an amazing job, and Ryan Murphy killed as my FollowMe tech. Everything turned out amazing and we are looking forward to CRS 2021 to do another amazing event together.”
“I told Mike Golden I’m hiring Bandit because I know you will deliver,” said DeVos. “And honestly the only thing I would’ve done differently… is hire Bandit sooner.”
