The University of Tennessee in Knoxville held its annual celebration of illustrious alumni at 2022 Alumni Awards Gala. Bandit Lites donated a lighting system for the event, which honors alumni across the state, country and world who bring recognition to Tennessee’s flagship campus. This year’s honorees included 24 notable alumni including Samuel E. Beall II (’42), Tamika Catchings (’00, ’05), Sara Croley (’00), Donald E. Frieson (’90), Ronald Earl Frieson (’81) and Sharon G. Lee (’75, ’78). Bandit Lites Founder Michael T. Strickland was honored with this prestigious award in 2021.
To set the tone and ambiance for the room, Bandit supplied an upstage and downstage truss loaded with 44 GLP X4, 8 Vari-Lite VL 2500 Spots and 2 Vari-Lite VL 3000 Spots. The GLP X4 fixtures were used in part to light the stage while the majority of them washed the ceiling in colors. The VL 2500 cast gobo patterns on the ceiling and walls, while the 3000s had custom Power-T alumni logos to project on the custom Spandex triangles hung behind the stage as a backdrop.
“Working with the team at Bandit Lites is a joy,” said Mallorie Mendence, senior director of events and marketing at the Office of Alumni Relations. “They are so helpful with planning and excellent at execution. The lighting that they provide at our events takes the event to the next level. Bandit is a trusted partner, and we are grateful to work with them.”
Four 20-foot truss towers flanked the stage with GLP X4 and VL 2500 Spots, adding to the ceiling illumination and uplighting the backdrops.
“Around the room we placed 80 Chauvet Freedom PARs to up-light the walls,” said Swart. “These were controlled by a FlareCON unit attached to the downstage truss, and a Road Hog 3 was used to control the lights. We utilized a complementary color palette which fits with the décor but provides the feel and beauty we are known for.”
“Bandit is proud and honored to give back to The University of Tennessee in any way we can,” said Bandit Lites Chair Michael T. Strickland. “Illuminating these amazing people each year is truly a gift we cherish. The opportunity my education at UT provided enabled me to achieve at a level not possible otherwise. Thank you!”
For more information visit www.banditlites.com
