A lot can happen in a month. Just ask Antonio Herrera Pérez, better known to the world as Mexican music superstar Junior H. A few short years ago, as a high school student in Utah, the Guanajuato-born musician-singer uploaded some of his work on YouTube as “a hobby.” The daily flow of life then caused the teenager to step away from social media for one month. When he returned, his song “No He Cambiado,” had more than two million views!
This convinced the uber talented 23-year-old, who taught himself how to play instruments by watching YouTube videos, to launch his career. He hasn’t looked back since, having released eight studio albums, four of which have reached the Top Ten on the Billboard charts.
Junior H’s talents are on full display on his current Sad Boys USA Tour. Supporting his passionate blend of music is a lively and dynamic light show by Arturo Sanchez. Working for JCA PRO, its CEO Ignacio (nacho) Zamudio, and his son Josh Estrada, along with lighting tech Luis Fernando Marins, Sanchez has created a show that reflects the inspired style and stage presence of his gifted client.
Like the music of Junior H, the stage production is bold and engaging with immersive 3D video walls accented by bright colorful lighting. Contributing to the latter are over 100 CHAUVET Professional fixtures. Included in this group are 24 Color STRIKE M motorized strobe/blinders, 24 Maverick MK2 Washes, 12 Maverick MK3 Washes, and 12 Rogue RH1 Hybrids, 24 Rogue R3 Beams, and a number of COLORado PXL Bar 8 units.
Creating a powerful impression on audiences, the production design features a towering rig that reaches 60-feet high in arenas and 50-feet at amphitheaters. Three large LED video walls dominate the stages backdrop. Reflecting the storytelling quality that is so essential to Junior H’s Corridos Tumbados music, the videos display narrative images tinged with hip-hop flair.
Accenting this imagery and adding to it vivacious quality is the intense colorful light from the rig’s CHAUVET Professional fixtures, which are located between and above the walls. At times, Sanchez creates dazzling scene by using deeply saturated monochromatic color washes to make it appear as if the light is coming from the video walls.
“We use our Color STRIKE Ms in different ways throughout the show for effects that play off the videos,” said Sanchez. “I really enjoyed their effects. The Rogue hybrids are positioned on risers and the Rogue beams are on fingers. We also got some very nice looks from the COLORado PXL bars that run across the stage deck.”
Given the success that Junior H has already enjoyed in his young career, many music critics are exclaiming that they can’t wait to see what’s next for this rising superstar. When it comes to lighting, the same can also be said of his talented designer.
Further information from CHAUVET Professional: www.chauvetprofessional.com
