Skip to content

Industry Leaders Step Up for 22nd Annual Parnelli Awards

With about six months to go, the 22nd Annual Parnelli Awards are on track to break several records – first and foremost, the number of companies stepping up to make the evening of the live event industry’s award show a success. “I’m humbled by not only the number of progressive companies sponsoring our industry award show this year, but who is stepping up,” says Parnelli Awards Co-Founder and Executive Producer Terry Lowe. “Not only is it wonderful to see so many who have supported continuously from the first shows like All Access Staging and Productions, Harman Professional, and Sound Image, but also great to welcome first-time sponsors joining us this year.” First time supporters of this year’s gala include Eagle Production Co., Eventric/Master Tour, and Spider Ranch Productions.Read More »Industry Leaders Step Up for 22nd Annual Parnelli Awards

Ed Warren Creates Unique Looks for Mumford & Sons with CHAUVET Professional

Photo Credit: Picturesk

“The most exciting attractions are between two opposites that never meet,” wrote Andy Warhol. Had he been around today, the groundbreaking pop artist would likely have appreciated the genius of Mumford & Sons. After 14 million albums sold, including two No. 1 hits, and a fistful of awards from Grammys to Brits, the band that got their start at Bosun’s Locker in London, continues to surprise fans by pulling out widely varied (some might say opposite) musical influences, from ancient folk to highly polished modern rock. Read More »Ed Warren Creates Unique Looks for Mumford & Sons with CHAUVET Professional

In Memoriam: Ron Smith, Pyrotechnics and Atmospheric Effects Expert, 66

Ron Smith, 1957-2023

Ron Smith, a pyrotechnics and atmospheric effects expert with decades of experience who had been working with Strictly FX in recent years, died earlier this month at age 66. “Ron was a kind-hearted and jovial member of the Strictly FX family,” noted Strictly FX in an April 13 post on social media. The company, which won a Parnelli Award at the 21st annual ceremony a day later, accepted the award in Smith’s honor. “He joined our team in 2018, bringing with him a storied career.”Read More »In Memoriam: Ron Smith, Pyrotechnics and Atmospheric Effects Expert, 66

Strictly FX NFL Kickoff photo by Tim Shahan

2013 NFL Season Starts with a Bang in Baltimore

BALTIMORE — Strictly FX returned as pyro provider for the NFL football season’s kickoff celebration. This year’s event, led by Ricky Kirshner of Touchdown Entertainment and Doug ‘Spike’ Brant of Performance Environment Design Group, featured a performance by country music star Keith Urban on a specially constructed barge in the Baltimore harbor. Comets, mines, lasers, flames and other effects from Strictly FX lit up the water near the home of the 2013 Super Bowl champions, the Baltimore Ravens.

CryoJets on New Kids on The Block's tour. Photo: Marcello Ambriz

New Gear From Strictly FX Part of ‘The Package’

CHICAGO – “The Package,” the current New Kids on the Block tour includes more than just the members of the band. It also includes two new pieces of gear that merge lighting and special effects from Strictly FX. Production Designer Butch Allen and New Kid Donnie Wahlberg, who is very involved in the production, wanted something fresh. “Butch and Donnie wanted a party atmosphere for the production, and we had something new that fit the bill perfectly,” notes Ted Maccabee, partner and visuals director at Strictly FX.

Strictly FX on Beyonce. Photo: Parkwood Entertainment.

Strictly FX Adds Sparks to Beyonce’s Tour

CHICAGO –  Strictly FX of Chicago is supplying special effects for Beyonce’s “Mrs. Carter Show World Tour,” after having worked with her during her Super Bowl Halftime show earlier this year. “Beyoncé is very hands on with every aspect of her production and was an intricate part of the design process. She knows what she wants and knows what she doesn’t like. It was a truly a collaborative effort with her team that helped us bring her production to another level,” says Strictly FX partner and effects designer Mark Grega.

2013 Latin Billboard Awards. Photo: DMDS7UDIOS

Strictly FX Enhances 2013 Latin Billboard Awards

CHICAGO – To help the 2013 Latin Billboards Awards make a strong visual impression, Media Designer and Screens Director Scott Chmielewski called on the laser experts at Strictly FX to create his vision of combining video content with lasers. Strictly FX Partner and Visuals Director Ted Maccabee gave Chmielewski a reluctant nod to the project. Maccabee sayss, “They were looking for a sustained creative image accent generated by lasers, which is more of an artistic visual than what’s typically done with lasers.” Says Chmielewski, “I was really amazed at the way it turned out, and it really opened up some ideas for me.”

Obama's re-election night in Chicago

Strictly FX at President Obama’s Victory Celebration

CHICAGO – Confetti from Strictly FX provided a celebratory atmosphere at McCormick Place in Chicago when President Barack Obama was elected to a second term on Nov. 6. The electoral celebration included 15,000 people at the venue, as well as a worldwide television audience of millions. LD Robert Peterson called the confetti cue.

Eric Church’s Tour Features Strictly FX Effects

WOOD DALE, IL – Strictly FX is providing colored lasers, pyrotechnics, flames and custom cryojet effects for Eric Church’s ‘Blood Sweat and Beers’ tour, which is currently touring U.S. arenas until Dec. 15. The concert production was designed by Butch Allen and Church himself. The effects are featured in seven of the 21 songs in the show.