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21 November 2024

USA - Megan Thee Stallion’s Hot Girl Summer Tour shined brighter thanks to The Playground Design Collective’s innovative use of Elation’s Artiste Monet profile luminaire. As the Grammy-winner’s first headlining tour and The Playground’s inaugural collaboration with her, the production dazzled audiences across North America and Europe, bringing her signature energy to life with visually striking stage designs.

The Playground handled design and creative direction as one of the year’s hottest touring shows. The show featured production designers Sooner Routhier and Trevor Ahlstrand, and creative and show designer Curtis Adams. Dane Kick took on the lighting programmer and director role, while Jason Giaffo served as a lighting programmer. Fuse Technical Group was the lighting and video vendor for the tour.

The Playground team created

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21 November 2024

Europe - The Chiaroscuro style of art, first popularised in the Baroque era by painters like Caravaggio, blends two polar opposites – light and darkness, to amplify the evocate power of each.

Hayden Borgars is deploying this technique to reflect the complex, and sometimes raw, conflicted sound of Californian metal band The Ghost Inside, on the six-nation European leg of their current Searching For Solace tour.

Weaving his way through the elusive, shadowy border area that separates light from darkness, Borgars is creating mysterious, captivating looks that reveal parts of the set, while leaving others cloaked in shadows. The net result of this approach draws attention more closely to the stage and deepens the connection between the audience band members.

“Having used a Chiaroscuro lighting style with other bands in the past to add

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21 November 2024

Monaco - Founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier III and chaired by Prince Albert II since 1984, the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) combines a taste for sport and a love of the sea. With 2,500 members, the club attracts shipowners, sailors and yacht-lovers from all over the world to its luxurious setting.  

Against this backdrop, Yacht Club de Monaco required a complete audio system that would not only align with these values but also provide high-performing sound across various spaces at the club. Italian manufacturer of professional audio solutions, K-array, was chosen to solve this request, with system integration provided by BM Service.

“Everything had to be invisible, stylish, yet high-performing, the usual values of K-array,” explains Alberto Gaetti, product support specialist at K-array. “Our loudspeakers were previously installed at the club’

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21 November 2024

USA - Powersoft has announced the appointment of Joel Majgier as its new consultants and key accounts manager in the US.

“I’ve spent over two decades in professional AV, and I see huge potential for growth with Powersoft,” says Majgier. “The reputation of the brand is exceptional, and the people within the company are committed to delivering best-in-class service to both our dealer base and the venues we work with. That level of dedication is something I’m excited to be a part of.”

In his new role, Majgier hopes to help expand Powersoft’s footprint in the US. The US market currently makes up around a quarter of Powersoft’s revenue – a figure that is expected to increase in the coming years.

Tom Knesel, general manager and COO of Powersoft US, comments: “We’re thrilled to welcome Joel to the Powersoft team. His extensive

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20 November 2024

Europe - ETC has announced that Matrix Sales will now serve as the official dealer in Denmark following the successful acquisition of long-term ETC partner Atendi A/S’s Protech division.

Matrix Sales – a leading distributor of professional lighting, stage equipment, audio and AV across Danish market – brings extensive experience in the Danish entertainment industry and will provide access to an even larger segment of the market for Atendi A/S.

Atendi A/S’s Protech division includes the activities of the company’s theatre, event and architectural lighting department with employees Søren Jørgensen, Hans Henrik Schmidt, and Henrik Sundahl continuing their work now as part of Matrix Sales.

Matrix Sales will have direct access to a wide range of ETC’s products, allowing them to meet the growing demand of ETC solutions across the regi

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20 November 2024

Saudi Arabia - When lighting and stage designer Steve Wary was charged with creating the look for the opening ceremony of the Saudi Games 2024, he chose 50 Claypaky Skylos fixtures to help the event get off to a dynamic start.

Held 3-17 October, the Saudi Games were the third edition of the largest national sporting event staged annually in the Kingdom.  More than 9,000 athletes competed in 52 sports.

The opening ceremony took place not in a traditional stadium but in the existing Boulevard City area of Riyadh, where all the infrastructure needed to be built, created and organised. The location presented a great opportunity to use the LED screens already present on the buildings, which served as the backdrop for a centrally positioned stage big enough to host the impressive parade of athletes captured for broadcast by two drones.  

The game

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20 November 2024

Europe - Lighting, entertainment and cruise ship specialist Tony Perez has taken on a new position as global sales director in Robe’s Maritime division, stepping up from the business development manager role that he has held since 2022.

The cruise industry sector of Robe’s business has expanded exponentially during Tony’s tenure, a combination of his experience and first-hand knowledge of the sector, hard work and being able to offer a raft of flexible Robe and Anolis lighting products to meet exacting standards.

The agility and comprehensive nature of Robe’s worldwide distribution network has also been a vital factor in this success, resulting in several high profile maritime projects including with MSC’s World class vessels, CCL’s Sun Princess class ships and other Carnival Cruise Line brands, RCCL’s Icon of the Seas class, various Di

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20 November 2024

Norway - In a fusion of architecture, engineering and technology, structural solutions brand Milos (part of Area Four Industries) introduced the Invisible Roof. The structure was constructed in the city of Bergen, on the southwestern coast surrounded by mountains and fjords. Bergen has hosted some of the world’s largest bands, artists and an eclectic mix of music from all genres over many years.

One of the world’s oldest orchestras, the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, dating back to 1765, celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2015 and remains a beacon of musical artistry on the world stage. On 22-23 August 2024, the orchestra hosted two outdoor concerts, offering a magical experience for musicians and audiences alike.

Partnering with Creative Technology Norway, Area Four Industries designed and installed a one-of-a-kind venue featuring an arched roo

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20 November 2024

USA - Christie has announced the launch of two new models in its Jazz Series, a family of 1DLP laser projectors that offer ‘exceptional performance without a premium price tag’.

Two 4K UHD+ projectors join the previously announced WUXGA models, which made their debut at InfoComm Asia. The new models, the 4K1600-JS and 4K2100-JS, feature 16,600 and 21,350 lumens respectively, and use Texas Instruments’ 0.8” HEP (High Efficiency Pixel) DMD for improved colour and contrast and a more efficient cooling system design.

Jazz Series projectors deliver high brightness and resolution in a manageable and compact chassis, weighing only 29.4 kg (64.8 lbs.). With its quiet operation, built-in warping and blending capabilities, and a full suite of compatible lenses, including UST, Jazz Series is ready to illuminate a range of projects – from concerts and

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20 November 2024

China - The Taihu Jazz Festival is held every year in the National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing. During five days in May, musicians from China and beyond performed to excited crowds in the purpose-built outdoor performance spaces.

Over 50 jazz performances took place, including sets from French harmonica master Laurent Maur, jazz trumpeter, Li Xiaochuan, and other Chinese and international musicians, who took to the stage of the Taihu Stage Art Centre to kick off the 2024 Taihu Jazz Festival. Central to each was the power of DiGiCo’s Quantum series, with a Quantum 338 at the front of house position, a Quantum 225 at monitors and an SD10 for broadcast.

Three free performance stages - the Dance Art Workshop Stage, the Snowflake Stage, and the Instrumental Interactive Stage - were set up by RAC Pro, DiGiCo distributor in Chi

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20 November 2024

USA - To most people in the continental U.S., Alaska evokes a narrative of rugged individuals thriving under even more rugged conditions. Between weather, terrain, and sheer remoteness of most of the state, that’s more than mythology.

Government workers and contractors regularly endure brutal conditions while managing disaster recovery and infrastructure efforts, and solo filmmaker Jake Sloan is often there to document the process. With literally one hand on the camera and the other running sound, he trusts the latter to Rycote microphones and equipment. These include the HC-15 and HC-22 shotgun microphones, Cyclone baskets, Softie windscreens, and lavalier solutions including Stickie mounts and Windjammer screens.

“One of the biggest projects I've been working on for the last year has been for a statewide effort with the Alaska Department of Tra

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20 November 2024

Germany - When Aki Bosse sings about dreaming, living, loving and despairing, it often sounds surprisingly happy and danceable. Übers Traumen (About Dreaming) is also the name of his latest album, for which he undertook a major arena tour in Germany in 2024. Lighting designer Rico Münzer has been lighting Bosse (and his band of the same name) since 2018.

For the current tour design, no fewer than 200 GLP fixtures combine to create a special look. In total, the designer specified 86 GLP KNV Arc, 76 JDC Line 1000, 24 impression X5 Wash and 14 JDC1 in a structure to fill the stage space.

The KNV Arc and JDC Line 1000 were in the design from the beginning, without which the intended look would not have been possible, as Münzer explains: “At the beginning of the design process I had the idea of working with circles. Initially I planned this

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20 November 2024

UK - Shure has announced its inclusion in the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP). MDEP is an Android-based platform designed to enable device manufacturers and software developers to deliver innovative solutions that meet the needs of all users. It is backed by Microsoft's reputation for security, trust, and management.

MDEP provides enhanced security, device pairing, accessibility, and management capabilities for Microsoft Teams Rooms on Android devices.

“We are excited to further expand our partnership with Microsoft through MDEP,” said Sam Sabet, chief technology officer at Shure. “MDEP provides another avenue for innovation on the highly popular Android platform, leading to the right solutions for our customers. This partnership ensures that our solutions, like IntelliMix Room software, can meet the highest security standards and de

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19 November 2024

Spain - Following a memorable 2024 event, BikeFest Spain is set to return for its fourth consecutive year, inviting cyclists from across the industry to join the 360km ride towards ISE in Barcelona. From 31 January to 2 February 2025, riders will again rally in Valencia, cycling along the Mediterranean coast in support of industry causes.

Last year’s BikeFest raised an impressive £25,000 for Backup Tech, with the goal to surpass that and more this year.

In 2025, BikeFest will expand its support to Casa Caridad Valencia, a local charity assisting those affected by recent severe flooding in Valencia. 

Following the reduction of operating costs to run the initiative, 50% of the sponsored funds raised will go directly to Backup Tech, who run initiatives such as

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19 November 2024

USA - Audix is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a manufacturer of microphones. Since 1984, Audix has grown to offer a wide range of microphones for audio recording, live performance, and installed sound applications. Today, product families for instruments, vocals, and studio recording enjoy a reputation for audio fidelity, build quality and sensible pricing.

To celebrate its history and continued innovation, the company has produced a limited edition of the D6 kick drum microphone. The Limited Edition D6X microphone has all the sonic attributes that makes D6 a classic, plus additional filtering options. Only 100 units of the bead blasted D6X Limited Edition will be produced and will be available through selected giveaways throughout the next months.

In 1986, the Audix OM1 handheld dynamic mic was born. The OM1 began to amass a word-of-mouth reput

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19 November 2024

UK - Starring seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan, Dr. Strangelove is the first theatrical adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece. Written by Armando Iannucci and directed by Sean Foley, it tells the story of a US general who decides to go rogue and declare a nuclear attack on Russia; who, he discovers, have a Doomsday machine capable of destroying the world.

The show features a lighting design by Olivier Award-winning Jessica Hung Han Yun who approached White Light (WL), a d&b solutions company, to supply her lighting rig.

Prior to its run at the Noel Coward Theatre, there was much anticipation leading up to the opening of Dr Strangelove; largely due to the cult status of the film. “I had in fact watched the film many years ago and remembered enjoying it and the lighting specifically,” says Hung Han Yun

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19 November 2024

Slovakia - Steel Arena in Košice is one of the most important multifunctional halls in Slovakia. It has twice hosted the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships and is the home venue of the hockey club HC Košice, nine-time Slovak champion and holder of two Czechoslovak titles, which plays in the highest Slovak hockey league, the TIPOS Extraliga.

As part of a comprehensive reconstruction of the ice rink lighting, eight Ayrton Domino Profiles – supplied by Pro Music, s.r.o., Ayrton’s exclusive representative for the Czech Republic and Slovakia – were installed as effects lighting by Pro Music’s long-time business partner Marcel Filko and his technical team from ma.cz.

Four Domino Profiles were rigged on a circular overhead video truss, and another four on the structure above the ice surface, two above each goal, from where the incumbent team make

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19 November 2024

Japan - With an acoustic design created primarily with opera performances in mind, the 2,196-seat Toyama City Arts and Culture Hall (Aubade Hall) opened in 1996 in the Japan’s Toyama City. Now a new medium-sized, multi-purpose hall has been completed at the same site with a maximum of 652 seats which, along with the stage, can be moved to enable a wide range of configurations from conventional raked theatre seating to a flat floor for exhibitions.

Loudspeakers from Nexo’s Geo M, P+ and ID Series were selected for a customised flexible sound system in the new medium-sized hall.

“Actually, we have been using Nexo speakers in the large hall for a long time. Therefore, we are familiar with the sound of Nexo and thought that it would suit the medium hall as well,” reports Mr. Akira Sone, head of the stage technical department, sound, at Aubade Hal

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19 November 2024

UK - Long-term Martin Audio rental partner, W E Audio, recently underlined its commitment to the British manufacturer, by making a massive investment across the latest Wavefront Precision line array portfolio.

Founded by Wayne Barker, W E Audio’s upgraded inventory is headed by Martin Audio’s flagship WPL large format line array, and SXH218 subwoofers, as well as FlexPoint FP12s, Torus, and XE500 wedge monitors. At the same time, in order to give them further scalability and flexibility, the company has also invested heavily in the smaller WPS and WPC line arrays – all delivered in recent months to its base in Oxfordshire.

Last month saw the production company’s highest-profile deployment of the large-format WPL to date – on Seal’s European tour. The core PA design is based around 12 WPL cabinets per side, with six WPS units for front-fil

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19 November 2024

USA - With the help of PureTek Group – provider of innovative technology solutions for educational spaces based out of Boonton, New Jersey – Plainfield High School recently completed a major renovation to its auditorium, along with the addition of two new spaces: an eSports gaming arena and a black box theatre.

To provide clear communication between those disparate parts of the school, Plainfield High School, along with PureTek Group, turned to Pliant Technologies’ CrewCom professional wireless intercom system. 

“We chose Pliant to help orchestrate what could be a very chaotic experience,” says Dan Litvin, co-founder and president of PureTek Group. “The CrewCom system is used extensively throughout the school and produces unified performance, from standard backstage theatrical production applications, to managing cameras, lighting and au