Bandit Lites once again worked with production manager Jerry Holcomb to provide the lighting for this ministry. Equipment included Clay Paky B Eye K 20 wash lights, Martin Vipers, Vari-Lite VL 3500 washes, Clay Paky Sharpys, Martin Atomic 3000 Strobes, 4 lite inline moles, Color Force 72 wash lights, 60ft black A type circle truss divided into 3 sections all lined with 12 mil LED product.
"I really like the arch that we've created on stage," Holcomb said. "We take a half circle, line it with an LED product and mount fixtures on the top. We then raise it up around eight feet off the stage creating an arch that sits upstage of all the backline."
One aspect that was a challenge for Holcomb was ensuring both video and lighting worked together during the load in and load out. The lighting trusses are lined front and back with LED products, with three LED walls rigged from circle truss that also has lighting.
Another challenge arose from the simple fact that Winter Jam is comprised of performances from 10 bands each wanting to bring their own floor package to supplement the existing production to give varying looks. "Coordinating all the different elements gets tricky," Holcomb said. "The tour's main lighting design is by Daniel Smallbone. We worked together to put enough fixtures and different elements in the rig to allow for different programming."
To create different looks, the upstage truss in inverted part way through the night to create a different overall look for the bands. Altogether, Winter Jam had five different programmers for the 10 artists on the tour, creating diversity in looks and style.
Holcomb inverted the upstage truss during the night to create a different overall look for the bands. "Newsong, for example, plays their entire set on a lighted plexi circle stage in the middle of the arena," explained Holcomb. "The stage is surrounded by B-EYE fixtures and Sharpys."
Bandit's crew for Winter Jam is comprised of Nick Dotson and Jason Blasing with additional support coming from Bandit project manager Matt King. "Bandit always does a great job," said Holcomb. "From the beginning of design, to tour prep, to truck pack: they are the best. Also, once you are on tour they have great customer service."
(Jim Evans)
