Germany - For Herbert Grönemeyer's current nationwide concert tour, lighting of the open-air events was overseen by Günter Jaeckle and Paul Normandale, who both use MA Lighting gear.

Günter Jaeckle comments, "With the grandMA I have a tool, that works perfectly. We attended the rehearsals with our consoles as well as during the pre-programming for Peter Maffay. But this time it was a bit more complex - all in all we have 150 moving lights attached. Furthermore a Grönemeyer concert is hugely influenced by the spontaneity of the artist. Mostly you are occupied by watching his actions and react to them. Flexibility is very important."

The stage is dominated by a high-res Mitsubishi LED video screen. "The photographer Anton Corbijn created the picture and video contents, my design is based on this - for example the colours are selected to harmonise with the vide

UK - Since 1951, London's Royal Festival Hall (RFH) has attracted one of the most diverse audiences of any UK venue. For over 50 years it has hosted a wide-ranging programme of classical and world music, rock, pop, jazz and dance. Designed and built in just three years, the Royal Festival Hall is part of the iconic South Bank Centre, which grew from the post war Festival of Britain Exhibition that celebrated the wonders of British design and technology.

The RFH closed for a £91m refurbishment two years ago and finally reopened in June this year. An essential element of this transformation has been the total overhaul of the lighting system. With a brief from theatre consultants Carr and Angier to increase flexibility and efficiency while maintaining low ambient noise, specialist installation contractor Northern Light has installed the latest ETC dimming, networking and ligh

USA - Spectrum Manufacturing and AC Lighting have announced the retirement of David George as president of the companies.

A statement says, "In the nine years of directing Spectrum Manufacturing, David has been involved in the growth and initiative that has made the company a leading producer of highly innovative entertainment technology products. david has also played a key role in the development of AC Lighting. The staff of both companies would like to thank David for his hard work and efforts over the years and wish him a very happy retirement for the future."

As of 1 June 1, JF Canuel became president and CEO of Spectrum Manufacturing Inc. and is responsible for the command and overview of the operation of all business for the company. He remains vice president of AC Lighting Inc.

John Evans is promoted from his role of vice president sales and marketing to pr

UK - This week at ABTT, Selecon debuts several new luminaires including the long throw Toru 4º-8º followspot, the third and final model from the Performer Series range of followspots. Previously seen in pre-production mode and now in full production, the Toru 4º-8º Followspot features a comprehensive control suite with CTO filter, 24-leaf iris, cutters, dowser and diffusion frost; built-in universal 100V-250V electronic power supply and integrated 6-colour changer.

Sporting a fresh new look, the updated Acclaim Fresnel and PC introduce heat management to 500W / 650W luminaires - a feature which ensures operators can focus these stage lighting workhorses without the need for gloves. The new Acclaim luminaires also include the integrated safety bond design feature alongside Selecon's well known mains power isolation solution ensuring full compliance with European Standards for

UK - The current production of The Drowsy Chaperone at London's Novello Theatre is lit by Ken Billington with Brian Monahan and utilises over 200 ETC Source Fours and over 50 Vari-Lite luminaires, all supplied by PRG Europe. The company also supplied Coloram scrollers and two Grand MA control desks.

"The Novello is much smaller than the Broadway theatre where the show played previously. We've had to cut the rig by half and light primarily from front of house. It first opened in May last year, so I went to watch it a couple of times to refresh myself before thinking about how it could move across. I looked at which lights are only rarely used and decided to rationalise and simplify based on that," says Billington.

He continues, "I broke plenty of rules when lighting this show - such as the first 3.5 minutes being in darkness. I was always taught that if th

International - In May, Mana, Mexico's most successful rock band, launched a year-long world tour with shows planned in over 70 cities in the USA, Latin America, and Europe. The tour's first shows were at the San Diego Sports Arena and the Universal (Gibson) Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. The US leg of the tour will culminate at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Pro Color from Guadalajara is the production contractor for the tour, providing sound, lighting, and rigging. Included in the equipment specified for the tour are four ProPower RPD power distribution racks, over 400ft of ProSpan truss, and over 20,000ft of ProPlex data and ProCable power cables.

Says Javier Barba, the principal of Pro Color: "The ProPower distro racks are the best. They look great, have many useful features and we have found them to be completely reliable. On the Mana Tour, we use two on each side

Italy - A delegation from the UK's STLD - the Society of Television Lighting Directors - visited the Clay Paky premises last month and met the chairman, Pasquale Quadri, and his staff.

The purpose of the visit was to enable the two sides to get to know each other better and was organised by Bernie Davis, The visitors had the opportunity to examine the Italian company's products in detail, in particular the Alpha line.

Stuart Gain, chairman of STLD, comments: "It was a real pleasure to see the Alpha range of luminaires and the factory. The quality of the product is really high and I hope the STLD can assist Clay Paky in spreading the word and putting them back where they belong in the UK market."

Enrico Caironi of Clay Paky adds: "Constant contact with leading figures in the profession is fundamental to feel the pulse of the market. The STLD guys are all very e

Europe - Lycian Stage Lighting and PRG Europe have entered into a comprehensive distribution and service agreement. Effective from June 2007 PRG Europe will be responsible for sales, service and warranty claims for all of Europe.

PRG Europe's commercial director Philip Norfolk comments: "We are very excited to have this globally recognised expert brand here at PRG Distribution. Our existing and new European partners can look forward to being able to access these excellent followspots from a more local source in the future."

PRG Europe will offer expertise in all areas required, to "fully serve the European followspot market - including maintaining stock quantities of products it believes are appropriate for the European market, all of which will be CE compliant".

An inventory of optical, mechanical, electronic and hardware parts will ensure a self-suffici

USA - Color Kinetics Inc and High End Systems Inc have announced a global licensing agreement which they say "reflects a continuing surge in the use of LED sources for stage and event lighting". The agreement sees High End Systems license Color Kinetics' patent portfolio to develop its first line of products incorporating multi-colour LEDs. High End says it will now be able to enhance its product range with the many proven aesthetic and practical advantages of LED sources. The company's initial product offering will combine conventional sources with LEDs for accent purposes.

The royalty-bearing license will apply to sales of applicable High End Systems products in all markets covered by Color Kinetics' patent portfolio. The agreement also calls for Color Kinetics to receive a royalty-free license to specific High End patents.

"High End is best known for our focu

UK - Seven of i-Pix new mega-bight BB LED Washlights were used to light a performance in Bath Abbey by Flamenco legend Paco Pena as part of the 2007 Bath International Music Festival.

The large scale performance united Pena with the 25 strong Bath Camerata Singers, his own five flamenco singers, three guitarists, a percussionist and a flamenco dancer. The show followed on from the success of last year's Brian Eno collaboration with Bath Camerata at the Abbey.

Bath Festival's lighting designer James Loudon wanted some dramatic intense visuals to match the spirituality of the performance, but rather than "Whiz-bang effects, it needed sympathetic illumination on both the performers and the building" he explains. He also wanted to do something completely different to highlight the building's amazing architecture.

"I have known the i-Pix team from the start and so

USA - ETC reports that more than 2m Source Four spotlights have now been shipped worldwide.The Source Four family comprises over ten different versions - including Source Four juniors, PARs, zooms, PARNels, MultiPARs and HIDs, as well as an automated profile, the Source Four Revolution.

The 2m+ mark is one of two milestones for the Source Four this year. In November, at LDI 2007, the brand will celebrate its 15th birthday - 15 years, that is, since the classic spotlight was introduced to the industry at LDI 1992.

ETC is inviting Source Four fans worldwide to express their spirit and tell their own Source Four stories by sending in testimonial video clips. ETC will then feature some of those Source Four clips on www.etcconnect.com and will include a select group in a grand finale montage to be unveiled on its web site during LDI 2007.

(Jim Evans)

USA - Apollo Design Technology is celebrating its 15 year anniversary as a supplier to the entertainment industry. Founded in 1992 by Joel and Keersten Nichols, Apollo has been recognised for its innovative leadership in gobo manufacturing, development and distribution of other lighting effects products.

"The environment that existed at the time we started Apollo was a good match to our core business philosophy and allowed us to build a good foundation," states President Joel Nichols. "We have been fortunate to find employees that continue to embrace these guiding principles, and together we look forward to reaching additional milestones."

(Jim Evans)

USA - Martin Professional, Inc. has announced the hiring of Charles "Meechie" Thomas as regional sales manager - west for the company's Entertainment division.

Thomas, who will be providing support to Martin dealers in the West Coast region from Martin's West Coast office in Simi Valley, California, has 10 years of industry experience with extensive knowledge in truss structures and theatrical motors.

Thomas comes to Martin from a sales position at World Show International, a prime fabric manufacturer for the entertainment Industry. Prior to that he worked for truss manufacturer Total Structures, where he held positions in production control and sales.

(Jim Evans)

UK - Sound, lighting and AV integration specialists The PAI Group has completed an innovative contemporary audio/visual and lighting installation at the Gwernllwyn Country Club, Carmarthenshire. The 700 capacity venue - owned by local independent entrepreneur Will James - features a split level design with a function room on the first floor and a nightclub below.

PAI Group's general manager Keith Elms led the project, taking Thomas Parry Architects' interior design as an aesthetic starting point for the design, specification and supply of a complimentary, avant-garde technical infrastructure. Elms comments: "We know that the fusion between interior design, AV and lighting systems is intrinsic to delivering the most cutting-edge results for the client."

The club's peripheral features utilise state-of-the-art LED architectural lighting. These architectural elements are

USA - The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film has announced that Scott C. Parker has joined its MFA/BFA design faculty to teach lighting. Boasting 26 years of experience in the entertainment field, Parker has credits ranging from Radio City Music Hall to Town Hall. Parker has also worked extensively in television.

According to Parker, "This is an exciting time for the university. Johnny Carson gifted over $9 million for the renovation and expansion of the theatre and film programmes. Of that, $1 million is set aside as an endowment specifically dedicated towards keeping film, lighting and sound technology current."

(Jim Evans)

UK - Lighting Designer Max Conwell devised a staging concept for Razorlight's recent tour and forthcoming summer shows which required eight 2m by 8m drop, DMX controlled Venetian blinds, behind which were flown eight tracking video screens. Additionally the Venetians' 80mm wide louvres had a finish that took colour well and allowed for both colour effects and projection to used on the closed louvres slats which gave a variety of very different looks.

Conwell also commissioned a 5ft high 24ft long 'Razorlight' sign with 800 bulbs which was flown from the front truss. The sign was made out of polycarbonate and when not lit either with its integral lighting or the main show lighting, blended into the rest of set seamlessly.

Max Conwell comments, "Specialz are the first call to make for me when I need bespoke and unusual fixtures and scenic elements. I am always safe in the k

UK - HSL supplied full lighting production, associated rigging and crew to the recent Simon Webbe theatre and arena tour, with lighting and set designed by (Stephen) Abbiss and production managed by The Production Office.

The account was handled by HSL's Mike Oates, who says: "It was great to be working with Abbiss again. As always, he came up with a really inventive design and a flexible rig offering lots of options for the different sized venues."

Abbiss's initial brief expanded as the tour sold more tickets and some dates moved up to bigger venues, resulting in the final itinerary ranging from the 16,000 capacity Manchester Evening News Arena at the larger end of the scale to Norwich UEA and Ipswich Regent Theatre at the cosier end. "This was the real challenge," says Abbiss, "Designing something that looked equally good in different spaces and that

USA / The Netherlands - Color Kinetics Inc, the Boston-based manufacturer of LED lighting systems, has announced that it is to be acquired by Royal Philips Electronics in a deal worth approximately $791 million. The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2007.

Color Kinetics has achieved over 15,000 installations worldwide with its LED lighting technology, and has famously amassed a powerful patent portfolio encompassing 71 issued patents to date. The company licenses its technology throughout the lighting industry, and has worked alongside government agencies to promote the advancement of LED lighting as the best long-term choice for energy efficiency. "The acquisition by Philips will dramatically fortify the combined company's reach and efforts to make its technology the de facto platform for intelligent L

USA - One of the highlights of a visit to the famed Opryland resort in Nashville is taking a cruise on the General Jackson Showboat. Visitors can enjoy dinner and a stage show while sailing along the Cumberland River in this 300ft vessel, which is styled to resemble a 19th century paddlewheel riverboat.

But while it's steeped in Old South tradition, the General Jackson has gone strictly 21st century in its theatrical lighting. A new package of intelligent fixtures from Elation Professional was recently installed in the boat's Victorian Theatre, a majestic two-story dinner theatre where the main stage shows are held.

The room's lighting had previously consisted primarily of conventional par cans and Ellipsoid fixtures, but the boat's entertainment and design staff felt it was time to upgrade. "They wanted to move 100% into intelligent lighting," said Peter Vaque of Sp

UK - PLASA has relaunched its prestigious Awards for Innovation, which will be joined for the first time this year by the new Gottelier Award, named in memory of Tony Gottelier - the leading designer, innovator and industry commentator who died in 2006.

Designed to reflect excellence in new products in lighting, sound, engineering, AV and staging - the PLASA Awards for Innovation were first established in 1992 and have since been presented annually during the PLASA Show, which this year runs from 9-12 September at Earls Court in London. The Awards have a justly deserved reputation for identifying high quality, innovative new products early in their life and many previous winners are now firmly established in their fields.

Judged by a panel of respected industry professionals, products nominated for the Awards compete for one of eight Innovation Awards, plus an additional troph

UK - HSL supplied full lighting production, rigging and crew to stages 1 and 2 at the O2 Wireless Festival at Harewood House in Leeds and the Sony Eriksson Arenas at both Leeds and London Wireless sites.

HSL was working for Neil MacDonald's Clockwork Productions who were appointed by promoters Live Nation to co-ordinate all the Leeds site's technical production requirements. On site, HSL's crew of 11 was led by project manager Mike Oates assisted by Debbie Owens. They collaborated closely with main stage production manager Mick Brown.

Taking Saturday night main stage headliners' Kaiser Chiefs as the starting point in terms of building lighting rig, HSL brought in designer Andy Liddle to liaise with all the headliner LDs - Susan Sasic for the White Stripes (Friday), the Kaiser Chiefs' Richard Larkum (Saturday) and Sunday headliners Daft Punk's Martin Phillips - Three top bands

USA - With its strong focus on multimedia, the New Vision Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, TN, has become one of the fastest growing Houses of Worship in the mid-South. To accommodate its burgeoning congregation, the church recently constructed a new Worship Centre, while converting its former main worship chapel into a Youth Centre. The construction/renovation project utilised high-tech lighting and staging products from Elation Professional and Global Truss.

Located in a college town - the home of Middle Tennessee State University - the church wanted the new rooms to reflect its orientation toward youth, said Peter Vaque of Springtree Media Group, which provided lighting, staging, audio and multimedia. "New Vision has always had a large following among college students and young people," said Vaque. "It has prided itself on being very state-of-the-art in the area

Italy - Created to bring a renaissance of theatrical tradition to the city of Florence, the debut season of the Florence International Theatre Company (FITC) has seen it use Rosco's new Keystroke hardware/software solution to add a translation element to its production of John Pielmeier's Tony award winning play Agnes of God.

Marrying the techniques of American and Italian theatre, FITC's aim is to build relationships with the local Tuscan community through productions and outreach programmes. Most of its plays are in English, but for Agnes of God FITC needed to have the English dialogue subtitled by being translated into Italian and then projected on to the set. However, as a small company, having a separate video/projector operator was not possible.

This was an ideal situation for Rosco's Keystroke, a hardware/software solution designed for small technical team

UK - Wembley landmarks - the Arena and Square of Fame - will be plunged into darkness on Thursday night this week to raise awareness for global warming. The 'Lights Out Campaign', organised by Capital Radio, is urging all London households and businesses to join in a mass energy-saving initiative.

Wembley (London), a wholly owned subsidiary of Quintain Estates and Development, has registered to darken the London skyline by 'switching off' Wembley's most popular landmarks. Only essential lighting and appliances will be left on to comply with safety regulations.

Deputy CEO of Quintain, Nick Shattock, comments, "We look forward to playing a part in creating awareness of a low carbon footprint for all. We aim to create a sustainable, zero-carbon Wembley and this campaign gives us the opportunity to show our commitment to that aim."

The 'Lights Out London' campaign, end

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