The event was designed to accommodate 65,000 attendees and included three LED videowalls, a Martin Audio Line array for the main and delay audio system as well as dozens of intelligent lighting fixtures. The stage, measuring 60ft x 100ft, was illuminated by BSL Productions using 28 Vari-Lite 3000 and 14 Vari-Lite 2000 fixtures, 70 ETC profiles and 30 Arri Fresnels. Entertainment for the event included Ryan Seacrest as the host, and performances by Kenny Chesney, Andrea Bocelli and Yolanda Adams.
With the stage positioned to frame The White House as the backdrop for the event, planners did not want to obstruct the view with horizontal truss structures or a roof, elements that are usually standard for an outdoor event of this nature. Jim LaBarre of BSL Productions, lighting designer for the event, had the challenge of designing a lighting system to provide the even coverage and the footcandles necessary for a broadcast event of this nature using side trusses and a single downstage position 100ft from the downstage edge.
"It is an honour to be involved with a Presidential Inaugural, especially an event of this size and scope. It is a true testament to the crew, who kept all of the equipment running perfectly, not a single piece of gear failed during the show, in spite of being subjected to rain, wind, snow and freezing temperatures for over a week," said Blayne Candy, technical director for the event and Co-owner with Ajay Patil of Showcall Inc and BSL Productions.
(Lee Baldock)
