Sound Division's Chris Baxter confirmed that this was a technically complex event: "We set up a DJ system in the Studio on the lower ground floor with a PA based on EAW KF850s and JBL monitors with a Soundcraft mixing console. We were also required to supply a substantial stage for the guest DJs and five separate dance podiums clad in white foamex for the display of graffiti art plus a number of huge screens for the same purpose, all of which had to be lit appropriately. When we first received the spec, I confess that I was wondering how it would all turn out, but the finished effect was fantastic." Body-painted dancers occupied each of the five dance podiums whilst Old Skool DJs Grand Wizard Theodore and Busy Bee entertained people on the decks.
The Hospital's inaugural event included the opening of a three-month exhibition in the Gallery called Yes, Yes, Y'all: Hip Hop From Scratch, for which Sound Division is also providing the necessary AV equipment. The exhibition is a celebration of Hip Hop's first ten years, tracing its progress from the streets of the south Bronx in New York to the worldwide phenomenon that Hip Hop is today. "I was particularly pleased to be providing the equipment for this, as it's a subject very close to my heart!" says Chris Baxter. "As far as the launch itself was concerned, it went off fantastically well. The room sounded great, and the atmosphere with the dancers and the Old Skool MCs was electric. I think all concerned were pleased with a job well done, and we're already looking forward to the next event."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
