Winter Jam 2023 takes Bandit Lites on tour
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Production manager Jerry Holcomb and lighting designer Kurtis Wheat crafted a system that would give the range of artists the most bang for their buck, starting with the large LED surface upstage.
“It is 76ft wide at the top and tiers down to 48ft wide at the bottom and is 32ft tall,” explained Holcomb. “We went through several scenarios and designs based on truck space and budget. One thing we all wanted and worked towards were the angled tower trusses that line the offstage sides of the video wall. Bandit came up with a great look on those.”
Bandit Lites provided GLP JDC1 LED Strobes, Ayrton Khamsins, Elation Chorus Line 16s, Elation Chorus Line 8s, Elation CuePix WW4 and a grandMA 2 Full console for control.
Since finding large quantities of fixtures can be difficult for certain vendors, Holcomb shared Bandit suggested Ayrton Khamsins as both a wash and spot fixture. “We’ve really enjoyed those fixtures,” said Holcomb adding, “we can get a big look within our budget.”
In addition to the general lighting system, Holcomb and Wheat took into account what the co-headliners would need for their set, including a three-sided kabuki drop and lasers, additional Khamsins, and LED-lined riser that would tie in the large video wall.
“I really like the Chorus Lines that line the LED wall and then also act as side wash lighting for different acts,” said Holcomb, “And we increased our JDC1 count which are great for both wash and strobe effects; we ended up lining our audience pit with those to add a bigger look.”
Bandit VP of business development Brent Barrett shared, “The opportunity to work with Jerry and Kurtis on Winter Jam is always an experience that involves creativity, practicality, realism and a good amount of humour! Each year’s design is fresh and built around the specifics of the upcoming Winter Jam tour and not a repeat of previous’ years. I always look forward to visiting the current Winter Jam event and getting to see the design in action, and as equally important, getting to do catchup with Jerry and Kurtis.”
“Working with Bandit has been fantastic over the years of my career,” said Wheat. “The people have always been accommodating, and willing to work with us. Doesn’t matter what the budget is, they want us to have the best show we can. Brent has been the best advocate for us over the years. MTS has always been very generous to us as well. He’s the reason we can get the fixtures we get.”
Bandit’s crew includes Winter Jam veteran crew chief Cody Cheatham, Carter Hopkins and Ben Boney.
“The guys Bandit sends out, most stay for years and they are encompassed in our lives,” finished Wheat. “I’ve not once had a problem on tour that wasn’t able to be fixed quickly. I have nothing but high regards for Bandit.”
