Farm Aid 2006 featured Farm Aid president and founder, Willie Nelson, board membersNeil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews, as well as Jerry Lee Lewis withRoy Head, Los Lonely Boys, Arlo Guthrie, Gov't Mule, Steve Earle, Allison Moorer, SteelPulse, Shelby Lynne, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jimmy Sturr & his Orchestra, Pauline Reeseand Danielle Evin.
Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp organised the first Farm Aid concert in1985. They wanted to increase awareness about the loss of family farms and raisefunds to keep family farms in business. Dave Matthews joined the Farm Aid board ofdirectors in 2001. To date, Farm Aid has raised over $29 million to build and strengthenfamily farms.
Lighting designer, Jason Robinson used Compulite Vector Blue and Red Consoles tocontrol a substantial amount of equipment for this event. His equipment of choiceincluded, 32 MAC 2000 Profiles, 52 MAC 2000 Washes, 18 MAC 600s, 22 MAC 300sand 10 Coemar Halos.
"Because the show had 16 artists performing in a 9-hour show that was both for the liveaudience and live on the web cast, the lighting was chosen to best compliment thecameras, set, and multiple artists, explained Robinson. "The equipment list was morefunction than form. The crew needed speed as we had one day for this large event, sosimplicity in truss design was a must."
Robinson was quick to compliment the entire production team, saying: "The crew was incredible. They worked two very long days and yet, were at the top of their game even going into their 25th hour at load-in."
"Greg Shipley [of Bandit] did a great job behind the Compulite Vector Red," commentedRobinson, "[Shipley] had the entire lighting package to manage for the grueling 9-hourshow. He was exceptional and created stunning pictures for each artist."
Bandit CEO, Michael Strickland, was thankful to be part of this great cause once again, "Itis always an honor and a pleasure to work with the staff at Farm Aid. Glenda Yoder,Carol Mugar, Ron Stern, Lyle Centola and the rest of the staff are the most amazingpeople and we at Bandit are very honored to be involved each year."
(Chris Henry)
