USA - The Legacy Arena in Birmingham AL stands 10 stories tall. It’s also spacious, with an oval floor that measures 24,200 sq.ft, but earlier this summer, the big venue, which has hosted concerts by Grammy-winners, the Davis Cup, and other marquee events, took on the aura of a warm, soul-enriching space, when it served as the site of Church of the Highlands Motion 23 Conference. An immersive and inviting production design by the church’s creative director, Brian Worster, and broadcast-lighting director Griffin McCravy, along with the rest of their team, set the stage for this intimate setting in the 17,000-seat arena. “This is a student conference born out of our local church’s youth ministry,” said McCravy. “Although the conference has grown over the years to become an arena event, we always want it to reflect this vision. With this goal in mind, we built
USA - Aura the Robot will permanently reside in the grand atrium of Sphere in Las Vegas. Serving as the venue’s ‘spokesbot’, Aura will interact with guests at the venue, and serve as an integral part of The Sphere Experience featuring Darren Aronofsky’s Postcard from Earth. “Hello, humans. While I understand the most complex concepts of math and science - you remain a mystery,” said Aura. “Your emotions, your humour and your relationship with technology require further study, so you must visit me at Sphere. I am excited to meet you and introduce you to the future of live entertainment at my new home.” Developed using advanced technology in robotic mechanics and artificial intelligence, Aura is among the most expressive and life-like humanoid robots in the world. Five Aura robots will greet guests from the moment they enter Sphere, putting
UK - Shure commissioned global market research firm, IDC, to conduct a comprehensive study that investigates the hurdles organisations are facing as they implement hybrid working. The paper, based on over 600 interviews across multiple countries, including the UK, emphasises the IT community's concerns about the audio quality impacting effective communication and collaboration. "From an IT perspective, implementing a successful hybrid work strategy isn’t just about software; it's about making sure your hardware - especially audio equipment -meets the standards your employees need to excel," says Rob Smith, senior director, system sales, Shure. "Our research finds that UK organisations are at the forefront of hybrid work adoption in Europe, yet there's a clear gap when it comes to providing high-quality audio solutions, which affects everything from meeting engagement
UAE - The Adam Hall Group reports a successful LD Systems day in Dubai. Together with the LD Systems sales partner Pro Lab, the global event technology manufacturer staged a one-day partner and customer event at the Pro Lab headquarters on 7 September. The highlight was the first hands-on demonstration of the LD Systems MAILA system in the United Arab Emirates. After an introduction of the Adam Hall Group and its long history in the field of event technology, Viktor Wiesner, senior product manager, pro audio, guided the numerous attendees through the constantly growing LD Systems portfolio, followed by a detailed product demonstration of the MAILA (Modular All-Round Intelligent Line-Array) system by LD Systems field application engineer Jens Kleinhuis. In general, LD Systems and Pro Lab placed a lot of emphasis on the intensive exchange between existing customers and
Germany - Top international electronic dance music acts, along with 65,000 ravers, again transformed the former Pydna missile base in the Hunsrück area of Germany into one of the hotspots of the European EDM scene. Gerdon Design has been providing the Nature One festival with creative designs for over 10 years - and this year was no exception, with designer Marek Papke’s team again responsible for the event’s open-air floor. Numerous pyramids, which formed part of the set construction, and the unbridled light output from 64 GLP KNV Cubes played a key role in maintaining all-round consistency for this largest open-air floor of the festival. “As a design element, the pyramid already existed at Nature One in 2019,” notes Papke. “The pyramids, which were originally made as a special construction, were still available and everyone involved wanted not only to use
China - Renowned Hong Kong singer and actor Jacky Cheung kicked off his latest tour on 9 June at The Venetian Macao Cotai Arena in Macau. The Jacky Cheung 60+ Concert Tour not only signifies the 10th solo concert tour of his career but also marks the superstar’s first large-scale event after celebrating his 60th birthday. The current world tour, extending into 2024, has already broken records by selling over 109,000 tickets for the Cotai Arena and hosting 11 shows at the Singapore Indoor Stadium - a feat unprecedented among any previous artist in a single leg of a concert tour in Singapore. DiGiCo Quantum5 consoles and a KLANG immersive monitor system for the tour were provided by Rightway Audio Consultants (RAC), DiGiCo’s official distributor in China. At the project's outset, the RAC team offered support in system design, setup, and decisions about the mix
USA - All of it Now (AOIN), a virtual art department and in-camera VFX integration solutions provider, never shies away from pushing the boundaries of creativity. Coachella 2023 proved to be the perfect canvas for their latest artistic endeavour, which involved crafting augmented reality (AR) experiences to captivate one of the most demanding audiences on the festival circuit. AOIN turned to Stage Precision’s SP software, a powerful data and control management software they had used before, but now hoped to deploy on a much grander scale. As the sun rose on Coachella 2023, AOIN faced several challenges. The project brief included enhancing the main stage livestream broadcast to create a new augmented reality platform for artists including Gorillaz, Bad Bunny and Blackpink. As a central component of Coachella's 2023 marketing campaign, Coachella introduced the "
Germany - Theater Erfurt is synonymous with sophisticated musical theatre, enriching the cultural scene of Germany's Thuringian state capital through operas, musicals, and concerts performed by the Erfurt Philharmonic Orchestra. Built in 2003, Theater Erfurt is recognised as one of the most modern venues of its kind in Europe, offering immersive sound and excellent sightlines. It has recently enhanced its 800-seat main venue with the addition of an ETC ArcSystem Pro LED lighting system. Previously, the theatre's ceiling was adorned with ETC Source Four PAR fixtures that utilised traditional incandescent lamps to provide a warm and uniform light. However, in a bid to promote sustainability and energy efficiency, Theater Erfurt’s technical director opted to replace these older luminaires with modern LED technology. This change promises to bring a new level of efficiency to t
Denmark - DPA Microphones has opened a new headquarters in Kokkedal, Denmark, a convenient suburb of Copenhagen. The modernised space will put an emphasis on the brand’s research and development (R&D) facilities, with significant upgrades and new studio spaces that encourage more creativity. “DPA continually aims to inspire sound professionals looking to improve their solutions, and we are confident that the new headquarters will further enable this growth,” says DPA Microphones CEO, Kalle Nielsen. “The facility offers a great environment for close collaboration across the organisation and with outside partners, which is the foundation we need to provide strong solutions. This high-tech environment will be the homebase for some of the world’s best microphone specialists, enabling them to create even better microphones and provide more education to the pr
France - The much-anticipated League of Legends EMEA Championships (LEC) took place 8-10 September at the Sud de France Arena in Montpellier. The popular e-sports tournament took place in front of a packed arena and was streamed live online, reaching peak viewing figures of over 650,000 during the final matchup between G2 Esports and Fnatic, which saw G2 take the win. TSL provided the lighting package for the three-day event, working with head of production Ben Vignola from 1 Up Productions and lighting designer Mat Stovall on behalf of ConCom inc. A broad range of TSL’s fixtures were utilised from manufacturers such as Ayrton, SGM, Robe, GLP, Martin and more. Over one hundred Ayrton Perseo Profiles were used to provide audience illumination as well as effect lighting. TSL’s ever popular Robe Spiider enabled programmers Eric Barth and Zach Matusow to e
Czech Republic - Named after Uffo Horn, an important native of Trutnov who greatly influenced the culture and politics in the region in 19th century, the Social and Cultural Centre of the Trutnov region has been serving the community since the end of 2010. This multifunctional facility provides a cultural space for a variety of events including theatre performances, concerts, exhibitions, conventions and balls. One of the centre's standout offerings is the vibrant and diverse programme of international festival, Cirk-UFF, which takes place at the turn of May and June each year. Given the diverse range of performances hosted at the venue, it was essential to maintain a flexible layout and adhere to touring standards to ensure seamless transitions between events. DiGiCo's Czech distributor, Pro Music, supplied and installed the specialist audio setup, which includes SD12 and
UK - Stage Sound Services, who offer full production and equipment services from their 50,000 sq.ft HQ in Cardiff, were recently tasked to support Freshwater UK, a marketing and events agency, with the technical realisation of this year's Unite the Union Policy Conference in Brighton. The Policy Conference is the main decision-making body of the union, held every two years and made up of around 700 lay members from Unite's 19 sectors and 10 regions and equality structures. One of the visual highlights of the conference was a 24m wide AV Stumpfl Vario projection screen. “A key requirement for this year’s conference was a large 'super wide screen', to provide a flexible format for conference images, screen relays and presentations, as well as to achieve a modern fresh look,” explains Stage Sound Services director Phil Hurley. The Vario frame concept fol
Italy - Prolights products illuminated the second edition of I Venerdì di Ercolano, a culturally enriching initiative promoted and commissioned by the Ente Parco Nazionale degli Scavi di Ercolano (National Park of Herculaneum Excavations) and the Italian Ministry of Culture. This project seamlessly transformed the evocative route into an enthralling journey through the culinary annals of ancient Rome, enriched by the innovative lighting setup crafted by Prolights. The lighting rig was installed by Artemia, a system integration company, under the stewardship of project managers Lucio Sabatino and Alessandro Limongiello. The monumental setup featured approximately 500 Prolights products, including Smart BatPlus, SmartBattenQ, ArcPar 7, and LumiPix 16H. These devices gracefully bathed the wide expanse of the Herculaneum excavations. The Artemia team, satisfied ove
India - In late March, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) opened its doors in Mumbai, ushering in a new era of creativity in a city renowned for its Bollywood influence. This multidisciplinary arts centre boasts a 2,000-seat theatre, two intimate performance spaces and a four-storey Art House. To mark its grand opening, a three-day celebration blended musicals and international art exhibitions, including India in Fashion: The Impact of Indian Dress and Textiles on the Fashionable Imagination. This exhibition celebrated the global influence of Indian design on fashion, with the help of 128 Genelec 4430 Smart IP loudspeakers. Overseeing the project was Mumbai-based technology and acoustic consultancy firm, Munro. Their mission was to craft a soothing auditory landscape without compromising audio quality, while ensuring the seamless integration of the l
Venezuela - A new cigar bar and restaurant in the Venezuelan capital Caracas aims to deliver a premium experience to discerning guests, from the moment they walk through the door. The Robusto Bar combines high-end dining and cocktails with an extensive selection of cigars in a luxuriously appointed venue that includes a lounge, humidor and VIP room. Central to creating a sophisticated ambience is a Nexo ID Series sound system installed and calibrated by local distributor Sun Music Pro, who were also involved in the acoustic treatment of the spaces. “The client needed a high-quality audio system, as the premise was to create a premium experience in every way, starting with its selection of cigars, cocktails and dishes, through to the environment created by sound, architecture, furniture and lighting,” says Sun Music Pro commercial manager Valeska Grüber. “T
Philippines - The Adam Hall Group continues to expand its international distribution network. With immediate effect, Joint Venture Audio Visual and Lighting will take over the exclusive distribution of Adam Hall Group's own brands LD Systems, Cameo, Gravity and Palmer in the Philippines. Joint Venture Audio Visual is a corporate merger of several companies, including full-service provider Systech Lighting and Controls. Under the umbrella of Joint Venture, Systech will represent the AVL brands of the Adam Hall Group in the Philippine market. "We are pleased to add one of the largest event technology manufacturers in the world to our distribution portfolio with the solutions of Adam Hall Group," explains Oliver C. Yulo, president Joint Venture Audio Visual Lighting. "Since the end of the COVID pandemic, the APAC region has been one of the fastest growing markets ever. T
UK - Music Support, the charity that provides help and support to anyone who works in music and live events affected by mental ill-health and/or addiction, has announced a new partnership with The Christopher Meredith Foundation (CMF), enabling them to grow existing provisions and develop new programmes which support music industry peers and their loved ones. The partnership includes funding which will contribute towards three key areas across three years: Funding or part-funding qualifying beneficiaries to receive the treatment they need, including counselling, psychotherapy and residential addiction treatment. Developing Music Support’s ‘Safe Hub’ backstage at festivals, a space where artists and crew can take time out or speak to a Mental Health First Aid trained individual. Thanks to the partnership, the charity has already run Safe Hubs this summer at
UK - London’s Southbank Centre has expanded its inventory of Ayrton LED moving head fixtures with the addition of 12 Ayrton Mistral S spots to its permanent rig over the Royal Festival Hall’s Clore Ballroom. The Clore Ballroom is an adaptable open space in the main foyer of the iconic 1950s building which turns its hand to many uses including musical performances, art installations, graduation ceremonies and other community events. This summer, as part of Christine and the Queens’ Meltdown, it played host to the immersive dance work of BitterSuite, while other events have ranged from club nights to a rehearsal space for youth music group, Kinetika Bloco, one of the Southbank Centre’s Creative Engagement Partners. Mistral is Ayrton’s highly compact, lightweight, powerful 300W LED spot fixture designed for scenic applications. Mistral S delivers powerful metall
Bradford Calling - The UK's City of Culture 2025 is set to have a month-long event to celebrate its "rich and diverse" music scenes. Bradford Music Month in November will see concerts, workshops and other events across the district. Its team, made up of musicians, venue managers and record labels, hopes it will "entertain and engage" a range of communities through music. Promised highlights include a "bassline and bhangra sober rave" and a range of wellbeing-focused music workshops. Further events are said to include public opera performances, world music showcases and opportunities for local musicians to receive funding and support to put on their own concerts. The full programme is set to be unveiled at the end of September. The initiative, supported by Bradford Council, Bradford Producing Hub and Arts Council England, is being led by musician Sinead Campbell, QM Rec
Germany - With the Opus - German Stage Award, Prolight + Sound will once again honour outstanding productions that have created impressive shows through the innovative use of event technology. The award ceremony will take place at Prolight + Sound 2024 (19 to 22 March) in Frankfurt. Both participants and the audience can submit projects until 03 November 2023 at www.prolight-sound.com/opus. "Although many large event companies are now generating high profits again, a significant part of our industry is dependent on subsidies. The Opus - German Stage Award sets a shining example for the creative power, innovation, courage and perseverance of all those involved in these challenging times - and pays tribute to those who pull the creative strings behind the stages," states Mira Wölfel, d
UK - Luxury Icelandic winter clothing brand 66°North, has unveiled its UK flagship store incorporating an immersive sound experience. Teaming up with Marquee AV, and distributor Audiologic, 66°North has successfully recreated the atmospheric soundscapes of its Reykjavik store for UK shoppers. 66°North, a brand with its heritage dating back to 1926, established itself as a manufacturer of protective outerwear for fishermen and those braving the harsh elements of the North Atlantic. Today, the brand continues to make functional clothing without compromising on comfort, for a range of activities. The Regent Street store, located in the heart of London, represents 66°North's first venture outside Iceland and Denmark, making it a significant milestone for the brand. Genelec got in touch with their UK distributor Audiologic after 66°North was delighted with the Ge
USA - Soundworks of Virginia returned to the familiar 100-acre Maymont Park site in Richmond, VA to help stage the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival, an event for which they have provided sound reinforcement since 2017. Working for promoter JMI (Johnson Marketing Inc) they fielded their flagship Martin Audio WPL optimised line array on the main stage, deploying hangs of 12 WPL elements on each wing. These were underpinned by 12 SXH218 in cardioid formation - a move largely designed to prevent the stage from vibrating - with a delay tower of eight smaller WPS elements, set around 275ft back and with four WPS deployed along the stage lip as front-fills. Monitors comprised four WPS loudspeakers atop a pair of SXC118 subs, mounted both stage left and right for sidefills, plus 12 of Soundworks’ own SW2 proprietary wedges. Soundworks also equipped the second stage wit
The Netherlands - Music, art and culture came together, once again, at ParkCity Live 2023 in Heerlen. This year, the event took place on the first weekend of July. SLF Group Rental + Sales BV provided lighting equipment by Showtec and Infinity for both the main stage and the dance area. ParkCity Live is a family-friendly festival that regularly sells out and this year was no exception with the maximum capacity of 17,500 visitors reached on both days. The festival attracts both national and international acts and covers various music genres as well as comedy and theatre. The main stage and dance area both featured lighting by Showtec and Infinity supplied SLF Group Rental + Sales BV. The light design for the main stage was created by Wesley Houben of The Nota Experience. Twelve top-of-the-range Infinity S601 Profile moving heads, chosen for their powerful output, wide
UK - Rycote Windshields reports the resounding success of its recent ‘Meet the Team Event Day’. The event, held at Rycote’s new manufacturing facility in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, offered a hands-on experience that showcased the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and its close-knit partnership with its global network of dealers and on-location sound engineers. The event, which took place on 5 September 2023, brought together valued partners, dealers, and sound engineers, for a day filled with engaging activities and insights. The highlight of the event was a comprehensive factory tour that allowed attendees to witness first-hand the meticulous craftsmanship and technology that goes into every Rycote product. They in fact, got to experience production for themselves as they were invited to get hands on, on the production line and create their very own Softie.
