Australia - The Dixie Chicks' Accidents and Accusations tour, which will return to North America after a series of dates Down Under, features a lighting package designed by Alex Reardon and consisting of 6 BigLite 4.5's, 30 MAC 2000 Washes, and 8 Atomic Strobes fitted with Atomic Colours, along with other automated fixtures.

Commenting on the production itself, Rearden said, "All too often I hear the euphemism of 'we want to make this show all about the music' when the translation means, 'we want to make it all about the money!' However, in an absolute first, this show really is 'all about the music'. They have a stunning nine piece band whose talent is spectacular."

"This was my first outing with the BigLites," adds Rearden, "and I was very seriously impressed. At full intensity, they have the punch required, but it is the other functions that made them stand out. The colour system gave me the flexibility I've been looking for, and provided for some wonderful cross fades. The speed of pan and tilt made complex marking cues very simple. The cooling system ensured that in the very few times a colour scroll needed to be tech'd it could be done with the lamp still on and without gloves!

Talking about his choice of main washlight fixture, Rearden said, "The MAC 2000 Wash has become ubiquitous because it does a very good job indeed. I rarely use them at full intensity, but the colours, beams and reliability proved themselves once again."

(Jim Evans)


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