Animal Spirits, the words instantly conjure up images of unbridled vigor, precisely what economist John Maynard Keynes had in mind a century ago when he coined the phrase, to describe how opportunity is seized from the crucible of a crisis. The owner of Bristol, UK- based Pytch (formerly SXS Events) understands this animating force very […]
Lighting transcends time and place. In the age of COVID-19, it also has been called upon to leap over traditional boundaries of space. It’s a concept that Julien Reux has become intimately familiar with since the summer. The owner of ReuxLight in Los Angeles, Reux attracted attention lighting a four-night “virtual tour” for Wallows. Unlike […]
Following COVID-19 safety protocols has often made it necessary for organizers to hold shows in settings that were never intended for such purposes. This, in turn, has required designers to light out-of-the-ordinary settings, such as open 360ﹾ stages. Here’s how two LDs from different parts of the world met this challenge. Victor Ortiz, Darvik Productions […]
During a career that has seen him work on TV specials like European Commission’s Presidential Debate, and popular programs, including Dancing With The Stars Belgium and Liefde voor Muziek, Michiel Milbou has built a stellar reputation for his impeccable key lighting. However, in his recent project, Belgium’s version of The Masked Singer, Milbou got to […]
The days are long, sometimes lasting 20 hours, and the work is tough, setting up and taking down a concert rig in one day, often with no real power tie-ins or FOH positions. When it’s all done, the overnight accommodations are usually modest small-town motels with nothing in the way of extras. Still, this North […]
Peel back the layers of daily life and you will discover new truths that will guide you to greater things. More easily said than done, this philosophy has echoed through the ages in art, literature, mysticism… and it is at the heart of this Tennessee designer’s formula for dealing with the aftermath of the COVID-19 […]
Since breaking out in Baltimore in 2009, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong has made major waves on the funk and jam band circuit. Part of the reason is the band’s strong connection to their fan base. This bond between the freewheeling quartet and their “flock,” as they affectionately call their fans, is nurtured by a mind […]
Crossfade Design was looking for a good audience wash last year when the firm redesigned the lighting for Top Rank Boxing’s highly rated ESPN series. Shots of the crowd in the background, dressed in their finery, their faces animated with excitement, was important to setting the stage for the action in the ring. Finding a […]
The mouthwatering tastes and inviting aromas of panzerotti, scaccia, farinata di ceci (and of course, pizza), have been a favorite part of Italian Week for Québécois for over a quarter of a century. This year, COVID-19 restrictions prevented festival-goers from shouldering their way through the bustling streets of Montreal’s Little Italy section and savoring this […]
Stepping inside the Palace Theatre with its sweeping curves and imposing balcony has long been a special treat for New Englanders. On July 15, thousands of them got to enjoy this experience again on a virtual level during a livestreamed Citizen of the Year ceremony honoring the theatre’s president, Peter Ramsey. The 40-minute event didn’t […]
Disco Biscuits founding member Aron Magner has told interviewers that he invited bassist Jason Fratacelli and drummer Matt Scarano to form Spaga, because he wanted to get back to his roots as a pianist. As anyone who’s listened to the trio’s silky jazz infused melodies since they began playing together in October will readily attest, […]
Art is not a reflection of reality – it is the reality of a reflection. Pioneering director Jean-Luc Godard used these words to describe his iconoclastic approach to film making. They apply equally well to the “virtual” productions that this New York City lighting designer and his team at Boum Creative have been pursuing with […]