USA - When OC Local acquired the long-established The Pizza Store in Laguna Hills, they engaged Dan Burdett of locally-based dB Media Services to provide a new audio system that would deliver premium quality at a competitive price. dB had previously tidied up a third-party install at one of the restaurant group’s other venues and OC Local were keen to achieve the same audio standards for their remodelled new venue. Burdett recommended, designed and installed an Optimal Audio system for The Pizza Store.

“Optimal Audio was a great option for this project because of its high performance/low cost ratio. Restaurants don’t always have the required budget available for media technology, so the Optimal Audio product matched the needs of the budget without any audio compromise, as well as meeting the high-performance standards expected by dB Media,” explains

UK - Avolites’ D9 lighting console, and an Avolites AI Qgen media server running Avo’s proprietary Synergy protocol, were at the heart of lighting and video control for Arcadia Spectacular’s new live experience launching their Dragonfly conceptual art installation, which debuted at Glastonbury 2024.

Originated and designed by Arcadia’s Pip Rush (creative director) and Bert Cole (technical director), the 30m-long, 8.5m-high biomechanical dragonfly is built from an ex Royal Navy Sea King helicopter and was surrounded by a 50,000-capacity evolved geometric ‘energy field’ at the festival.

The sculpture ‘awakened’ every night of Glasto at 23:30, presenting Warraloo - a breathtaking nine-minute show developed by Arcadia in collaboration with the Whadjuk Noongar nation of Western Australia and based on the dragonfly’s pup

Colombia - Christie HS Series 1DLP laser projectors deliver a spectacular immersive experience to visitors of La Selva, an educational geodesic dome designed to foster appreciation and preservation of the Colombian rainforests. Located in the Parque Empresarial El Tesoro shopping mall in Medellín, this project is a collaborative effort between the mall and Lonko Labs.

To honour these vital ecosystems and raise awareness about their conservation, Parque Empresarial El Tesoro created La Selva, a sensory experience made possible through a realistic and immersive digital environment developed by Lonko Labs.

La Selva features a 13m (43ft) diameter and 8.5m (288ft) high dome with a negative pressure system. The exterior closely resembles a traditional maloca or jungle dwelling, while inside the dome, six 13,500lm Christie HS Series projectors are blended

China - A team from Netherlands-based creative studio Live Legends recently completed a bold technical scheme for the Sir.Teen Group and their Club Been, a new venue and entertainment concept that has burst onto the highly competitive nightlife scene in Beijing, China. Headed by project director Serge Patist and lighting designers Thomas de Vries and Bas Knappers, the brief encompassed set, video, lighting and audio.

For the venue’s lighting design, over 250 Robe moving lights were selected, including 144 Spikies, 76 Viva CMYs and six T1 Profiles.

Other creatives involved in the project from Live Legends included Daan Oomen (creative director and principal designer), Stefan Peters (interior designer), Rik Schoutsen (video specialist), VFX artists Jim de Brouwer, Robbert Lubken and Boudewijn de Kraaij, plus music producers Joos van Leeuwen and Maart

Spain - The ancient temple of San Miguel in the Spanish city of Cuenca provides a stunning backdrop for Luz Cuenca, a fully-immersive sensory experience offering an artistic expression of the cultural wealth of the city.

Drawing on the city’s history, which is closely linked to art ­- and especially abstract art - Luz Cuenca is a multimedia exhibition that combines artistic lighting techniques and a dramatic orchestral music score with 2D and 3D projection mapping.

Digital immersive experience specialist Ibercover Studio was in charge of production and content design, turning to leading AV company Fluge to design and supply a high-quality sound system for the project.

Jesús Catá, AV project engineer at Fluge, explains: “Ibercover Studio asked us to design an immersive, robust and high-quality audio system as a key ele

France - The Twist Years at the Eiffel Tower Theatre in Paris follows a group of young people who traverse the moral and social revolutions of the tumultuous 1960s through some of that decade’s formative music. Recounted via music classics of the era, from French and international artists, all songs are presented live beneath an Elation rig of Fuze Profile and KL Profile FC luminaires.

Boris Jacob, from Elation’s French distributor Best Audio & Lighting, handled lighting design on the project. He comments: “This show really gives pride of place to the Elation brand with the Fuze Profile and the KL Profile FC. The luminous flux and high CRI, the identical colorimetry between the Fuze and KL series, as well as the silence, make these fixtures the perfect choice!”

A flexible framing fixture for theatre and TV, the Fuze Profile house

UK - ETC architectural lighting and power control has been selected for the refurbishment of major music and arts venue, Bristol Beacon. Specialist systems integrator and ETC dealer LSI Projects installed the lighting fixtures and power systems including ETC ArcSystem fixtures, Echo and Paradigm, F-Drive, Sensor3 and ColorSource ThruPower power controls, Response networking and more.

Hailed as ‘one of the great cultural icons of modern-day Britain’ by Arts Council England, the Bristol Beacon is recognised as a world-class music and arts venue which has been hosting performances - including for artists such as The Beatles and David Bowie - for over 150 years.

The selection of ETC products is a significant upgrade aimed at enhancing the Bristol Beacon’s visual and operational capabilities. The chosen products, which include Paradigm and Echo syst

Spain/UK – LED displays from Spanish manufacturer Alfalite have been installed in a new centre of excellence for education and research in AV content and process at London’s University of Greenwich. The centre, which has been named SHIFT (Shared Hub for Immersive Future Technologies), aims to be a pioneer in the study and development of advanced AV technologies.

The installation includes an Alfalite Modularpix Pro 1.5 ORIM VP XR LED wall, which will provide an advanced platform for the creation and display of XR content. The system was supplied and installed by Mo-Sys along with StarTracker Max systems and other XR solutions for a complete VP XR experience.

Through the new centre, the University of Greenwich will design virtual production training programmes for industry professionals, participate in research and knowledge exchange projects to id

Denmark – Copenhagen’s Bremen Teater has recently upgraded its audio system, with the Midas HD96-24 Console at the heart of the setup. With a seating capacity of 650, the venue is renowned for hosting a variety of events, including the popular TV2 shows Live Fra Bremen and ALOHA!. It has also been the chosen venue for award ceremonies like the Steppeulven and the GAFFA Awards.

Given the eclectic schedule and the necessity to accommodate guest productions with unique lighting and sound setups, Bremen Teater faced significant audio challenges. 

To address this, the theatre collaborated with Danish ‘super partners’ Matrix Sales, led by Claus Pederson, and Bremen Teater’s chief engineer Mikael Flensborg, to design an audio system that could seamlessly integrate with the existing infrastructure.

Centra

Germany/USA - Colorado-based Brown Note Productions recently fielded 120 GLP impression X4 Bar 20s and 12 JDC1s to help provide a riveting backdrop and enhance the natural wonder that is the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

The production they were brought in for was a fast-moving, high-octane performance by South African DJ/producer Black Coffee, who was joined by LP Giobbi, THEMBA and DJ Holographic.

Situated south-west of Denver, at an elevation of 6,500ft, the amphitheatre is a 9,525-capacity, sloped, all-seated venue with an illustrious history since opening in 1941.

Working to a set designed and project managed by James Dutton of High Scream, Brown Note Productions has - over the past 16 years - produced over 1,000 events at Red Rocks, ranging from concerts and films to private events, according to its president, Ryan Knutson. For this productio

Netherlands - Since 1996, Concertzaal Tilburg has been an important platform in the Netherlands for a wide range of performances, from classical concerts to pop music and spoken word events. The 743-seat auditorium, known for its versatility, hosts everything from small symphonic and chamber music to amplified concerts, festivals, musical theatre and conferences. To better serve its diverse programming and audience, Concertzaal Tilburg has upgraded its audio with a new L-Acoustics Kara II concert sound system, marking another step in the venue's ongoing commitment to providing quality experiences for both performers and attendees.

"Our goal with this upgrade was to address some of the acoustic challenges we've faced over the years," says Pernel van Herpt, technical manager at Concertzaal Tilburg. "The Kara II system gives us more flexibility to accommodate o

Belgium - Spa is best known for its mineral water and legendary Formula One circuit, but each July the small Belgian city welcomes almost 200,000 visitors for the annual Francofolies Festival.

This internationally renowned festival promotes contemporary music, conceived and designed with respect for the environment and sustainable development. The programming and artists reflect the values ​​upheld by the festival: multiculturalism, the dissemination of Francophilia worldwide, and advocacy for a modern and innovative vision of culture.

With headline performances from French singers Christophe Maé and Patrick Bruel, Congolese singer and rapper Gims and French folk-rock band Louise Attaque, this year’s festival took place from 18-21 July.

Sound for the Pierre Rapsat main stage was provided by Belgian production technology specialist Art

USA - As a New York City XR Studio dedicated to democratising virtual production, WLab leverages cutting-edge Brompton Technology LED processing and Pixreal Avatar series, offering a unique opportunity for first-time virtual production filmmakers to kickstart their journey in this revolutionary field.

WLab emerged from a fundamental quandary: the world of virtual production, while evolving rapidly within studios such as Disney, Amazon, and Sony, remains an enigma and a luxury to students, artists, and independent creators. “We questioned why such a critical and transformative aspect of modern filmmaking should only be accessible to a privileged few, and how we could resolve this imbalance,” says WLab’s co-founder, Tommy Wu.

With a team of passionate filmmakers from New York University (NYU), School of Visual Arts (SVA), and Savannah College of

UK - SWG Events joined forces with fellow Martin Audio network partner 22live recently to field a massive 80 premium loudspeakers from the British manufacturer at Ashton Gate, home of Bristol City FC, over a memorable weekend.

The Saturday event, called Ashton Gate Presents BS3, saw American singer-songwriter Ne-Yo headlining an all-star 10-act bill, that included Craig David, Jess Glynne, Dizzee Rascal, DJ Spoony and local legend, Roni Size, playing to a 27,000-capacity crowd.

The staging then changed for the Sunday, which saw Kings of Leon playing the venue as part of their Can We Please Have Fun world tour.

SWG Events’ head of sound, Simon Purse explained the PA design, which he had overseen. Left and right main PA comprised drops of 16 WPL, supported by two out-hangs of 12 elements in each. 

There were a further two delay tower

Saudi Arabia - The Ultimate Fighting Championship hit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the first time this summer. On 22 June, UFC Fight Night lit up the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, with Unusual Rigging & Engineering on board to supply the full production rigging.

Richard Hoare, rigger at Unusual commented; “This event wasn’t just a first for Riyadh, but for us at Unusual too. We’ve served as house-riggers for the event when it’s taken place at the Etihad Arena previously, but on this occasion, we won the contract to supply the full scope of production rigging. We worked alongside DLM, the rigging consultants for IMG and Bowie Ebrill who was onsite overseeing the installation and removal.

“Production manager Phil Campbell of IMG, was really pleased with the work and professionalism that our team had supplied as house riggers in Abu Dhabi an

UAE - Zenon Dubai at Kempinski Central Avenue in the Dubai Mall, is a new restaurant and lounge that, using cutting edge immersive technology with AI-powered performances and interactive displays, promises its customers an unforgettable sensory experience. It is the first nightclub in Dubai to be fitted with all-Ayrton moving lights.

The design, installation, programming and system integration were all the responsibility of Alex Douglas, lighting consultant with Em-Tec, UAE’s leading AV installation and maintenance provider. Douglas put Ayrton fixtures front and centre of his design, alongside two floor-to-ceiling video walls and two holograms. He chose Ayrton Zonda 3 FX, Zonda 9 FX and Cobra fixtures to create an elaborate overhead ‘chandelier’ comprising 3 concentric circular trusses suspended 18m above the DJ and lounge area, augmented by a side dis

Australia - Tasked with the installation of a comprehensive audio system for a new space within Sydney’s Revesby Worker's Club, The Avit Group chose solutions from Nexo.

Once a modest social gathering space for a close-knit community, the venue has expanded to encompass a wide range of amenities- a growth which continues into present-day. 2022 saw the planning and development of Miss Iggy’s, a new nightclub/pub combination promising to ‘bring a trendy Inner Sydney vibe to the heart of Revesby’.

Inspired by quirky street art and retro arcade parlours, the development of Miss Iggy’s brought a host of audio requirements spanning multiple interconnected zones- including a lounge, bar, nightclub area and arcade. The Avit Group’s operations manager, Adrian Davis, expands on the brief:

“Miss Iggy’s successfully marries the vibrant, e

Finland - Kino Piispanristi is a full-service 286-seat independent movie theatre close to Turku. The venue is a long-time passion project of Henry Erkkilä, a movie lover who wanted to create a modern cinema that transcends tradition when it comes to audio-visual technology. The theatre’s new premium screen features a Genelec sound system comprising the brand’s smart active studio loudspeakers and subwoofers.

“We strive to offer all the perks of a modern cinema without being a faceless corporation,” says Erkkilä. “We react to trends quickly and make moves boldly so that our customers can walk in and out feeling happy. Having the greatest theatre sound system in Finland is an excellent way to help us light up people’s faces.”

Kino Piispanristi’s newest screen is a premium, more intimate space with exceptional picture quality and a 7.1

USA - When Major League Baseball (MLB)’s San Francisco Giants needed to upgrade their sound system, they turned to Powersoft technology and Diversified to integrate the system. The Giants – World Series Champions in 2010, 2012, and 2014 – moved to picturesque Oracle Park in 2000 after spending several decades in windy Candlestick Park. The stadium, considered one of baseball’s most beautiful parks with its San Francisco Bay backdrop, seats 41,331 with an added 1,500 for standing room. 

Diversified – which maintains a longstanding relationship with the Giants, including installing the control room in 2000 – is renowned for its rich portfolio of stadium installations, including Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle) and American Family Field (Milwaukee Brewers), both of which are powered by Powersoft, while Powersoft has an equally impressive portfolio of

UK - Two years ago, PCL Live opened its doors cater for Northeast Scotland’s production needs. Investing in the latest technology and using the team’s extensive experience, the company quickly established itself.

From the start, it had a large focus on Leyard Europe LED screens. Significant expansion continues that focus, as does a recent investment in Leyard’s LN Series, which is helping the company go from strength to strength.

“We now have over 200m2 of Leyard video wall including CFO, NEV and MGP, plus the recent addition of the new LN Series, all of which has been very good and extremely versatile,” says Alex Sherman, business development and technical manager at PCL Live.

“Because the LN Series is both indoor and outdoor rated and the panels are so easily connected together, we can quickly create amazing structures. This has

USA - Cory FitzGerald, the lighting designer for Justin Timberlake’s ongoing The Forget Tomorrow World Tour and senior partner at Burbank-based creative studio, Silent House, is using 30 Robert Juliat 864 LED asymmetric footlights featuring a four-colour mixing system to line the stage at the singer-songwriter’s shows.  ACT Entertainment is the exclusive North American distributor of Robert Juliat lighting.

The tour, which commenced in April and will continue until spring of next year, is Timberlake’s seventh headlining concert tour and his first in five years.  It is in support of his sixth studio album, Everything I Thought It Was, and has scheduled dates in North America through the rest of 2024.

FitzGerald had used RJ Dalis footlights on other productions, including shows for Kendrick Lamar. “I had the Dalis 862 all-white footl

UK - It has taken Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express 22 years to return to the stage since it pulled out of the West End in 2002. This time, the production’s new home is at the Troubadour Wembley Park which has been specially adapted to create an immersive performance experience, with Unusual Rigging on board to handle the venue and production’s rigging requirements.

Working for production manager Mark Carey from Shedworks Studio, the Unusual team were asked to install a number of items for the show requirements. Alex Taylor, production rigger at Unusual explained: “As part of our brief, we were asked to provide all of the LX, Sound and Video trusses, the trusses for the sound baffle, three technical working platforms for all the LX racks and to devise a method of lifting up a halo into position, being careful to get the height and angle just ri

USA - Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart performed a series of US shows from 20 April to 23 May 23 on their Royal Flush tour, with lighting design by Carl Burnett. Burnett turned to Elation’s Proteus Brutus LED Wash FX and Proteus Maximus LED Profile moving heads as the foundation of the lighting rig, valuing their power while appreciating their refined design qualities.

Royal Flush marked the first live show the sisters have shared since 2019. Burnett, who designed lighting for Heart’s 2019 tour and is known for his work with Robert Plant, amongst others, is the lighting and show designer for the tour. He enlisted his good friend Max Conwell to assist with the design process for the first time in his career. Lighting for the U.S. leg of the tour was supplied by 4Wall.

Before kicking off the tour in Greenville, South Carolina, in April, Burnett design

USA - Providing sound design services and equipment delivery since 2018, as overseen by Eighth Day Sound’s Sean Sturge, UniverSoul Circus is one of North America’s most-loved family friendly, non-stop action productions. This year, the show has 10 acts from multiple continents, reinforcing its position as a truly cultural live entertainment offering.

Production manager Kabelo Mashobane begins: “The idea here is to bring everyone from different cultures together. Soul doesn't have a colour. It doesn't matter where you are from, when it comes to seeking entertainment, we all speak the same language.”

To convey the messaging behind the circus’ new show, Kabelo explains why Eighth Day Sound is the right fit: “Our audio delivery is unique; we have a lot of dynamic sounds due to our different acts bringing their own regional take. From classica

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