Lights Up Loud Illuminates Guitar Guru

Photos by Henry Hughes
Jason Goers, uses 10 Intimidator™ Spot 250 LED to light the Alberta Rose Theatre during a live performance by guitar guru, Trace Bundy. Goers is a lighting designer who works more than 140 shows per year and owns Lights Up Loud — a concert lighting design company that specializes in bringing stage performances to life by adding energetic and soulful elements. He recently upgraded his lighting system and replaced his 10 Q-Spot™ 160-LED moving heads with 10 Intimidator™ Spot LED 250 — read on for his seven favorite features. *Photo Credit: Henry Hughes

1. Quicker set up and tear down with power linking capability
2. Easily fly the fixture using a single bracket
3. Upgraded step motors for smooth and controlled pan and tilt functions
4. Blinking red light indicates DMX signal which is great for emergency troubleshooting 5. Improved optics with faster manual focus
6. Easy access for maintenance and cleaning once the chassis is stripped off
7. Brighter and more compact than the Q-Spot™ 160-LED

Photos by Henry HughesPhotos by Henry Hughes

CHAUVET® DJ and TRUSST® Prove to Be a Saving Grace for S.H.E.A.R., Inc.


CHAUVET® DJ and TRUSST® are teaming together to support S.H.E.A.R., Inc., Sharing Hope Empowerment and Reaction, in their effort to help at-risk youth in Miami. The dynamic duo is lending a hand by sponsoring the Holy Ghost -N- Da Hood gospel concert held on June 15 at the Miami Rescue Mission. To enhance live performances by renowned gospel artists, including Malcolm Hawkins, Mark Samuel and Scum of the Earth, the stage is set to feature 26 CHAUVET® DJ fixtures and a 24-piece TRUSST® trussing system.

Anthony Durden, quality control technician for Chauvet and president of S.H.E.A.R., Inc., partnered with Raglan Jones, product coordinator for Chauvet, to create a design that complemented the event. For a prominent focal point on stage, Jones designed a TRUSST®-built cross illuminated with four SlimPAR™ Quad 6 IRC wash lights and crafted from one 2.5-meter and three 1-meter sticks of truss, one 6-way corner block and one 30-inch base plate. To add dimension, he incorporated six Intimidator™ Spot LED 350 moving heads mounted atop two 1-meter, two 1.5-meter and two 2-meter sticks of TRUSST® warmed with six SlimPAR™ Quad 6 IRC wash lights into the design. Additionally, two 4BAR™ Tri wash lights will add front lighting to performers, while two Geyser™ RGB fixtures, two Impulse™ 648 strobe lights and a Nimbus™ dry-ice machine emit impressive, eye-catching effects. To enhance beams and tie the light show together, two Hurricane™ Haze 2D haze machines will be placed at the rear of the stage. For more information about this event, please click here.

Take a sneak peek of the design and stay tuned for post-event photos!
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DJ Spontaneous Goes Wireless on a Whim

Orlando Torres, aka DJ Spontaneous — owner of Spontaneous Entertainment, simplified his uplighting system by selling all his wired fixtures and replacing them with wireless Freedom™ Strip Mini Quad-5 wash lights. He is very impressed with his new gear and created a video review to share his thoughts with the world. Tune in for an overview of the fixture, tips to remember when operating it and a demonstration of how to use it with a D-Fi™ 2.4 Tx transmitter.

“I just wanted to say what a great fixture the Freedom™ Strip Mini Quad-5 is,” Torres said. “I was looking to upgrade my uplighting system and go from wired lights, to great quality, time-efficient fixtures. Thanks to Chauvet, I found it! When I first saw all the reviews from NAMM, I was impressed and decided to take the plunge and sell all my lights and go completely wireless — it was the best thing I have ever done. Set up time takes 3-5 minutes, breakdown is even faster and the quality of the 5-watt, quad-colored LEDs is insane. I currently have 14 Freedom™ Strip Mini Quad-5 wash lights and will be purchasing a few more in the near future.”

Chauvets Honored with AAA Award

On April 18, Albert and Bérénice Chauvet were honored with the African-American Achievers Award sponsored by JM Family Enterprises, Inc. and were recognized for their contribution, hard work and commitment to the community. They joined others in a rich history of celebrating those who “unselfishly invest their time and talents toward building a stronger South Florida community.” Tune in for an exciting interview with the exceptional team who is living the American dream.

One-on-One with Lance Shirley

Lance Shirley, a member of the Chauvet team for nearly four years, is the quality control manager at Chauvet. Read on and get to know a little bit more about him.

1. Where are you from?
I’m originally from Miami.

2. Why Chauvet?
I was fresh out of college and needed a job to hold me over until I was able to find something in my field of study. I really like working at Chauvet because of the family-oriented atmosphere we have here at headquarters — especially in the quality control department. We spend more time with each other here at work than we do at home with our own families. We are all from different walks of life and we all offer each other advice when one of is experiencing tough times.

3. Where did you work prior to joining the Chauvet team?
I was a full-time student at Florida A&M University.

4. Favorite food?
My favorite food is oxtails and steamed veggies.

5. Favorite type of music?
Hip-Hop, R&B, Jazz, Neo-Soul, Gospel and a little Reggae.

6. Favorite thing to do outside of work?
Spending time at the park with Cameron, my two-year-old son, and playing sports.

7. What is one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?
I have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

8. A show without lights is like…
A show without lights is like a club without a DJ.

Chauvet Shows off at Solotech


Erikson Pro, the Canadian distributor for Chauvet, showcased CHAUVET® DJ, CHAUVET® Professional and TRUSST® gear during the Solotech en coulisse Trade Show held in Montreal. Attendees crowded the booth to see the latest in LED technology and must-have truss systems. Geyser™ RGB proved to be an instant hit. The dual effect fixture emits thick, white bursts of fog while simultaneously illuminating it with colorful LEDs. Additionally, the TRUSST® Goal Post and Arch Kits gained popularity for their ease of set up, ability to perfectly mount MotionDrape™ LED and overall professional appearance. Check out some photos from the show.

Chauvet Goes to the Prom


The seniors at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma celebrated their final days of school in style. The school hosted a lavish prom at the historic Cain’s Ballroom, complete with 37 Chauvet fixtures. Randy Lundy, owner of Party Allstars, created a lively atmosphere using one Scorpion™ 3D RGB and two Eclipse™ RGB lasers, one Cubix™ effect light, 20 SlimPAR™ 38 and four COLORrail™ wash lights, and four Q-Spot™ 260-LED and four Q-Spot™ 160-LED moving heads. He also used ShowXpress™ software to program and control the entire system. Lundy, aka DJ Ran-D, DJ RO’ and DJ Vixen kept the dance floor packed and the students had the time of their life. Party AllStars specializes in proms, Bat/Bar Mitzvahs, Sweet 16′s and a variety of school events ranging from elementary to university level.

“Lighting played a huge part in enhancing the event,” Lundy said. “ShowXpress™ allows us to match the music and set the mood. The director of the venue said our light show was more impressive than most of the bands and DJs who perform there.”

 

SLS Showroom Built with TRUSST®

IMG_3421 - cropNavah Berg, marketing manager for TRUSST®, CHAUVET® DJ VIP Gear Bags and the CHAUVET® DJ VIP Rewards program, took a dealer trip to Sound and Lighting Solutions (SLS) right here in our own backyard. Berg met with Jay Krause, owner of SLS, for a tour of their TRUSST®-built showroom. She was interested to see how they designed their setup and how they use TRUSST® to showcase the latest lighting gear. Check out some photos from the visit.

DJ Profile: DJ Crochet

Joey Crochet, aka DJ Crochet, is a DJ in Oceanport, N.J. who works for A & S Sound. The DJ entertainment and event production company specializes in weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16 parties, school dances, karaoke, theatrical productions, equipment rentals and more. Read on and get to know more about your fellow DJ.

1. How and when did you get started as a DJ?
I became interested in DJing a few years ago when I started experimenting with Virtual DJ — I wasn’t very good. As time went on, I progressed significantly and was offered a job with A & S Sound in Oakhurst, N.J.

2. Is this a full-time job or something you do on the side?
I am a full-time student, so DJing is currently a side job. However, I would love for it to be a full-time job.

3. What fixtures are included in your setup?
I use SlimPAR™ 56 wash lights for uplighting, Q-Spot™ 260-LED moving heads for effects and COLORstrip™ linear wash lights to illuminate my facade.

setup

4. What is your favorite fixture?
My favorite fixture would have to be Q-Spot™ 260-LED — they’re very bright and an overall great fixture. Moving heads are my favorite type of fixtures because they have so many features and are able to do so much, especially with the capabilities and control ShowXpress™ provides.

5. Best advice you can give someone just getting started in the DJ industry?
If someone gives you advice, take it in and don’t forget it. The reason I am where I am today is because I work with some very talented people. I take their advice to hear t in order to become a better DJ. Also, use Chauvet ShowXpress™ to run your lighting — it’s one of the best programs out there.

6. What are your top three most requested songs?
My top three most requested songs are:  “Danza Kuduro” by Don Omar ft. Lucenzo, “Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO and “Gangnam Style” by Psy.

CHAUVET® DJ Colors the Grove


AVM Productions used 20 CHAUVET® DJ fixtures to light the stage during the Color the Grove 5K & Music Fest held at Darton State College in Albany, Georgia. The team included four members: Jodie Kretzer, production manager; Mark Davis, sound technician; Dan Reeves, lighting technician; and Dustin Tilley, stage hand. Throughout the event, Abigail Rose, Relapse and The Cole Taylor Band entertained attendees as they performed on a stage illuminated with eight SlimPAR™ 56 and two SlimPAR™ 64 RGBA par-style wash lights, eight COLORrail™ IRC linear wash lights and two SlimBANK™ Tri-18 wide-area wash lights.

“My favorite fixture by far is the new CHAUVET® DJ SlimBANK™ Tri-18,” Kretzer said.  “I can see myself using these fixtures in just about any application, whether they are used as an effect or wash light.  For this event, I used them as audience blinders and the built-in programs looked great through haze — these lights can really throw out some light. They have a great beam and even lit our pecan grove.”