USA - Monterey Jazz Festival organisers decided that 2011 was the year they would bring performances from the venerable festival to a global audience through the power of streaming media. The decision paid off as the festival and two media partners reported impressive online viewing statistics for performers including the Robert Glasper Experiment, Carmen Souza and the Benny Green Trio.

Streaming media and content delivery provider StreamGuys provided the Internet broadcast services for the 54th Monterey Jazz Festival. Evening performances from the Night Club/Bill Berry Stage were hosted live over the websites of the Monterey Jazz Festival and Santa Cruz-based NPR member station KUSP-FM. Popular NPR jazz music blog 'A Blog Supreme' also hosted the performances.

StreamGuys delivered H.264 video and AAC+ audio at varying bit rates to support an array of user speeds and media pla

Australia - Twelve Robe Robin 600 LEDWash fixtures were supplied by the Perth office of lighting rental company Clifton Productions, to provide appropriate lighting conditions for the official photograph of the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

The photo session for the 22nd CHOGM event, the largest gathering of world leaders ever in Australia, was staged in Pavilion 1 at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre. Official photographer Andrew Taylor and a host of national and international media and TV crews needed an even and consistent 4500 Lux level right across the podium on which the 50 world leaders - including Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II - were posed for the photo.

Clifton's Martin McKinney was the lighting director for the shoot and he specified the 12 LEDWash 600s, which were rigged on three trusses, flown at two, five and eight me

UK - Northern Light has announced plans for an expansion of its events arm - NL Productions.

Colin Cuthbert, managing director of Northern Light, says, "Since we rebranded our event production arm, we have been working on some extremely high profile events, such as the MOBO Awards and this year's Enchanted Forest. We're actively seeking - and winning - more work of this kind and have taken the decision to build our events business around the needs of servicing large scale events. This will also stand us in good stead for offering even better service to our smaller clients."

To assist in creating warehouse space and updating of equipment, Northern Light has set up an online auction of ex-hire equipment that is no longer needed.

Phil O'Halloran, head of NL Productions, says, "Our plans for expansion and investment in new equipment mean that we needed to c

USA - The Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in suburban Houston is home to the Berry Centre, a multi-venue facility that includes a theatre, football stadium, arena, and conference centre. To accommodate the endless events it hosts, Berry Centre technical systems manager Brent Buchanan recently asked the school district to invest in the Allen & Heath iLive mixing system, acquiring two T-112 mixing surfaces, one R-72 rackmount mixer, and a total of five iDR Series MixRacks, including three iDR-32s and two iDR-48s.

"We were looking for a premium product with the versatility to handle a wide variety of uses," Buchanan states. "Ease of use, portability, reliability, great sound - all these things were of critical importance when we chose our digital mixing platform. I did a lot of research, and Allen & Heath was really miles ahead of everything else on the

Norway - Distributor Scandec Systemer has supplied and installed an L-Acoustics Kara WST line source system in the Norwegian National Theatre in Oslo.

The new system consists of seven Kara cabinets flown with two SB18 subs per side, with a centre array of 10 Kiva speakers. The system is driven by LA4 and LA8 amplified controllers.

"We chose the new Kara system because we needed to improve the coverage and power output of our main PA, due to the more demanding shows we are putting on," says the National Theatre's house technician, Kai Priddy. "We chose L-Acoustics equipment for our main stage back in 2008, and have been very happy with the performance and audio quality so far. Never change a winning formula."

(Jim Evans)

UK - Southampton's new Sea City visitor attraction has selected Sysco AV for the contract to design, supply and install the entire audio visual system requirements for the new attraction.

Opening in 2012 at a total cost of £15m, the new visitor attraction will celebrate Southampton's 2,000-year history as a global maritime port. It will be housed in the city's Grade II Old Magistrates Court and completed in April 2012, in time to commemorate the centenary of the Titanic leaving Southampton. It is anticipated that over 120,000 visitors each year will visit the attraction and immerse themselves in the story of the city and its most famous ship.

Sea City will be home to three galleries, two permanent and one temporary, with Sysco responsible for the design, engineering and installation of all the audio visual and interactive elements. The first permanent gallery, Gateway

USA - Singer-songwriters Gavin DeGraw and David Cook, the latter an American Idol winner, are co-headlining a US Tour and a grandMA2 light is going along for the ride. DeGraw and Cook plan to visit 22 cities on a continental swing. DeGraw is performing songs from his fourth album, Sweeter, and Cook appears in support of his most recent album, This Loud Morning.

Lighting designer/director Scott Warner is responsible for maximising a limited lighting rig so all the bands appearing with DeGraw and Cook have a different look. He also serves as the programmer and operator for the tour bands.

Warner is also a first-time grandMA2 user. He's using the console to control not only Clay Paky Sharpys but also an array of Robe REDWash, Martin 700, Atomic Strobes and Lowel Omni lights.

"I saw the grandMA2 light at LDI and loved the look - it's a great-looking con

UK - Manchester- based lighting rental company dbn provided lighting and LED screens for the official Switch On of the City's Festive lights, for which 20,000 enthusiastic revellers packed into Albert Square outside the Town Hall to watch Tinchy Stryder hit the button.

dbn has lit the event for the last 10 years and the company's Nick Buckley was happy to do the honours again - both project managing and lighting designing - working directly for Manchester City Council.

A six metre wide temporary stage was set up beneath a giant Father Christmas structure which is staying in place for the whole Festive period. Above this, the dbn crew installed a sloping box truss, which facilitated positions for all their overhead lighting, and was covered with a stretched fabric canopy for weather protection.

Lighting fixtures on the truss included ARRI 2K fresnels, a selection of Molefey b

UK - One of the first bands to come to major prominence via fan file sharing and internet 'buzz', the Arctic Monkeys have spent much of 2011 on tour promoting their fourth studio album Suck It and See. Accompanying the band, as usual, has been a package of Sennheiser microphones and in-ear monitors.

The band's front of house engineer Matthew Kettle is a long-term Sennheiser user. Working with the Arctic Monkeys since 2009, he has been happy to continue the relationship.

"I've been using Sennheiser microphones for as long as I can remember," he says. "The band were already using the evolution series vocal mics when I started. I had been using them with numerous other bands, with great results, and so there was no question of us changing."

Currently lead singer Alex Turner uses an e 935 with cardioid pattern, while the backing vocals of bass player N

USA / UK - Lighting designer Jason Carroll has taken five GLP Spot Ones on tour with St. Vincent (the name under which multi-instrumentalist Annie Clark performs). Playing up to 1200-capacity mostly sold-out venues in the States, in support of the latest album, Strange Mercy, the tour then relocated to the UK and Europe, where Carroll has been able to source the same inventory - and add in some GLP impression 120RZ zooms for good measure.

Having worked with the band since 2009, Jason Carroll explained, "Previously I used a multitude of floor based LED par can fixtures to create a 'technicolor' stage look. I also had three white rectangle spandex stretchy shapes behind the band, to throw colour onto and intentionally cast tall shadows.

"But for the current tour, Annie wanted the lighting to be drastically different, with no backdrop pieces and a colour shift to

Italy - In order to create maximum impact among the many trucks thundering along the Italian autostrade, the new All Access sound production consortium has created high-impact custom livery for one of its semis, specifically to promote its new MLA (Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array) rig and the Martin Audio brand.

In addition to adding value to the array system, it will enable them to sub-rent the rig in conjunction with its own dedicated truck.

The idea was floated by one of the partners, Electra Service owner Roberto Buttarelli, and soon All Access were modifying an existing 16m semi (with 13.7m net space and a load capacity of 380 tonnes), which is purpose-designed to hold at least a 112-enclosure system (comprising MLA tops and MLX subs).

All Access received full support from Martin Audio's Italian distributor, Audiosales, who funded the truck's customisation, sensing tha

UK - Wigwam Hire has enhanced its Optocore-based 'OptoRack' data returns system in preparation for the upcoming Coldplay European Mylo Xyloto arena tour, and next summer's stadium dates.

Wigwam, who also handled the band's 2009 Viva La Vida tour, has purchased an additional five Optocore DD32R-FX digital interfaces - one for each of the five amp racks being deployed, which will all be connected by fibre.

Said Wigwam hire director, Chris Hill, "We will be running over 100 d&b D12 amplifiers in racks from five separate positions - some in the venue roofs and some on the ground - and programming in the delays etc. All will be connected to our Optocore returns system."

This will provide the band's FOH engineer Dan Green and systems engineer Tony Smith with a more elegant and stable solution. "The new DD32R-FX units offer a major advantage to running

UK - 2011 marked the debut of Sir Trevor Nunn as artistic director of London's Theatre Royal, Haymarket, with four very different productions. Sound design for all four was by Paul Groothuis, who used Yamaha digital consoles and DME series digital mixing engines to help ensure the season's success.

The four plays were, in order of production, Terrence Rattigan's Flare Path, Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead, The Tempest and finally The Lion in Winter by James Goldman.

Designing an audio system that could comfortably accommodate a Second World War love triangle, an absurdist comedy, Shakespeare and a 12th century Christmas drama was a challenge, especially as the requirement for radio mics ranged from zero to 24.

"Based on my time working at the National Theatre, I designed an average 'rep-like' system for music, effects and

Australia - Parramatta Leagues Club has refurbished their Level 2 dining and lounge areas, creating the stylish Parra Firehouse bar and restaurant. Parra Firehouse offers authentic pizzas, tempting tapas and fresh pasta dishes.

The open-plan kitchen creates an inviting buzz for indoor dining while the large terrace with booth and banquet seating makes for an enjoyable alfresco dining experience overlooking Parramatta Stadium and Parramatta Park.

The design talents of Paul Kelly of Paul Kelly Design were employed to create many spaces with several connections making it feel as one. This required a formula for "consistency" of sound quality, yet individual area control.

With five different areas, most having a connection with an adjoining space, it was important to think of the flow of sound.

The JBL-Control25AV was selected for its ability to produce good low leve

UK - Michael Forever - The Tribute Concert in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium featured Michael Jackson's greatest hits performed live by Beyoncé, Cee Lo Green, and Christina Aguilera, as well as a number of Michael Jackson's siblings.

On behalf of the Bristol-based TV production company Iambic, Dutch facilities company UNITED was charged with recording the concert. The challenges for Bolke Burnaby Lautier, manager operations sports and events, and his approximately 55-strong team were many, and included a very tight set-up schedule and the need to record the show in 3D format, so enormous importance was attached to ensuring flawless communication between all members of the production team.

The appropriate communications infrastructure was provided by equipment from RTS/Telex, the nerve centre being an RTS Advanced Digital Audio Matrix (ADAM) with a 144 x 144 port configura

UK - Following the success of Hed Kandi's inaugural bar in Clapham earlier this year, installation company MSL has again chosen Martin Audio as its preferred loudspeaker brand at the new Hed Kandi Bar flagship bar in Brighton, which opened recently.

Situated on West Street in the City centre, the former Luminar-owned Tru Nightclub has been completely overhauled and redesigned (by Julian Taylor Associates), with MSL entrusted with the full audio visual installation - including a high-impact Martin Audio system, networked across two floors.

Part of the Ministry of Sound Group of companies, Hed Kandi has become a globally recognised brand with club events all over the world and a huge music catalogue over many dance music genres. It was the Ministry's then technical manager Alex Barrand who recommended MSL and Martin Audio on the strength of its performance at the premier London

USA - Synthpop superstar Owl City toured the world in 2011 with illumination support from Bandit Lites. Manager Steve Bursky, production manager Adam Jackson, stage manager Andy Frost and lighting director/ designer Paul Holst all worked with Bandit Lites business development manager Brent Barrett on the production.

Holst worked directly with the artist (Adam Young) known as Owl City to deliver multiple different works of visual artistry throughout the year. Every leg of the 2011 world tour required a different equipment package and Host was more than prepared for the challenge. Known for his global hit Fire Files, Owl City embarked on a massive world tour in 2011. Holst created visually stimulating looks with every show, each steeped in LED technology along with unique trussing shapes and black lite and strobe effects.

Equipment used along the way included VL 2500 Spot

Germany - Lighting designer Tobias 'Tobi' Deuring has become one of the first LD's to specify multiples of SGM's X-5 white strobe, on an arena tour. But rather than design it into a conventional stage set for a touring band he is using it on a world tour for award-winning German stand-up comedian, Bülent Ceylan.

Having worked regularly with the artist since 2009 it was to prepare for the latest show, Wilde Kreatürken, which has been playing arenas up to 13,000 capacity (such as the Cologne Lanxess Stadium) that he needed to provide additional punch and creativity.

"It is particularly important when you are lighting a solo performer to create spaces in order to make the light visible," states Tobi. "You have to create several layers to achieve depth - both in the eye of the camera and the beholder."

Thorsten Sattler, key account manager, SGM Germa

China - Carlsbro and Studiomaster shared the honour of hosting guest artists Texas Radio at this year's Music China exhibition. The two companies flew the east London blues rockers to Shanghai to provide some authentic musical product demonstration and live performance sets to entertain visitors at the show.

The band played live sets on the Studiomaster / Carlsbro stand and on the Studiomaster sponsored outdoor performance stage with full Carlsbro backline, and a sound reinforcement system comprising a Studiomaster line array and MCX24 mixing console.

The band are purveyors of an authentic bottle-neck blues rock sound that belies their youth and east London origins; fused somewhere between Muddy Waters and Doctor Feelgood. PA on the stand was provided with Studiomaster JX15 active cabinets and a Studiomaster C4TX compact mixing console.

Following an exhausting performance sc

UK - York Barbican has transformed its sound system with the installation of an HK Audio Cohedra Compact line array system.

Managed and operated by SMG Europe, the Barbican recently reopened after a major £2m investment, and for their new in-house sound system, they went straight to local firm JSS Audio. The Barbican's technical team approached JSS's Jem Walker with their wish-list, knowing that with JSS's track record of consistently delivering top notch sound there for a wide roster of events, they could rely on Walker to recommend what he considered to be the best solution.

JSS immediately turned to their Lab.gruppen-powered HK Audio Cohedra Compact line array system when asked to demo their proposed solution.

With extensive experience of using their 'CoCo' in all types of venues and across most musical genres, JSS knew it would be suitable for the diverse programme

South Africa - Gearhouse South Africa recently supplied the Kings of Leon tour. 72 Robin 600 LEDWash fixtures were purchased by Gearhouse to facilitate the growing demand for these fixtures for events such as this.

The concert was held at the Cape Town Stadium on 26 October and for the Johannesburg fans two days later, at The Soccer City Complex, FNB Stadium. A grandMA console was used for the event.

An enormous African thunderstorm the night before the Johannesburg concert certainly added a touch of apprehension and caused a four hour delay on the load in. However the Gearhouse team ensured the gig went ahead without a glitch.

(Claire Beeson)

UK Staging specialists Stageco installed the curved performance stages for the 2011 MTV EMA in Belfast's Odyssey Arena, 6 November 2011.

Stageco applied its broadcast awards experience to provide the decking substructure for the MTV EMA curved stages, presenter platforms and camera platforms. Project manager Martin Beckers, along with a team of three Stageco supervisors, were based in Northern Ireland for 10 days to ensure the tight load-in and load-out schedules for the three trucks of equipment were adhered to.

This meant scheduling split 24 hour shifts at the outset, whilst also accommodating the ever-changing requirements of the show's producers throughout the event and in line with artist requests.

International project director Dirk De Decker worked closely with 2011 MTV EMA production manager Maggie Mouzakitis and designer Es Devlin in advance to plan the performance

Festival Winners - Glastonbury was named the UK's best major festival at this year's UK Festival Awards held at London's Roundhouse. The Somerset event was headlined this year by U2, Coldplay and Beyonce but is taking a break in 2012. Bestival, which won the best major festival prize last year, was named the 2011 fans' favourite.

Sonisphere, staged at Knebworth House, landed the best line-up prize following appearances from Biffy Clyro, Slipknot and Metallica. Paolo Nutini took the headline performance of the year for his performance at Latitude. The Secret Garden Party in Cambridgeshire took the best medium-sized festival prize, while Dorset's End Of The Road was named best small festival.

The Boss is Back - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are to tour in 2012, it has been announced. The singer said on his website that European dates would run from May to July,

The Netherlands - Martin Professional's longtime Dutch distributor, Fairlight, has opened three new showrooms at its offices in Bemmel, Holland, a significant customer-centred investment that provides an opportunity to showcase Martin's line of dynamic lighting products.

The new facilities include an entertainment-focused showroom, an LED Application Centre and a space dedicated to more in-depth product demonstrations. The entertainment showroom, complete with light show, is a spacious area where Fairlight personnel can present the complete range of Martin entertainment products and conduct extensive product training. The LED Application Centre features Martin's growing portfolio of LED-based products with focus on colour temperature and surface illumination.

"This fantastic set up enables Martin and Fairlight to maintain a leading position in the Dutch entertainment mark

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