UK - As part of the Odin Line Array tour in the UK through June and July, owner Harry Carnaby of Allstarz Productions used the system in the Queens Theatre Hornchurch London on a production called Elements. Harry said, “We used four Odin T-8A top boxes per side flown and two Odin S-18A subs per side on the stage. The sound was something different, we’ve used many different brands and the sound that Odin produces is crisp, clear and sounds amazing from such a small/light range of cabinets. “We liked them so much we have placed an order for a number of the Odin speakers and will be using them on an upcoming UK tour.” The Odin tour continues - 14 July Corringham Essex, 20-21 Yalding nr Maidstone Kent and ends in Bude Cornwall 27-29 July. (Jim Evans)
Greece - The Summer Nostos Festival at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC) in Athens is an arts, sports and education festival that is open to the public free of charge. Music, dance, sports, arts and architecture discussions, film and video screenings and programs for children and families are combined for an entire week in June as part of a multi-faceted programme of events for all ages. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation returned in 2018 for the fourth consecutive summer as the host, organizer and exclusive supporter. The Summer Nostos Festival encapsulates the idea of “nostos” (homecoming), the inexhaustible desire to return to all things familiar including emotions and places. Lighting designer George Tellos of Lighting Art relied on MA Lighting for his design and used one grandMA2 full-size with three grandMA2 light, two MA NPU (Network
UAE - The Burj Khalifa's transformation into the world's tallest World Cup scoreboard is stunning fans in Dubai and around the world. During each match, the 828m high building's 1.2m LEDs act as pixels to display a live stream of updates, and light up with the flag of the winning nation. This is just the latest innovation at the world's tallest skyscraper, which continues to establish itself as a focus for world-class technology and events. Six months ago, it all kicked off with a spectacular New Year's Eve Light Up 2018 launch, masterminded by Emaar Properties and realised by AO Creative, that broke from all conventions to stage a Guinness world record-breaking, multimedia light and sound show. Emaar Properties' ambitious vision for the New Year's Eve event was fulfilled by AO Creative, the creative division of Arts Outdoor Lighting Technology. More than one m
UK - Star Events redesigned the entire Great Oak Stage sub-structure and super-structure to accommodate Roger Waters’ Us + Them production, which opened the BST Hyde Park series last Friday. With gags including smoking Battersea Power Station chimneys rising above the stage, graffiti strewn flying pigs and the surround sound effects synonymous with Roger Waters, Us + Them managed to set a new precedent, even for a Hyde Park performance. The Pink Floyd-heavy two-and-a-half-hour show contemporised the politics from the band’s mid-70s/early-80s canon through a series of stunning visual sequences fitted to the songs. The back of the traditional performance box was pushed up and film, cartoons and stills on the resulting 1,100sq m video wall focused on state-sponsored torture, refugees, human rights, Donald Trump and the singer’s support for Pale
Israel - KLANG, the German-based manufacturer of immersive 3D in-ear mixing technologies, has appointed AEM of Tel Aviv, as its exclusive distributor in Israel. AEM specialises in the importation and distribution of products associated with stage and studio monitoring and represents many key brands. Its founder and owner, Alon Eitan is very highly regarded throughout the Israeli music industry as an expert in the field, something that KLANG:technologies head of sales, Phil Kamp, feels is a great advantage: “Alon is the trusted go-to man in this sector for a host of Israeli musicians, producers and engineers, so as well as possessing an incredible depth of technical knowledge, he has also cultivated the broadest possible range of relationships within the marketplace. We have no doubt that AEM, with its excellent customer support, is perfectly placed and equipped to de
Copyright Matters - Sir Paul McCartney has written an open letter to the European Parliament, calling for all music artists to be fairly paid for their work. The former Beatle is urging MEPs to back proposed changes to EU copyright law - Article 13 - which would force user upload content platforms to pay songwriters and performers fairly for the use of their work. The 76-year-old musician says that without this change, the future of the music industry could be at risk. In the note, Sir Paul writes: "Music and culture matter. They are a heart and soul. But they don't just happen; they demand the hard work of so many people. "Importantly, music also creates jobs and economic growth and digital innovation across Europe. Unfortunately the value gap jeopardises the music ecosystem. We need an internet that is fair and sustainable for all.” He goes on: "But today s
USA - The ESTA Control Protocols Plugfest organizers announced that a live, informal round-table discussion will be made available to the public via a free WebEx video conference. A discussion of sACN Universe Synchronization will be broadcast live on Sunday 22 July from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 P.M., CDT. The Universe Synchronization feature was recently added to ESTA’s ANSI E1.31, Lightweight streaming protocol for transport of DMX512 using ACN standard. Universe Sync allows the output of multiple universes of DMX512 data coming from a sACN controller to be synchronized together. This eliminates issues such as image tearing and out of sync strobes within arrays of LED fixtures across multiple universes. This lively, educational discussion will illustrate the challenges solved by Universe Sync as well as explain how it works from both a user perspective and within
Germany - Penn Elcom GmbH in Germany has moved to a new 8,000sq.m premises in Elten, north Westfalen just 10 kilometres from the previous warehouse – and over double the size. From this hub, the company distributes over 1,700 product lines and hardware including 19-inch racking, flightcase components and loudspeaker elements directly to B2B and B2C customers all over Europe. The new facility will assist the busy operation in continuing – and streamlining - the efficient and fast delivery of products worldwide which are manufactured by Penn in the UK. It was imperative to stay in the same regional location explains Dennis Marco Meertens, co-MD of Penn Elcom GmbH with Thomas Mostar. “Elten is perfectly positioned for expedient onward transportation and delivery to our local and regional sales teams – a very successful model devised to best understand speci
Germany - BlackTrax has announced that Amptown System Company is the latest to join the growing BlackTrax partner network. The company will be responsible for the sales, support and marketing of BlackTrax real time motion tracking systems throughout the German speaking market. “BlackTrax was the perfect addition to our package of audio, visual and lighting solutions. We invested in BlackTrax to meet the exponential demand for increasingly challenging media presentations that require automation and complete systemflexibility,” said Malte Polli-Holstein, key account manager at Amptown System Company. “BlackTrax is a respected brand and we’re delighted to be bringing it to Germany.” The latest addition to BlackTrax’s strong ecosystem of partners, Amptown System Company brings over 25 years’ experience and works in several markets including cruise ships, mus
India - Powersoft, has appointed Chennai-based GM Audio as its official distributor for the South of India region. Extending the Italian audio manufacturer’s presence in the market, GM Audio is the fourth distributor that the company has on-boarded in the country. “We decided a few years ago to divide India into four regions to properly address the size of the country and scale of the opportunity. India is an early adopter when it comes to new technologies, so it comes as no surprise that the Powersoft brand has been growing year on year, now taking up position as the leading amplifier brand in the market,” comments Håkan Sjöö, Powersoft regional sales account manager, EMEINA. “We have a great network already in the North, West and East of India, but we needed an established partner we could trust in the South to take our business there to the next level. We
UK - Neutrik UK has announced the appointment of a network of official regional resellers across Great Britain for its XIRIUM PRO digital wireless audio link system. The network of resellers extends high-level sales, service and in-the-field expert support across the country, for both UK and visiting overseas XIRIUM PRO users. Neutrik XIRIUM PRO is a dedicated ‘studio quality’ digital wireless audio link; a cable replacement system that sets a new professional standard in transmission of robust, low latency, high-resolution digital audio signals over long distances. Suitable for events, visitor attractions and indoor and outdoor venues, of the most demanding scale and complexity, the system is designed for use in situations where it is overly time-consuming or operationally impractical to run audio cables. The reseller network comprises Everything Audio in s
UK - Unique Venues of London has announced Borough Market as the newest member to join the association that this year sees it celebrating its 25th anniversary. Borough Market is London’s oldest food market. The venue spaces are situated within the market itself, with the Market Hall and Three Crown Square offering event environments that can hold between 300 and 350 guests. Additionally, the Cookhouse offers delegates an open plan kitchen and dining space for intimate gatherings of up to 10 people, suitable for sit down evening events and photoshoots. Rachel Pickles, events manager at Borough Market explains: “It’s not just the sheer quality of the food on offer that makes Borough Market special – it’s also about the place itself. As an iconic central London location and a distinctive venue space, Borough Market is thrilled to become members of UVL. We’re h
UK - Inspiring the Future of Theatre is a Society of London Theatres and UK Theatre campaign in partnership with Education & Employers, to showcase the range of careers available in theatre to young people, and encourage and strengthen connections between schools and their local theatres. A drive was launched in April to recruit industry ambassadors (particularly from off-stage roles) who will be matched with schools across the UK, taking part in events to lay the groundwork for young people to make informed and ambitious career decisions. Industry professionals (no matter the job type or level) can sign up to be an ambassador. It is a straightforward process, and you will receive guidance and support from the campaign ahead of your school visit. Already around 600 theatre professionals from artistic directors, costume cutters and lighting designers
UK - The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre have launched Theatre Helpline, a free 24-hour phone and email service supporting theatre professionals with any issue affecting their health and wellbeing. The confidential resource, which has been available since June, offers support and advice on a range of personal and professional topics, including bullying, physical and mental health, finance, careers and retirement issues. It is open to anyone working in theatre, whether in-house or freelance. SOLT and UK Theatre are working with Wales-based company Connect Assist to provide the helpline. Callers will be given a safe place to share worries and concerns and be provided with the resources they need to seek professional help if necessary. Like other existing support services in the UK, Theatre Helpline is not a whistleblowing service. Theatre Helpline (
Europe - The PLASA Awards for Innovation are now open for entries. Product manufacturers and developers are invited to enter the annual awards by 17 August (Friday). Successfully nominated products will feature on the Innovation Gallery throughout the PLASA Show (16-18 September, London Olympia), with winners announced at a special ceremony on 17 September (Monday). Entries will be judged by an independent panel of industry experts, with up to eight awards, including the possibility of Gold Award, set to be given to products and solutions that demonstrate a new style of thinking, improve technical practice and safety, introduce new technology, materials or techniques, or offer new commercial advantages. The PLASA Award for Sustainability may be presented to a solution that achieves significant power reduction, has a positive impact on the environment or makes an effective us
Logistical problems - Morrissey's UK and European tour dates this have been postponed due to "logistical problems". His management made the announcement, saying the issues are "beyond our control". The former Smiths frontman, 59, had been due to play two gigs at Castlefield Bowl in his home city of Manchester on 7 and 8 July. Other shows had been scheduled for Reading, Portsmouth and Edinburgh in July. A statement shared on Morrisey's official Facebook page said: "Due to logistical problems beyond our control, the UK/European Morrissey concerts scheduled for July will be postponed. We deeply regret any inconvenience to the fans.” The Bard’s Back - A new production of Shakespeare in Love will tour the UK later this year. Lee Hall’s stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning film ran in the West End in 2014. A new version of the play, which has music by Pa
UK - Aurora has opened newly upgraded pre-visualisation suites at their North London base. Located directly adjacent to the company’s extensive lighting store in Whetstone, Aurora’s new pre-viz and programming facility provides lighting directors and crews access to a range of lighting tools installed specifically to assist in the creative design and technical planning of all manner of productions. Forming part of an on-going pan-company programme of investment, this newly upgraded installation features MA and Hog lighting desks, dedicated computers running both WYSIWYG and MA3D software and 4K monitors. Created with the customer in mind the self-contained area offers relaxed, informal surroundings, including a smart breakout lounge. Conveniently situated at the company’s North London complex, the suites also benefit from direct access to the huge on-site l
UK - Central London camera hire facility Focus24 is hosting an event for guests to experience its new camera and grip facility. Along with its purpose-built prep rooms, optical centre and engineering facilities, the company will be showcasing some of the latest additions to its growing inventory. Also on demonstration will be bespoke MoVI packages available from Motion24, complete with a tracking vehicle. The event takes place on Wednesday 11 July from 4pm at Focus24 9 Vision, Kendal Avenue, London W3 0AF. Attendance can be confirmed via social@focus24.tv. (Jim Evans)
UK - A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET) will be hosting a free Nexo UK open day at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax. The event will take place on 25 July (Wednesday) over two half-day sessions and will comprise demos of various Nexo product ranges, including the small ID series, the point-source PS series, the Geo M10 system as well as the venue’s own Geo M6 house PA system, which AC-ET supplied. Representatives from AC-ET’s specialist audio division and from Nexo will provide a full product demonstration and interactive listening sessions with each speaker series. Shure will also be attending the event with their new Axient Digital wireless system. Topics to be explored during the sessions will include Nexo power and processing; a general overview of line array theory; and an overview of the Nexo NS1 system design software. The event is also an o
UK - Martin Audio has completed a management buyout (MBO) from global audio specialist Loud Audio. The MBO has been backed by private equity investor LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group. As part of the deal, LDC, alongside the Martin Audio management helmed by MD Dom Harter, has invested £12m in the company. The investment will enable the business to further develop its product range, improve its sales and marketing capabilities through the extension of its global distribution network and enhance its digital infrastructure through software development, says Martin Audio. As part of the deal, LDC investment directors Troy Harris-Speid and Philip Weston will join the board, alongside James Browning who will join as non-executive director. Dom Harter, managing director of Martin Audio, said: “Our success to date has been underpinned by providing
USA - The inaugural American Knight of Illumination Awards (KOI-USA), has announced the full judging panel for the five awards in the Concert Touring & Events category. Concert Touring & Events judging panel: John Featherstone, principal lighting designer and founder of Lightswitch and chair of the judging panel, has worked with The Pretenders, Van Halen, Duran Duran and Bryan Adams Barry Lather, creative director, began his career starring as a dancer in Michael Jackson's film Captain EO, and has since gone on to direct world tours for Usher, Mariah Carey, Rihanna and Carrie Underwood Angie Warner, touring manager for Guns'n'Roses, has more than 18 years' experience in the industry and has previously worked with NSYNC and Imagine Dragons Yelena Filipchuk, artist and co-founder of installation art collective HYBYCOZO, creator of large-scale,
UK - Triplex is the latest company to become an Adamson certified re-seller and rental partner appointed by Adamson’s UK distributor The Warehouse. Based in London, Triplex was founded in 2013 by Ross Cornwall, Mark Sunderland and Sam O’Riordan. Triplex specialises in turnkey audio rental for concert touring, events & private parties. Alongside the rental business, they run a thriving install arm serving houses of worship, clubs & bars amongst others. Jake Rudd, project manager at Triplex, comments: “As a touring engineer I have been stunned mixing on Adamson systems. We are so pleased to join with The Warehouse to deliver Adamson products to our clients. The team always strive to provide products that we believe will provide the best for our clients’ needs and Adamson ticks this box completely.” Derek Blair, director of The Warehouse says: “T
UK - Loudspeaker manufacturer, EM Acoustics, has significantly expanded its manufacturing facility in Surrey, UK. Part of the expansion includes the investment in new hi-tech machinery to enable much more of the manufacturing process to be performed in house. “We first moved into our current building in 2014,” explains operations director, Mike Wheeler. “We’ve gradually expanded as space has become available, and we now occupy just over 15,000 sq ft, which is three times our original surface. We’ve also tripled staffing levels since 2014 as our operations have expanded. The building now houses just about every part of the production process – from woodworking at one end of the factory, through warehousing, crossover assembly, final production, QC and shipping.” Apart from the increase in space which has enabled everything to be brought under the same ro
USA - Audinate has announced the immediate availability of its Dante Certification Level 3 - Advanced Dante Networking training online. This is an online version of the in-person Dante Certification Level 3, launched at InfoComm 2017 and conducted globally since. The Level 3 training course is an advanced level course aimed at those who have already been using Dante and want to gain more insight and knowledge in setting up and managing larger Dante-enabled networking systems. Building on what was covered in previous levels of Dante trainings, the Level 3 course delves deeper into various advanced networking concepts, mixed-use networks, networking best practices, and troubleshooting techniques. The online version of the course is designed in such a way that it can be taken in short modules. The modular nature of the course will enable those who are familiar with some
