International News

AARHUS, DENMARK – Seeking to satisfy his curiosity, or perhaps confirm industry buzz, Stephan Aue, lighting and scenic designer for Swedish electronica band Covenant, decided to see how bright the super compact Martin MAC 101 really was. Aue, who also serves as lighting op for part of the band’s “Modern Ruin” tour that has the band touring Europe throughout the year, is using 24 of the compact wash lights, which he transports in a single Sprinter van. Lighting supply is by Ambion GmbH.

LONDON, UK – Each year the UK’s Comic Relief appeal seems to go from strength to strength, with some of the biggest names in comedy and entertainment coming together with a simple plan to ‘do something funny for money’. So far this year, a staggering £74,360,207 has been raised, proving that even in a recession, people can still find it in themselves to dig deep and do their bit for others.

DUSSELDORF, Germany — The semi-finals and finals competition for the 56th annual Eurovision Song Contest, broadcast from Düsseldorf Arena May 10, 12 and 14, was seen by 200 million via TV and Internet. LD Jerry Appelt used more than 2,100 moving lights and more than five miles of truss. The total fixture count — 5,638 — also set a record, as did the total load — 280 tons of gear.

LE MANS, France — Monster Energy, a sponsor of the 2011 Motorcycle Grand Prix de France, boosted its visibility with a customized pair of Stageline’s Promobile stages. One of the units invited the public for product tastings and racer autograph signing events. The second served as a V.I.P. guest lounge with food, drinks and live shows.

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil — The Axé Brazil festival recently drew some 80,000 people to an arena here over a two-day period. The event, which focuses on the Brazilian music genre known as Axé, featured Brazilian artists Ivete Sangalo, Cláudia Leite, Chiclete Com Banana and Asa De Águia, among others.

ISLE of MAN — Rushen Abbey, a Medieval ruin and heritage site on this island in the Irish Sea, was recently transformed by hire and event specialists Event Lighting Services (ELS), which used 12 GDS LiteWare UL fixtures and five COLORado 3 outdoor-rated LED wash fixtures from Chauvet.

MELBOURNE, Australia — Darren Gee, venue & operations manager for the Footscray Community Arts Centre, used ETC gear to help light new facilities including a 250-seat performance space, a new gallery, a computer lab and other multi-use spaces. He used newly-acquired gear included four 53 cm ETC Selador Vivid-R LED fixtures and an ETC Element console.

LONDON — LarMac LIVE created a design and coordinated technical production for a “silent” gig for the pop band Scouting For Girls on the third floor of The Bargehouse exhibition venue at London’s Oxo Tower. To meet noise constraints, everyone – band, crew and the 150 guests – listened via earphones.