Keystone shine at Spring Ball

21 September 2012

  Photos by Christopher Bolton, Keystone Productions.  

Carefully  orchestrated from the invitations to the final classical rock production, the EOH Spring Ball was a outstanding banquet held at the Sandton Convention Centre’s Pavilion Venue in Sandton. For the second consecutive year, AVL Productions supplied the technical including set and AV content while Keystone Productions were delighted to provide the lighting requirements including 16 Philips Vari-Lite VLX fixtures.

  Johannesburg based EOH, who provide business and technical solutions and systems, annually host a Spring Ball for their valued staff and clients. Sam McGrath from Jam Events was pivotal in putting it together and featured songs of Queen with a classical twist.    

The master of ceremonies was non-other than South African Idols judge, Randall Abraham. The performers were outstanding and included Joseph Clark who does a remarkable impression of Freddie Mercury, Lauren Laing and Brandon October.

  AVL Productions’ Paul Hughes did the set design, sound and provided the AV content which played a leading role in the show. Congratulations also to AVL’s Production Manager, Verusca Di Zio.  

Christopher Bolton from Keystone Productions worked his magic on the lighting design.

  With back-to-back bookings at the venue, it was a one day load in and there was only one rehearsal at the venue prior to the show. Christopher spent 20 odd-hours pre-programming on MSD Visualizer. “It was great to get everything set up and working in time,” said Christopher. “Paul Hughes and I discussed different looks and AV Content, each show had its own music video. I programmed the lighting to compliment this. Because of the Philips Vari-Lite VLXs, I didn’t need generics.” The VLXs were also used to focus on the choir and Christopher was clearly pleased with the end result.       “I love working at this venue because of the ceiling height,” commented Christopher. The trussing over the stage was 11m off the ground above the 16m x 4m screen. “The ClayPaky Sharpies cut through the air in the venue. They were placed on the second level of the set, and shone just over the audience’s heads. Christopher, as usual, specified a MDG Atmosphere APS . You simply can’t match its discreet yet visual presence,” he said. “It’s incredible how one machine can fill a venue of that size in a matter of minutes.”     Martin Mac 700s and Philips Vari-Lite VLX were placed on trussing over the stage. There were four fingers of trussing, each with 5 x Mac 700s and 4 x Philip Vari-Lite VLXs. Christopher programmed on his Martin Maxxyz Compact.     The show could not have ended on a higher note. When it ended, Christopher went home, had a glass of wine and climbed into bed by 1h30. His expecting wife was staying with friends while he worked on this project. About fifteen minutes later, Christopher received the phone call that baby was on its way. Beautiful little Isabella  was born at 06h45 that morning.   Congratulations to all involved on the EOH Spring Ball, and  even more so to the proud new dad.  

Lighting Gear

16        x          Philips Vari-Lite VLX

24        x          Martin Mac 700s

24        x          Martin Mac 101s

12        x          ClayPaky Sharpys

1          x          MDG Atmosphere

2          x          Martin Maxxyz Compact