Lucien Meyer, a lighting technician at the Grand Arena.
Since 2007, the Grand Arena at GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World in Cape Town has become a reliable choice for both local and international promoters and clients. With a seating capacity of 5,000 or a standing capacity of 7,000, the Grand Arena provides high-quality equipment supported by a friendly and knowledgeable in-house technical team, guaranteeing an outstanding experience. At the end of last year, the multi-purpose venue upgraded their hardworking Strong Super Troopers and invested in two Robert Juliat Merlin follow spots from DWR Distribution’s Johnny Scholtz.
Lucien Meyer, a seasoned lighting technician with 16 years of dedicated service to the Grand Arena, has been pivotal in elevating the venue’s technical excellence. As the primary lighting technician, his expertise has been instrumental in shaping the visual ambiance of countless events. Reflecting on his extensive experience, Lucien remarks, “Having utilised the Super Troopers for nearly 17 years within our venue, I’ve made the informed choice to transition to the Robert Juliat Merlin for our lighting needs.” He elaborates on the merits of the system, highlighting its exceptional brightness, ease of setup, and lightweight portability. Through thorough research and analysis, Lucien is confident that this shift represents the optimal direction for the venue. “Today I take pride in my personal growth as well as that of the venue to make sure that all clients who enter our venue leave each gig with smiles on their faces, said Lucien Meyer, Lightning Technician, All Access Crew.
The decision to invest in Robert Juliat Merlins underscores GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World’s unwavering commitment to upholding a superior technical standard for its clientele, said Maserame Moseneke, Events and Entertainment Manager, GrandWest. This strategic investment reaffirms the venue’s dedication to delivering unparalleled experiences and ensuring that every event at the Grand Arena shines brightly.
Manufactured with a stainless-steel housing and robust aluminium framework, the Merlin 2500W HMI followspot has been designed to meet the specific needs of those in the touring, live music, and large event industry, both indoors and outdoors. With a versatile range from 3° to 12°, Merlin stands out as a flexible throw followspot, offering the broadest selection of ranges in a single unit. Handlng the Merlin is easy, with levers for adjusting the beam size, the dimmer, and even the different colour filters all within arm’s reach. Its rapid cooling feature is advantageous when the follow spot needs to be packed immediately after a show.
The Grand Arena is renowned as a premier venue for hosting international artists in Cape Town. Nikki Botha, Marketing Manager of GrandWest, fondly recounts the evolution of the Grand Arena, which has become a cherished gem within the city’s entertainment scene. Over the years, this iconic venue has played host to a multitude of spectacular concerts and performances, solidifying its place in Cape Town’s cultural landscape.
Johnny Scholtz, who heads DWR Distribution Cape Town, expresses his sincere gratitude. “The events and entertainment team at the Grand Arena are dedicated to doing things right in their venue, and there’s an unspoken willingness to go the extra mile. In addition, they consistently demonstrate enthusiasm for training and enhancing their skills. We’re confident that the Merlins will work hard.”
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