Entertainment lighting is a must have for a La 
Quinceañera, a grand celebration of a Latina girl's 15th birthday, which marks the young lady's foray into adulthood.
Ben Espana, owner of Miami-based Ultra Sound Production Inc., said he does the lighting for more than 40 Quinces each year. In business for more than 25 years, Espana relies on CHAUVET LED lighting to set the proper mood for the lavish parties. In addition to Quinces, Espana lights corporate events, weddings and other occasions.
With nearly 40 percent of the 5.4 million South Floridians identifying themselves as Hispanic, according to the U.S. Census estimate for 2008, Espana has found a profitable niche and doesn't worry about Quince cutbacks during this troublesome economy. “People spend a lot of money on these parties,” he said. “They may cut back a little, but they will still do a party.”
Espana's all-CHAUVET gear list features 40 LEDsplash 200B fixtures and ShowXpress with the X-Factor.
When the festivities begin, the LEDsplash 200B fixtures serve as ambient uplighting. With 199 LEDs per light, the wash is wide and colorful, perfect for large venues.
Later, when the dancing begins, the fixtures strobe, change colors and dim or brighten. RGB mixing offers a wide variety of colors to shine on the Quince girl as she takes her first dance with her father, both dressed in formal attire.
Espana programs his own shows using the ShowXpress software program. “It's easy and fun to program; you can do some crazy stuff with it,” he said. And with a wireless transmitter, Espana doesn't have to run cable throughout the room.
Whether the parties take place in banquet halls, party facilities or private homes, the LED fixtures have changed Espana's whole lighting experience. “We no longer have to worry about breakers or heat,” he said. He previously used Par lights that frequently overloaded circuit breakers and caused complaints about the heat the lights give off.
“Now, I don't have to worry about 60 amps or 80 amps like I did with the cans because all of these LEDsplash fixtures can run off of one 20 amp circuit and there's not heat,” he added.
Espana said he's seen a lot of changes in the lighting industry over the past 25 years. And he really likes what he sees. “I like the new stuff that's come out, we've come a long way.”