Scharff Weisberg worked on a unique lighting job for two performances by Columbia Records' jazz wonder Chris Botti (with Keith Lockhart and The Boston Pops), featuring Sting and Steven Tyler.
The Scharff Weisberg team had been sought after to light the shows, to be held at Symphony Hall Boston on September 18th & 19th, 2008, with an array of lights required to help create what assistant lighting designer David Marcucci calls a "smokey jazz look." And, because a DVD, Blu-ray, and subsequent PBS broadcast of the event had been planned, special illumination considerations were to be accounted for.
Lighting designer Marc Brickman hadn't wanted to clutter the look up. Instead, he wished to highlight the Hall with a brilliant complement well-suited to its box-like environment. That's why he and Marcucci enlisted Chris McMeen, head of sales at Scharff Weisberg Lighting, who outfitted the concerts with an assortment of Vari*Lites for spot and wash.
"We were going for a classic "Marc Brickman" look - low side light, moving lights only," says Marcucci. "Marc had put together a really interesting package, and Scharff Weisberg came through for us. I was truly impressed with what they'd delivered."
He explains that Scharff Weisberg had been brought in late, very last-minute. "I'm amazed that they could pull all the equipment in time. They fully supported us. And Chris was terrific. He understands what's needed in terms of lighting supply to make an extraordinary show happen."
Marcucci lauds Scharff Weisberg for the excellent shape the gear was in. "It all worked perfectly. The equipment was great. Scharff Weisberg gave me everything I'd needed and more. They did an excellent job!"
Marc Brickman concludes, "David and Chris were critical in this project's success. I told them what I wanted to do and they made it happen. The entire team worked very hard and that work is evident in the quality of the project."
Scharff Weisberg and Video Applications, firms with extensive histories in the presentation and staging markets, recently announced a co-ownership agreement. While continuing to operate independently, the two companies work together strategically to provide clients with state-of-the-art audio, video and lighting equipment and services. With a strong presence on both coasts, Scharff Weisberg and Video Applications are able to deliver a large array of cost-effective services on a national level. For more information, call 212-582-2345 or visit our website at www.scharffweisberg.com. For more information on Video Applications, visit www.videoapps.com.