American Song Contest has launched on NBC, based on the Eurovision Song Contest. In The US version, artists from all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and the nation's capital perform original songs across different genres as they compete for America's votes in an eight-week live event that will crown one grand prize winner. Looks like a lot of folks we know including Ola Melzig, Cory FitzGerald, Rob Koenig, and Noah Mitz were involved and we promise to provide coverage of the design elements.
See clips (above and below)
Special Events:
• Event Safety Alliance:
• Event Safety Summit, Through March 24: Hybrid event: in-person at Rock Lititz and online. Info here.
Looking Ahead, Register In Advance:
* March 24 @ 7pm Eastern: A History of Women In Lighting Design: Studio School of Design presents veteran lighting designer Anne Militello, who discusses the history of women in lighting and the pioneers who blazed new trails for female designers and industry leaders. Learn more about the influential designers you have heard about, and discover some you may not have! Online: Register Here.
Podcasts:
• Light Talk: Episode 259: Happy Coincidences: Koert Vermeulen, principal designer and founder of ACT Lighting Design, is a Belgium-based lighting and visual designer who creates lighting, art, set, video, and content designs for public experiences worldwide. He is the guest on this week's Light Talk podcast, and discusses his recent projects, including the 2022 Olympic handover event at the closing ceremonies in Beijing. I have admired his work for many years and it was great being part of this podcast with Koert and the Lumen Brothers (as the honorary Sistah!)
Listen here:
• Geezers of Gear: Marcel Fairbairn interviews Josh Weisberg: Josh has literally been in the business four decades, and still rolling! He co-founded Scharff Weisberg, went on to merge and become WorldStage (leaving long before their demise), founded a consulting firm and now, a new stage of his career, which he breaks on our podcast! This episode is brought to you by www.GearSource.com.
• Artistic Finance: Lighting designer Lap Chi Chu discusses career finances and the importance of paying off debt early, on Ethan Steimel's Artistic Finance podcast. Chu talks about incorporating as a freelancer at age 45 and his most "lucrative" job designing The Wolves. Thirty years ago, he set up a SIMPLE IRA and still contributes to it. He recommended paying off loans early, even if the payments are small and manageable. Chu also talks about how consistent paychecks from repeat shows or teaching jobs are what make entertainment jobs "lucrative," rather than big paychecks. Listen Here.