BANDIT LITES AT BONNAROO FESTIVAL AGAIN IN 2008

Bandit recently wrapped up another successful partnership with the world’s top-grossing outdoor music festival. Over 70,000 people attended the 7th annual four-day event, which was held June 12-15, 2008 on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, TN.

Almost every music genre was represented at this year’s festival. Willie Nelson, Metallica Vampire Weekend, My Morning Jacket, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Jack Johnson, the Raconteurs, The Coup, BB King, Pearl Jam, Kanye West, Death Cab for Cutie and Ben Folds were just some of the artists that took the stage over the course of four days.

In addition to over 150 performers, the festival offered yoga classes, a Ferris Wheel, an air-conditioned cinema, an internet café, karaoke bay, a Silent Disco, Kidz Jam plus a variety of eateries and the Broo’ers Festival along with many other activities and attractions.

Production guru, Hadden Hippsley, again oversaw the show design with help from stage managers, Mark Reinke (main stage) and Joel Carmichael (2nd stage).

The main stage rig incorporated the Bonnaroo logo with three circles constructed out of circular truss hanging over center stage. The rig was structured so that the middle circle would provide an intimate setting for smaller acts while the three-circle piece could cover the entire stage for larger bands.

A substantial number of PAR cans were used for washes, as they are a good ‘one size fits all’ tool. The moving lights included 8 Martin MAC 600s, 21 Martin Atomic Strobes and 30 MAC 2000 Washes. Sixteen Vari*Lite 3000 Spots finished off the equipment list. Lighting was controlled by two High End Systems Whole Hog IIs and Wings.

The second stage acquired some additional equipment this year to accommodate the large number of bands that played there. Equipment included Martin MAC 600s, Martin Atomic 3000 Strobes, Vari*Lite 3000 Spots and 2500 Washes. Lighting was controlled by two High End Systems Whole Hog IIs and Wings.

Programmer, Chip Perry ran the main stage and Chris Lisle ran the 2nd stage. Crew Chiefs Chris Hallman (main stage) and Bo Fryman (2nd stage) worked with lighting technicians, Andrew Heid, Robert Jones, Mike Lee, Erik Parker, Marco Ale and Erich Hudgens to provide production support for the festival.

Bandit General Manager, Stephen Powell added, “Bonnaroo continues to increase in size every year. It would not be nearly as successful if it were not for the continued efforts of Hadden Hippsley, Anne Dennhardt, Leslie Radigan as well as the entire Bonnaroo production crew.”