Client Overview: The Blue Ridge Music Center, located in Galax, Virginia, is a venue dedicated to promoting Old Time Mountain Music. Performances run from Memorial Day through Labor Day on Saturday evenings in their outdoor Amphitheatre. The center is a part of the National Park Service, which added additional logistical challenges to the project.
Project Goals: The primary goal was to replace the aging 20+ year old incandescent Par 64 fixtures with modern LED lighting. The client required a solution that would provide brighter, more versatile lighting to enhance the visibility and overall experience of performances. Additionally, the “Walk Out Lights” were to be upgraded to brighter LED fixtures to improve safety for attendees.
Timeline and Key Milestones: The project was constrained by a tight timeline, with only two weeks allocated for the entire installation process. This period was carefully planned to align with the rental of an articulating boom lift and the schedule of the park rangers, as working within a National Park required adherence to specific timing and coordination.
Challenges Encountered:
- National Park Regulations: Coordinating with the National Park Service added complexity to the scheduling and installation process. The team had to work around the park’s availability and ensure that all activities were compliant with park regulations.
- Outdoor Venue: The amphitheatre’s outdoor setting required the use of IP65-rated fixtures to withstand the elements. The old fixtures had been exposed to the weather for over 20 years, leading to significant rusting, which made removal difficult.
- Weather Delays: Tropical Storm Debby delayed the project by 1.5 days, necessitating an extension of the lift rental period.
Design Approach: The design phase focused on replacing the existing fixtures with appropriate, modern alternatives while considering the unique challenges posed by the outdoor environment. The fixtures chosen were all UL listed and IP65 rated to ensure durability and compliance with outdoor use standards.
Innovative Solutions: Given the large outdoor setting, the team opted to use Wireless DMX for control, eliminating the need for extensive and time-consuming hardwiring. This solution not only saved time but also minimized potential installation difficulties.
Technology and Equipment Used:
- Lighting Fixtures: Elation Sven Par IP fixtures were installed, with Seven Par 19 fixtures used for front-of-house lighting and Sev Par 7 fixtures used over the stage.
- DMX Control: Acclaim Aria Transceivers, which are IP65 rated, were utilized for wireless DMX control. This was supported by IP65-rated DMX cables and L5-20 connectors.
- Power Modules: 10 of the Strand CD-80 dual 20-amp modules were replaced with Johnson System Dual 20-amp Non-Dim Modules.
- Walk Out Lights: Kivo LED Flood Lights, typically used for parking lots, were repurposed to effectively light the seating area during walk-out.
Integration and Compatibility: To ensure seamless integration, the non-dim modules were carefully selected to be compatible with the existing rack system. The venue’s existing ETC ColorSource 20 console greatly facilitated the control and integration process, making the transition to the new system smooth.
Installation and Setup: The use of Wireless DMX and IP65-rated equipment minimized potential complications, and the entire system was installed and operational within the two-week window.
Testing and Quality Assurance: The team conducted thorough research into IP65 fixtures and photometrics to ensure the lighting provided was of high quality and met the brightness requirements from the towers. The wireless DMX was also meticulously researched to minimize installation challenges. The final focus of the lights, after using a blue laser for accuracy, ensured that the system met the client’s expectations.
Conclusion: The lighting upgrade at the Blue Ridge Music Center Amphitheatre successfully met the client’s goals of enhanced brightness and versatility while overcoming the challenges posed by the outdoor setting and tight project timeline. The new LED system not only improved the visual experience for attendees but also provided a durable and efficient solution for the venue’s lighting needs.
