Mark Carver and Bandit Light Texaco Country Showdown at RymanThe Historic Ryman Auditorium held the 32nd Annual Texaco Country Showdown, where the five regional champions from across the country competed to win the $100,000 grand prize. Bandit Lites worked with lighting designer Mark Carver for the event, which was held January 16 and hosted by country music superstar, LeAnn Rimes. "Our overall design was to transform the look of the stage look without compromising the beauty and integrity of the venue," said Carver. To do that, he utilized included VL 2500 spots, GLP Impressions, GRN Moving Washes, Robe Robin 1200 LED Washes, and Clay Paky Sharpys. Carver also had to ensure that the lighting was conducive on multiple levels, both for television and the live audience, in addition to creating a unique look for each act. "The show producers were there to insure we had all the tools we needed such as music, wardrobe, and backgrounds which helped us design specific looks for each artist," Carver explained. Every spring, country music radio stations produce more than 450 live shows with local winner advancing first to state and then one of five regional competitions. The five contestants this year were Suzanne Harper, Crystal Yates, Casey Sutton, Zac Matthews, and Southern Halo. The event will be syndicated for television and airs nationwide this March and April. "Bandit performed flawlessly," Carver expounded. "Thanks to my programmer, Jess Baker, gaffer lighting designer Andy York, project manager, Matt King, and techs Aaron Swetland and Chelsea Opdyke." See Bandit Lites at PLASA Focus> Nashville, February 18 - 19. 
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