Charlie Daniels Rocks 20th Volunteer Jam with Bandit Lites

Charlie Daniels' Volunteer Jam has seen many different iterations over four decades, but none have been as distinct as Volunteer Jam XX: A Tribute to Charlie. Produced by Blackbird Events, Bandit Lites provided the lighting for the Country Music Hall of Fame member's twentieth installment of Volunteer Jam which featured a setlist of over thirty songs from a diverse and talented lineup including Travis Tritt, Chris Young, Alison Krauss, Lee Brice, Chris Janson, Justin Moore, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Alabama, The Oak Ridge Boys and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

"Volunteer Jam XX had a kind of 'specialness' about it," says Charlie Daniels in a release. "The caliber, quantity, and variety of talent who took the stage crossed lines, demographics, genres, and styles that, while truly diverse, blended together to make for what was most likely the most entertaining Volunteer Jam in its 44-year history."

"Bandit Lites and Charlie Daniels have shared a very long and positive relationship since the '70s and there was never a question as to our desire to be involved with this production," says Bandit Vice President Mike Golden.

Bandit Lites provided lighting designer Mark Carver with Martin MAC Viper Profiles, VL 3500 Spots, VL 3500 Washes, Chauvet Rogue RH1 Hybrids, Chauvet Nexus 4x4s and Portman P1 fixtures with a grand MA2 full console for control.

"The producers were looking for a balance between contemporary and old school looks," says Carver. "It was also being recorded for AXS TV so attention was made to produce with a great video product."

Carver utilized the Vipers and Rogue Hybrids for hard edge beam effects and texture for the stage, while the VL 3500 Washes provided color and back light for depth and edging. Old school par bars evoked the classic country rock vibe while Portman P1 fixtures supplied eye candy.

With Vol Jam as a one-night only extravaganza, multiple artists taking the stage and the special nature of this celebration, efficiency was key for the compressed schedule, a factor Bandit Lites prides itself on.

"The show came in well prepped by Bandit and was installed by techs John Lucksinger, Ty Veneziano and Sam Morgan in record time," says Carver. "Mike Golden and project manager Don Lockridge couldn't have been more helpful in supplying a well prepped and totally complete package. John Lucksinger also served as board op and did a fantastic job in the compressed schedule. Overall the show was a great success."

"I really want to thank Rob Rauffer from Blackbird and Mark Carver for their leadership as they both stepped to the plate to make this a very smooth and special event," adds Golden. "I know I speak for all at Bandit Lites in saying we are very proud to have been a part of this tribute honoring the legendary Charlie Daniels."