ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2010

Project: Essence Music Festival 2010

Location: Mercedes Benz Superdome. New Orleans. UA

Clients: Essence Communications Inc. & Rehage Entertainment

EVENT BACKGROUND: In 1995 Essence Communication created the Essence Music Festival to celebrate Essence Magazine’s 25th anniversary.  Since it has become the nation's largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture, taking place in New Orleans over three days during July 4th weekend, the biggest names in R&B, Hip Hop and Soul perform on five stages in the Mercedes Superdome.  Free empowerment seminars, sponsor activities and a massive art market run daily in four halls at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

EXECUTION:  The Design functions as one large scale projection merging the traditionally separate scenic and screen elements. The design is based on the convergence of fluid masses which allow for variability in surface content and appearance. To angle the stage canopies toward the audience achieves masking the back of house production elements, such as the work deck and VIP area, while maximizing visibility of video and performance content for both the floor and upper levels. Beese designed the organically sculpted stage through the utilization of spandex fabric surfaces over a truss substructure. Using 35000 Sq Yards of silver and white spandex, 12800 Nylon Polyester thread, 9000 feet of rope and Aircraft cables, and 6000 feet of aluminum pipes, the structure served as a surface for the projection of custom video content, via video mapping. Managing Execution of design execution, onsite creative direction during event production. 

RETROSPECTIVE: Spectacular Stage Design, Stage Design: Concerts, Events, Ceremonies and Theater, Live Design Magazine, Lighting & Sound America, Plot Magazine and Fabric Architecture