So the deadly winter drought of 2009 seems to be coming to an end. After months of everyone looking for a gig, I am finally starting to fill holes in the schedule.

    Last week I saw this new fixture from Zap technologies. Those folks that brought us the big lite. It’s got the same base and one armed high speed yoke as the big lite, but has a really cool new head.

    I do a fair amount of work with artists who come from south of the border. Several reside on different Islands in the Caribbean. Today I am on my way to Trinidad. Once again I am traveling with little info other than my plane ticket and the knowledge that I am working on a show somewhere on that island.

    This week I have been testing out a slew of new lights that manufacturers have been coming out with this year. And I have to admit that I have been impressed with all of them.

    Years ago I was doing a corporate show with some friendly clients who produce multi million dollar events. Over a few drinks I got to know one of the executive producers pretty well. I asked him how his firm got in with these big drug companies he did events for. He explained the process he has to go through to make a presentation to get the gig. After wowing me with details he let me know that his company had spent 40k just in the presentation. I gasped and told him I could not imagine spending that much of my own money just for a chance at getting the gig. His reply was simple. “It takes money to make money.”

     I should’ve seen it coming. I should’ve hit delete immediately. I should’ve done anything but what I did. Accepted an offer to join this phenomenon sweeping the country called Facebook.

    Things have ground down for the year. It seems like for the first time in a while many of my colleagues are looking for work. Heck, I’m even short on gigs. This is usually normal in the music biz around this time of year. But the corporate world has been hit even harder. No big xmas parties anymore. No new year’s extravaganza. For the first time since 9/11 struck, I am seeing a serious decline in trade shows and business meetings.

It’s a shame that we even have to bring up this subject. But lately it’s becoming more and more necessary to lock up your gear on site, especially when you leave it overnight at a venue.

I’ve come to realize something recently that I should have known for years. Some of the best guys to have on your lighting crew, actually know little about lighting.

    The airlines charging for every little item has got to stop. I am losing my mind. Charge me extra on the actual fare (because the client pays for that), but give me my free can of coke!