Thousands of fans crowded the Mall of Asia Arena on June 17 to watch Britney Spears’ first concert in Manila. The Pop Princess’ 'Piece of Me' tour in Manila is long overdue since fans have been waiting for this to happen, since the release of Britney's first International hit song, "Baby One More Time" (1998). The concert opened with Britney’s rendition of her 2013 hit song, "Work B*tch". To complete her performance, the pop princess danced to the song while wearing a glittery gold costume. Filipino fans, including celebrities, who joined the much-awaited event showed enthusiasm by dancing and singing along to her most popular tunes--complete with explosive and  Britney-inspired outfits that include bright wigs and colorful high heels. The performances that followed showcased her showmanship as a total performer. This is despite many people's allegation that she did the show lip-syncing.  One of the highlights of the concert was when she performed ‘Freakshow’ where she randomly picked a person from the audience. Then, that person was led to the stage with a harness and guided Britney to the center stage. That person received an autographed T-shirt from the Popstar.  The Pop Princess also performed her hit songs like "Baby One More Time", "Gimme More", "Toxic", "I'm a Slave 4 U", "Piece of Me", "Circus" and  "Oops...I Did It Again!". Among the celebrities spotted at Britney Spear’s first concert in Manila are Vice Ganda, KC Concepcion, Maja Salvador, Ellen Adarna, Solenn Heussaff, Arjo Atayde, James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Billy Crawford, Coleen Garcia, Janine Gutierrez and LizQuen Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil. Did you find this article interesting? Never miss a post. Visit our blog for more relevant news and updates about the music industry.

British rock band Radiohead frontman, Thom Yorke left the stage twice as their performance was seasoned with unexpected ugly sound glitches. Technical difficulty is a rarity in such a huge music festival which is expected to be foolproof with careful planning and execution while rolling out live performances. During the Friday performance, the first of the two-weekend music festival, the sound system was repeatedly cut off in the middle of the band’s explosive performance. Yorke exited the stage but went back to address the blunder saying, “Can you actually hear me now? I’d love to tell you a joke, lighten the mood, something like that. But this is Radiohead.” While the sound system was restored to good performance, the LA Times commented that the group “never quite recovered from the distraction. The band’s performance, filled with oldies like “Creep” and “Paranoid Android,” felt deflated, as though Yorke and his mates had lost their nerve.“ Coachella Music Festival is a premier music festival showcasing dance music to pop and rock. It's been annually attended by hundreds of thousands of people at the Coachella Valley desert at Empire Polo Club in Indio. To know more about Coachella click here . Professional sound system and expertise play crucial roles in staging successful events. While technical glitches happen, there are ways to come up with flawless and remarkable productions. For your lights and sound system requirements, contact Red Damien to be assisted by experts. Did you find this article interesting? Get relevant updates and information by visiting our blog.

The digital concert will benefit the victims of the ongoing conflict in Marawi City It’s time to prove once more that solidarity conquers any conflict as local performers gather in a digital concert titled “One Music Live: Awit para sa Marawi”,” to benefit those affected by the long-drawn conflict in the city in Mindanao. Here are all the things you know about the online music festival: 1. “Awit para sa Marawi” will gather local performers in one stage. One Music PH, the organizer of the event, recently announced the lineup of local performers who will lend their talents for the concert. Among them are Jake Zyrus, Xian Lim, Ylona Garcia, Maris Racal and “The Voice” champions Lyca Gairanod, Jason Dy, Elha Nympha and Joshua Oliveros. The concert will also feature local bands Ang Bandang Shirley, Brisom, Boyband PH, Jensen and The Flips and other entertainment personalities like Kaye Cal, Alexa Ilacad, Young JV and Sam Mangubat. 2. It will be live streamed online The digital concert is scheduled on August 6 and will be available for streaming at the official website of  One Music PH . However, those interested in seeing the live performances at the ABS-CBN Studios can avail of tickets here . Each ticket is priced at P550 which comes with an “Awit para sa Marawi” t-shirt. 3. It is one of the many benefit concerts for Marawi The event is for the relief efforts of Operation Sagip in the Marawi crisis and is only among many other benefit concerts organized for the same mission. Such movements affirm the country’s solidarity with the innocent victims of the war. The conflict between forces and Islamic-State affiliated extremists has been raging for 10 weeks now and has displaced almost 4,000 families in the city since May. What do you think of the benefit concert for Marawi victims? Share this article to help others know about the upcoming event.

Araneta Coliseum was once the venue for the biggest and most prestigious events in the Philippines since its opening in 1960. With its more than 50 years of hosting sporting events, beauty pageants, art performances and concerts, the Big Dome can be considered as having an important role in Philippine history. Back in the day, it is also a record breaker--being Asia’s largest covered coliseum. With its more than 5 decades of giving us blockbuster shows, here’s a quick list of the most unforgettable concerts and performances that Araneta Coliseum held for the Filipino people. Neil Sedaka All-Star Show (1960) The first international singer to grace the Araneta Coliseum was Neil Sedaka and his All-Star show in 1960. Back then, the Dome was the biggest covered coliseum in the world. As such, it was the number one choice for the biggest shows in the country. At the time, Neil Sedaka was one of the biggest names in the music industry. He popularized the songs "Calendar Girl", "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen" and "Breaking up is  Hard to Do", all of which still remains a regular in AM radio stations. His concert was joined by other American acts like the Shepherd Sisters, the Hilltopers Band and Les Spencers. The Jackson 5: Love Jive Tour (1976) The popular soul-funk group that brought us classic songs like "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"  and "I want You Back" had an amazing week-long concert at the Araneta Coliseum and the Folk Arts Theater back in 1976. Iconic for their funky sounds and Afro look, the Jackson 5 is composed of the Jackson brothers including Michael Jackson who joined the group at a tender age of  7 years old. Their Manila concert lasted for 6 consecutive days--a concert-length now a rarity for an international sensation. The Jackson 5 even visited the then-popular noontime show Student Canteen. It wasn’t until 1996 that Filipinos would see Michael Jackson again in his historic two-night concert in 1996. Sting Back to Bass Tour in Manila (December 9, 2012) One of the most decorated musicians of our time, Sting remained an important figure in the music industry for more than three decades now. And for once, he had a controversial concert in Manila. Before this, Sting had a much-talked concert back in the 1980s when he broke up with his band, The Police, while onstage at Shea Stadium. Three decades later, his 2012 concert was again shrouded with intrigues after he pulled his Manila tour out of the SM MOA Arena venue. An environmental activist, Sting did this to protest against the developer of SM who allegedly tore down hundreds of trees to build its SM Baguio shopping mall. He instead chose to continue his Back to Bass Tour in the Araneta Coliseum. This concert also topped the list of the most expensive concerts in the Philippines back then.   David Foster and Friends (2015) A 16-time Grammy award-winning composer and songwriter, David Foster was the genius behind many of the greatest songs we cherish to this day. He’s also the same person who produced some of the greatest acts in music industry including Toni Braxton, Alice Cooper, Seal, Celine Dion, Madonna and Christina Aguilera. And in 2015 he graced the Araneta Coliseum for an unforgettable concert with Ruben Studdard, Boyz II Men, Natalie Cole and Charice Pempengco. One unforgettable performance was that of Natalie Cole singing a duet with the late Jazz legend and her father Nat King Cole. And who wouldn't sing with "I'll make love to you" by Boyz II Men. Charice, on the other hand, blasted the Dome with her vocal prowess in the song "Through the Fire." Bonus: The Beatles (1966) An Araneta concert that never was, to be exact. The most popular boy band in music history was supposed to perform for the Filipino crowd in 1966 at the Araneta Coliseum. However, their performance had to be moved to Rizal Memorial Football Stadium. According to  reports , this last leg of the band's international concert was to be the "the last-ever live performances the Fab Four would ever give outside of North America." Do you find this article informative? Share us your thoughts by commenting below!

Music festival is one of the most wonderful events in a year. It’s an occasion to gather your circle of friends, spend an entire weekend dancing through the music, and do things you wish will never end. However, while a plethora of fun activities await in a festival, there are also a lot of things that could spoil the fun of the event – especially without the music festival essentials that you should pack with you. Clueless about what to bring? Don’t worry, when it comes to your packing list, we’ve got you covered. Before you set off for your most-awaited music festival, we’ve prepared an ultimate list that covers your festival must-haves from A to Z. Read on: Action Camera There’s no better way to capture the fun and memories of a music festival than with an action camera. Most action cameras today already have a built-in Wi-Fi and come with a water-resistant casing, which eliminates some of your major concerns during a festival. Bandana If you find it too hot for layers, a bandana allows you to add a nice touch to your outfit. As a side note, it protects you from the dust and sand when the wind picks up. It also keeps your neck protected from the sun. Canopy Tent A canopy tent provides you a comfortable and cool place to stay when you need a bit of rest during the party. Pair it with a comfy blanket or some sleeping bags to tuck into when you choose to camp for the night. Dry Shampoo Showers are unlikely to happen in a music festival. Pack smart with a dry shampoo to delay that sweaty smell on your hair. Ear Plugs Earplugs will definitely come in handy if you want to give your ears a break. You may be in a music festival but it doesn’t mean your ears will not tire out, particularly if you’re all about that bass. Emergency and Extra Kits You’ll never go wrong with having a stash of emergency kits – band-aids, aspirin and gauze. But, you should also not forget to prepare a handful of extra stuffs (hair ties, wipes, scarf, lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste) to refresh you throughout the day. Fake Lashes Skip the mascara and bank on some longer and thicker eyelashes instead. It will save you from the ink dripping down your face by the time you’re all sweaty from getting loose in the crowd. Fanny Pack A cross-body bag or fanny pack saves you from holding a purse or wallet which can be bothersome. On a more important note, it keeps your essentials wrapped around your waist, and still feel like they’re not even there. Glitters Chunky glitters are definitely one of the things Coachella Queen Vanessa Hudgens will bring to the music festival. Why not? It’s a bold and glittery statement that instantly sparks up your outfit. Hand Sanitizer A hand sanitizer will come in handy during your inevitable use of portable toilets and other lesser gross things for the duration of the event. Instant Coffee Instant coffee is the best way to get your caffeine fix, after all, as a wise man once said, “Even bad coffee is better than no coffee at all.” Jacket Regardless of summer, late afternoons can get chilly. A jacket will save you from shaking in your boots and forget what you came for in the first place – to dance through the music. Knee-High Boots You’ll definitely be on your feet most of the day, so you probably want to gear up with comfortable knee-high boots. You can also wear platforms which are not only stylish but also keep you inches up from the festival mud. Lipstick There are two ways to wear lipstick at a music festival: Wear something that will stay on all day or another that will fade beautifully. Either way, it’s sure to catch attention on its own. Moisturizer A moisturizer is your best bet for a music festival. Wear something that has a matte finish and will keep you protected from the sun. Neon Wristband You know well the disconnected feeling that takes over when your phone dies and you’re lost from the pack. Be on top of the game by listing down as many contact numbers on a strip of neon wristband. Simply borrow a phone and dial them up! Portable Charger Your phone needs juice all day long – and investing in a portable charger will save your life at times when your phone is about to die halfway through the day. Quick Festival Food Festival food can be super expensive. Which is why snacks should be a part of any festival packing list . Packing your own food will not only save you money but will also provide you instant sustenance even while in the middle of the crowd. Raglan Tank There will be a lot of happenings that will make you sweat. A raglan tank or any other loose-fitting clothes is always better than a skin-tight clothing that will pool up your sweat in obvious places. Sunscreen, Sunglasses and a Hat While you are serious about music festivals, sunburns can even be more serious. These essentials are must-haves not only during summers but also throughout any event that will place you under the sun. Trash Bag Seriously, bring trash bags and don’t rely on others to bring them. They don’t only haul out your garbage after the event, but they also double as a raincoat or a place to sit on when you want to relax your tired feet. Tattoos Flash tattoos are made for festivals. They’re super easy to use and easily glam up your look, no matter what you’re wearing. Umbrella Compact umbrellas come in handy no matter what the festival weather predicts. It gives you a little peace of mind and of course, protection from sun rays or rain. Vest Vests, particularly those with fringes has a distinct bohemian feel. Plus, it can be layered over everything from loose tanks to bikini tops and just upgrade everything about your outfit. Water Pouch This is one of the most important essentials to pack next to your festival food. A water pouch can store enough water to keep you hydrated and once you’re done with it, it takes up almost no space in your bag. Ziploc Bags Finally, Ziploc bags come in handy to put all your trinkets in. It also keeps your devices free of dirt, sweat and scratches. This ultimate packing list will make you the festival guru that you truly are. Now that you’ve had a rundown of the essentials you need for your complete festival, you’re all ready to dive into the music heaven. Music festivals are better with friends. Share this list with them so you’d all be party-ready! Do you have anything to add to this list? Let us know in the comments section below. Read  our blog for the latest and more interesting music festival tips and news!

Concert photography is rewarding – it combines your passion for music and photography. Not only it allows you take memories from the concert but also places you a few feet away from your favorite artists while taking portraits of them. While it can be exciting, it can also be very challenging because of the drastically changing lighting situation in concerts that usually comes along with a music venue. However, with the right camera settings, you can prepare yourself to this situation to save you from the frustration of going home with blurry or overexposed images. Want to know how you can take great concert pictures? Whether you are an avid fan who simply wants to capture the best moments of your life or a novice photographer who looks into concert photography as a likely career, take a look at these tips on how to get the perfect shot even on low light. Use the Right Lens Firstly, you will need to equip yourself with a fast lens with the lowest f-stop possible . It has an aperture with a wider opening, permitting more light to enter the camera sensor. This allows for faster shutter speeds which result to clearer photos even in low light conditions. Investing in reliable fast lenses allow you to get the job done with greater ease and clarity. Lenses such a 24-70mm f/2.8 and/or a 70-200mm f/2.8 are ideal for concert photographers. However, these two can be very expensive. But, you can always start with a cheaper 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.8 lens. These lenses lack the ability to zoom, but they make up for it greatly with their wide aperture while you save on cash. Switch to Manual Mode An aperture priority mode is a great option for beginners. However, this can easily produce false exposures at times of sudden lighting changes. For that matter, it’s ideal to switch into manual exposure mode during concerts where there is a dramatic and varying light condition. It allows you to better control your exposure rather than allowing the camera do the work for you – like in an aperture priority mode. When done properly, it produces clearer and better concert photos. Shoot with the Lowest Aperture The next thing you have to do is to set your aperture to the smallest number on your lens. Shooting with the lowest aperture will allow more light to enter your camera sensor and is an important setting in low-lit concert stages. Lenses with an aperture of f/1.4, f/1.8 or f.2.8 will work great in concerts with ultra-low light conditions. But, for beginners, a 50mm f/1.8 lens will already do. Adjust the Shutter Speed In low lighting conditions, it’s ideal to maintain a shutter speed of 1/250 or faster to pull off decent concert photos. This also works during lively concerts to freeze the action. However, an exception to this rule is when you’re in a concert with a very low lighting but the artist is not as active on stage. In this case, you can already do with a shutter speed slower than 1/250 and yet don’t risk blurred photos. Set the ISO Finally, the last of the primary settings you have to take note of is the ISO – the sensitivity of your digital sensor to light. The higher the ISO setting, the less light is needed for proper exposure, but the more your camera will be sensitive to light. It makes sense that in concerts with low light conditions, given the ability of your camera, to try starting off with an IS O of 1600 . You can work your way up with that until you are satisfied with the image. However, you have to keep in mind that the higher the ISO, the grainier your photographs are. But still, with the many post-processing programs available, this issue can be easily addressed and it’s far better than a blurred image. Being a concert photographer is always exciting and tough. But, the more you engage with concert photography, the more you become adept at it. What’s important is to understand your settings and learn from the circumstances that come with it. You’ll be surprised to see yourself becoming more confident and comfortable with yourself and with your camera. Did you love what you read? To whose concert would you love to apply these tips? Let us know in the comments section below. Read our blog for more interesting and helpful tips!

2017 was a grand year for music fans in the Metro who were treated with a roster of live performances from the likes of Ariana Grande, Coldplay, Britney Spears and a lot more. Apparently, the upcoming year seems to only get better with a new list of international artists set to take the stage as if one isn’t enough to get everyone on their toes. Here, we’ve rounded up # upcoming concerts in Manila we know so far: 1. Foster the People Image Source: Twitter @philconcerts Foster the People is bound to set foot in Manila once more to promote their new album, The Sacred Hearts Club . The last time fans saw the indie rock band on stage was in 2012 when they debuted their first studio album, Torches . When : Jan. 26, Kia Theatre Tickets : P5,250 (Level 1), P4,725 (Level 2), P3,675 (Level 3), and P2,625 (Level 4)   2. The xx Image Source: Philippine Concerts With the Filipino fans being known as one of the biggest and most supportive fandoms, it’s no wonder The xx is just another band who’s making a comeback. If you’ve missed their sold-out 2013 concert, this is your chance to see the English indie pop band in the flesh! When : Feb. 7, World Trade Center Manila Tickets : P5,565 (VIP A), P4,505 (VIP B and C), P3,445 (Patron A), and P2,385 (Patron B and C)   3. Incubus Image Source: Philippine Primer The well-loved American rock band is coming for the third time in Manila to promote their eighth and latest album, 8. Of course, fans are expecting to hear their newest tracks such as Nimble Bastard and Glitterbomb . When : February 17, Smart Araneta Coliseum Tickets : P6,905 (Level 1), P5,905 (Level 2), P3,905 (Level 3), P1,905 (Level 4), and P1,055 (Level 5)   4. Paramore Image Source: Facebook @mmilive With tickets selling out in 48 minutes since its release, there’s no way Hayley Williams wouldn’t feel the excitement of Filipino fans for their upcoming concert. It will be the third time the pop punk band is performing in the country following its successful 2013 show. When : Feb. 18, Mall of Asia Arena Tickets : P8,000 (VIP), P6,890 (Patron), P4,786 (Lower Box A), P2,756 (Lower Box B), P1,855 (Upper Box), and P1,325 (General Admission)   5. Fifth Harmony: PSA Tour Live in Manila Image Source: Facebook @wilbroslive Filipino Harmonizers are in for a treat as the girl power group is bound to set foot in Manila for the second time. Despite the unexpected exit of member Camilla Cabello, it appears that Fifth Harmony remains strong with a second album under their belt. When : March 6, Kia Theatre Tickets : P6,825 (VIP 1 Standing), P5,250 (VIP 2 Standing), P4,725 (Loge), and P3,150 (Balcony)   6. John Legend : Darkness and Light Tour Image Source: Ticketnet Online For the second time around, the award-winning singer-songwriter is bringing his ballads to Manila once more. This time he is out to promote his latest album Darkness and Light, which includes his hit singles, Love Me Now and Penthouse Floor. When : March 21, Smart Araneta Coliseum Tickets : P12,600 (VIP), P8,400 (Patron A), P6,300 (Patron B), P5,250 (Patron C), P4,200 (Box), P2,625 (Upperbox), P1,050 (GA)   7. Katy Perry: Witness the Tour Image Source: Facebook @ovationproductions In the wake of the successful North American tour, Roar singer announced the Asia leg of her Witness Tour. The concert is sure to feature stunning stage design, theatrics and whimsical costumes which Katy Perry is known for. When : April 2, Mall of Asia Arena Ticket : P19,540, P16,370, P13,200, P6,870, and P2,640.   8. Ed Sheeran Image Source: Twitter @ovationprod The British singer-songwriter was slated to perform in November. However, thanks to a bicycle injury, he was forced to reschedule his Divide Asia tour in April to allow for time to recuperate. Fans have long been anticipating to see the singer perform his hit single, Castle on the Hill, among others. When : April 8, Mall of Asia Concert Grounds Tickets : P13,040 (Patron A), P11,450 (Patron B), P8,290 (Patron C), P4,060 (Gold), P3,010 (Silver), and P1,950 (GA)   9. The Script Image Source: Philippine Concerts The Irish rock trio is set to hit the stage again with its latest album, Freedom Child. But, VIP fans are in for a special treat – each will receive an exclusive 2018 tour gift, a tote bag, a signed 2018 tour program, and a commemorative laminate and custom lanyard all worthy of the VIP experience! When : April 14, Mall of Asia Arena Tickets : P12,720 (VIP Experience), P9,010 (VIP), P7,950 (Patron), P6,360 (Lower Box A), P4,240 (Lower Box B), P2,650 (Upper Box), and P1,060 (GA)   10. Harry Styles : Live on Tour Image Source: Twitter @smtickets Easily one of the most-awaited concerts of 2018, fans are bound to see a One Direction member performing solo in the form of Harry Styles. Since the British boy band went on a hiatus, the 23-year old has been out and about, bringing his first single hits on top of the charts. When : May 1, Mall of Asia Arena Tickets : P6,890 (VIP), P5,830 (Patron), P3,975 (Lower Box), P2,650 (Upper Box), and P1,325 (GA)   11. Bruno Mars : 24k Magic Tour Image Source: Twitter @manilaconcerts The sold-out tickets on the first hour led to the addition of a second show for Bruno Mar’s concert. Obviously, the hefty price tag of the tickets, which is worth P23,850 for the VIP, didn’t stop fans for showing their love for the singer. When : May 3-4, Mall of Asia Arena Tickets : P23,850 (VIP 1 Standing), P18,550 (VIP 2 Standing), P13,250 (Lower Box A), P8,480 (Lower Box B), P4770 (Upper Box), and P2,650 (GA)   12. Niall Horan : Flicker World Tour 2018 Image Source: Philippines Concerts Apparently, it’s not only Harry Styles that is performing in Manila. Niall Horan is also geared up for his first tour as a solo artist. In addition to the fact that the singer is making a stop in the Metro, fans are in for a special treat with a chance for a Meet & Greet package! When : June 10, Mall of Asia Arena Tickets : P33,800 (VIP Seating/Standing with Meet and Greet), P6,784 (VIP Standing), P5,512 (VIP Seating and Patron), P4,240 (Lower Box), and P2,968 (Upper Box) Aside from all these, there’s also the Wanderland Music & Arts Festival and as well as the Paradise International Music Festival unfolding next year. You can always count on these festivals to liven up your summer with indie music both from foreign and local artists alike. Got your tickets to these concerts ready? Which one are you most excited with? Let us know in the comments!

LED walls are one of the latest technologies that have been seeing a lot of action lately. This increasingly popular innovation consists of a series of LED tiles that when linked together, creates a large high-definition display screen. As huge as this graphic display is, it also has huge benefits to offer during your event – and your wedding is no exception to that. For your upcoming wedding, renting an LED wall is probably one of the greatest decisions you will ever make (of course, that’s next to saying I do to your future spouse). Here’s what an LED wall can bring to your wedding: 1. It Delivers High-Quality Display LED walls are designed particularly to deliver crisp, top-quality display. But, the real advantage of using an LED wall is that its brightness is calibrated to provide a clear display, regardless of whether your wedding is held indoors or outdoors. The visuals are guaranteed to remain clear and easily visible both day and night. 2. It Brings a New Form of Entertainment This technology is also dedicated to producing a new form of engagement among your guests. While you may initially rent an LED wall to display your wedding video or a retrospective of your relationship, you will be surprised to discover that it works as well as an interactive display for your guests. 3. it Adjusts to the Size that You Need Likewise, LED walls can be built according to your specifications. Whatever size you may require – whether you need a large screen to maximize the outdoor space or a smaller screen for an indoor venue – LED screens can deliver. Another major breakthrough is the availability of curved LED screens which allows for an even better display. 4. It is User-Friendly LED technology is probably one of the most advanced equipment that you’ll get. But, while it is comprised with high-tech features, you’ll find it surprisingly easy to navigate. Plus, it comes with various input options, which makes it compatible with DVI, HDMI, VGA and HD-SDI formats. 5. It Creates a Front-Row Experience for All If you are having a large wedding, you’ll likely worry about how your guests can get a clearer view of the ceremony. LED walls instantly address this issue by supporting live video streaming. Have it installed on a raised level or hanged over the ceiling so even the guests at the back can have the same front-row experience. 6. It’s More Efficient Additionally, as big and advanced as they may seem, LED screens require less energy than conventional screens . It is also affordable and can even be customized to fit within your budget, allowing you to save money while conserving energy at the same time. To add, LED walls can perform well under a variety of conditions, reducing you the risk of paying for damage and repair.   Considering how an LED wall can instantly upgrade your wedding, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t opt for renting one. Red Damien has the perfect LED solution for your wedding, providing you with the top-notch LED wall rentals , along with its expert technical assistance for a memorable audio-visual experience. Contact us today for our wide range of LED equipment. Do you consider renting and led wall for your wedding? Let us know in the comments! Read our blog for the latest news and more interesting tips!

Coachella, the crowd-puller and star-studded Music Festival in California, has announced its 2018 lineup. Beyonce’ is this year’s headline of the festival, making good with her promise from last year’s edition. In 2017, she was slated to headline the music and arts festival, but she was pregnant with twins and had to back out as advised by doctors. So Lady Gaga stepped in as the headliner. After giving birth to her twins Sir & Rumi, the Queen Bey is now ready to do her first live show since the 2016 Formation world tour. This Coachella announcement also spurred rumors she’s preparing for the release of a new single. [Related Content: From Newport Jazz Fest to Coachella: Music Festival Through the Years ] Along with Beyonce, Eminem will also headline the festival, after a successful release of his comeback album Revival that reached number 1 in UK and US hit charts. The Weeknd complete the list of headliners for Coachella 2018.   https://twitter.com/coachella/status/948346956362825728 Fans and festival goers will also come to watch chart-toppers like Migos, Post Malone and the record-breaking rapper, Cardi B. Fan favorite bands and group like LANY, Portugal. The Man and War on Drugs will also grace the Coachella Stage. If you can’t come and see the music festival, Coachella released a mobile app that lets you listen to a curated playlist of the performing artists, so you can have a good dose of Coachella feels. https://twitter.com/coachella/status/955546386270887936 To learn more about the music event visit the Coachella official website, here . Visit our blog to find the most interesting news and updates in the professional lights and sound industry.

The Larimer Lounge is a popular concert venue in Denver as they offer sound quality and intimate space that makes way for superb entertainment. However, the tables turned for Larimer Lounge when the fog machines used for the Hundred Waters concert failed to work properly. As the venue has been a popular setting for promising talents and quality entertainment, the audience had high hopes from the performers that went on stage.  Hundred Waters, an electronic trio with a loyal following, was just in the first set of their performance when the fog machines failed. Initially, the fog machine worked to provide a cooling effect. However, as the performance went on, the smoke machine also kept going--too much that the front stage was covered with smoke, making it barely visible. To make the matters worse, people started to feel the effect of the smoke, as well as it’s musty smell that they have started coughing while the event is ongoing. As the performances went on, the smoke from the fog machine failed to dissipate. And though the band continued with its act and still managed to provide fantastic music to the crowd--from ballads to danceable grooves, it was clear that technical failure was present during the concert. Preventing Technical Glitches in Live Performances Technical glitches happen, whether the one involved is a professional or amateur. However, the team behind the concert should have been prompt enough to be able to mitigate and avoid disappointment for both the audience and performers. Special effects such as smoke machines/fog machines are intended to add drama to an act and to capture the attention of the audience. But without the right equipment and expertise in handling failures, errors that can affect the overall success of an event may occur.   To learn more about this story, read here .   In search of fog machines for your event? Red Damien, a dependable provider of sounds and lights equipment, offers fog machine rentals and sales, as well as technical assistance to ensure the success of your event. Contact us for inquiries.

Vogel’s Professional, known for its unique and timeless design on wall solutions, is bound to introduce its universal video wall series at the ISE 2018 which will happen on February 6-9, 2018 at the RAI Amsterdam. The event is the largest show in the world that focuses mainly on the integration of AV and systems Vogel’s has continued to win design awards worldwide because of the beauty of its products that are also marked by sophisticated functionality. This year, the company is introducing a new Connect-it Universal video wall series at ISE 2018. This is in line with the company’s expansion in terms of the applications of LCD video walls, as well as the LED walls solutions that are geared in achieving a future-proof standard. Vogel’s is focused on a universal and modular concept that stands out in quality and ease of installation. Aside from the Connect-it interface bars and display strips that the company is known for, Vogel’s now offers dedicated strip sets that are intended for mounting the tiles of LED walls. This innovation will allow LED walls to be mounted higher, therefore allowing users to install their LCD and LED walls with ease whether they require ceiling, floor-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling, free-standing, fixed, or mobile solution, Watch out for this LED wall solution at the ISE 2018 as Vogel’s will present this at Hall 1 Stand M30. Read more about the latest solution for LCD and LED Walls from Vogel’s, here .   Stay up-to-date about the latest in professional lights and sounds technology by regularly visiting our blog .

Be it a wedding, a concert, or a corporate conference, there’s bound to be an LED wall in place somewhere in the venue. LED walls not only display content with incredible clarity, but they instantly add wow factor to any setup. You can’t buy an LED wall without forethought, however--it takes careful planning to pick the right display for your needs.  To help you get the most out of your purchase, there are a few things to take into consideration when buying an LED wall. 1. Display Location Will you be using the LED wall indoors or outdoors? Remember that the screen will be exposed to sun and rain if it will be placed outside. LED walls are known for being low-maintenance, but sunlight may make your LED wall appear dark if the wall isn’t bright enough. If the LED wall will be used indoors, take note of any ambient light sources. A display wall located next to, say, a large window should have high maximum brightness to remain readable despite ambient light and glare. 2. Content You should also consider the kind of content that your LED wall will display. LED walls come in colored and monochrome varieties, with colored LED walls being more expensive than their monochrome counterparts. Some applications such as insurance firms can work with a monochrome display to simply display text. However, if you want to show images and videos, a colored LED wall is the way to go. If the content that will go on display is highly detailed, like in the case of a map, you’ll need a wall with higher resolution. Also, try to find an LED wall with multiple format support to make room for more creative display options and audience engagement. 3. Viewing Distance How far from the LED wall will your audience be standing? Indoor display screens are suitable if viewers will be standing a few meters away--think exhibits and smaller events. Shorter viewing distances require more detail, which translates to a screen with high resolution. Meanwhile, outdoor display screens are better if viewers will be much farther away, such as with an arena-sized event or a carnival in an open area. An LED wall placed outdoors will not need not as much detail and will be fine with a relatively low-resolution screen. The distance of your audience from the display will also affect the required pixel pitch. The LEDs in a screen are arranged into pixels, and pixel pitch refers to the distance between two pixels. Smaller pixel pitch means less empty space between pixels, higher pixel density, and improved screen resolution. Prices will most likely be higher for screens with smaller pixel pitch, though. Again, an LED wall placed outdoors and with a viewing area several meters away will be fine with a higher pitch display. The LED screen industry has a few equations to help estimate the needed pixel pitch. Start with a certain average comfortable viewing distance , an estimate of the comfortable viewing distance for most people who will look at your screen. Take your average comfortable viewing distance and multiply it by 2 to get the visual acuity distance. This is the calculated distance that a person with perfect vision should move away from an LED wall to see a non-pixelated image. Then, divide the visual acuity distance (in metric units of length) by 3,438 to get the required pixel pitch. Example: Average comfortable viewing distance: 4’ 3” or 1.29m Visual acuity distance: 8’ 6” or 2.58m Pixel pitch: 2.58m / 3,438 = 0.00075m or 0.75mm 4. Maintenance and Lifespan LED screens, in general, are more rugged and long-lived than LCD screens. Even rain cannot easily damage an LED wall. However, these screens will also start to degrade after some time. If an LED or two fails, the damaged part can be replaced quickly and on-site, minimizing downtime. LEDs also generally lose 20% of their initial brightness after the first 2,000 hours or 3 months of use. The LED then degrades very slowly until dying after 100,000 hours or 11 years of use. So, when buying an LED wall, remember that the claimed display brightness of the wall will drop by around 20% after 2-3 months. One final tip to help you choose between two screens with the same specifications and price range: ask how many individual LEDs the screens have. Between two screens with the same number of pixels, the screen with more LEDs will be brighter and clearer than the other. If your LED wall is the wrong size, you’re wasting money. If the screen is too dim or the pixels either too close or too far apart, you’re also wasting money. Plan well and keep this list in mind when you buy an LED wall. Looking for more stage design tips and entertainment industry news? Follow our blog for fresh updates.