CASERTA, ITALY – “Breathtaking!” It is a word often used to describe the Royal Palace of Caserta, the massive 18th century baroque masterpiece just north of Naples with its exquisite architectural flourishes and stunning gardens. Earlier this fall, such lofty praise could also be ascribed (but in a slightly different and more modern way), to singer-songwriter film producer Luciano Ligabue’s live event ‘La Notte di Certe Notti’ (The Night of Certain Nights). That took place near the famed site.
Held before 36,000 fans at Piazza Carlo di Borbone, at the palace’s entrance, the event marked the 30th anniversary of Ligabue’s iconic album “Happy Birthday Elvis.” The evening’s stage, set up like a slightly vintage Las Vegas show, was enlivened by a dazzling Jo Campana lighting design anchored by 240 CHAUVET Professional fixtures from ZaLight SRL.
“The idea for the concept of the show was suggested to us by the thirtieth anniversary of the release of the album HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELVIS. This album has somehow marked a definitive turning point in Luciano’s career,” said Campana. “It gave us the cue to think of a 50s LAS VEGAS look characterized by neon signs, saturated colors, rather bright frames and posters – in short, a rich, almost redundant container that winked at the concept of party or amusement park.”
Driving a good share of the show’s dynamic energy were 174 Color STRIKE M fixtures used in extend mode (97 DMX channels). “They had a decisive and characterizing impact,” noted Campana. “I had already used them in stadiums last year. In this set-up I further appreciated their versatility. They allowed me to play on two fronts: the first is the more ‘muscular’, with great power of light emission and the second that of ’embroidery’ by taking full advantage of the pixel-by-pixel effects.”
Campana positioned 134 Color STRIKE Ms on the roof to its perimeter with its circular trusses. “I spread 40 more units on the delay towers. The aim was to illuminate the audience and involve them more in the mood of the stage. For me it was then impossible not to enhance the splendor of the façade of the Palace — and in this case the STRIKE M provided a generous contribution.”
Complementing the effect of the Color STRIKE M were the 65 COLORado PXL Bar 16 battens that Campana placed on the front profile of the stage. They “dynamically supported the almost three hours of concert with their chromatic quality and fluidity on the effects of the dimmer,” said the LD.
Speaking of his multi-talented client, Campana noted: “Luciano Ligabue and the ‘Campovolo brand’ are an association of ideas that comes spontaneously and naturally to think about. For 20 years, the Reggio Emilia location has hosted the great events of this artist from Correggio who feels that the (very modern) RCF Arena is a bit like his home.”
Playing this show in a different part of Italy represented a bit of a change for Luciano Ligabue, but as Campana asks, “what better venue” could this new experience happen at “than a square like that of the Royal Palace of Caserta? The wildly enthusiastic fans at this historic site on “The Night of Certain Nights” obviously agreed.
Color STRIKE M
