Australia - Indoor 'hardstyle' festival Knockout Circuz returned to iconic Sydney venue The Hordern Pavilion at the end of last year, with lighting designer Arian Yeganeh creating a spectacular eight-hour light show using Clay Paky Mythos, Stormy and Sharpy fixtures.

Promoted by organisers Hard Styles United (HSU) as "one of the most spectacular and intense indoor rave arenas [we] have ever created" with "hours of lasers, spectacular lighting shows and crystal clear audio", Knockout Circuz saw a line-up of such international artists as Technoboy and Bioweapon.

Leading event supplier Newtone Entertainment supplied 24 Sharpys, along with 24 Mythos and 13 Stormy CC strobes partially sub hired from Chameleon Touring Systems, to the massive underground rave.

"HSU wanted us to create an underground circus world, with a different theme and look for every

Mexico - One of Mexico's major full technical production and rental companies, Audio Systems del Norte based in Monterrey, capital and largest city of the north eastern state of Nuevo León, has invested in its first Robe moving lights - 24 x Pointes.

Mexico is a rapidly expanding market for Robe, largely due to the efforts of distributor Vari Internacional, and the Pointe with its true multi-functionality is one of the most popular products right now.

Robe's reporting team rocked-up in Monterrey and interviewed Audio Systems' sales manager Franco Cinquini, who has been with the company since it was started in 1993 by Carlos Escoto.

Audio Systems provides lighting, sound, video, rigging, staging and power to a wide selection of concert tours - including international artists - cultural performances, music shows and parties / social events. They are particularly strong in

USA - A winter storm couldn't stop the prestigious 24th Annual Trumpet Awards which celebrates and honours African American achievers and those who support the African American experience.

, and honours accomplishments in diverse fields including law, medicine, business, politics, the Arts, civil rights, sports, entrepreneurship, entertainment and other careers.

Hosted by actress Nia Long and actor Mike Epps, the honourees of this year's Trumpet Awards included EVP and COO of General Motors Alicia Boler-Davis, Former Secretary of Labour Alexis M. Herman, Chancellor of Wayne Community College Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, HRH Princess Masmah Bint Saud, R&B singer Ne-Yo, film and television producer Will Packer and legendary actor George Wallace. TBandit Lites provided the lighting package for the event which took place 23 January at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centrehe African Ame

USA - Apollo Design Technology, Inc. has announced the appointment of Aaron Creps as a production technician. In this role, Creps is responsible for the assembly and testing of mechanical and electronic subassemblies and products including precision calibration. He will also provide technical assistance to internal personnel and customers.

"Aaron brings great technical skills and a strong mechanical background to the Apollo team," said Mr. Joel Nichols, president of Apollo Design. Prior to joining Apollo Design Technology, Creps worked at Fort Wayne Nissan in the service department. He holds a Technical Certificate from Universal Technical Institute. "I'm excited to join Apollo," said Creps. "It's a great opportunity to grow my mechanical and technical skills while working with a fun group of people."

(Jim Evans)

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