Karaoke Forums

I recently lost a venue after one show, after the claim was made I used too much stage lighting.  If someone would have told me I would have gladly turned off some (or all if they wanted) of the lights, I do what I can to please the customer.  But really my lighting system is not all that large.  I have 8 par-36's, 4 tracer lights (tracers roughly put out 6 skinny beams), 2 strobes I rarely actually use except during fast party music, one moonflower and one laser pointed at the back wall so that the beam don't get in anyones eyes.  These lights are spread out across a 12 foot trussing system.  Am I really using too much?  It was a fairly large venue, roughly the size of a hollowed doublewide trailer (and that's just the dancing/drinking area).

Was this a permanent setup or were you putting all that stuff up and taking it down every night?  

For a permanent rig, I'd say that would be fine, but as a mobile set, I'd definitely say it's a little much.  At least from the work standpoint of it all.  I generally don't use any lighting at my shows outside of a few parcans to wash the stage area, and even that only happens in the darkest venues so the crowd can see the singers.

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Spreading the karaoke gospel

If it's ALL on the stage area, yes I would say it's too much.  Use the 8 par cans for the singer - 4 in front, 4 in back with nice friendly colors - no bright yellows or greens.  Get some nice blue & red shades.  If you have a light mixer, set up some scenes that you can change with different mood songs (not just full on or off).  The rest of the lights are more geared for dance floor use.  Not saying they can't be used for stage, but for karaoke, yes it is overkill.  Strobes can be very irratating for some.  I've been using lights for years for both stage & dance floor & wouldn't do any shows again without them.  They add a very nice & professional touch.
I do think the club was using that as an excuse as i've never heard of anyone losing a gig for having too much.  They could have asked you if you could turn some of them off first.  Something else drove that decision i'm willing to bet.  That was just an easy excuse - me thinks anyway.

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Yeah, I agree with lonman on this one.  It sounds like an excuse.  I also agree that it sounds like a bit much.  I use 4 par 36's for most of my venues and even that seems like much in some of the smaller ones.  I'll also bring a Vertigo light and set it on the floor facing straight up at the cieling to add a little flair.