This year's Memorial Day falls on May 28. On that day 35 years ago, a fire broke out and spread through layers of false ceilings, plenum spaces, open stairwells and between rooms that had no fire breaks. Eventually 165 people would die and over 200 hundred sustained injury. It was the 3rd worst nightclub fire in US history.
Two of the club's owners would later open a casino in Mississippi. I was hired by a producer to mix his show at that property. One of the owners would constantly complain to the lighting designer that there was "too much red and orange" in the upstage truss. "Can't you put some pink up there?" I think the LD had almost every shade of pink Rosco made at the time. Our conjecture was that the owners didn't want anything that reminded them of fire, and I can understand why.
As we use this holiday to reflect on the sacrifices made by our soldiers, sailors, airmen/women, coast guard, merchant marine (did I leave anyone out? Add them, please), also take a moment to recognize that many have perished in the name of having a good time. The results of those deaths are reflected in the various building and life safety codes.
Closer for some of us is the Indiana State Fair disaster last year. No one should have died, no one should have been injured, but in the end poor communications, engineering and planning, combined with commercial interests cost of the lives of 2 and injured over 100. Kindly remember them, too.
It would be a tremendous thing to have a full summer season without serious injuries or loss of life. As a tribute to those who didn't have a choice in their good time outcome do your bit to maintain safety for yourself, your workers, the performers and their fans.
Two of the club's owners would later open a casino in Mississippi. I was hired by a producer to mix his show at that property. One of the owners would constantly complain to the lighting designer that there was "too much red and orange" in the upstage truss. "Can't you put some pink up there?" I think the LD had almost every shade of pink Rosco made at the time. Our conjecture was that the owners didn't want anything that reminded them of fire, and I can understand why.
As we use this holiday to reflect on the sacrifices made by our soldiers, sailors, airmen/women, coast guard, merchant marine (did I leave anyone out? Add them, please), also take a moment to recognize that many have perished in the name of having a good time. The results of those deaths are reflected in the various building and life safety codes.
Closer for some of us is the Indiana State Fair disaster last year. No one should have died, no one should have been injured, but in the end poor communications, engineering and planning, combined with commercial interests cost of the lives of 2 and injured over 100. Kindly remember them, too.
It would be a tremendous thing to have a full summer season without serious injuries or loss of life. As a tribute to those who didn't have a choice in their good time outcome do your bit to maintain safety for yourself, your workers, the performers and their fans.