New to international touring - Africa

C

Craig Basten

Freshman
Dec 17, 2011
34
0
6
Wisconsin
Greetings all,

I found out today that I may have the opportunity to act as a production manager and FOH for a small tour in Zambia in summer of 2014. This is pretty exciting, but lots of unknowns for me...my experience is primarily in small-scale regional touring, I have no experience out-of-country.

While this is far from a done deal, part of what will get it there is knowing what to expect and some ballpark costs. Since we're obviously not going to ship a rig and backline over from the US, I'll need some resources to start putting together backline, FOH and monitor packages for a 2-3 week engagement. I'd love to get names of production/rental houses you've worked with, who you like, who to avoid.

Besides the help with securing gear, anything you can offer in terms of "must-know" info would be most appreciated.

Thanks for any advice you can provide. This is a pretty significant step for me personally and professionally, and would like to ensure I take the time to get it right.

Craig
 
Re: New to international touring - Africa

Craig,

I can't help with local info over there, but I will tell you: make absolutely certain that your power requirements are met. Whether it's a gennie or hardline power, you need to advance it and make it absolutely clear what you need, when you need it, and for how long.
 
Re: New to international touring - Africa

Hi Craig,

Zambia really is Africa at it's deepest and darkest, expect Chinese line arrays and incompetent crew. Depending on the scale of your production, you can get a package shipped out of South Africa, Namibia or Kenya (although Kenya will be the most costly). Send me a message with some specifics and I'll advise on potential suppliers in the region.

Nathan
 
Re: New to international touring - Africa

I can provide some more details.

Most of the schedule will be focused in and around Lusaka. Several concerts, a few seminars and interactive sessions, including some of concerts, almost like clinics. We're expecting anywhere from 300-500 people at most of these events. There will also likely be one or two concerts expected to number around 1000.

The ensemble is a modern electric/acoustic band with the typical instrumentation you'd think of...a couple of acoustic guitars, two electrics, drum kit, bass, and piano, with two vocalists. This is typically a 22-input band, with need for 30 inputs on occasion.

This isn't a rock concert type of gig; I don't need massive volume levels. I do need good quality tops and subs though. With those numbers I don't need an A-level concert rig or large-format array. A small or mid-size system should work nicely.

Our priorities are going to be 1) decent quality backline, and 2) systems that are flexible enough to scale up and down for this range. Given the variety of events my initial thoughts are focusing on something like a Meyer UPM-1P or UPA-1P, Nexo PS, or a similar box with subs that nicely compliment. (I'm not married to these solutions but that should give you an idea of the preferred range of gear and the flexibility needed.)

I do not know transportation logistics yet, but sorting some of this out will help determine the requirements.

Part of what I need to sort out is not only the main system but the small bits as well. We'd prefer to travel with nothing other than ourselves, but I'm wondering if we should carry mics and DI and similar small gear, or if we'll have adequate supply available in country.

Thanks for any help you can provide. Feel free to PM if you'd prefer to respond in private.

Thanks,
Craig
 
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