On September 19 and 20, 2024, the heart of Cambridge’s Gaslight District was transformed into a vibrant celebration of music, community, and entertainment as Fest2Fall kicked off. The two-day music festival featured a star-studded lineup, headlined by Bahamas and The Beaches, winners of the 2024 Juno Award for Group of the Year.
The event delivered a one-of-a-kind experience for music lovers, with performances from other notable artists such as Sydney Jones, Josiah and the Bonnevilles, Tim Baker, Avalon Stone, Soft Cult, and JJ Wilde. With a mix of indie-rock, folk, and alternative tunes filling the air, it was a music lover’s paradise, and behind the scenes, the production team at Pynx Pro worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event.
Video by Ian Wilson of Pynx Productions
Pynx Pro provided expert music festival production services at Fest2Fall, collaborated with artists, managed stage setups, and ensured performances went off without a hitch.
Planning a successful music festival requires months of preparation. From booking vendors to securing permits, every step has to be meticulously managed. The pre-production phase set the tone for the entire event, ensuring that everything from the stage design to the sound system was ready to go.
For Fest2Fall, the Pynx Pro team began pre-production planning as soon as the festival dates were set. This included determining the best layout for the venue, selecting the right equipment, and planning for any unique requirements of the performing artists.
The Gaslight District in Cambridge provided a stunning venue, featuring a 1-acre public square. This historical and visually rich setting added an extra layer of complexity when it came to production for festivals, but it was a challenge Pynx Pro was excited to tackle.
The team took the venue’s acoustics and layout into account, making decisions about speaker placement and stage design to enhance the audience’s experience while staying true to the venue’s architectural integrity.
For Fest2Fall, Pynx Pro used a Stageline SL260 for the main stage, which provided the perfect platform for the performers and could accommodate the dynamic stage setups needed for the diverse lineup. Additionally, four Ultra Stage Decks were added to give the drum kits extra prominence, especially for bands like The Beaches, who required precision stage setups for their high-energy indie rock performances.
One of the biggest challenges in music festival production is managing quick turnarounds between performances. With multiple artists performing back-to-back, the stage crew has to work efficiently to swap out equipment, reconfigure the stage, and ensure that sound checks were performed swiftly.
At Fest2Fall, Pynx Pro’s production team executed seamless transitions between sets. Each band had its own unique requirements, from specific drum kits to customized microphone setups, and it was the crew’s job to ensure that all the equipment was in place and ready for each performance.
For all the performers at Fest2Fall, their unique stage presence and varied musical styles required a custom audio setup tailored to each act. From Shure and Sennheiser microphones to strategically placed Adamson CS10 Active Line Array Speakers and Adamson CS119 Active Subwoofers, the sound system was designed to deliver crystal-clear audio to the audience. Working closely with each artist’s sound engineers, Pynx Pro ensured that every element, from the vocals to the bass lines, was perfectly amplified, creating an immersive and flawless sound experience for all performances.
The Allen & Heath dLive C3500 and SQ5 Digital Mixing Consoles were used to manage sound mixing, allowing for quick adjustments between artists and a flawless auditory experience. Whether it was Josiah and the Bonnevilles’ folksy tunes or JJ Wilde’s powerful vocals, Pynx Pro’s expert technicians knew exactly how to tailor the sound to each performer’s needs.
Lighting played a critical role in creating the right atmosphere for the music festival. For Fest2Fall, the lighting design had to complement the performances while enhancing the audience’s experience. Pynx Pro utilized ADJ Encore LP12IP lights, ADJ Vizi Beam 12RX lights, and Chauvet Strike Array 2’s to deliver dynamic lighting effects that elevated each performance.
During The Beaches’ set, for example, the lighting rig was programmed to highlight the band members at key moments, adding drama and excitement to their performance. The lighting also synchronized with the music, enhancing the mood and providing a captivating visual experience.
In addition to lighting, the sound setup for Fest2Fall was equally impressive. With 16 Adamson CS10 Active Line Array Speakers and 8 Adamson CS119 Active Subwoofers, Pynx Pro ensured that every corner of the venue received top-quality sound. The Allen & Heath dLive C3500 and SQ5 Digital Mixing Consoles allowed the sound engineers to manage multiple audio inputs and provide balanced, clear sound throughout the performances.
The success of any live performance is built on the foundation of collaboration between artists, their managers, and the production team. At Fest2Fall, Pynx Pro’s role went beyond setting up the stage and equipment – the team worked closely with the artists to ensure their performance ran smoothly.
For the artists performing at Fest2Fall, this meant coordinating stage design, sound checks, and lighting cues with their tour managers and sound engineers. By working closely with each band, Pynx Pro was able to create custom stage setups that reflected each artist’s unique style and energy, while also ensuring the technical aspects of every performance were flawless.
Pynx Pro takes pride in being a top-tier AV provider for music festivals. Our years of experience, combined with our industry-leading equipment and skilled technicians, makes us the ideal partner for festivals of any size. From managing complex stage setups to providing crystal-clear sound and mesmerizing lighting, Pynx Pro guaranteed that every aspect of Fest2Fall was a success.
Our expertise in music festival production made us the go-to choice for events like Fest2Fall, where we delivered comprehensive AV solutions that met the needs of performers and ensured an unforgettable experience for the audience.
Organizing a music festival can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. From managing logistics to ensuring seamless performances, there are many moving parts that need attention. To help festival organizers stay on top of it all, here are some crucial tips to keep in mind for a successful event:
1. Communication is Vital
Good communication can make or break a music festival. Assign someone who excels in communication to work closely with the bands, managers, and AV production team. This individual will be the bridge between the artists and the production crew, ensuring that everyone is on the same page when it comes to performance schedules, equipment needs, and technical requirements. Clear, continuous communication helps avoid last-minute confusion and ensures a smooth flow from setup to tear-down.
2. Appoint a Stage Manager from the AV Team
A dedicated stage manager is essential for maintaining order on the day of the event. At Pynx Pro, we highly recommend assigning a stage manager from the AV production team. Having someone from the AV side of things oversee the stage ensures that they are well-versed in the technical requirements of the production. This person can manage stage changes, cue lighting and sound, and ensure everything runs according to schedule. A reliable stage manager will keep things running like clockwork and help handle any unexpected issues that might pop up.
3. Conduct Mandatory Site Inspections
Before the big day, a site inspection is mandatory to assess any logistical concerns. This includes inspecting the power solutions, determining where generators and power outlets will be located, and understanding how the equipment will be powered. You want to ensure there is enough power for all the audio, lighting, and video equipment, along with food vendors and other stalls. A thorough site inspection can prevent power shortages and ensure your event runs without a hitch.
4. Set Clear Deadlines for Special Requests
Artists and bands often have special requests, whether it’s for additional equipment, specific lighting setups, or even catering preferences. Make sure you set clear deadlines for receiving these special requests, so your production team has time to source the necessary equipment or make any adjustments. Last-minute requests can cause unnecessary stress and potentially disrupt the festival’s schedule, so giving yourself a buffer with deadlines is crucial.
5. Plan for Inclement Weather (Even if it’s Indoors!)
Even for indoor festivals, plan for unforeseen circumstances. Outdoor events must be prepared for sudden weather changes, so always have a backup plan like covered areas, tents, or even indoor alternatives. If you’re indoors, weather might still affect loading in and out, so ensure covered pathways for gear transportation. Discuss these contingencies during your pre-event planning phase to ensure a smooth and weather-proof event.
6. Schedule Buffer Time Between Sets
Scheduling is key for a successful music festival, and one crucial thing many organizers overlook is buffer time between performances. This extra time ensures smooth transitions between acts, allowing the AV team to make necessary adjustments to sound, lighting, or stage setups. By allowing for this buffer, you also accommodate any slight delays without derailing the entire schedule.
7. Keep a Backup of Everything
From backup generators to spare microphones and extra cables, you should have backups of all essential equipment. Music festivals are complex productions, and things can break or malfunction unexpectedly. Having a backup plan and spare equipment ensures that the show can go on without any major disruptions.
8. Consider the Audience Experience
While the focus is on the performers, don’t forget about the audience’s experience. Ensure that your sound and lighting equipment provides excellent visibility and clarity to everyone, no matter where they are in the venue. Use large video walls for close-up viewing and ensure your sound systems are powerful enough to reach the back of the crowd without losing quality. A well-designed stage and AV setup can make a huge difference in creating an immersive and enjoyable experience for the attendees.
9. Coordinate With Vendors and Emergency Services
Ensure that you’ve coordinated with food vendors, merchandise stands, and emergency services well in advance. They need to be aware of the event layout, power requirements, and safety protocols. Have designated areas for food and merchandise stalls and ensure these spaces don’t interfere with the flow of foot traffic or the viewing areas. It’s also important to have a first aid station and ensure emergency services have easy access to the venue in case of an emergency.
10. Maintain Flexibility, But Be Ready to Make Quick Decisions
Even with all the planning in the world, things can still go wrong. Whether it’s a last-minute artist cancellation or a technical issue, you need to be prepared to think on your feet. Flexibility is key, but so is quick decision-making. Having contingency plans in place and a team you trust will help you make fast decisions that minimize disruptions.
By following these tips, festival organizers can ensure a smooth-running event that leaves both the performers and attendees with great memories. With strong communication, an organized plan, and reliable AV production, your festival can be a stress-free success! At Pynx Pro, we’re ready to help make that happen.
As Fest2Fall concluded, Pynx Pro proved to be an indispensable partner, delivering an unparalleled live music experience. With our expert team, top-of-the-line equipment, and commitment to excellence, we ensured that every artist’s performance was enhanced to its full potential.
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Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that Pynx Productions Head Office is situated on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We also acknowledge that the events in which Pynx Productions produces take place on this traditional territory. It is the settlers of this traditional territory whose cultural roots we celebrate. We also recognize and respect the cultural diversity that First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people bring to our community and recognize their past and present contributions to this land.
We encourage our community to continue their reconciliation journey along with us by visiting the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR). To find out more information about the land that you’re on, visit Native-Land and Whose Land.
