It’s probably no surprise that Tennessee-based Bandit Lites was selected to supply the lighting for the inauguration of that state’s new governor. Governor Phil Bredesen was sworn in on January 18, in the Delta and Presidential Rooms at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Mike Frogge and Steve Hoover were lighting directors, with a package of gear that included 32 Martin Professional MAC 500 units, 32 MAC 600s, 12 MAC 300s, along with Coffing Motors and Thomas Par 64s. Other crew members included production coordinator Robert Frye, and technicians Eric Cathcart, Jeff Wilkin, Andy Knighton, and Anthony Kordyjaka.
In other Bandit news, staff members Richard K. Davis and John Rolison have both been names to the Stage Directions Who’s Who List for 2002-2003. “This should come as no surprise to anyone that has worked with these guys before,” said Michael Strickland, Bandit Lites’ CEO.
Davis came to Bandit in 1996 where he created the design division. His diverse background includes a stint as staff lighting designer for Opryland, field engineering for Teatronics and the responsibility of opening the Los Angeles operation for Production Arts Lighting. Rolison came to Bandit from a background in lighting design. After deciding to pursue other facets of the business, he moved into sales and technical consulting. His prior experience includes working closely with such giants as Disney, Universal Studios, and Sea World.