Roy Wilkins Auditorium continued from 20Hockey Tournament. In 1985, it was renamedafter former NAACP director, civilrights activist and Saint Paul native RoyWilkins.Over the years, the Legendary Roy WilkinsAuditorium has hosted some of the mostrecognizable artists and memorable performancesin entertainment history. TheGrateful Dead, David Bowie, Bob Dylan,Dave Matthews, Alanis Morrisette, Journey,and The White Stripes are just a few ofthe renowned acts who have come to appreciatethe welcoming parlor feeling of thevenue.VersatilityThe Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium isa destination for music appreciation. Withits relaxed and retro feel, it’s the perfectmid-sized venue for performers that haveout-grown clubs but aren’t necessarilyready to make the leap to a major arena. Itcan accommodate a wide variety of artistsand events and is an ideal setting for rock,hip-hop, jazz, country, comedy and folkmusic.But beyond live concerts, it is also hometo a mosaic of colorful exhibitions, dance,sport and educational programs. Over77,000 square feet of exhibit hall spaceattracts festive celebrations, informativeexpos and national trade shows and conventions.Since 2005, the ever-popular MinnesotaRollerGirls has called the Legendary RoyWilkins Auditorium home. The RollerGirlsis an all-women amateur flat-track rollerderby league based in the Minneapolis –Saint Paul area. Annually, it attracts around50,000 fans to a dozen derby bouts eachseason.Roy Wilkins Auditorium is a versatile spacefeaturing a 5,000-seat auditorium with floorand balcony seating and 44,800 square feetof exhibit space on the main level. There’san additional 32,000 square feet of exhibitspace on the lower level, which adjoins theSaint Paul RiverCentre exhibit hall.AmenitiesIn 2005, Roy Wilkins Auditorium underwentnumerous upgrades. The additionsincluded a full service production audiosystem, upgraded production lighting andcommunications options, installation ofa new balcony curtaining system, videoscreens in the main lobby, acoustical treatments,balcony seating refurbishments,improved HVAC controls, new concessionequipment and restroom renovations.Creating its own vibrant energy, the SaintPaul Conservatory for Performing ArtistsDance Instruction School currently residesin the upper level of the Legendary RoyWilkins Auditorium. Designed professionallyfor instructional, social and competitivedance, the school features four 3,240-sq.-foot dance studios with spring-loaded flooring,18’ ceilings, rigging for silks and flyingdevices, and built-in sound systems, providinganother multi-functional space withinthe venue.FunctionalityThe Legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium isa space adaptable for everything from concertsto trade shows, galas to business meetings,and groups of five or five thousand.With high tech staging capabilities and anexperienced and dedicated staff, it’s a stopon your tour you won’t want to miss. 5Jonas Brothers continued from 13everyone who sees them knows it.How else could you explain the ideathat they would, as an opening act forHannah Montana, begin their showwith a fly gag? NO ONE get’s thatkind of respect as an opener!It was summed up quite well by BradWavra, Senior Vice President for LiveNation Touring out of L.A. who noted,“These kids are some of the most talentedkids I’ve ever met. To be able towrite their own songs, play their owninstruments and sing their own vocals isincredible. This is not a packaged simulatedboy band. They're grounded intheir family – their family travels withthem. And they have a work ethic thatis unparalleled.”The prediction is that they will be playingStadiums next year and when theydo, mPm will be there as we ride thistrain as far down the track as it goes.This isn’t something you see everyday. 5Def Leppard continued from 38some of the stuff, there is some sexualcontent that isn’t anything too over thetop, that the kids would be offended by,but we had a lot of fun putting it alltogether and we think that it goes withall the songs really well.”With all US shows on their summertrek having sold extremely well,there is no doubt that Def Leppardhas “legs” even in <strong>2008</strong>. ‘The SparkleTour” continues in November withvisits to Australia, Japan, New Zealand,and India. 5ADLIB continued from 41He comments that he is very impressedwith the brightness of the MAC 250s,which are also an ideally compact size forsome of the smaller venues when stagespace and headroom has been reallytight.For control, they are using 2 AvolitesART 2000 dimming racks, one with 48ways of dimming and the other with12 ways of dimming and 36 ways ofswitched hot power.ADLIB Lighting also supplied all trussing,1 tonne Lodestar motors and techniciansTim Spilman and Shaun Moore. 542 mobile production monthly
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