Expert interview with Kier LaCrosse of Allegra Events

I have always been a fan of strategic lighting in event design – I think it makes all the difference! But you need not take it from me alone… here are the insights of Kier LaCrosse who has been running a professional event lighting company – Allegra Events – for more than two decades!

“What services does your company offer?“

Allegra Entertainment & Events is unique because we offer so many different services under one roof. We are a full-service event design, lighting, entertainment, audio visual and production firm. 

“How did you get into lighting design and production?“

I was a lead guitarist and toured for over 14 years post university at a very high level. Unfortunately, my left hand was just about ruined by a vicious dog attack.  My career as a guitarist was over in 15 seconds. I had to reinvent myself, so the event industry was a natural transition.  

“What are a few of your biggest projects, your proudest work?“

Biggest Projects:

Producing the NHL Stadium Series outdoor hockey game at Levi Stadium between the LA Kings and San Jose Sharks. At the time, it was the largest event ever held at Levi Stadium, just shy of 80,000 attendees.

Proudest Work:

I’d have to say – while still in college, having a song I wrote and recorded with my band climb up the radio charts to #3 in the company of U2, Sting, Def Leppard++. Imagine driving down the road and hearing your song on the radio for the first time! Again, I was in college back then. It was surreal and certainly a proud moment. Note: this was back when music was made by artists/ musicians and garage bands and not by today’s corporate music industry which dictates what we will listen to. The “little guy,” artist, college/local band or act still had a chance to be heard back then, and in some cases – even to “make it.”

– “What are the main types of lighting (e.g. string lights, pin-spots, up lights, gobos…)“

We offer just about any lighting service needed. Practically all of our lighting is battery-powered, state-of-the-art and very much “easy on the eye” / designer lighting gear.

For the wedding industry in particular, we are offering design lighting: pinspots, washes, uplighting, and gobos. I have been told that our gobos are “the crispiest in town!” Aside from weddings and social events, we also do stadium, big stage  and name act productions… Ie. Earth Wind and Fire, Harry Connick Jr. +++++ 

“How can lighting transform spaces?”  

It has been said that “Lighting is everything,” and I absolutely agree with that quote. One can throw thousands and thousands of dollars at events on food, beverage, décor, florals and even a cake. If you can’t see those items in a nice light, then that is an “opportunity missed.”  The right lighting can take an old, tired space and just really warm it up. Add all the other ingredients in and – “BINGO!” – you got something really special.  At the end of the day, for a reasonable design lighting investment, you really can get a great return.

“How has lighting design evolved over the years – what’s new and exciting now?”

LED technology is what has profoundly changed the “lighting game.” LEDs with their low power needs in combination with battery-powered products have really been a game changer. We were early in the game designing battery-powered lighting over two decades ago; so it’s not really new to us – actually, by now it’s pretty much commonplace and a huge overseas industry.

THANK YOU FOR THESE INSIGHTS, KIER!

If you want such a magical transformation for YOUR wedding – contact me at [email protected] for your free consultation.

A Day Like No Other – wedding coordination and design

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