When it comes the chart-topping acts of the late ’90s, few bands had the widespread acceptance of Third Eye Blind, one of those rare groups that could rack up hits like “Semi-Charmed Life,” “Jumper” and “How’s It Gonna Be” on pop radio while retaining credibility with alternative rockers at the same time. The charts may lean toward Urban R&B these days, but 3EB still has a legion of fans–enough so that Sacramento, CA-based Metro Audio Visual Productions, Inc. recently provided sound, lighting and production for the act at a private event in Costa Rica.
The gig in question was held for an audience of about 180 people at the Prieta Beach Club, within the Four Seasons Hotel in Papagayo, Costa Rica. Surprisingly, I couldn’t convince the PSN brass that I had to cover this story in person (I know; I was shocked too), but luckily, Michael Griffith, the president/owner of Metro Audio Visual Productions, Inc., told me all about it.
“It was a really fun show,” he said. “Very sweaty and a very long day, but still a bunch of fun–and the band members are really great guys, so it made the job that much better!” Crew members on the event were Bob Paiz as FOH engineer; “Daniel” on the monitor desk; Griffith himself as the Production Manager; and Brad Wolfgram working as the Production Assistant.
Gear-wise, Metro didn’t skimp; in addition to all backline, Yamaha PM5D desks at the FOH and monitor positions, and a trio of Shure UHF-R wireless systems, the house set up included a half-dozen Meyer Sound Milo line array boxes, a quartet of Meyer 700-HP subs, four MSL-4 outfills and a pair of UPAs for frontfills, all benefiting from Galileo drive processing. Meanwhile, monitors were tackled via six Meyer UPM-1 wedges, five Sennheiser IEM personal monitor systems, and a Meyer 700-HP for the drum sub.
“While the venue there had some challenges, we pulled off an excellent event,” reported Griffith. “Both the band and the client were very happy with the show, so it looks like we’ll be doing more work with Third Eye Blind in the next month.” Sounds like a charmed life, all right–nothing “semi” about it.
Metro Audio Visual Productions, Inc.
www.metroaudiovisual.com
