About
Beginning in the early 60’s in Indianapolis Indiana Matt’s education began at a very young age of 5, using colored cellophane from the popcorn balls treats allowed mixing colors through a flashlight onto white paper. His grade school had a theatrical stage complete with border strip lights and a public address system that gave him the tools to learn the theatrical technical side and apply them in plays. In “64” his 4 older brothers who played in garage bands to live performances gave an opportunity to educate himself with better production tools. The changing technology effected the entertainment industries production, in the 70’s Matt’s education advanced with his involvement at his high school theatrical technician program for plays, musicals, special events and concerts. From 77-78 Matt was hired by local band “Dakotas” to engineer their sound at various up scale clubs and parties. He engineered audio on a Sound Craft (the first English sound console to enter the states) but lighting was still his first love. From 78-9 he was contracted by the Dan Hanley Band who was produced by percussionist Billy Cobham, this jazz funk band well know in the local area toured over the U.S. and open for national acts such as Stan Getz, Les McCann ,George Duke with Shelia E and Gino Vanelli at then Market Square Arena (pic) in Indianapolis (currently RIP) also was the last arena venue Elvis Presley played at. Matt was born in 1956 the same year as Elvis’s 1st hit.Newer lighting consoles (desk) were growing with demands for advanced effects and cues.1979 The Brother to Brother tour (Gino V.) brought in an U.K. desk the Aldererham Showboard (see pic) that Matt engineered for the Dan Hanley opening for Gino Vanelli, using a matrix stacking protocol.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
During this period of 79-84 Matt was contracted by the Vogue that had been converted for national and international concerts and special events as the lighting designer/director. Major assorted acts rocked this venue such as Pat Benatar, Jean Luc Ponty, Spyro Gyra, Pat Travers, Charlie Danielle, Pat Metheny ,King Crimson, The Romones and Frank Zappa just to drop a few names. (a huge list can be emailed) Matt begins to buy lighting and sub contract himself to local stage lighting companies such as Stage Tech Inc. and Merrill Stage Equipment Inc. From private courses of Lighting calculus to color temperatures and electronics Matt’s level of education and determination produced high caliber shows that gave birth to the original concept bases of Encore Lighting. From 79-81 he was contracted by a local Jazz fusion band “Streamwinner” to design, direct and engineer their lighting rig. Touring the U.S. and opening for national acts (after a year drummer Kenny Aronnoff left for John Mellencamp band reformed) while engineering between gigs at the Vogue Matt’s life sees the “Corporate World”. With Matt’s rig in 84 he provided/engineered lighting for NBC/RCA’s stock holder’s meeting (CEO Grant Tinker) at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Indy. The term “Per Diem” was introduced with open arms. Vari-lite introduced one of the first digital intelligent fixture used on the Genesis tour who funded the company and opened the door to the market today.Technology is advancing by the second, Matt’s vision grows to stay competitive.
In January of 85 (20 below zero) Matt is offered to relocate to Tampa Florida, in 86 officially began Encore Lighting & Display…(the Display would later be changed to Design). His first concert at The London Victory Nightclub (engineered) for an artist he had engineered before in Indy ,Leon Russell. In 88 an increasing the light rig Encore was contracted by Donavan Audio for various concerts including Kenny Rogers, Beatle Mania, Michael Tomlinson (90) at Straub Park in St. Petersburg. In 87 Crossover Nightclub for national country acts such as Ricky Van Shelton, Mel McDanils, Steve Warner and Ronny McDowell. From 87- present, Grand Events, Eventions , Extravaganza ,Wizards Works, Design Line, By Sue, Webb Feet, Special F/X, SEALS ,Bay Stage, AVI, Sound & Vision Comm., Audio/Visual companies (video introduction), Saddlebrook, Innisbrook resorts and hotels became clients.91 installed outdoor lighting for Skippers Smoke House. In 92 Encore Lighting provided/engineered lighting for Mtv’s Spring Break in Daytona’s Beech (see Events). In 95 N.Y. Blenheim fashion show in Miami.
In 95 Fleenor Productions contracts for Encore Lighting to design and engineering Fair shows for national acts. In 97 Joined NACE, (national association of catering executives) as an affiliate for involvements with the corporate events such as the award winning “Nauti-Nite” Halloween Event (see Events) and other theme parties. Video projections and LED have sparked the interest of many designers. In 97-98 he was contracted to design / provided lighting and software program for the 60 ft information tower in Downtown Disney World Orlando Fl (see Design). Also contracted by The Indian Conference Center (India) in Tampa to engineer sound, lighting and video for inter-national concerts, corporate events, parties and seminars.
In 98-99 RTA contracted Encore to engineer lighting and technical support /consultant for, Rib Fest, Live Stock, Star Fest ,38 Special concert and other events (see Events)
Past/present client list;
Clear Channel three Video screens flown for the Millennium in Ybor City along 7th Avenue
video screen at Cold Storage Cafe (3 Doors Down) for Gasperilla
Outback Bowl’s Contract signing, Feast on the 50 and game.
Boys & Girls Club of Tampa, N.Y. Yankees luncheon
Nutcracker Sweet (Russians on ice) Ice Palace Tampa , John Lynch Foundation
MDA, , Switch Foot , Jon Connelly , Ty England
Outback Bowl, Brandon BBQ Fest ,Vice President Dick Chaney
7/11 Stores with Starship
Video shoot for Microsoft and MSNBC, FMCA Home Coach, Jon Anderson, Ty England, Outback Bowl, Neil Sedaka @Strawberry Fest Fl, Real Championship Fighting, Easter Seals, The Marshall Tucker Band , Kenny Rogers and many more.
Designing special effects with sharks scrim, shadows, haze, laser projections on a water screen with LED video walls produces successful events for any client. Brain storming, thinking out of the box or sketching on a cocktail napkin has always been the foundation of increased revenues. To date Encore has interest in 4k & 8k 1.2mm Ultra High Def video walls.
NOTE: We like but don’t use Facebook or Twitter media as a Professional Privacy courtesy to our clients
http://www.encorelighting.us http://www.encorelighting.us/SpecialOccasions
 |
 |
 |
 |