Microsoft at the San Diego Zoo

Thu, 12/10/2009 - 1:11pm — admin

Microsoft at the San Diego Zoo

Jessica Put on Quite the Show for a Lucky Group of Microsoft Programmers

Summary

Hired by the Microsoft Event Team to build and produce a private concert, Mowalla quickly got to work on transforming the San Diego Zoo Sea Lion Arena into a special performance space.

Load In

Mowalla devised a plan to extend the stage over the exhibit moat to accommodate an eight-piece band for the featured artist. The custom stage extension included integrated lighting and audio specifically tailored for this unique venue. Because the venue wasn’t built for this type of event, the Mowalla Team also worked to make a functional backstage space that included the layout of dressing rooms, production offices and restroom trailers. The real challenge, however, was the design and construction of a sound-proofing system to protect the nearby wildlife in the zoo. With a little ingenuity a 20’ tall x 60’ wide wall was erected in two locations that served as sound barriers for the neighboring bird habitats.

Line Up

This private corporate event featured Jessica Simpson.

Run of Show

In addition to contracting and coordinating the vendors for sound, stage and lights, Mowalla was also responsible for contracting and managing private security for this event. As is typical for our concert production, services rendered included stage management and on-site talent management. At the last minute, our team arranged for 500 pounds of dry ice to be dumped in the moat that surrounded the stage. As the crowd waited for the surprise “guest performer”, they were treated to an atmosphere that lent itself to a bit of mystery as the water in the moat came alive and low-lying fog covered the performance space. The build-up paid off and the crowd enjoyed the surprise musical performance given by Jessica Simpson.

Last Call

The concert was a tremendous success. Over 1200 attendees were thoroughly entertained by Jessica, especially a certain birthday boy who was serenaded on stage.