Nathan Higham - PA & Audio Services

22/07/2024

Here are a few pictures from yesterday where I and my team returned to the Mercure Haydock Hotel for this years The Music Rooms student showcase.

We provided complete event production this year including PA system, lighting rig, pipe & drape stage curtain backdrop plus sound and lighting operators.

Another fantastic evening of performances from a mix of very talented students of all ages and experiences.
Such a great bunch of people involved and a pleasure to work with you all again bringing this event together. 🙂

PA for this event was some of my lovely Martin Audio Blackline system which did a fantastic job covering the space this event took place in with LOTS of headroom.

A new updated configuration for the light rig too, which looked pretty good with some extra additions and even more truss span, bringing our total for this show to 10 meters.
Front truss was loaded with a mix of LED and generic fixtures - profiles, fresnels, pixel battens, moving head washes and spots.
Floor lighting rig consisting of some vertical LED battens and PAR can bars.

Seeing everything come together at the shows definitely makes it worth the long days of hard work we put into these types of events! 😎
Advance prep of all equipment plus the on-site build/breakdown takes a while as you can imagine.

18/07/2024

Here are a couple of pictures from this afternoon and evenings event at Outwood Academy Haydock - providing PA equipment and sound tech for the schools first ever Battle of the Bands event. 😎🥁

Rehearsal took place throughout this afternoon with the big show and guest judges awards this evening!

The setup consisting of 8 wireless headset and handheld mics, plus basic DI of some instrumentation and foldback wedge monitoring for the students on stage.

A fantastic show for the first one of its kind - with more of them planned in the future! 🙂

14/07/2024

A few pictures from this afternoons event! Running the sound and providing a lighting op for Cillirion - A Tribute to 'Fish-Era' Marillion at The Citadel Theatre in St Helens.

A fantastic 3-hour show with a great crowd turnout both standing downstairs and sat up on the balcony! 🙂
Seems they all really enjoyed the show.

Also great to meet, chat and work with the venues staff/team who are very helpful!

13/07/2024

Another great evening last night providing complete PA system and sound for TRAM Productions at the lovely Woolton Village Club in Liverpool. 🙂

Another sold-out event with the fantastic Beatles tribute band Beatles Complete and acoustic support spot by Jon Keats of the Cavern Club Liverpool.

Here are some pictures I took throughout the evening. 📷
Excellent performances from all and a great crowd with lots of dancing taking place.

02/07/2024

Here are a few pictures from Saturday where we provided sound and a basic lighting package for the Moore RUFC Music Festival.

The weather was a bit of a let-down with small showers throughout the day but that definitely didn't dampen spirits! Still a great turnout and everybody very much enjoyed themselves. 😎

I chose to leave the desk on-stage this time and used my tablet/ipads for remote control with the weather being unpredictable.

Act lineup included: Colby (Solo) - Belinda Carlisle Experience -The Bryan Adams Experience - Picture This: A tribute to Blondie - and QueenEsque.
All performing fantastic sets which I very much enjoyed, and such lovely people to work with. 🙂

27/06/2024

A few photos from this evenings event in Compstall providing complete PA system and sound engineering for Guns Or Roses - UK GNR Tribute at The Andrew Arms. 🎤

Using part of the lovely Martin Audio system again, set up out in the beer garden for a companies summer BBQ event.

Fantastic catching up with the guys again and working together. Such a fantastic bunch of people and incredible performance as always. 😎

23/06/2024

A few snaps from last nights event - running the sound for Cillirion - A Tribute to 'Fish-Era' Marillion at Molly's Chambers Bar & Kitchen in Birkenhead.

A good crowd and turnout, seems they thoroughly enjoyed the show. 🙂

I also ended up diagnosing issues with the venues PA system being intermittent and effected some temporary repairs to get us out of trouble. The DJ was made up with this too as it had apparently been having problems for some time but had no idea why. 😎

22/06/2024

Well that is a wrap! Yesterday was day 6 at Haydock Outwood with the final evening show which went outstandingly well. 😎

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has been a great production this year, following on well from Matilda last year. I've really enjoyed helping bring it together again this year, but it has most definitely been a very long week with many 7/8am - 8pm days in school.

I provided sound engineering, equipment and ran music/sound effect cues for this production, including some additional SFX I actually had to make for specific scenes.

I also altered their lighting rig to add extra par cans and Intergrate some of my moving head wash lighting.
These were originally intended to act as follow spots when the cast walk through the audience - but they also made a massive difference and allowed lots more lighting creativity during the opening sequence and upbeat musical numbers.

I also provided them some additional discreet headset microphones to use with their own transmitters, in addition to sourcing and supplying a full radio system rack.

After last years production I also had some custom brackets fabricated to allow the installation of overhead pencil condensers mounted down from the lighting grid, these come in handy for ensemble numbers and it keeps the floor clear for props and scene changes.

As last time, the quality standards and caliber of production for a school show is amazing. They really do go all-out with their productions.

I managed to get a copy of the programme for keeping too, and on the last performance the students presented me with a box of chocolates from themselves with a big thank you shoutout, which was really lovely.

Here are a load of photos I took throughout the last couple of weeks including some props and scenery, there is a LOT more which I didn't get to photograph though unfortunately.

I'm now taking a few hours to relax and chill out before preparing for this evenings live event.

17/06/2024

A few photos from day 2 of providing sound for the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical production at Haydock Outwood. 🚘

Quite a busy few of days so I didn't get to post earlier. Everything was loaded in and set up/wired early Friday morning, with a tech rehersal taking place that afternoon then another couple throughout today with full costumes and scenery.

Using my newly fabricated custom lighting bar clamp adapters to hang mic stands for the Condenser microphones too. These have worked a treat and keep stands and wiring completely clear and off the floor. 🎤

It's always nice to have these for group numbers in addition to all of the individual discreet headset microphones.
All audio wiring is also installed through the lighting grid in the roof and only drops down where required, keeping the stage completely free of cables.

The approx 6 hours I spent over the weekend programming audio cue lists and desk scenes seem to have paid off too, but it does need some further fine tuning and extra sound effects integrating. 🙂

The full set and scenery arrived over the weekend and is looking great. I'll snap some photos of that throughout the week when possible. 📷

09/06/2024

Today I provided complete PA system, sound engineering and heavy power for Family Party In The Park 2024 (Lyme n Wood) 9th June 12-7.

The weather was a little disappointing with scattered showers but luckily a lot of dry spells and didn't dampen spirits too much. 😎
Still a great day overall and good turnout regardless, everyone really enjoyed themselves.

I didn't manage to get many pictures with being so busy keeping things dry, unfortunately these two are all I had taken.
Complete artiste lineup today was: Gravity, St Helens Rock School, Deolali, The Indie Thieves, 4-Acre and Collusion.

01/06/2024

Here are a few pictures from this evenings wedding event in Port Sunlight. Providing the complete PA system, sound and some basic lighting for Made in Liverpool, Beatles tribute band at the Leverhulme Hotel.

A nice venue with friendly helpful staff.
Band a pleasure to work with as always - great catching up. 😎

Part of my Martin Audio rig made another outing again for front of house at this event and is sounding fantastic.

27/05/2024

Here a few pictures from yesterday where I and some of my team returned to The Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool - providing complete PA system, lighting rig, heavy power distribution, sound engineering and lighting operator for the TRAM Productions Ferry Cross The Mersey 60th anniversary Merseybeat show.

Another fabulous show and atmosphere, hosted by Billy Butler. 🙂

Featuring merseybeat band THE SHAKERS with Neil Ainsby as Gerry - and an acoustic support spot by Tony Skeggs.
Such a great bunch of people and a pleasure to meet and work with. The audience was up dancing all afternoon too!

Another outing with a big light rig which looked and performed great - with some more new lighting additions and extra truss span. 😎

PA system for front of house was slightly smaller this time, using some of my lovely Martin Audio Blackline cabinets which did a fantastic job covering the smaller space this event took place in.

Seeing everything come together and everybody enjoying themselves at the show definitely makes it worth the long, hard day of work we put into these types of event.

All this took place in Liverpool while I also had another team out on site in Golborne continuing to provide full PA and sound engineering for day 2 at Millstone Rocks Festival.
(Dedicated post and photos from that to follow soon!)

26/05/2024

Here are a few pictures from yesterday, the first day at Millstone Rocks Festival charity fundraiser.

Full analogue rig out this year for a change including some nice DBX outboard. 😎

We're back today as the event continues for the second day, while I'm also out providing a full sound and lighting system in Liverpool simultaneously with multiple crew on the go.

21/05/2024

Here are a couple of pictures from Sunday afternoons event, providing sound for a 4-Acre acoustic gig with guest appearance from Ste on the harmonica at the Tap 'n' Barrel in Wigan.

A chilled out gig with some pretty fantastic weather, so we set up out in the courtyard and made the most of it.

19/05/2024

Here are some pictures from yesterday providing PA System, heavy power and sound engineering for The Moss Bank festival.

A great turnout and very good weather throughout! Lineup included Jess Smith, The Mannequins, Alex Hilditch, Shakermaker duo and The Beatles For Sale tribute.

Using a number of my high efficiency custom 15" full range cabinets spread around the area for distributed coverage at lower volume due to noise restrictions. The bass bins on this occasion used just to gain height for the front speakers.

11/05/2024

Here are some pictures from yesterdays event - providing complete PA system and some basic lighting for Fusion Festival ! A live music festival organised entirely by the Cowley International College Sixth Form Year 13 Music Students at Windle Function Rooms.

Fantastic job they did too! - Performing themselves in various bands, duos or solos plus having invited other outside bands to join the lineup.

Act lineup included 9 slots with a great variety of genres, both original material and covers. Each act great to work with and excellent at engaging the crowd/audience.
Performances included: Indoor Shoes, Washed (from Winstanley College), The Wanderers, Hol, Katie, Montello Band, NOVA and All But One.

04/05/2024

This evenings event in full swing!
Sound engineering for Cillirion - A Tribute to 'Fish-Era' Marillion at the Lions Den Manchester.

Good turnout and excellent crowd as always!

03/05/2024

A few photos from tonight's event! Providing sound engineering for a great little fundraiser evening in aid of Willowbrook Hospice at Newton Sports Club with performances by Collusion, Deolali and Adam (Acoustic support).

A complete sell-out and great evening had by all. Pleasure to help out - and for a great cause. 😎

26/04/2024

A few photos from this evening! Providing PA system and sound engineering at Warrington Irish Club for The Doors Rising - Tribute to The Doors with Love Music Live Warrington.

Another fantastic show, excellent tribute band and a complete sell-out!

08/04/2024

What a long day, but it's been great! Aspire Performing Arts Academy's production of Oilver JR at the The Brindley Theatre in Runcorn today - operating the sound (lots of head mics, overhead mics and music/sfx cues).

Early 6:30AM arrival/start to load everything in, including building the set and scenery, do a first tech rehearsal, then run the show - and get everything back out again! Yes - in a single day!

Such an incredible show with awesome performance from all the cast, absolutely blown the audience away.
Also a real pleasure to work with everyone at the theatre too, the team are all such a great bunch and very helpful.

Now to head back home, unload and go get some sleep after a very busy weekend!

29/03/2024

A few photos from tonight's event so far - providing complete PA system and sound engineering at Eden Warrington for the JTR Metal Productions live metal bands evening featuring INDIGØ HØRIZØN, DAM.G and Reanimate. Then we continue on into the early morning with a Nu Metal Asylum Club Night until 3am.

All band members have been fantastic to work with, with some awesome performances!

Another fab evening and good turnout all round so far. Great working with everyone to bring this together.

15/03/2024

A few photos from this evening providing PA system and sound engineering for U2UK - U2 Tribute Band's return to the Warrington Irish Club with Love Music Live Warrington.

Another fantastic busy event with an amazing tribute group in a great venue. 😎

24/02/2024

Here are some pictures from last night / this mornings event, providing complete PA system for the Asylum Club Night Emo Prom at Eden Warrington nightclub.

Late post due to the 4am load out / finish.
Fantastic evening and good turnout though.

Great working with Lee and friends to help bring this together at short notice, an enjoyable gig!

18/02/2024

What an outstanding event! Today I and some of my team provided the complete PA system, lighting rig, heavy power distribution, sound engineering and lighting op at The Adelphi Hotel Liverpool for the TRAM Productions Wack Pack Valentines Special.

Such an amazing show and atmosphere for the first big event here, hosted by the one and only Ricky Tomlinson. 🙂

Featuring The WACK PACK 9 piece swing band, recreating the 60s Las Vegas show.
Such a great bunch of people and a pleasure to work with. They had the audience up, dancing and interacting all night!

First event for my brand new big lighting rig also! Looked and performed absolutely fabulously - but there is always some room for improvement. 😎

We received a number of compliments on the show production quality - both sound and lighting, from multiple people in the band and event attendees. 😊 Makes it worth the incredibly long and hard day of work.

16/02/2024

A few photos from this evening providing PA system and sound engineering at Woolton Village Club for the TRAM Productions 60s Valentines Special.
Such a great evening and atmosphere, hosted by Radio DJ Billy Butler. 🙂

Featuring two great live music acts, Sandy Collins solo vocalist - and Searchin' official, a tribute band to the Searchers and Merseybeat. 😁

Also recieved a number of nice compliments on the sound from multiple audience members which is always lovely. 😊

08/02/2024

This evening I'm continuing to provide sound engineering for the Burtonwood Amateur Music and Drama Society performances of The Addams Family.

All this week has been rehearsals with the first show taking place yesterday evening.
A selection of headband microphones and flown Condenser spot / overall mics.

A great bunch of people to work with and a sellout show for every evening! 😎

02/02/2024

Here are some pictures from this evenings event with The Killers Kollective!
An awesome night providing the PA and sound engineering back at the Warrington Irish Club for Love Music Live Warrington.

Great turnout, enjoyed the band so much I didn't realise how quickly time was going!
An outstanding tribute group who are a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend. 😎

27/12/2023

Here are some photos from last nights boxing day event! Providing complete PA system and sound for Made in Liverpool, Beatles tribute band.
This was a La Vida Liverpool magazine event hosted at the Liverpool Naval Club.

A great & busy evening with lots of tickets sold.
Awesome to meet and work with Justin, owner and operator of the La Vida magazine.
Also all the Made in Liverpool band members, who performed two great spots and had the audience up dancing all night.

A really lovely venue too that I didn't know was there until now! Located just at the end of the M62.
Very friendly staff and good crowd with a lot of good quality acts.

22/12/2023

Another fantastic gig in full swing this evening, Providing PA, Sound engineering and some basic lighting for No Gallaghers’ High Flying Birds plus support by Alan Jacob - meatbehindabeat at GTRBL - Grappenhall and Thelwall Royal British Legion club.

Another sellout evening and good crowd in for the show.
Great venue too, and a pleasure to work with the band as usual! Here's a few pictures. 📷

26/07/2023

Great little article about Woodfest Music Festival on Saturday from Warrington worldwide. Always nice and appreciated to get a mention too! 😃

TERRIBLE weather didn't dampen the spirit at Woodfest but it certainly tried its hardest!