Freedom's Call Military TATTOO

Wright Patterson Air Force Base
June 2010

CatalystETC was contracted by Wright Patterson Air Force Base as the production company for the Sixth Annual Freedom's Call Military TATTOO. This event was free to the public and hosted approximately 80,000 guests at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The program included three music acts: a Dayton, OH band This Side Up, Air Force Band of Flight, and 38 Special. In addition to the music, other activities included an enlistment ceremony for new Air Force recruits conducted by General Hoffman, a Korean War veterans' ceremony, an air show featuring military aircraft from throughout history and a fireworks show to conclude the event.

CatalystETC provided staging, roofing, audio, lighting, video, power and communications for this event. The staging deck measured 60'x80' and included a roof of the same size. The four tier stage deck accommodated the 55-piece Air Force Band of Flight, plus two other rock bands. Because of an emphasis on fast change-overs, CatalystETC staged 38 Special in the wings on rolling risers, which allowed us to execute the change-over in less than eight minutes.

The audio included main stage hangs, center fills and eight delay towers positioned throughout the airfield which enabled all guests in the 2500'x700' area to enjoy the music. To ensure all guests could enjoy the action on stage, CatalystETC positioned eight 9'x16' video screens throughout the airfield. The lighting included 180k par lighting, twelve movers, crowd blinders, strobes and 2 follow spots. Through coordination with 38 Special, CatalystETC provided a backline that met their needs and requirements. CatalystETC also provided wired communications between video production, audio production, lighting production and air command in the control tower in order to coordinate precise timing of flyovers with at specific points in the show.