When lighting designer Marcus Jessup was tasked with illuminating a one-off show for Everything Always Forever—a collaboration between John Summit and Dom Dolla—he turned to GLP’s impression X5 IP Bars to bring his vision to life. The 20,000-capacity Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington state set the stage for a production that merged creative lighting with the venue’s iconic natural backdrop.

Jessup was brought in by Sturdy, the creative house behind the event. “We collaborate on a variety of projects, and in this instance, they recognized the need for someone with experience in large-scale outdoor scenography and lighting design,” he said. “Although the show at the Gorge was conceived as a one-off, elements of the design can be adapted for future tour stops.”

The Gorge’s natural setting required a unique lighting approach, blending scenic design with the landscape. To achieve this, Jessup turned to GLP’s impression X5 IP Bars, an IP65-rated linear LED batten featuring 18 powerful 40W RGBL LEDs, a wide zoom range, and GLP’s iQ.Gamut color calibration.

“We used approximately 48 of the X5 IP Bars—six for side lighting the thrust and 42 across three tiers on the risers behind the DJs,” Jessup said. This setup added depth and dynamic movement to the stage.

“I chose them largely for their versatility and superior performance,” he continued. “Their wide zoom range and dynamic capabilities suited the ambitious lighting design perfectly.”

The X5 IP Bars functioned both as light curtains and washes, depending on the scene’s requirements. The side X5 IP Bars specifically washed the artists while performing on the thrust, enhancing the visual experience.

Jessup’s history with GLP dates back to the early days of LED lighting, including the original X4 Series. “GLP’s evolving technology has always been a reliable part of my toolkit. I stay updated on their offerings through trade shows like LDI, direct communications, and trusted vendors,” he said. “I love GLP!”

For this project, LEC Event Technology provided the fixtures, led by founder Matt Brotz. “Their active support was invaluable,” Jessup added. “Key individuals like Nick Maty and Tyler Ellis ensured seamless execution by providing technical assistance and on-site resources.”

The collaboration between the artists and the design team was highly synergistic. “While the artists provided a strong foundational vision, I was given significant artistic freedom in execution,” Jessup said. “They ensured the visual storytelling matched their musical energy, while trusting the creative and technical teams to handle the details.”

The show’s theme focused on immersive visual and auditory storytelling, emphasizing dynamic lighting and spatial elements to amplify the intensity of the music.

Rigging lights in a 20,000-capacity outdoor venue presented challenges, including exposure to the elements and uneven terrain, making the IP65 rating of the X5 IP Bars a crucial factor. The team also had to integrate the production into the venue’s existing infrastructure, requiring adaptability to maximize the space without overhauling the setup.

Nat Turner served as the lighting programmer, co-directing the show with Jessup. Sturdy Creative Director Adrian Martinez and Stage Designer Skylar Elis also provided creative input.

The fixtures were programmed in M4 (Multipix Advanced) on a grandMA3 desk, ensuring precise control and flexibility throughout the performance.

Summarizing the performance of the impression X5 IP Bars, Jessup said they exceeded expectations.

“They were praised for their ease of programming, responsive speed, versatile zoom range, and rich color palette,” he said. “The X5 IP Bars delivered exceptional dynamics and accents, perfectly matching the energy of the performance. Their strongest attributes were reliability, flexibility, and vibrant output.”