Case Study On Uniting Voices Chicago 2022

A VENUE OF POSSIBILITIES

Uniting Voices Chicago 2022

Event Case Study

THE STORY

Uniting Voices Chicago, formerly Chicago Children’s Choir, returned to The Geraghty to celebrate its annual Red Jacket Optional Gala. This was the 7th consecutive year the organization has hosted RJO in the space. Uniting Voices Chicago inspires and unites youth from diverse backgrounds to become global leaders through music. The goal of this event was to raise funds in order to sustain life-changing music programs that reach every corner and zip code of Chicago. The KEHOE DESIGNS team created a vibrant experience for guests, bringing levity, light and positivity to The Geraghty for the evening. We embraced their theme of ascension: the act of rising to an important position or a higher level.

CHICAGO CHILDREN’S CHOIR RJO 2022-10.21.22-AR-MO-THE GERAGHTY-JACLYN SIMPSON PHOTO

CHICAGO CHILDREN’S CHOIR RJO 2022-10.21.22-AR-MO-THE GERAGHTY-JACLYN SIMPSON PHOTO (1)

HOW THE SPACE WAS USED

THE TECHNICAL PRODUCTION

For the Uniting Voices Chicago Gala, every seat in the house needed to have a well-balanced audio experience. We focused on building an audio system that originated from the center of the room and radiated out while also trying to eliminate as much reverberation as possible. We also provided a multi-track record to give Uniting Voices as much flexibility as possible for editing the footage for post-event coverage. The theme this year was Ascension and Heaven. We embodied this by adding multiple different height stages, rings of light, bright lit-up runway stage, and other circular airborne lighting fixtures. A masterful sequenced program of lighting design highlighted the evening’s programs and perfectly coincided with key moments in the show. Uplighting in bright hues of purples, blues and pinks provided an overall vibrancy throughout the room. An illuminated, lucite runway stage created a focal décor moment to feature the evening’s entertainment.

THE DÉCOR INSTALLATION

The overall concept the client brought to our team was that of ascension. This guiding focus was relayed in nearly every aspect of the event – LED elements, color palette, materials, lighting design and programming. Dining tables were adorned with rich, vibrant purple-hued linens with sheen and texture, as well as fresh florals of hydrangea and calla lilies in soft hues.

LED Elements – A purposeful emphasis on glowing, illuminated elements was present in a grandiose stage backdrop of intersecting rings of light, a larger-than-life walk-in “halo” photo-op with a sheer, white chiffon backdrop, serpentine LED ropes that framed bar back panels and even a glowing, golden ring of light for table centerpieces.

Color Palette – In years past, the gala has often had a moodier palette and ambience, but in contrast, this year’s event featured a bright palette of periwinkles, lavenders, and white. A stark, clean stage cover of white was deliberately chosen to best frame the evening’s performances and program.

Materials – Mixed metallic elements allowed for a reflection of light throughout the room: brushed gold flatware, reflective silver mirror bar fronts, gilded gold, abstract spiral chandeliers, blue mylar reflective inserts for back bar panels and reflective centerpiece vessels.

Lighting Design – A masterful sequenced program of lighting design highlighted the evening’s programs and perfectly coincided with key moments in the show. Uplighting throughout the room in bright hues of purples, blues and pinks provided an overall vibrancy. An illuminated, lucite runway stage created a focal décor moment to feature the evening’s entertainment.

Program & Performances – Musical tracks and performances evoked an overall uplifting feel inspiring to guests and impactful to the overall cause and mission statement.

Event Design: Kehoe Designs | Technical Production: BlackOak Technical Production | Photography: Jaclyn Simpson | Catering By: BOKA Catering Group