Fuse News: Spring Edition
Pyro Spectaculars by Souza crew battles bitter Weather to Kick off Super Bowl XLVIII
In the true Pyro spirit that dictates “the show must go on”, a crew of 22 pyrotechnicians pulled off one of the most challenging of all fireworks displays. This past January 27, Pyro Spectaculars partnered with Macy*s and the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host committee to produce a Kick-off fireworks display in the New York Harbor. Two barges, 20, 000 aerial bursts and 20 cases of hand warmers later, Pyro rocked the skyline of New York and New Jersey, and entertained concert goers and a live National Television Audience, to Kick-off Fox Sports 1 cable station and welcome Super Bowl visitors to the New York/New Jersey area. The concert was held at Liberty State Park featuring musical performances by Daughtry, The Fray, and The Goo Goo Dolls, who also endured the sub-freezing, wind chilled weather. Hosted by Erin Andrews and Joe Buck, with Gov. Chris Christy and NYC Mayor Bill De Blasio and team owners from the New York Giant’s and Jet’s, their countdown led to an anxious and freezing group of Pyrotechnicians launching the spectacular show staged in front of the nearly completed Freedom Tower and over the watchful eyes of the Statue of Liberty.
For seven days, pyrotechnicians battled the arctic chill working in temperatures that reached a two hour high of 29 degrees but mainly hovered in the low teens, with wind chills below zero. Igniter wires were cracking, sandbags were ice blocks, and use of your hands was limited to 15 minutes. Wrapped, hooded and faces under “balaclavas”, the crew managed to assemble all systems to launch on cue with only 12 shells failing to ignite. Congratulations to this crew of dedicated technicians who helped put on a true Pyro Spectacular!
From the desk of Jim Souza:
July 4, 2014 Independence Day Celebration! 200 years ago, 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet, Francis Scott Key, wrote what was to become our National Anthem after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in Chesapeake Bay during the War of 1812. In salute to the Star Spangled Banner’s Bicentennial, Pyro Spectaculars by Souza is featuring a theme and tribute to “The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!
Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends.
- Walt Disney
The single most important thing to remember about any enterprise is that there are no results inside its walls. The result of a business is a satisfied customer.
- Peter Drucker
This has been an historic year for Pyro Spectaculars by Souza. We have faced many of our greatest challenges, and have enjoyed some of our greatest victories! I have been pleased to see the strong endorsement of our stability and commitment ot quality, reliability, training, creativity, and safety as evidenced by many of our “returning customers.”
As we enter “the Season,” please join me in doing everything to keep safety first, listening to our customers, and in keeping the benchmark for pyrotechnic excellence ever rising. We are Pyro Spectauclars by Souza. Let’s have a great Fourth!
-Jim Souza
Upcoming operator trainings:
Northern California:
Date -- Saturday, March 29, 2014
Time -- Registration starts at 9:00 AM
Location -- Destiny Christian Church
Hazmat and other Training/Information • Lunch & Raffle • Industry Incident Review • Break-out Sessions • Best Truck and Years of Service Awards
Click here to RSVP online. Alternatively, Please call Adita at (916) 640-0173
Southern California:
Date -- Saturday, April 26, 2014
Time -- PYRO 101 Training starts at 8:00, Seminar Registration at 12:00
Location -- Cerritos Park
Hazmat and other Training/Information • Industry Incident Review • Best Truck and Years of Service Awards • Grand Display, including tribute to Bob Souza after Dinner
Online registration coming soon. Alternative, call Margo at (909) 355-8120
From the bunker (for pyro pros only!):
Renewals! Renewals for CA Pyro license have been sent out. If you did not receive yours, contact the State office or Pyro so we can assist with them getting the renewal done in time. (A word to the wise: contact MARGO — she answers her phone and will follow through!
Your Equipment! (and TRAINING) If you need additional equipment, props, or whatever goodies for your show, please submit your request through Margo ASAP. We have an internal operations procedure that keeps information flowing smoothly. Contacting Robert Bronner or any other channel may result in your request accidently being missed. If you would like specific training or information about different firing systems before the South seminar, (and definitely before your 4th show or shows) contact Robert in a timely manner so you get the training you need!
Show highlights and upcoming events:
Butterfly for Brooklyn
Butterfly for Brooklyn Fresh from the historic success of “Butterfly for Pomona” with world-renowned artist Judy Chicago, Pyro is once again leading the field of artistic pyrotechnics for the creation of “Butterfly for Brooklyn” on April 26, 2014.
Lights Over Sacramento
Sacramento’s best New Year’s Eve tradition lights up the skies above Old Sacramento with bright colors and flashes during the New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular. This free celebration is open to all residents and features activities for the whole family to enjoy. Including children’s programming, live music, dinner specials, hot food and drink vendors and a variety of colorful street entertainment. Click here to see photo and video highlights from the show.
In Memory of Bob Souza (1930 - 2013)
Time To Get Excited!! Northern California Operator’s Seminar on March 29, 2014
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, March 29, 2014
The annual Pyrotechnic Personnel Training Seminar at Destiny Christian Church is on Saturday, March 29th. The event details and map are listed below. There will be a $10 fee to attend the event. The fee will be collected the morning of the event at registration.
Please complete the form at the bottom of the screen to RSVP online.
Location:
Destiny Christian Church
900 Destiny Dr.
Rocklin, CA 95677
Please complete the form below to RSVP or Call Adita Latyshevich at 916-640-0173. We look forward to seeing you at the event!
Pyro North Operator Seminar Agenda | |
| Time | Event |
| 9:00AM – 9:30AM | REGISTRATION Adita Latyshevich, Linda McCurley |
| 9:30AM – 10:00AM | WELCOME / OUR INDUSTRY / OUR COMPANY Ian Gilfillan |
| 10:00AM – 11:30AM | HAZ MAT HANDLING / HAZARD COMMUNICATION / GHS Kevin Gilfillan & Mike Knezovich |
| 11:30AM - 12:15PM | LUNCH & RAFFLE |
| 12:15PM – 1:00PM | INDUSTRY INCIDENT REVIEW Jon Berson |
| 1:00PM – 4:15PM | BREAK-OUT SESSIONS – CHOOSE TWO 1.5 HOUR SESSIONS Both Sessions: PIN BOARD FIRING SYSTEM Session 1: BEGINNER PYRO DIGITAL FIRING SYSTEM 1 Session: DRIVER TRAINING - 3 Hours |
| 4:15PM – 4:45PM | “BEST TRUCK” AWARDS Zach Wetzel & John Hanson |
| 4:45PM - 5:00PM | “YEARS OF SERVICE” AWARDS Jeff Thomas & Ian Gilfillan |
Pyro Specaculars North is the Member of the Day for the Roseville Chamber of Commerce
Thank you so much to the Roseville Chamber of Commerce for making us your member of the day! We're proud to be a member of your organization and active in the local community. Best wishes for continued success!
Read More: http://rosevillechamber.com/pyro-spectaculars-north-inc-is-todays-member-of-the-day/
Ground Zero – Martis Camp New Years Eve 2013
Hey Pyro Fans!! Check out this awesome show video from our good friends at PolyPointStudios. They did a great job on capturing the beauty and excitement of the show. A huge thank you to the crew and sponsors that made the show possible. Thank you for your help and support!
Have a great weekend!
Behind-the-Scenes from the 2014 Super Bowl Kick Off Spectacular
Hey Pyro Fans! Check out the behind-the-scenes action from the setup of the Super Bowl Kick Off Spectacular.
A HUGE thank you to our hard working crew for making this show happen! We could not have done it without you!
For more exciting photos and videos, check out the article: Highlights from the Super Bowl Kick Off Spectacular in New York City
Highlights from the Super Bowl Kick Off Spectacular in New York City
On Monday, January 27th, Super Bowl week kicked off in New York City with a spectacular firework show. The firework display was designed and produced by Pyro Spectaculars by Souza.
The show complimented a concert earlier in the evening, which featured performances by Daughtry, Goo Goo Dolls and The Fray. The fireworks show was choreographed to the music of Bon Jovi, Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga and others.
The Super Bowl game this year will feature the Seattle Seahawks versus the Denver Broncos. The game kicks off on Sunday, February 2, at 3:30PM PT on FOX. The game will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
UPDATE - NEW PHOTOS: Pyro's very own Dan Ramsauer has put up a photo gallery of fantastic photos from the spectaculars. Check out http://goo.gl/GpY2B9 to see some more beautiful photos from the show.
UPDATE - NEW VIDEO: Do you want to relive the action of the kick off fireworks show? Check out this video: http://youtu.be/MZtmuf-ON1Y
NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee to Commence Super Bowl Week with Public Concert Event and Fireworks Display on Monday, January 27
"Super Bowl Kickoff Spectacular" Featuring Performances by Daughtry and the Goo Goo Dolls and Starring Macy's Fireworks along the Hudson River at Liberty State Park
Portions of Live Event to Air Nationwide on Fox Sports 1
Free event tickets available now at SBKickoffSpectacular.com
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--January 16, 2014--
Area football fans and visitors to New York and New Jersey will have a unique opportunity to welcome Super Bowl XLVIII to the region, as the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee in partnership with Macy's will produce the "Super Bowl Kickoff Spectacular," a free, ticketed event featuring performances by Daughtry and Goo Goo Dolls, with additional acts to be announced, and a first-class Macy's Fireworks show. The kickoff event, the first to ever be associated with a Super Bowl, will take place on Monday, Jan. 27, along the Hudson River at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey, and serve as the official launch to the weeklong events.
Hosted by Fox Sports' Joe Buck and Erin Andrews, with special correspondent Platinum Recording Artist and Actress Jordin Sparks, portions of the "Super Bowl Kickoff Spectacular Starring Macy's Fireworks" will air nationally on Monday, Jan. 27 from 8--9 p.m. ET, on FOX Sports 1 (check local listings). The show will repeat at 2- 3 a.m. ET on FS1. During the show, Sparks will report from Macy's Herald Square and contribute with Super Bowl food and fashion segments. The live concert event at Liberty State Park will begin at 7:30 p.m.
"Super Bowl XLVIII is no stranger to historic 'firsts' and the 'Super Bowl Kickoff Spectacular' will be a special part of the groundbreaking theme so closely associated with this game," said Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson, Co-Chairman of the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee. "The Super Bowl experience in New Jersey and New York promises to be unlike any other, and this event will serve as an exciting, welcoming start to the week."
"As momentum builds for Super Bowl XLVIII, and all eyes turn to New York and New Jersey, the 'Super Bowl Kickoff Spectacular' will serve as a rally for the incredible residents of and visitors to the region," said Jonathan Tisch, Co-Chairman of the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee. "We are excited to hold this event for our region's fans, allowing them to be a part of the celebratory fanfare that will drive momentum for the continuation of the week as we welcome the world to New Jersey and New York.
"We are thrilled to partner with the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee to produce this incredible spectacle that will officially launch Super Bowl week for the very first time in our own backyard," said Martine Reardon, Macy's Chief Marketing Officer. "Macy's own signature fireworks display will cap off an exciting show featuring fantastic musical performances. The Kickoff Spectacular promises to be an extraordinary start to the weeklong party, culminating with Super Bowl XLVIII."
Fireworks and Special Effects for the 2014 BCS Championship Game at Rose Bowl Stadium
A big congratulations to the Florida State Seminoles and the Auburn Tigers for a fantastic BCS Championship Game at the Rose Bowl. It was a pleasure to provide the fireworks and special effects for the event!
Check out some firework highlights of the game in the video below.
Go Seminoles! Go Tigers!
Lights over Sacramento for the 2014 New Year’s Eve Holiday
Sacramento’s best New Year’s Eve tradition lights up the skies above Old Sacramento with bright colors and flashes during the New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular. This free celebration is open to all residents and features activities for the whole family to enjoy. Including children’s programming, live music, dinner specials, hot food and drink vendors and a variety of colorful street entertainment.
Check out some awesome shots and a video of the Sacramento New Year's Eve Sky Spectacular.
Video courtsey of John Cloward and the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau (http://discovergold.org/)
Check Out the Best Fireworks Shows for New Year’s Eve 2014!
Long Beach, CA
Passport to a New Year on the Queen Mary
Since pulling into Long Beach Harbor in 1967, the Queen Mary’s travel days have been confined to history...until now. The eve of December 31st will relaunch the retired ocean-liner to her voyaging days with a one-night world cruise – The Ultimate New Year’s Eve Voyage. “Passengers” will be transported to the vibrant streets of India, carnival nights in Brazil, the extravagant Moulin Rouge in France and Times Square in New York before returning to the ship’s beginning, a village in Scotland. For those who’ve dreamed of celebrating the New Year abroad – now you can, without ever leaving Long Beach.
Fireworks Show at 12 AM (Midnight) PT.
Location: 1126 Queens Highway Long Beach, CA 90802
Information: (877) 342-0738 
Hotel Reservations: (877) 342-0742
For More Information: http://goo.gl/RV1n0F
Downtown New Year's Eve
Downtown Long Beach will host a massive celebration this New Year’s Eve with two incredible events beginning at 5 p.m. Just announced: live music at the Pine Avenue Celebration will feature Long Beach Rock'n'Roll Band Rival Sons, and eight piece Southern California band The Mowgli's. Produced and sponsored by the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA), New Year’s Eve in Downtown will begin with a family-friendly event in the Waterfront Amphitheater at Rainbow Harbor followed by a high-energy street party on Pine Avenue.
Firworks Show at 9PM PT.
Location: Pine Avenue, Long Beach
For More Information: http://www.downtownlongbeach.org/
Universal City (Hollywood), CA
Citywalk Rocks New Year's Eve
Fireworks Show at 12 AM (Midnight) PT.
Address:100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608.
For More Information: http://goo.gl/TpTbzZ
Sacramento, CA
New Year's Sky Spectacular
Sacramento’s best New Year’s Eve tradition lights up the skies above Old Sacramento with bright colors and flashes during the New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular. This free celebration is open to all residents and features activities for the whole family to enjoy. Including children’s programming, live music, dinner specials, hot food and drink vendors and a variety of colorful street entertainment. 
Firworks Show at 9PM and 12 AM (Midnight) PT.
Location: Waterfront Park, Sacramento, CA
For More Information: http://goo.gl/k7txSW
Seattle, WA
New Year's at the Needle
Join us in the festivities at Seattle Center or tune in to KING5-TV and KEXP 90.3 FM for the largest display of fireworks in the history of the show, set to an original music soundtrack from Seattle’s own listener-supported radio station, KEXP. Live event coverage will be broadcast on KING5 from 11:35 pm to 12:30 am. KEXP will feature the music via their live broadcast from 11:59 pm to 12:08 am.
Fireworks at 12AM (Midnight) PT.
Location: 400 Broad Street Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 905-2100
For More Information: http://goo.gl/uNNCl6
Sacramento’s New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular
|
Sacramento’s best New Year’s Eve tradition lights up the skies above Old Sacramento with bright colors and flashes during the New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular. This free celebration is open to all residents and features activities for the whole family to enjoy. Including children’s programming, live music, dinner specials, hot food and drink vendors and a variety of colorful street entertainment. For more information, please go to http://nyesacramento.com/ |  |
Schedule of Events -- Old Sacramento | ||
| Time | Event | Location |
| 6:00PM | Radio Disney Road Crew | Waterfront Park |
| 6:50PM | McKenna Faith a unique blend of traditional country with shades of rock & pop | Waterfront Park |
| 7:40PM | Radio Disney Road Crew | Waterfront Park |
| 8:15PM | McKenna Faith a unique blend of traditional country with shades of rock & pop | Waterfront Park |
| 9:00PM | All New Sky Spectacular Fireworks Show! - Music Simulcast on Star 106.5 | Waterfront Park |
| 9:30PM & 10:50PM | Joy and Madness – An eight piece soul band with jumped up rhythm, soulful vocals, and screaming horns! | Waterfront Park |
| Midnight | New Years Eve Fireworks Show! – Music Simulcast on 96.9 the Eagle | Waterfront Park |
| 12:15PM | Joy and Madness – An eight piece soul band with jumped up rhythm, soulful vocals, and screaming horns! | Waterfront Park |
The 21st Annual Riverside Festival of Lights
Now in its 21st year, Festival of Lights a beloved Southern California tradition and a not-to-be-missed holiday extravaganza, Festival of Lights commences with a celebratory "flipping of the switch" ceremony -- in which the castle-like, historic hotel is instantly illuminated with nearly 4 million holiday lights followed by a full fireworks display -- and continues through January 4, 2014.
Fireworks by: Pyro Spectaculars by Souza (pyrospec.com/)
Location: Mission Inn Hotel & Spa (missioninn.com/)
Photography by Jim Souza (pyrospec.com)