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.
