The KGB Sky Show™ in San Diego

Technology of the Show

Through the years not only have the fireworks effects grown in variety and number, but so has the technology required for such a massive enterprise emerged to that of a complete digital system, from the digital creation of the sound track on state-of-the-art audio work stations, to the recording of video, digital time codes and stereo audio on DVD’s. The fireworks are scripted, choreographed and synchronized to the sound track using the latest Pyrodigital PC software which includes databases with the characteristics of thousands of pyrotechnic devices. Timings of the pyrotechnics now are accurate to 1/10th of a second. Technology also allows the designers to ‘preview’ the Sky Show in their studios, make adjustments and present another ‘continuing experiment matching the ancient art of fireworks with rock and roll’, with split second accuracy.

Ron Dixon and Sky Show XXXVII

The man making it all happen for Pyro Spectaculars by Souza is San Diego’s Ron Dixon. Dixon’s reputation in the pyrotechnics industry is unequalled, and he has been involved in 33 of the 37 shows in the capacity of Operator-in-Charge in the early years, to Pyrotechnic Designer and Choreographer in later years.

Dixon recently recalled “one particular Sky Show planning meeting where we were stuck on a theme and design. Jim Souza, Rick Leibert and I spent the better part of several bottles of wine sitting in my Jacuzzi.  When the wine was gone, we had one hell of a show design!”

When asked about this year’s show Dixon was enthusiastic in his response: “Every year we try to make the KGB Sky Show™ better and better, but with the addition of some fantastic new custom-designed fireworks shells and effects, and the mind-blowing KGB Rock and Roll soundtrack, I guarantee this one will set a new standard!”

Pyro Spectaculars by Souza

Pyro Spectaculars by Souza is a display fireworks production company with offices and operations in San Diego. This last Fourth of July they presented 35 shows on the same night and, as spokesperson Sam Bruggema said, “We had a fabulous, successful 4th of July. For all accounts one of the best. Our stuff went off when it was supposed to and it lasted as long as it was supposed to.”

Pyro Spectaculars, and their local subsidiary, San Diego Fireworks, produce shows for the San Diego Padres, the San Diego Chargers, Sea World, both the Poinsettia and Holiday Bowls, and nearly all major San Diego sports and special events.