NEW YORK, DECEMBER 17, 2014 — Masque Sound, a leading theatrical sound reinforcement, installation and design company, recently donated a custom audio equipment package to The Hills NYC, formerly known as the famous Don Hill’s rock club, for Celebrating Don Hill –A Night of Live Music to benefit Road Recovery. The New York-based Road Recovery is a non-profit dedicated to helping young people battle addiction and other adversities by harnessing the influence of entertainment industry professionals who have confronted similar crises and now wish to share their experience, knowledge and resources.
The benefit, which took place on December 7, featured Hedwig and the Angry Inch composer/lyricist/co-creator Stephen Trask and punk rockers Tits of Clay, whose members, by day, resume their roles playing in the fictional band, The Angry Inch, in the current Broadway production. This Hedwig-themed tribute to legendary booker, promoter and club owner Don Hill marked their return to the site of the show’s genesis—Don Hill’s rock club, soon to re-open as The Hills NYC. The benefit for Road Recovery featured Broadway’s current Hedwig, Michael C. Hall; Fred Schneider of the B-52’s; David Johansen, widely known as Buster Poindexter and Tony Award® winner Lena Hall, including opening sets performed by rock band OURS and Road Recovery’s own youth house band, Type II. The night was emceed by Rock Punk Couture designer/artist Michael H., who was a long-time friend of Don Hill.
“After Hurricane Sandy damages and three years of abandonment, the legendary Don Hill’s was an empty room with considerable technical challenges for sound production,” says Gene Bowen, Road Recovery’s founder. “Masque Sound, a title sponsor for our charity event, helped bring a proper sound system back into the rock club and, in turn, raised the hopes and spirits of our young people by literally giving them a voice. On the night of the benefit, it was uplifting to see the Road Recovery youth house band perform on a big stage, and it all would not have been possible without Masque Sound’s support.”
In order to bring the legendary club back to life, Masque Sound not only supplied the high-quality sound system but also provided dedicated staff members who were integral in the planning and execution of the audio system for the event. The team was lead by Matt Dale, who was joined by several additional Masque Sound staff members, including Ralph Grasso and Dave Francisco. The sound system consisted of Meyer Sound UPQ-1P wide coverage loudspeakers for the mains and 600-HPs for subwoofers, providing exceptional coverage throughout the space without the need for amplifiers. In addition, Masque Sound supplied a DiGiCo SD9 Live Digital Console for front-of-house and monitors. Masque Sound’s Dave Francisco also utilized the new DiGiCo iPad app® for several monitor mixes.
“Our crew at Masque Sound embraced the challenge of transforming the club into a great night of music and purpose for this very special benefit, which honored the late Don Hill, says Stephanie Hansen, vice president and general manager, Masque Sound. “The highlight for me, aside from all the wonderful big name talent that showed up to play, were the kids from Road Recovery and their band, Type II. They really rocked the house and their honest message of overcoming adversity was a real inspiration to all of us there.”
To learn more about Road Recovery, including how to get involved, visit www.roadrecovery.org.
About Masque Sound
Founded in 1936 by a trio of Broadway stagehands, Masque Sound evolved into one of NYC’s most successful theatrical sound reinforcement, installation and design companies specializing in theatrical, house of worship, sporting, corporate, TV broadcast and live concert events. Celebrating more than 75 years in the industry, the company is lead by Geoff Shearing, the firm’s 3rd generation owner, and Vice President and General Manager Stephanie Hansen. The company also operates Florida-based Professional Wireless Systems, a leader in the development and implementation of wireless technology. Credits range from major Broadway shows and tours including “Phantom of the Opera,” “Mamma Mia!,” “Lion King,” “Jersey Boys,” “Memphis,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Newsies,” “Once” and “Kinky Boots” to yearly Super Bowl broadcasts and installations of varying sizes, including New York’s New Victory Theater and historic St. Bartholomew’s Church. Masque Sound’s 70,000 sq. ft. corporate headquarters and main assembly facility is located at 21 East Union Ave., East Rutherford, NJ, 20 minutes from midtown Manhattan. For more information, call (201) 939-8666 or visit www.MasqueSound.com.
