Memphis TN Dr. Martin Luther King aerial image Circle Up Now

Circle Up Now

Sunday November 2, 2008

2:00 - 5:00 PM

TOM LEE PARK
on the Mississippi River
Memphis, TN

"With three stages, sound sytems, generators, and dozens of musical performers at the River Arts fest this weekend, we (Memphis Sound Entertainment) already had a full schedule, but apparently not too full" said Woody Degan, Production Manager. "We initially told the organizers that we were just stretched too thin, but their project was so intriguing - and their insistence that we do it so persistent - that we just couldn't say no. I'm glad we said 'yes."

What Degan said "yes" to was the production for the climactic event for Amnesty International's Southern region three-day conference, being held in Memphis, TN: an image of Dr. Martin Luther King designed by John Quigley, artist and producer from Los Angeles for Circle Up Now. Quigley estimated he spent about 10 hours setting up and marking the likeness of King to fill in with people, creating the image and message seen from above. He directed the people to lie down in Tom Lee Park Sunday as part of Amnesty International's tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. and others in the struggle for human rights. "The point of the display was to honor Dr. King and others in the ongoing struggle for human rights," said Larry Cox, executive director of Amnesty International USA,

"We're trying to find new and innovative ways to make people aware, and aerial art is one of the ways," said Cox, whose group sponsored the event, along with local organizations. "It's a way to bring people together and let them use their bodies, in a sense, to take part."

Memphis Sound Entertainment provided the stage, sound systems, tents, chairs, audio systems, generators, wireless microphones, engineers, radios, and planning and consulting services. "They were amazing" stated Lisa DePascale " Event Coordinator for Circle Up Now. "They worked closely with us on addressing and solving all of issues that we encountered in covering such a large area. I wish we could take them with us!"

2008 Circle Up Now event
image of Martin Luther King
Produced by:
Memphis Sound Entertainment!