Paul Christensen and his wife Donna Christensen recently traveled to Melbourne, Arkansas to shoot a television special and record a live CD for Holly Records recording artist Sabina. Post Digital, Inc., Miami hired Omega to spin their magic by capturing a live concert shot on the campus of Ozarka College, promoted by Arkansas 103, KWOZ Radio, with proceeds going to the Ozarka College Scholarship fund.
The project conceived by Ben Johnson, Program Director of KMOZ and Ozarka College’s Personnel Officer, Libby Cone, and held in the John E. Miller Auditorium, featured Holly artists Sabina and Kevin Wilson, trick roper Texas Jack and a hand picked group of 
14 Nashville studio musicians headed up by Music Director, Leon Watson. All proceeds from the concert were donated to the college scholarship fund for deserving students, including a $5,000.00 gift from Holly Records owner Carolyn Ethridge, who also served as Executive Producer and Producer of the CD with Leon Watson. Ben Johnson and his morning on air co-host, Brian Andrews hosted the show, introducing various guests and personalities, including Ozarka College President Doug Rush, who accepted Ms. Ethridge’s generous gift.
Perry Trest produced the project for Miami based Post Digital, Inc., in conjunction with the Christensens 
who served as Concert Video and Live Event Producers. Chris Brock, Dallas, directed. Art Whaley, Oklahoma City, created the Lighting Design, assisted by Eric Booth, with Allan Todd, OKC Backup, serving as Lighting and Sound Reinforcement vendor. Tony Symanovich, Dallas, provided the Remote Video Facilities, TELFAX, and also served as Engineer in Charge (EIC). Tony’s talented daughter, Katie Symanovich, provided the final look and feel of the show as Shader.
Completing the Omega crew were Andrew Dean, Memphis, on St
eadicam and Hand Held Camera, David Bunger, Jackson, MS handling Jimmy Jib duties along with Perry Trest, Nick Rupp and Dan Lindsey on Fixed Cameras. Tulsa based Forrest Production Services provided 48 track digital recording for the CD and video soundtrack. Forrest’s owner Tim Kennard engineered the recording with the assistance of Quinton Davis. Rex Sigmon handled FOH sound duties while Dave Walker provided perfect monitor levels and mixes for the musicians on stage.
The video was edited by Post Digital’s owner Perry Trest, in the company’s Miami Avid suite. Trest also provided the DVD Authoring. Michael Davis handled overdubs and mixing chores for the Live CD Video Sound TracK at Nashville based Digital Audio Post, a totally digital audio post facility owned by Davis. The CD release was mastered at Masterfonics, Nashville by Benny Quinn.
Rick Dowdle, Ozarka College Security Chief arranged for security and dozens of other needs, as did Ozarka’s Rick Tankersley, who provided all the splendidly catered meals. Bexel Dallas provided wide angle lens; Generator rental was through J. A. Riggs Power Systems, Little Rock; Greg Blackburn , Dallas Stage Scenery, Inc., designed three dimensional custom logo signage, which hung over the stage and was responsible for the great look. Jeff Evans with Roeder Moon Insurance, Dallas, provided Production Insurance.
Without the assistance of so many local folks, this project would not have happened. Our thanks go out to them.
FOR OZARKA COLLEGE
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Doug Rush, President | |
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Gayle Cooper, Vice President, Finance | |
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Ron Helm. Vice President, Student Affairs | |
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Libby Cone, Personnel Officer | |
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Eric Booth, Venue Technician | |
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Rick Dowdle, Chief of Security | |
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Rick Tankersley, Catering Supervisor | |
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Ronny Rudd, Maintenance Supervisor | |
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Ron Stovall, Skilled Tradesman | |
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Denny Elrod, Phil Gillihan, Security Personnel |
And a big thank you to our local Production Crew for all their assistance.
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Haden Jackson | |
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Kenny Stapleton | |
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Brad Felton | |
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Leon Branscum | |
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Eric Jackson | |
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Bobbie Sheffield | |
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Rodney Warner | |
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Becky Booth |
And a Special thank you to:
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Melbourne High School Music Department | |
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Melbourne Volunteer Fire Department |
Thanks to all the great folks in Melbourne who made us feel so
