Thornton, Colorado-based Brown Note Productions deployed 92 Claypaky Ultimo Sharpy fixtures for DJ Sammy Virji's electrifying performance at Denver's Civic Center Park on September 13. With the stunning neo-classical City and County Building as a backdrop, Virji delivered a memorable night of electronic dance music to a crowd that pushed through challenging weather to be there.
Virji's star has risen dramatically since his last Denver appearance a year prior at the Greek Theater. With Coachella and Tomorrowland under his belt, a string of charted solo releases, and high-profile collaborations to his name, the Civic Center Park show represented one of the biggest moments of his career.
Brown Note joined forces with Chris Schroeder Productions and Lighting Designer Erik Mahowald of Bending Lite Productions to design a visually striking experience. The 92 Ultimo Sharpys were used to build a bold, dynamic canvas of light that complemented both the performer and the historic building behind him — without obstructing it. The fixtures' sharp beams, rapid movement, and precision helped transform the open-air venue into a fully immersive environment.
Mahowald noted that his team had long anticipated the Ultimo Sharpy's release. "We've been waiting for an update to the Sharpy — one of our biggest workhorses," he said. "For Sammy Virji, we wanted a lighting package that wowed from a distance while leaving the building behind the stage completely unobstructed. Ultimo Sharpy gave us the confidence we could pull that off."
Ryan Knutson, President of Brown Note, highlighted the fixture's advanced color mixing engine as a standout feature. "Lighting designers have been asking for this level of control, and Claypaky delivered," he said. "The upgrade brings richer color rendering, smoother transitions, and far greater creative flexibility — combined with ultra-fast movement, constant pan rotation, and solid IP protection. It redefines what a fixture of this size and heritage can do."
That IP66 rating proved especially valuable on show day, as rain arrived ahead of Virji's set before clearing in time for his performance. Mahowald called the IP capability a significant advantage for outdoor work: "Being able to have a high-quality beam exposed to the elements is going to be a game changer." Knutson echoed that sentiment, describing the Ultimo Sharpy as a reliable next-generation option for both touring and permanent outdoor applications — well-suited for festivals, large civic events, and year-round architectural installations alike.
Alex Van Roon served as Lighting Operator, with ED36North handling video. Inner Circle Distribution serves as the exclusive U.S. distributor for Claypaky.