A Union Job with a Great View: IATSE 114 Members Set the Stage for 38 Special Rockfest in Rangeley

Earlier this month, stage hands with IATSE Local 114 headed up to Rangeley for the weekend to set up the show for the popular '80s rock band 38 Special. The Marshall Tucker Band was also scheduled to play but had to cancel at the last minute due to a COVID infection. Despite the setback, about 3,000 people attended the concert and rocked out to such classic tunes as “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys” and “Deja Vudoo” at the Rangeley Wellness Pavilion overlooking Rangeley Lake.

The annual benefit concert has been held since 2007 to raise money for Rangeley Health and Wellness and has featured such bands as the Foreigner, the Beach Boys, Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins, Starship and many others. IATSE 114 has provided the labor for the event since 2008, from building the stage and hanging lights and sound to unloading the band's equipment and taking it all down at the end of the night. IATSE Business Agent Doug Born says it's probably the most scenic event IATSE members work on all year and members usually rent campsites at nearby Rangeley Lake State Park. 

“We usually end up working until midnight or 1am, then heading back to campground, making a campfire, tossing back a few beers and sharing stagehand stories before falling asleep in our chairs,” said Born.

IBEW 567 member Andy Breau, who was among the audience attendees with his stepson, said the concert went off without a hitch.

“I thought it was awesome, but of course I’m a big 38 Special fan anyway,” said Breau. “The set up was great, the sound was awesome. I could hear the band perfectly, but I didn’t need to have ear plugs in because it wasn’t overbearing.”