Beyond the Grid: What We Learned Building Live Events in Remote Indigenous Communities

Session details:

This session presents a case study in off-grid live event production developed through field deployments with 2 Rivers Remix Society in remote Indigenous regions of British Columbia. The focus is on engineering viable production systems without reliance on grid power or diesel generators, using modular battery storage, electric vehicle logistics, and low-power production design strategies.

Production infrastructure includes professional touring systems such as the StageLine SL100 stage system, d&b audiotechnik PA systems, LED video walls, and modern LED lighting rigs, all optimized for operation under strict energy constraints. The session breaks down system architecture and workflow design, including load balancing, power budgeting for high-performance audio, video, and lighting systems, and deployment strategies adapted to remote terrain and limited access conditions.

Beyond the technical framework, this work is grounded in community impact and cultural intent. 2 Rivers Remix Society operates under the principle that “Music is Medicine,” where live events are not only technical productions but also spaces for healing, connection, and cultural expression. A key component of this model is the integration of Indigenous youth training directly into live production deployments, embedding technical skills development in staging, audio, lighting, and event operations into real field work.

Attendees will gain practical, transferable frameworks for designing off-grid and low-impact production systems, alongside insight into how technical production can support long-term community capacity building and positive social impact in remote and touring environments.