This week’s Tech Star Tuesday heads to New Orleans, Louisiana, to catch up with John Luke McFarlin. After nearly a decade working in production and several years in the laser industry, he’s worn plenty of hats along the way.
However, some of his favorite moments aren’t simply about the size of the stage. They’re about creating something with friends and seeing an idea grow year after year.
How Long Have You Been in the Laser Industry?
John Luke has been working with lasers for about four to five years. Yet, his experience in production goes back even further. Over time, that background has given him the opportunity to explore different parts of live events and develop new skills along the way.
And when it comes to career highlights, one project holds a special place.
What Has Been One of Your Proudest Moments?
“The Skidder Stage at Fete Du Void in Oakdale, Louisiana is a stage that started 6 years ago with whatever we scrounged together in our houses from audio to lighting. This year and some more friends hopping on board and we have a fun creative build with a fat lighting rig, LED walls, our favorite Danley Sound Lab audio rig, I bring in laser package and Ubiquiti network, all while projection mapping onto some sort of loader that never leaves the property. Going from dreams of doing cool things with your friends to doing the cool things with your friends with the freedom to test new things and being creative is limited to what you can put your mind to. “
There’s something pretty special about watching a project grow alongside the people who helped start it. What began with whatever equipment they could pull together has become a place to experiment, collaborate, and simply have fun creating.
What’s Your Biggest Responsibility When You’re in Action?
” I have worked in production for 9 or 10 years so I’ve learned a lot from many people and have had opportunities to wear different hats. So I’m constantly juggling different responsibilities, mainly LED and Lasers in the more recent years. “
That range of experience comes in handy. One day may call for lasers. Another may lean heavily into LED. Either way, being comfortable in different roles keeps things interesting.
What Advice Would You Give Someone New to the Industry?
“Be good to work with, find the right questions to ask, always be willing to learn something new, and cable management. “
That last one might get a laugh, but anyone who has spent time in production knows exactly how important it is.
More importantly, his advice speaks to something that goes beyond equipment. Be someone people enjoy working alongside. Stay curious. Ask questions. Then, keep learning.
What’s the Most Recent Show You’ve Worked?
“Got to work with my boy Mitchell Blakemore at Essence fest for Laser Light Company as we set up for Cardi B and Missy Elliott. My next fun one is Fete Du Void in October “
The 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture brought major performances to New Orleans in July, while Fête du Void returns to Oakdale in October. That means there’s already another creative project waiting around the corner.
For John Luke, that seems to be one of the best parts of production. There’s always another idea to try, another skill to learn, and another opportunity to build something alongside good people. And sometimes, those projects that start with a few friends and whatever gear is lying around become the ones you’re proudest of.
