That Motown sound.(sound design and attractions at the Motown Cafe, Las Vegas, NV)(Brief Article)

"We had almost enough time to do the job," quips John Nasshan of Audio Associates, in reference to his companys role as audio systems designer for the $14 million Las Vegas Motown Cafe. "We worked Christmas Eve, New Near's Eve, and two hours on Thanksgiving Day. It wasn't enough time, but we made it." The cafe's January 3 grand opening gala featured one of the last performances by the original Four Tops, before the passing of Tops member Lawrence Payton.

Nevada-based Audio Associates was hired by Motown Cafe general contractor Image Construction of Las Vegas. Image Construction also brought on board See Productions as technical director. It was See's job to put together the master show control system that coordinates and automates all of the audio, video, and lighting for this themed restaurant and bar, in addition to selecting vendors and equipment Appropriate to its surroundings, the Vegas location is considerably more souped-up and flashy than the first incarnation of the Motown Cafe built in New York City and it brings the legendary sounds of the classic Detroit record label to the Snip with more firepower than Motown sound engineers ever dreamed of The Motown Cafe chain will continue to grow with new locations opening soon in Orlando and London. Architect for the Las Vegas branch, as well as New York and Orlando, was Haverson Architecture and Design of Greenwich, CT.

The Motown Cafe is a two-story, 28,000-sq.-ft. facility that holds up …