I’m speaking to him while he’s in Stockton, producing a fireworks show for a couple’s 50th wedding anniversary. In terms of spectacle, Jeff says it’s the same size show Surf City will be getting. One can only imagine the light in the wife’s eyes as the couple celebrates their golden moment together.
Jeff, who’s downright giddy when talking fireworks, tells me that our show will include some 1,500 rounds—making it the largest attended fireworks display west of the Rockies. He’s been “shooting” (his term) for the legendary Zambellis since 1981, and it’s hard to imagine a better man for the job. His energy and enthusiasm crackle like so many summer sparklers, and it’s evident that our local show is in the right hands. (Zambelli, so you know, is proudly known as the “First Family of Fireworks,” and they’re one of the oldest and largest American fireworks companies.)
Jeff’s responsibilities for producing shows such as this entail everything — setting up the equipment, managing the crew, loading the fireworks, making sure the display is fired according to plan and even the post-show cleanup. He crafts the musical soundtrack as well, and this year the theme is “Let Freedom Ring,” featuring patriotic music from Ray Charles, Toby Keith and the Philadelphia Philharmonic, among other artists.
The 54-year-old shooter started in the business at age 17 in Arcadia, where he grew up. His pyro skills have taken him around the world, creating shows in Australia, Mexico, Canada and many other places. He’s worked at Disneyland, all Six Flags parks, the Queen Mary, concerts by The Who, Garth Brooks and many other events.
