Bandit Lites Welcomes Jason “Cannonball” Jenkins as Entertainment Systems Solution Specialist

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Bandit Lites is pleased to announce the addition of Jason “Cannonball” Jenkins as Entertainment Systems Solutions Specialist in its Nashville Integration Department.

Jenkins returns to Bandit Lites nearly three decades after first joining the company as one of its earliest interns while attending college. Since then, he has built an extensive career in the live production industry, spending nearly 30 years working across touring, lighting, operations, equipment specification, and technical production.

After beginning his career with Bandit Lites, Jenkins spent approximately 15 years as a Touring Lighting Designer and Director before stepping off the road to lead the lighting department for a regional production company in Nashville. He eventually became the company’s Director of Operations, a position he held for more than a decade. Throughout that time, he became increasingly involved in equipment specification, evaluation, manufacturers and technical solutions, discovering a particular passion for the technology and gear side of the industry.

“Bandit is a bit of a full-circle moment for me and my career,” said Jenkins. “I was one of Bandit’s first interns back in college, many moons ago, and the skills I learned there helped fuel what has become an almost 30-year career. Learning the ‘Bandit Standard’ influenced nearly everything I did in this industry. I found myself constantly referring to ‘how Bandit does it,’ and I’ve carried many of those standards into other roles throughout my career.”

As Entertainment Systems Solutions Specialist, Jenkins will bring his extensive production experience to Bandit Lites’ Integration Department, focusing on equipment specification, entertainment systems, integration and technical problem-solving. His years of working directly with equipment, manufacturers and production teams provide a valuable real-world perspective as Bandit continues to develop solutions for its integration clients.

“I love talking gear, playing with new technology, poking holes in what works and what doesn’t, and finding practical solutions to problems,” Jenkins explained. “That’s what excites me about this role. I get to focus on gear, integration, specification, and technical problem-solving while bringing real-world production experience to the table. Touring will always be part of my world, but I’m very excited to work on the integration side.”

While Jenkins’ technical experience played a significant role in bringing him back to Bandit, it was the company’s people-first culture that made the return especially meaningful.

“But the biggest thing for me is the people,” Jenkins said. “Bandit has always been focused on the wellbeing of its people. You’re not a dollar sign or a piece of gear. You’re a person with a life, responsibilities and challenges, and they want you to succeed.”

That philosophy also extends to the benefits Bandit Lites provides its full-time employees, something Jenkins views as an important part of building a sustainable career in an industry known for its demanding schedules and freelance culture.

“Honestly, the benefits package is second to none,” said Jenkins. “When they say ‘industry leading,’ they aren’t kidding. Bandit’s approach to benefits is another example of the company putting its people first, and that means a lot to me.”

Jenkins also emphasized that unexpected events can have a significant impact on both a person’s health and financial future, making access to a comprehensive benefits package like Bandit’s an important part of planning for the unexpected.

“No matter where I’ve worked over the years, I’ve always felt like a ‘Bandit,’” Jenkins said. “The way I approach the business, the standards I hold myself to, and the way I believe people should be treated all go back to what I learned here. So, coming home to Bandit feels pretty natural. After 30 years in this industry, being back with the company that helped start it all is pretty special, and I’m excited to be part of it again.”

Bandit Chair and Founder Michael Strickland added, “Jason has always been a winner. We have stayed in touch over the years, and the time was right to come home. We look forward to Jason finishing his career at Bandit and we know he will add a lot of value and assist our clients at the highest level. Thank you Jason!”