I'm in a band and am working the lighting too. I also play bass AND design/run the lights. I am deep into midi and am using it to control my Show Designer (although 'we' are having issues right now!). One thing others haven't mentioned is getting intels that can be dimmed. If you can dim your intels you can use them more effectively as follow spots and for stage effect lighting. As far as I'm concerned, dimming is a MUST. Also you may want changeable gobos. It is a great effect to have a custom gobo of your band name which is projected above the band, on the floor in front, or out on the dance floor. I have two Ultra Scans on the way just because they have these features (and rotating gobos - just for fun!) I'm running 8 par cans and the two Ultras and with a little smart programming I have solo spots, beatiful fades, nice effects (strobing during solos, etc), great movement during the fast tunes, and great mood lighting during the slow stuff.