The Charlie Daniels Band. "Southern Uprising" St Augustine, Fl 3/09/2018

Friday night I had the trill to photograph The Charlie Daniels Band in St. Augustine Florida during The Southern Uprising concert. Charlie Daniels has been playing music to his fans and the world for over 6 decades. Starting as a studio musician playing on three Bob Dylan albums. Charlie has writing credit on “It Hurts Me”, a song Elvis recorded. He also played in 1975 on Hank Williams Jr’s album “Hank Williams, Jr. and friends”.

Charlie Daniels will be celebrating his 82nd birthday this year and you would never know it watching him on stage. He may not move about as much as when he wore a younger man’s cloths, but he puts on a show that I will remember the rest of my life. “Long Haired Country Boy”, and “The South’s Gonna Do it Again” brought the crowd to its feet. The crowd really broke loose, with the initial notes dragged by the violin bow across the strings of the 1979’s crossover hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”. This song still gets airplay on classic rock and country music stations to this day.

More importantly than the music career that started when Charlie Daniels quit school in 1955, is the man. As I made my two and a half hour drive home after the show, I had time to reflect on what I had just experienced. I was treated to back stage access to meet Mr. Daniels. He was gracious, entertaining, and hospitable. He met fans for an hour just before the show. He signed autographs, posed for pictures, and shook hands. I can’t recall any artist with this much accessibility just before taking the stage to play to a packed house. You could easily see he really enjoyed every part of the interaction. Within minutes of exiting backstage, I had to hurry to find my place in the pit because The Charlie Daniels Band was taking the stage.

This is a very religious man in which he proudly displayed with his “Jesus Is Lord” belt buckle and sang “How Great Thou Art”, showing his gospel roots. He isn’t pretentious and doesn’t get on stage to preach, he is an entertainer. There was however a reference to America’s Armed Forces, and the packed house cheered loudly. We must give thanks to those men and women who are serving, have served, and those who will serve in the future. Mr. Daniels understands without the sacrifice of our Armed Forces; American lives might be much different. We wouldn’t be sitting in the open air of a spring night in an amphitheater enjoying live music in America’s First City. Charlie Daniels has been a big part of USO tours since 1990 and has performed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

There wasn’t any political shaming, just a sense of life is a blessing, So, let’s enjoy it. How refreshing.

Charlie Daniels is a great entertainer and musician, but more importantly, he is his own man and a patriot.   

By Mark Horan

Travis Tritt "The Southern Uprising" St Augustine, FL 3/9/2018

When Travis Tritt, hit the stage headlining the Southern Uprising concert at the St. Augustine Amphitheater Friday night March 9, 2018, the crowd was warmed up, even with temperatures dropping into the 50’s. The stage, and the lights, it was hard not to understand that the two time Grammy winner was going to put on a big show. Travis Tritt was Billboard’s 1990 Top New Male Artist of the year! Since 1990, Travis Tritt has charted more than 40 times on the Hot Country Songs charts. He has recorded nine albums in which seven are certified Platinum or higher and 20 top ten singles.

When the stage was set and the band was in their places, the spectacular lighting came on. Travis burst onto the stage leaving no inch uncovered as he greeted the adoring fans from stage left to stage right. The whole evening was building to this moment. The Outlaws and Marshall Tucker Band were the Southern Rock type influences of Travis Tritt, and Charlie Daniels was the crossover from Southern Rock to today’s country genre. The metamorphosis was complete. But, wait a minute, the music was apoplectic. Yes, this was country music, but Tritt played good old southern rock as well. As a professional, he understood the audience had mixed music taste and he responded in kind.

I am not a huge fan of country music, but this wasn’t Nashville comes to Florida. This was by far the best stage production of the night and Travis Tritt is a bonified musician and seasoned entertainer. The show was spectacular, and the crowd responded to the performance.

I left the performance a Travis Tritt fan, the Country music fan is going to take some time.

Blackberry Smoke Orlando, FL 3/3/2018

Orlando, Florida kicked off their free outdoor Spring concert series Saturday night with Atlanta Georgia’s Blackberry Smoke. The band opened with “Six Ways to Sunday” from the The Whippoorwill album released in 2012. When the dust settled after their third song, Charlie Starr greeted the crowd and went into a favorite from the last album “Waiting for The Thunder”.

Blackberry Smoke’s 6th studio album, “Find A Light” is due to be released April 6, 2018. And they teased the fans with a sneak peek of the track "Best Seat in the House".

Blackberry Smoke has been absent from bringing their outlaw honky-tonk country style to Central Florida since 2016, and the packed crowd let them know they were missed. If their new effort “Find A Light”, is anything similar to the response of their 2016 release “Like An Arrow”, which was released on, “Three Legged Records”, “Find A Light” will sail to the top of the US Billboard Country and Americana/Folk charts as before.

Blackberry Smoke is Charlie Starr (lead Vocals and Guitar), Paul Jackson (Backup vocals and guitar), Richard Turner (Bass), Brit Turner (Drums) and newest member (2009) Brandon Still on Keyboards. Saturday nights set list was as follows, Six Ways to Sunday (2012), Good One Comin’ On (2008), Ought to Know (2016), Waiting for the Thunder (2016), Crimson Moon (2012), Let it Burn (2016), Sleeping Dogs/Come Together (2012/Beatles 1969), Shakin’ Hands With The Holy Ghost (2012), Best Seat In The House (Unreleased), Lucky Seven (2012), Up in Smoke (2009), Ain’t Got the Blues (2012).

Before the members came on stage, as I watched the empty stage waiting for the bands arrival, listening to the PA blast out the preconcert music, a man appeared holding a soldering object. He proceeded to perform a ritual of coating each microphone and amplifier on stage with this mysterious smoke that could barely be seen in the dim stage lighting. One could only surmise it was Blackberry Smoke. If you are a fan of Southern Rock, put Blackberry Smoke on your list to attend their next show next time they come around to Central Florida. Orlando’s free concert series are really magnificent events to attend has they are bring in some of the finest entertainment available.

MNPR Magazine Published Me!

Well, it's been almost a year since I started my quest into concert photography. I have gotten the right equipment, I have learned to use it, I have gotten credentials with a local paper, I have used those credentials to help me get photo passes to national shows. Four the past four weeks I have been writing reviews for resent shows, Joe Satriani, Blues Traveler, Uriah Heep, and The local band, The Wait.

I have submitted concert pictures and the reviews to the paper and they decided not to publish any of them. I was initially told by the publisher that he wanted to expand the paper and to keep submitting them to the editor of the Arts and Entertainment section. That gentleman is retiring at the end of the month and apparently has decided to not start publishing anything as edging as rock-n-roll in his last month at the paper. I get it, but hopefully the new editor sees things differently.

Then last week I submitted my reviews and pictures to an online magazine from the UK. The first three reviews,  they passed on, as I submitted them last week, a couple of weeks after the shows. But, Sunday I submitted my newest review and photos of the band The Wait, from Saturday night. They published them! My first concert photo's published. The paper had published my work on two occasions, but they were paid assignments, not concerts. The goal has always been the publishing of my concert photographs.  The first national show I got a photo pass for, "The Outlaws", I met two photographers  Michelle Wilson and Michael G Yanko, they have been making their living for 30 years photographing concerts. Michelle is actually a writer, and a darn good photographer too. So, I decided that I needed to add more than just the pictures, I would also write reviews. I sent her the first review and asked her for input. What I didn't expect was the in depth grading she gave me. We went over the review on the phone and I made the changes. Kind of felt like I was in high school and the teacher was going over my English composition. Michelle Wilson studied English literature at Long Island University. She currently is a Photographer at Rock Legends Photographers and Blues Concert Photos, Staff writer at Live For Live Music and Writer/Photographer at Concert Photos Magazine . Thank You Michelle for your tutelage.  

Last week I answered a post from a publisher who use to be, or still is a concert photographer. Richard Bolwell ,  is looking to expand his music publication, "MNPR Magazine", worldwide. He expects reviews with concert photos. And now I'm published! Check out my first review and concert photo's of "The Wait"

It took 11 months, but if you keep your eye on the prize, work hard, and get the proper training, anything is possible. I have also gotten hiring requests from bands to take their photos. It's not a career, but I am having fun and just when I least expect it, it my pay the bills.  

The Wait 2/17/2018 at The Orlando Brewing Company

The Wait, with their latest single charting number one locally, and top 40 nationally on ReverbNation, the online platform for artists to advance their careers with more than 3.8 million members. The band took to the stage Saturday night at The Orlando Brewing Company at 1301 Atlanta Ave in South Orlando, Florida. They just wrapped up recording their new LP of 12 new songs, which is scheduled for release April 15, 2018. The early success of the new single has shot new life into the group whom have recently reunited in 2017 after going their own ways twenty years earlier.

Songwriters and bandmates, Don Rowe lead guitar, Terry McMahon lead vocals, and Gregg Saxonis on drums, came together in Boston Massachusetts in 1988. Then set out on the road by management to Orlando in 1989. Once in Florida, they kept recording material and became a headliner throughout Central Florida, until 1997. Their Rock / Indie or alternative rock music style, lead to opening for The Romantics to Foghat.

With added members, Randy Cook keyboards/backing vocals, Mike Knarreborg guitar/backing vocals, and Vince Heyer on bass, the bands maturity and three part harmonies makes for a full sound. Saturday night’s show highlighted the band’s past and present work with “Firewall”, “Stay in Love”, “World Without You”, and the newest hit single “One Day is Now”.

From the show I witnessed Saturday, it appears that experience is paying off. The show was refreshing and what Central Florida needs right now. I can honestly say, it has been well worth The Wait!

Uriah Heep House of Blues Lake Buena Vista, FL 2/14/2018

Uriah Heep hit the stage of The House of Blues, Lake Buena Vista, FL with their arsenal of four decades of work to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The set spanned back as far as 1972 with fan favorites, “The Magician’s Birthday” and “Stealin”. A Uriah Heep show isn’t complete without “The Wizzard”, “Sweet Lorraine”, and “Easy Living” which followed. Since 1969 the bands lineup has changed, there have been 25 different members. The only original member being Mick Box on lead guitar. Vocalist Bernie Shaw and keyboard player Phil Lanzon joined in 1986. Drummer Russell Gilbrook joined the band in 2007, with the newest member, bass player Davey Rimmer being added in 2013. The five members played like they had all been there at the inception.

Over the course of 49 years, the British rock band, Uriah Heep has released 25 studio albums, 18 Live albums, and 39 compilation albums. Similar in popularity to Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and Led Zepplin in the 1970’s, the size of the audiences in the states declined in the 1980’s. The band still fills out large venues in Russia, Japan, and Eastern Europe.

Orlando was the first stop on the current US tour and lead singer Bernie Shaw promised that after the tour was over, he and his band mates were going into the studio to record their next album back in England and in 2019, they would return to The House of Blues Lake Buena Vista, FL to rock out again.

Blues Traveler 2/10/2018 House of Blues Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Saturdays show opened with lead man, John Popper proclaiming, “We’re 30 years old”. The Blues Traveler 30th year Anniversary Tour was welcomed to The House of Blues Lake Buena Vista to a delighted, sold out audience. In traditional style, the first three songs ran into one, with “Run Around” ending the stretch. “Run Around”, the longest charting radio single in Billboard history at 26 weeks of “Most Played by Jockeys” was Billboard's original airplay chart, before the inception of the current “Hot 100” chart. Which also won them a Grammy in 1996. With the opening momentum in full swing, John Popper and the band, poured it on until the final note. Born out of the 1990, Blues Travel is one of the few remaining jam-bands on the scene. Similar in style to The Grateful Dead, Phish, Widespread Panic, and The Allman Brothers, where the songs performed on stage go off into their own life while being played in front of a hungry crowd.

Blues Traveler just left the studio recording their 13th album titled, “Hurry Up and Hang Around”, which is due to be released this spring.

The opening band, Los Colognes from Nashville, is touring on their third and newest released album “The Wave”.

Blues Traveler is John Popper on lead vocals and harmonica, Ben Wilson keyboards, Brendan Hill drums, Chan Kinchla guitar, and Chan’s younger brother Tad Kinchla on bass. Thirty years, and this tight, well-oiled machine maybe ready for thirty more, or another ten at the very least. This is an Anniversary Tour, and not a farewell tour. Don’t worry, those of you that were unable to get tickets to this sold out show will have another chance when Blues Traveler, Travels again to Central Florida.

Joe Satriani's G3 2018 Tour at The Hard Rock Live Orlando

Orlando paid homage to some of the greatest guitar players on the planet Tuesday night January 30th. The standing room only crowd at Hard Rock Live was treated to almost four hours of hard driving rock-n-roll from Joe Satriani’s, G3 2018 tour stop. Since 1996 Satriani has been gathering the world’s best guitar players and having them perform on one night, then sharing the stage for the finale.

This year's lineup of innovative guitar masters, Joe Satriani of Deep Purple and Chickenfoot, John Petrucci of Dream Theater, Phil Collen of Def Leppard. Joining the trio for the last two songs, Deep Purple’s "Highway Star" and Stevie Wonder’s "Superstition" was UFO’s Vinnie Moore.

The night started with Phil Collen’s band taking the stage for the first set. Collen has been described by Satriani as a “Total Virtuoso” which is quite a compliment if you consider the source. Collen offered blues with the soulful voice of Debbi Blackwell-Cook. Next, followed heavy metal guitarist, John Petrucci who has been named as one of the top ten greatest guitar shredders of all time by GuitarOne Magazine. Last was the headliner, the ultimate master, Joe Satriani. Satriani has sold in excess of 10 million albums with 6 going Platinum and Gold, which makes him the number one selling instrumental rock guitarist of all time.

You could tell Satriani was having the time of his life and the crowd responded with every note. After Red Hot Chili Peppers Chad Smith's drum solo, Collen, Petrucci, and Moore joined Satriani’s band to end the show on a high note. The music kept getting better and better as the night wore on and all in attendance didn’t want it to end as the capacity crowd remained in their seats and shouted for more.

If you love rock-n-roll lead guitar players, buy a ticket the next time the G3 tour comes to your town. You will leave satisfied guaranteed.

Past guitar virtuosos who have performed with G3 over the years have included Steve Vai, Steve Morse, Eric Johnson, Paul Gilbert, Steve Lukather, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robert Fripp, Yngwie Malmsteen, Adrian Legg, Michael Schenker, John Petrucci, Phil Collen, Marty Friedman, and after tonight's show, Mr. Vinnie Moore.

2018 is starting out a busy year.

I ended the year with a great assignment for the newspaper. Believe, Cirque Du Musica at Heritage Park. Acrobats, contortionists, and dancers with a backdrop of a full orchestra. Like a concert shoot as it was low light with fast motion. A full-page spread can be viewed in last Thursdays New Gazette. Also, extras are on this site.

I have obtained a photo pass for Joe Satriani at The Hard Rock Café in Orlando. Joe Satriani is in the top ten of guitarists alive. I have seen him once; this show will be a treat. A photo pass was also obtained for Blues Traveler next month at the House of Blues Orlando. Another great concert I am looking forward to.

These two shows are 11 days apart and I have a festival in Daytona Beach I will be photographing sandwiched in between. Over 100 bands. The Daytona show is for my artist, The Melissa Crispo Band. Past pictures of Melissa Crispo are in the gallery section of my site spanning 14 years. Truly my favorite subject and her career is gaining ground as her band prepares for their week-long Melissa Etheridge Cruise in March. The cruise is great for national and international exposure. The last cruise she participated in yielded many shows and even a 3-gig series in Ireland last year. I have been asked on two occasions to supply promo pictures of Melissa and her band to two separate publications. I am not coat tailing, I have just upgraded my equipment and become credentialed to gain more access to different shows.

The beginning of February will be very busy. With the rule of 3 songs, no flash, that take about 15 minutes of shooting in a show. The time comes in the editing done after leaving the show. Sometimes it takes hours. But, the better I get, the quicker the process.

Check back periodically to see what I am publishing. My work can also be seen at  

https://www.facebook.com/StopTheAction/

Hard Work and Persistance Paying Off.

I finally did it! After months of contacting bands, publishers, and venues. Just got photo pass approved for The Outlaws and the Artimus Pyle band who was the drummer in Lynyrd Skynyrd. They play all Skynyrd songs at the Plaza Live for Saturday nights show. Next week Cirque De Musica. Spanish Cirque du Soleil.. Thanks to Melissa Crispo’s House of Blues show. It lit a flame under my butt and I jumped all in. Buying the right equipment and learning the craft of the hardest discipline in photography. Low light, fast action, no flash, in a limited amount of time. 3 songs, no flash. Such an adrenaline rush, up close and personal. It’s a sport!

I had a great time. I met a pair of concert photographers that have spent the past 3.5 decades doing what they love. They were so generous with their knowledge and advice. I was able to ask questions and get experienced answers. They were real pros. I was humbled as I was taken seriously with the limited experience I have.

I heard great music and I was taken back to a time in the 70's when listening to music was a big part of my life. These songs brought back really thick memories. Living in Ohio, I was a huge Southern Rock Fan. I had seen the Outlaws back then, but I unfortunately procrastinated about seeing Lynyrd Skynyrd. Little did I know I would never see the original band.  I did see them in 1987 on their concert tour to pay tribute to the members that perished in 1977. It was a very emotional show culminating with a instrumental version of Freebird. A single spotlight illuminating a single microphone stand with the late great Ronnie Van Zant's hat perched a top. As the crowd sang and wiped back tears I can't ever remember a more moving moment at a concert then or since. So here I am 30 years later, Photographing this show. I felt honored for the opportunity.

The Outlaws and I also have a history. I saw them live in 1979. I also talked our high school athletic director to let us use their recording of Green Grass and High Tides as our warmup music before wrestling matches that year. Up until then, rock n roll had no place at high school sporting events. We were the first in our conference, who knows, maybe the first in the state to incorporate music to ready for competition.  

Stay tuned for next weeks CIRQUE DE MUSICA pictures.

Getting Published

I am back from a week off in the woods in Central Michigan. Like usual, I never fired a shot, from a rifle that is. I did however took a few pictures of snowy barns on some local farms. But, the big news is, the freelance gig I got with the local paper paid off as I got a full page with 6 pictures of a pioneer festival I shot the day before I left, I also got a stand alone picture on the front page. I got paid, so I am now a professional photographer. It's not Rock N Roll, but it's a start.

Before I left I had conversations with an online publication in Daytona Beach, Backstage Pass for some pictures I took at the Deland Music Festival sponsored by Songwriters Showcase of America, but it didn't happen. They said maybe next months addition as we were on a hard deadline.

One of the bands from the Deland Festival asked for my rates for a 3 hour photo shoot with 6 band members. We didn't come to terms, but I'm still hopeful.

Then today, the Lakeland Ledger contacted Melissa Crispo to use a photo that she has on her website. Since I had the copy write, I had to give written permission. That will be published on Friday.

Things are moving very fast the past two days since I have been away. Not to mention my 3 other businesses that I had left for the week of woods meditating. Just in time to relax for four days during the Thanksgiving Holiday. I am still waiting for word on a photo pass to shoot Alter Bridge on Friday night at House of Blues. They said there were a lot of Nationally credentialed photographers attending their show as they are hot currently so there maybe no room for a freelance photographer like myself. All I can do is ask, right?

Things are looking up for The Outlaws and Artimus Pyle Band in December. I will update when I hear more. The Osceola News Gazette also has more work for me in the coming weeks.

I have almost accomplished my goal. I am getting close. A lot has happened in the past month, and I am grateful. Goes to show that if you want something bad enough and your not afraid to ask or keep persevering, you can make anything happen.

Enjoy Thanksgiving!  

Weekend in Deland at the music festival.

I waited anxiously Friday for the postal delivery. Finally around 5pm they arrived looking for my signature for my package. A Nikon 300mm f/2.8 prime lens, just in time for Saturdays gig at the Central Florida Songwriters music fest in Deland, FL. The lens was huge, 6.5lbs and came with it's own satchel.  This lens needs it's own tripod, or in my case a mono pod. I had convinced my wife that I needed help as there were 170 artists and 27 stages throughout the city. Could I con her into being my pack horse for this newest prize?

We arrived on the scene a little after 1pm, we packed the gear around and after surveying the land, the 300mm was not needed. Access was good enough for my 70-200mm f/2.8, 14-24mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, and my new favorite, the portrait 85mm f/1.14. Fast glass being a must. Cameras set at 200 iso and lower, we were set.

I hear a sound from a small stag off the side of one of the larger stages. I looked over and the player was playing the guitar behind his head, very Jimi like. I hung out and the two songs I heard from Grindstone Sinners were quite good. 70's style Rock n Roll heavy  on the guitar licks. We shot a few shots of the 3 piece and headed deeper to flash my new credentials and get a program to get the lay of the land. They were also scheduled to perform on the main stage at 8:00pm.

4 O'clock was the reason for coming as my artist Melissa Crispo was a finalist for Songwriter of The Year. Her band was on the main stage, or stage 1 at 4:00. Toni and I made our way to stage one. An alternative jonrah band, Take Lead, was on stage half way into their set. Clicked a few pics, the headed to the food car near by.

Next on the main stage was "The Wait" curious as it's the name of one of my favorite songs from "The Band". They were quite good and entertaining. I later read they have been around since the 80's with different members. I had lost track of my wife and helper during their set. Suddenly she appears and demand that I follow to a cove where stage two is situated. I couldn't believe my eyes, a band with a 5 year old drummer. He also played harmonica and sang as he strutted around the audience. Truly remarkable as he was as good as he was adorable. A big hat, shirtless with a leather vest, jeans, and cowboy boots. His father played guitar in this three piece and the two of them had a shtik between songs, very entertaining as the 5 year old finished a song about finding a girl with money. "Yep, I need to find me a girl with money" he said.

I googled this band, Jesse Daniel Band to get some background. Jesse is the son, and one time we was in a coma for 22 months. His daddy Daniel never left his side. He use to bring his guitar and play for him while he was unconscious. To this day they are inseparable. They travel to gigs with the drum kit strapped to a Harley. In the sidecar is a stuffed pony. Quite a sight, and seems appropriate since Jesse is only 5.

Finally 4:00 rolls around and Melissa puts on her polished show, one I've seen many times, kind of a warm up for the bands 7 day cruise  performing nightly with Melissa Etheridge, Sarah McLachlan, and many others in March.

On the way to the car we stopped in Café Da Vinci where 3 stages were located. We were treated to the energy of Billy Buchanan. He really put on a great energetic performance. We were on a roll and decided to put off leaving and heated out to another stage off the strip. Looking for a gem in the rough if you will. Well, we were treated to rough and no gem. It was time to leave and not add any bad performances to ruin a great day.

When we got back to the house we were informed Melissa Crispo had won Songwriter of the year! What a great day! Now hours of editing in Lightroom. Please check out my galleries of this weekend above.

The 300mm f/2.8 really has no purpose for concert photography. A very expensive lesson to learn, but what a great lens. Friday night gridiron for the paper, here I come.

Getting Credentialed

It's been a few months, we survived a direct hit of Hurricane Irma. The storm played havoc on my other 3 businesses. But, there is always a silver lining. Today I picked up my credentials as a photo journalist for a small local paper. I now have my creds and hopefully this will open doors to the rock n roll venues around Orlando.

I will still have to beg, but I am now employed as a professional. This was my goal in July if you read my post. One piece at a time. November 4, 2017 I will be shooting an outdoor concert with 100 acts. Deland Florida shuts down the streets and erects stages on every corner. It is really a great event and if the weather is nice, one you need to attend as all musicians will be performing their original music. I will be at the main stage for Melissa Crispo's Band at 4:00pm. Say Hi if you stop by. The song writer of the year, and the song of the year are being voted on now. Give it a listen!  https://youtu.be/dApvrB13_4Q 

I will continue to add content to the site like I did from a weekend trip to Chicago where I took in the city, Cub's baseball, and a hoping local Blues Bar. Chicago, you are a great town and thanks for having me!

My mind is made up and I am saving for a Nikon 300mm f/2.8 AF VR lens to add to my equipment for concert distance, and outdoor sports. Moving to the next level, so come along for the ride.

Expanding a Dream

Well it's been a month since I entered on this blog. I have been spending a lot of time on Facebook starting a new page by adding data on an daily basis. The thought being to boost the action on this page. I have started a segment "On this day in Rock n Roll",  posting birthdays and events in Rock N Roll. Today is Mick Jagger's birthday by the way. 

https://www.facebook.com/StopTheAction/

I am also inquiring about getting photo passes, Ted Nugent was a no go this month, as was Chevelle at House of Blues, no response. I have recently inquired about Guns n Roses. I am not sure I will have any better luck. But, if you don't ask, you never know.

Working on getting credentials from a local publication to get my feet wet. Again, inquiries sent, and waiting on a response. Nothing gained, nothing lost. I will continue to go to local clubs and keep learning this art.

Still the lack of feedback on this site is deafening. It is all welcome.  

Practice, Practice, and Practice

I haven't updated the blog in a month, but since coming back from vacation I have added some more lens, fixed aperture lens that work very well in low light situations. I have been practicing in dark bars with this equipment. I did however attend an outdoor festival with the Melissa Crispo Band that had 3 acts. Unfortunately, Melissa ran into a sound ordinance problem and law enforcement shut down the main stage at 10pm half way through her set. Since it was an outside venue, the 3 song rule wasn't in effect, so I was taking my time and I didn't get all the shots I wanted to. It was cool though, as I was able to actually get on stage for a few up close and personal shots.

July might be interesting as I have requested photo passes for Chevelle and Ted Nugent. Being freelance might make getting these passes difficult. But, If I didn't ask, I wouldn't have the chance at a great opportunity. Nothing gained, nothing lost.

I have been spending more time gaining education in the development stage. The ability to adjust pictures is invaluable.

I am having a ball and learning an extremely amount of information. Remember, access is everything. Up close and personal. It's such a great privilege to be able to have that access.

Back From Vacation....Rested and Ready

After spending a week in the Seattle Area photographing landscapes with the new equipment I am home ready to hit a few clubs to checkout my new fixed aperture prime lens. Starting tonight I am going to see Bad Mannerz in Orlando.

Seattle was a completely different vibe as they have a dedicated station to music from that area, or grunge as most know it. The worst part of the trip was on the first day. The passing of Chris Cornell the lead singer of Soundgarden.   The local station played tribute with plenty of Soundgarden, which I love. It was a sad day. 

But, I was on vacation and there was plenty to take up my time hiking into the mountains exploring to located the numerous waterfalls cause my snow melting in the mountains. Checkout the pictures on this site!

The day I got back I went to shoot Melissa Crispo who was performing in a club that was filming bar rescue. I was limited in time as I had to vacate when the TV camera crews entered. But, as the band historian, pictures marked the time. I checked with the band and they only got to play 3 songs. (I was only present for sound check.) then they waited an hour and a half and never finished. They were also filmed during the initial segment, which if you have ever seen the show on Spike, that is where the show degrades the club owner. So, will the band be put into a bad light? All I can say is, there is no such thing as bad press. And if this club gets their stage, sound system, and lights upgraded, the show was worth it. Past shows had a little to be desired. Progress is always good.

Check in the next few days as I will post the latest show.

Where my love of live music was born.

I lived in Grafton, Wisc from 1964-1972 That's where I heard my first live band standing near the beer tent at the annual corn roast. They were playing a cover from The Wild Ones, then later The Troggs, Wild Thing. Yes as many of you remember, from the movie Major League. It was the summer of 1966. I was 5 and Rock-N-Roll was born! Pass me an ear with extra butter and salt. Loved those Brats too.

 The Troggs

Grafton Wisconsin's Annual Corn Roast started in 1959.

Where and when did you hear and see your first band performance?

Busy and Fun Weekend

Well Friday night was a long night with 3 bands a one venue. I got some great pictures, and some unique shots of a musician that plays an electric fiddle. The shots were money. Lots of unique composition and intimate posses.

Now Saturday night was completely different and full of energy in the streets of downtown Orlando where bands were performing for the opportunity to possibly acquire a record deal. People everywhere as just 3 miles away Earth Day Birthday 24 was taking place. The music vibe was everywhere, and the streets were having a great time moving from block to block in between the hot dog carts at every corner.

I have added all four bands to the site for your review.

Today I moved into offering real estate pictures to local Realtors. Most don't have the equipment to take the pictures I have and they see the advantage to advertising their listings with great pictures.

Please leave comments.

Expanding into Real Estate

After having a weekend off from concert photography, and constantly looking on Amazon for a used Fixed aperture lens, a AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 ED VR ll lens which I currently don't need or can afford, but I need to add to my concert collection for those times that access is limited to the sound board and distance is needed. I have been spending my time doing my regular job, Real Estate. In the past two days I have shot 3 home interiors. My Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 made really detailed photographs.

After shooting my second home today, the thought of aerial photography seemed to make a lot of sense, so back on Amazon to order a drone. Every great listing now adays has aerial photography so, I am expanding that capability to my presentations. As we all know, great pictures sell houses.

If you missed my last two concert shoots, they will be up until Sunday, as I will be shooting Melissa Crispo who just returned from playing in Nashville. On Friday night as her band headlines in Orlando at the Abbey, with opening acts, Lauren Lester, and Bob Green. A night of original music from 3 great songwriters.

Saturday, I will be attending The Florida Music Festival where area bands perform in the hope of getting singed by a record label. The last time I attended was in 2007 with Melissa's first band. This year, her drummer who plays in two bands will be on the main stage with his other band.

So, I will be posting new concert footage as I will be photographing at least 4 bands this weekend. If your free, come on out and support local music in Orlando, Fl.

I am still waiting and admiring that 70-200mm lens. Just need to sell a house or two.

Great weather for a busy weekend in two locations.

Saturday, 78 degrees and clear skies. North to Deland, Florida hosted Delandapalooza, 125 artists from 1PM to 1AM. A very cool event where many side streets are closed with stages every few blocks, lots of walking and crossing streets. If your a concert photographer, a real smorgasbord.  I saw 6 artists in the four hours I was there, of course working for The Melissa Crispo Band was the reason I was there so the majority of the time was spend at her stage for her performance. Then went to dinner with the band before the hour and a half drive home. The conditions were perfect, but the sun was behind the stage so I was shooting into the shadow of the stage with little stage lighting. Mostly shot at 200 ISO.

Sunday was picture perfect as well. Same weather as Saturday but a bit breezier. South to Ponce Inlet on the Indian River at Earl's Hideaway just of the East cost. The venue is an outside bar with a sand floor in the middle of a bamboo cove on two sides, the water complete with boats on one side and finally the establishments building. The venue was much rowdier as it usually is when The Stacy Mitchhart Band comes South From Nashville once a year every spring. As I have know the band for 12 years, my access isn't restricted and great shots are abundant, the player even mug for the camera as they enjoy Florida in the spring and you can tell they are just having a great time after winter in Nashville.

So, my two favorite bands, back to back. It doesn't get any better. But I am exhausted and I still have to edit both photo shoots which will be around eight hours of work. Of which I will start tomorrow after I have an interior photo shoot for my main business, real estate, as I will be listing that home on Tuesday. I can't wait to use my new 14-24mm f/2.8 wide angle lens for that shoot, but I digress, I did shoot with that lens at the beginning of the Melissa Crispo Band shoot as the stage was large, but I predominately shot both days with 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom as I was so close to both bands. Unlike if I attended the Tamp Bay Blues Festival which was going on Friday to Monday in St. Petersburg. That was a great show as well as I have been seeing pictures on social media all weekend. But, I was where I wanted to be and supporting my two very favorite artists.

I will start posting the band shots and some crowd shots starting Tuesday. Enjoy and comment please.