This year as I was going to be out of town the second week of June – I thought I was going to miss the annual charity music festival – Noise for the Needy…after having shot it every year since 2008…but they had a couple of early show dates – so I was able to squeeze this one in – at Neumos, headlined by The Thermals, with Little Cuts, and Tacocat. To reminisce on years past check out – 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 blogs.
This year – as always, the images show what a great cause, what fun, and what is so cool about this event – the people & the music. Enjoy…
So, it’s been a while since I shot some music – since January actually…ironically, it was last at the Neptune – where I shot Concrete Blonde… Anywho – it’s been 2 months since I’ve even last picked up a camera…so when I got an email asking to sub in and cover the opener at the Neptune last Sunday – I figured, why not – my shutter finger could use a work out. So I did – honeyhoney opened the show on Sunday – take a look.
The last gig I’ll have shot for a bit…it was an interesting night, shooting Concrete Blonde – back/high lighting, intense black light off the top, and the only time I’ve ever shot at the Neptune…enjoy…
2011 has been an interesting year for me…For a multitude of reasons, I have shot less shows. That said, I hope I still continued to hone my craft, and clarify my style. I like to say, my style is to target those “in between” moments, that capture the joy, peace, bliss of the moments in their performances. Do my images look like everyone elses – I hope not! Are they the best music images? Hardly. But they are what I see…hope you enjoy the view! My selections of the year are here:
Some of my particular faves ~
Images from the Lifehouse show early this year, are some of my favorites – especially of Ben Carey – he is perfection to photograph – he is the perfect dirty rock star guitarist – you realize I’m not being literal – just honest, he’s not beautiful but he is – does that make sense? The lead singer of Lifehouse, yes, is technically pretty good looking – but Ben is the one that kept pulling the lens over and giving it. He’s also pretty cool – bumped into him a late during Pajama night decked out in his bathrobe on the VH1 Best Cruise Ever, but that’s another tale to tell!
More recently – there was the spectacular night that was put on by husband wife duo – Neil Gaiman & Amanda Palmer…Their show was stunningly fun to watch, take in, and yes photograph. One of the best parts of the night, was when Amanda invited dancers out, and lined them up to deliver birthday kisses – lucky man.
This next photo is a fave simply because I love the color, and the swishy-ness of it – it is what it is, and I like it. The girls are 2 of the 3 singers for a brand new band (in one of their first shows), called The Pytons – they hired me to shoot 3 of their shows, and they are all spectacular people – my hats off to them, and I wish them much success and good music.
And while I didn’t shoot many shows this year, I did bring this whole full circle by finally officially shooting INXS – the band that inspired me to do this thing amongst the swirling lights, hot rock stars, and whatnot…It was what would seem their last tour with Canadian lead singer, JD Fortune, who won the spot back in 2005 on the show Rock Star: INXS – which also can be credited with my inpsiration for getting into this game, rather later in life than the youngins (in my thirties, lol)…So JD, even though you hid from me for most of the 3 songs I got to shoot you, this one’s for you…for always being that Rock Star on stage every time I saw you, being friendly and cheeky offstage, one upping my friend about the temperment of her pug whilst playing poker, and being so lovely backstage when I got invited to shoot the fan winners with the band this go round. JD – you are a rock star. INXS, I wish you the best in your next ventures. And to 2011, it was a good year.
So that’s it for the stories – check the list with links to all of the artists featuerd this year, along with the slideshow with several fun images from the year, whether it was Scott Hutchison, my 3rd time out shooting the fabulous Psychedelic Furs, my second time shooting the spectacular that is the Theivery Corporation, or the killer country that is Little Big Town – it was all good. Until next year, adieu…
At the Paramount, this 3rd of December- Pink Martini & friends welcomed back with grand ceremony: Miss China Forbes…What better way than amongst a stage full of the Seattle Symphony? This was my last show of the year, and I didn’t know what to expect – but it was a grand show…
Twas 11-11-11, the “eleveniest” day ever – and it was a night that belonged to Jason Webley at the Moore. Among a crowd that clearly loved him – with musicians that loved to play, it was a great night of music in Seattle. There is such earnest honesty as he plays – love for music just flows. Truly a treat – as Jason is said to be taking a touring break for an undetermined length of time after this show.
A funny aside, as I awaited the shooting the show, Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman came in and sat a few rows back on the left side…they sat down to watch their friend Jason (whom they’d later join onstage), and the face on the gal that was sitting in front of them, when she realized who was sitting behind her was priceless…
Yes, that would be prolific writer Neil Gaiman, known for his dark stories inked out on best sellers, and the illustrious eclectic rocker come wife, Amanda Palmer…
Together you say? Yep, a night full of oddly lovey banter, kisses, extra freaky creepy proes & poetry, tunes, with a few friendly special guests…
Amanda Palmer is always a treat – whether it’s with the Dresden Dolls, the quirky Eveylyn Evelyn(with Jason Webley), solo or here – with husband…The most noteworthy bit – is how these two, both with their own bit of obvious edgy humor & angst – are obviously so in love – it’s almost disgusting, if they weren’t really so cool – we forgive them – they are just beyond. So go ahead, make out, it’s ok, we’re good.
Gaiman – is the perfect match – on stage, whether reading, telling a story, singing(yep!) or staring lovingly (or oggling) at the wife…
The night, was over 2hrs of a quirky creepy freaky good time.
This last week I got to revisit one of the acts I first officially photographed – Thievery Corporation! (2009 images here) Their shows are a whirling spectacular of music, fabulous singers, and incredible musicians.
