Photo Review: Flight 619 @ The Empire Concert Club & Bar

It's been 8 months since Flight 619 performed together on stage as a band. The group has been busy making a few mechanical adjustments to their lineup and while doing so, actively preparing for their full-length CD which is expected to drop later this year. Stay tuned, because the artwork is being done by myself and excited to unveil it upon release.

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Friday night, Flight 619 sold out the Empire and for two good reasons. One, I know a lot of their Akron fans were anticipating their return to the stage. Two, the Empire Concert Club & Bar celebrated their 3-year anniversary as the best small venue to play at in the Akron area. That last part is purely my assessment. But seriously, the Empire is a fantastic, intimate venue to play at if you're a local band or an observer. The stage setup is the Rolls Royce. A shit load of flashy lights to create an aura, fog machines to make any band look epicly bad ass, and an amazing sound board with knowledgeable sound techs to give you the best output. Did I forget to mention they have guitar mounts on stage?!

The original lineup of Flight 619 still consists of founding vocalist, Dakota Wilkinson and Dylan Roth on drums. Mark Matthews is back on the low-end of the sound where Dave Rudolph is the newest addition hammering chords on lead guitar. For the band not playing for some time, you'd expect hiccups and rusty gears in the engine, but when you're Flight 619, you always follow through with your pre-flight checklist to make sure all elements are in full working order. The band unveiled two brand new songs never played live. "Dying Daze" and "My Gardenia" are two powerful songs backed with killer guitar harmonies that are sure to be ballads on the album.

Dave Rudolph - Flight 619's newest addition on lead guitars

Thanks to the whole staff of Flight 619 for having me out. It was really nice to see a lot of familiar faces and felt like a big ole family again. Go check the band out on Facebook and make sure to give them a "like".

Photos: 3 Doors Down @ The Goodyear Theater

Last Sunday, I got to check out the new Goodyear Theater in Akron as 3 Doors Down headlined the evening with Pop Evil and Red Sun Rising as direct support. Very interesting venue with movie theater-style seating with great looking architecture surrounding the stage. 

**Setlist
1. Still Alive
2. It's Not My Time
3. Citizen/Soldier
4. Believer
5.The Broken
6. Let Me Go
7. Away From the Sun
8. Duck and Run
9. Let Me Be Myself
10. The Road I'm On
11. Be Like That
12. Better Life
13. In the Dark
14. Kryptonite
**Encore:
15. Here Without You
16. Loser
17. When I'm Gone

Check out my shots from the evening of 3 Doors Down.

Photos: Flaw @ The Empire Concert Club

It's been an exhausting week for me. Actually, the whole month had me running around NEO catching different shows. The last of 'em for May ended with Flaw who tore open The Empire Concert Club & Bar in Akron last Saturday night as part of their 'Weekend Warrior Concert Series'. This was my first show at the Empire with a national touring band, so very interested on the crowd attraction. I was thankful the crowd were super cool with me cocooning stage side.

Flaw is an American hard rock/metal band from Louisville, Kentucky, formed in 1995. The current lineup includes: Chris Volz, Jason Daunt, Ryan Jurhs, and Corey Sturgill.

Here are some of my favorites from that night.

Photos: Fallen Captive & Sykosis @ The Empire Concert Club

I found a Saturday night wide open for once and just couldn't stay chained inside with nothing to do. Thank goodness for Facebook events. Clicked to see if anything was playing near me and "boom", Fallen Captive and Sykosis were in Akron that night. Gathered up some gear and shipped off hoping to catch the last few acts.

Fallen Captive

Sykosis

Photos: Harlow, Flight 619, Walking In Circles @ Tim Owens' Travelers Tavern

Friday evening, I got to see the updated Travelers Tavern or as most remember it, Rippers Rock House. I was diggin' the new setup and when you walk-in, you're greeted with a cozy dining establishment equipped with a full bar. As you make your way down to the other end of the floor, things get feeling more at home when you reach the stage. The place was packed full of fans all over the board with Harlow (Detroit, MI), Flight 619, and Walking In Circles all setting off bangin' sets to start the weekend. Here are a few of my favorites from the evening.

WALKING IN CIRCLES

FLIGHT 619

HARLOW

Photos: Flight 619 and Harlow @ Ripper's Rock House

Two female backed bands elevated the stage at Ripper's Rock House Saturday evening in Akron and I got the invite to check out my friends of Flight 619 as they opened up for the hard rock hitting group out of Detroit, Harlow. Always eager to see a new band roll in, the biggest part I loved of Harlow's performance was Lauren's stage presence as she clutched her brass knuckle mic stand and let her emotions speak to the crowd. I stood there knowing all the emotions she was pouring out, was authentic and I'm pretty sure everybody knew that. Great job, Lauren! Loved it!

Now, I never been to Ripper's Rock House, but I when I arrived, loved the whole restaurant/bar vibe as it was decked out with rock memorabilia along the walls from former Judas Priest frontman, Tim "Ripper" Owens. Tim wasn't there that evening (at least I didn't see him), but hopefully next time I can finally introduce myself. Will definitely be coming back to try the food too.
**On a sad note, I recently heard that someone stole a Ronnie James Dio personalized picture to Tim that was on display at the venue. I know a legend of that stature needs to be enjoyed for everyone and the individual who swiped it needs to return it in the name of metal. Please!!

Here are some of my favorite shots from the evening:

Photographer's Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600 (Updated)
Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

Photos: Olathia CD Release Show + The Artwork!

Friday evening, Olathia kicked off their CD release party at the Empire Concert Club and Bar in Akron. This was a big deal, not only for the band, but myself, as I finally got to see the finished product with my photos all decked out. Their designer/artist, Dave Vezdos made me grin ear-to-ear and so incredibly proud this thing came together so effortlessly.

You're not going to get a headbanging CD with your photography in it and NOT get the band's signature?! I think not.

This was show number 8 for the guys. Everything seemed to gel together as the sound and energy was clean and vibrate as ever. With the lights dimmed down as Chris' backing vocals echoed through the venue, you could feel the violent anticipation build up as "Hellhound" unleashed through Steve and Jake's guitar. It was time! Strobes up and the fog surrounding the stage. A perfect introduction!

My picks as follow:

Photographer's Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600 (Updated)
Lens:
Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4

I decided to be a little adventurous and try out a new lens I never shot with in a concert setting. The Sigma Art lens was removed from my bag and into the firing line. This piece of glass is so fast, so sharp, it makes my other pro lens look like a mere kit piece. To have the luxury to shoot at f/1.4 makes everything look silky as butter and allows me to really lock in on my subject. I would of loved to get some wider shots, but as soon as I get my second body, I will keep this on standby!

Flight 619, Maid Myriad and Red Sun Rising @ The Tangier

Saturday night introduced a stellar lineup at the Tangier in Akron. Flight 619, Maid Myriad and coming off their mid-tour stop, Red Sun Rising, raised the noise to a nicely packed Tangier crowd.

Flight 619

Every time I end up shooting Flight 619, I always come away with portfolio shots. It's not hard to see why. Three veteran musicians who have extensive talents in the music industry and a young lead singer who can nail those notes while delivering a entertaining live performance. And I can't forget their manager, Greg Wilkinson of Mad Rabbit Media, who put it all together. Can't wait to see and hear the next steps unfold for you all.

Maid Myriad

Maid Myriad were a new band I never heard of until that night. Jeff, their front man, was a lot of fun to photograph. Thanks and best of luck on the upcoming tour.

Red Sun Rising

The guys of RSR were able to set up a show before traveling back out with Pop Evil for the remainder of the year. It's so cool to see them come back, especially since they've achieved rock star status outside the states. Also, they will be performing at "Welcome to Rockville Festival" this Spring in Florida. If you can't see 'em then, they'll be in Columbus performing at "Rock on the Range". Congrats guys!

This being my fifth time shooting Red Sun Rising, I finally was able to get a decent shot of Ryan. Most of the time his hair is dancing back and forth in his face whenever I try to sneak in for a shot. Loved his energy that night. Really all over the place and interacting with the crowd.

Photographer's Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600 (Updated)
Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

Photos: Joseph Arthur @ The Tangier

Well, I thought I'd be done with shows until the New Year, but I broke that promise. Guess it's hard to stay away from the music. I've been fortune enough to get my work noticed the last few weeks throughout the Cleveland area which has me divvying up a couple more shows until next month.

I got the green light to shoot Akron's own, Joseph Arthur at the Tangier( thank you, Jasmine) on Turkey Eve. If you're not familiar with Joseph's work, as myself included, you are going find yourself with something different. And by "different", I mean mean unique and awesome! I was in dismay with the poetic lyrics Joe sang that evening.

You know the routine. Best shots below.

Not only a musician, but Joe is also an accomplished painter and his work is shown throughout the world. He painted for about 5 minutes, singing poetry as he brushed this abstract portrait for the audience. 

Photographer's Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600 (Updated)

Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

Photos: Red Sun Rising @ The Empire Concert & Bar

Tuesday evening, Akron's own Red Sun Rising hosted a special free show at The Empire Concert Club & Bar to give their fans a sneak peak of their performance before they ship off on tour with Pop Evil next month. The guys played a 35-minute set to a packed house of the biggest RSR fans. As loyal as the fans are toward the band, RSR never take it for granted. They have the up-most respect for their fan base and this free show was another great example of appreciation for their hometown.

This was my third seeing RSR and every time I come out with my camera, I walk away with some of my best shots. That has to tell you something about these guys. My favorite is seeing Tyler bust out those insane solos and the expression he gives is pure gold.

The image you see above is a double exposure of Tyler head banging. His movement intrigued me, so I thought it be cool to dramatize it through a time-lapse shot.

Red Sun Rising will be playing one last show before the Pop Evil tour begins at the Akron Musica Halloween evening. I'll be there ready locked and loaded. If you happen to be there, say "hello".

Photographer's Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600 (Updated)

Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

I would of liked to got better shots of the other two members, but the place was crowded and limited my movement to change stage angles.