Review: In This Moment @ The House of Blues (Cleveland)

Two years ago, I didn't know very much about this band but here I am covering In This Moment's show for the third time. Yes, this band is freaking unstoppable and they keep producing pure gold along the way. February 9th, the hard rock/metal band outta Los Angeles beguiled the sold-out crowd at the House of Blues in Cleveland with dazzling theatrics that left an exclamation on the entire show.

In This Moment never gets tiresome to cover. Their stagecraft is merely untouchable compared to other bands today. You're always getting something new and something old. A twist and an unexpectable turn. Beauty and horror all intertwined to produce something you don't dare turn your head away. This show was the successor of the "Half God, Half Devil Tour" entitled "The Witching Hour Tour". Now that the band's sixth studio release dubbed, "Ritual" which was released this past summer, we got a more heavily tracked setlist from the album including, "Roots", "River of Fire", "Oh Lord", "Lay Your Gun Down", and "In The Air Tonight" a cover from the great Phil Colins. Also, much of the visuals massively played a role in how the appearance and sound shaped this album. And sadly, no Murder Dolls in appearance. *sad face*

Showtime! The lights dim in the venue. All you see is a storm approaching projected onto a white screen (which happens to be the dressing room used for Maria's costume changes) center stage. Two female hooded figures draped in black cloaks walk out of the tent wearing lifeless masks with a marked black cross. Frontwoman Maria Brink enters into view through the white tent wearing her signature power halo illustrating her as the Witch or Goddess she has become. The band launched the night into "Blood", a forceful testimony off the band's 2012 album of the same name. Throughout the night, In This Moment hammered off hits, many fans came to love. Each song illustrating something visually new. After each number, Maria retreats back to the white tent to transform herself into a new wardrobe to visualizes the story of the next song.  

This was the hardest In This Moment show I had to cover. Nothing on their part. The stage was different, smaller than what they're usually playing on, and the lights were a little more menacing than usual. None-the-less, any In This Moment is pure gold for any photographer and I was thoroughly enjoying what was in front of me. Not only do you get a wide arrange of costume and stage changes, but the band allows the media to cover their whole show where a lot of national bands are restricted to just the first three songs of the night.

The small take away was the "Monster Jam" section where each musician solo'd their instrument which was followed by a lengthy sermon from Maria as she eventually introduced the band. I found myself impatiently waiting for the next song around the 10-minute mark. Also, I'm not sure if Maria wasn't feeling 100% or has toned down her signature screams from over the years, but "Big Bad Wolf" fell flat that night. These were just minuscule observations I noted, but couldn't compete with the petri dish of amoebas floating around the venue which happened to find my girlfriend and her friend to put them out the rest of the week. Oh, did anyone else skip over the vomit that laid in the walkways of the downstair general standing area? Note to self, "remember to take your Airborne before the next show."

In This Moment Setlist (House of Blues-Cleveland)
1. Blood
2. River of Fire
3. Adrenalize
4. Roots
5. Burn
6. Lay Your Gun Down
7. Monster Jam
8. Big Bad Wolf
9. In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins cover)
10. Sick Like Me
11. Oh Lord
Encore:
12. Whore

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.

View fullsize

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".

Photo Review: Elantris, Hammerfall and Delain (Agora Theatre)

I got back into my comfy shoes and received my dose of metal when Europeans, Hammerfall and Delain co-headlined the Agora Theatre last Thursday. The biggest treat I've been waiting for was seeing Elantris (formally Blackthorne) perform for the first time. Back in early March, Elantris hired me to photograph their promos for their upcoming tour later this year with Epica and Lacuna Coil. The show was originally slated to be in the Ballroom, but when I heard they were moving it to the Theatre, I got overly excited.  Now I could capture more professional shots and avoid being bopped around in the crowd. And when things couldn't get better, I found myself with a photo pit all to myself! Elbow room and all. Below is my full photo review from that night.

Elantris (Lisbon, Ohio)

Hammerfall (Göteborg, Sweden)

Delain (Zwolle, Netherlands)

Photos: Lacey Sturm @ House of Blues

Flyleaf's original, Lacey Sturm played an intimate show from her tour at the Cambridge Room inside the House of Blues on Tuesday night. Since her departure from Flyleaf in 2012, she went on to publish her first book titled, "The Reason: How I Discovered a Life Worth Living" and shortly after, went solo under her own name releasing "Life Screams" in 2016. Lacey is a unique musician who's stage persona is chalk full of emotions and positive life lessons. Seeing Lacey close her eyes and break down on the floor in mid-set to display the sheer beauty and passion of her music was enough to win me over as a fan. Gets me goosebumps to see an artist not only sing what's on their mind but display it in an emotional performance.

This being the first time I shot in the Cambridge Room, I loved the small setting and ornate decor lined around the room. I was restricted to the side and backstage for the show which I thought would limit my creativity, but I actually got some unique angles that I normal wouldn't get photographing a national touring band. 

Photos: The Four Horsemen @ The House of Blues

They were so good, I had to feature them again. Yes, the most authentic tribute to Metallica, The Four Horsemen played the House of Blues a second time this year with another crowd stunner over the 4th weekend. This time, I had an All-Access pass to roam the venue without security on my arse.

If you didn't catch my previous review of these guys back in March, all that applied then, still applies now.  I would like to throw out a special thank you to Sean, Mike, and Rich for having me back. It was a privilege to see your show. Check out my plentiful photo review from the night.

Photos: Olathia @ Ohio Bike Week (2016)

Bikers, booze, and babes. Ohio's biggest motorcycle gathering, Ohio Bike Week, concluded last weekend with what started as a favorable overcast of hit or miss sprinkles, ended with soppy puddles beneath our feet. Despite Mother Nature damping NEO, Olathia were back for their second straight year on the main stage, playing a brutal one hour set before Pop Evil. A few new songs were played, "Victory" being my fresh favorite of mine, hinting these guys are ready to hit the studio soon. And by soon, this September to be exact.

Now my thoughts on the show. I'm usually an optimistic guy. Anyone who knows me, knows I turn a blind eye on the negatives and focus on shit that's important, but I was a little frustrated on the organization for when these local bands come through to support the headliners. The way it is setup, they have a section fenced off in front of the stage which is reserved for the VIPs when nationals play. So when the local acts go on, this section is pretty bare and beyond the fenced area, you begin to see the crowd build up from there. My big issue, security will NOT open this up for fans to gather around the stage. While I was on stage shooting, you're staring into a void of emptiness with a crowd beyond your grasp of interaction. I totally get why there's a VIP section and it makes sense. They have to pay those national headliners each night, but frankly, the VIP section was too large and by the time Pop Evil went on, not even 3/4 was filled (perhaps the rainy weather was a factor). I'm not dogging on OBW at all. It's a kick ass event. I wish there was something else to permit fans to gather for general admission access and still provide great lineups each night. Live music is such a fun experience when everything seems larger than life, right in front of your eyes.

With that, my ongoing rambling is done. Olathia were amazing as usual! A lot of great feedback was received, even an insider from Rock on the Range wanting them next year. I came away with some great shots to allure away the negatives that afternoon.

Photos: Jackyl @ The Outpost (Kent, OH)

It doesn't get any more American when the band Jackyl come rollin into your home state for a night of hard rock music with a southern edge twist, whiskey drinking shots, and a riveting chainsaw solo. That's what took place at The Outpost in Kent, Ohio last Thursday night (Dec. 3). Probably one of the smaller venues the band have played at in awhile, but the guys brought equipment to light up a full blown festival stage. A generator was even rented to keep everything fully functional so fans could get the full blown 'Jackyl' experience.

By the time I made my spot in front of the stage, I noticed the Outpost expanded their stage, which was much needed considering some of the bigger talents that have played here in the past. It's A LOT louder in there now and my ear plugs practically saved me from losing my hearing that evening. Not sure if it was a new addition from the venue or if Jackyl added speakers, but the sound vibrations were off the charts. But you know me, not complaining.

I'm kinda embarrassed to say I never heard of the band Jackyl before that night, but as soon as I heard their hit, "Down On Me", I immediately recognized the harmony. I was also blown away with Jesse James' voice. Wow! That guy has an unbelievable voice and not many rockers can match his vocal range.

Photos: Red Sun Rising w/ Flight 619 @ The Kent Stage

Photo Credit: Jeff Weaver

A new city, a new venue. Saturday, Red Sun Rising had their much anticipated CD release show for "Polyester Zeal" at the Kent Stage here in Kent, Ohio where Flight 619 got to officially start the party that evening. Up until the event, there was A LOT of buzz circulating around Facebook, even a few articles printed in the newspaper leading up til tonight, so it wasn't a surprise to show up minutes before showtime (and parking my vehicle 3 blocks away) to find the theater filled up.

It was really great to see everyone there I recognized that have been following my work from past shows. I'm not the one to pride myself in a room, because if anyone knows me, I'm the guy who rather stray the shadows, but it felt great to receive the appreciation.

Jeff Weaver was taking photos of everyone holding up a over-sized signed print of Red Sun Rising's album, so he caught Greg (Flight 619's manager) and I just upon my arrival. Thank you Jeff!

Flight 619

When I asked Greg if everyone was accountable for tonight, he told me yes, but Dakota was feeling the butterflies settle in. Immediately upon stepping inside the theater, I told myself, "this has to be their biggest crowd they've played to date". As soon as they were introduced, it was quite the opposite. Dakota stormed out behind the curtain in her signature pilot cap, sporting some kitty leg stockings and totally OWNED that stage! It was something I've never seen her do with this much confidence. She worked the whole stage, amped up the crowd during key parts of the songs, and even shared the mic together with boyfriend/guitarist, Cody as they both sang key parts together. Even Cody's brother filled in on bass and everything seemed to be operating on all cylinders. Congratulation guys...best performance!

Red Sun Rising

With the place as busy, I was crammed in the front, center stage. But thankfully, I was surrounded with familiar faces thanks to Charlie and Christine for making room for my skinny butt up front. RSR opened with "Push" and the crowd, now in full force as everyone had their arms waving in the air. It was nice to see, but not entirely fun to shoot without taking out someone with an elbow. With my bubble being shared with others, the only thing separating me from the stage was this little; I don't know what do call it, cubby size barrier area which required you so pop a squat. I was told I wasn't allowed, but after seeing another person in there and the view obscured from anyone hired to kick me out, I thought I stretch my legs a bit and 'gymnastic' my way over it. Now the only thing I had to worry about was the possibility of beer being spilt over me (thankfully did not occur) or someone petting my head, which I could of careless at the moment (which happened on a few occasions).

Another great performance by everyone in RSR. I got a lot of keepers for my portfolio!

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

Review: Gin Blossoms w/ Hey Monea @ Glenoak Community Theatre

Sitting at work, I received a text message from my buddy, Joe asking if I'd like to shoot the Gin Blossoms Tuesday night with "Hey Monea!" at the Glenoak Community Theatre. He was originally suppose to shoot Hey Monea, but had to take care of some business on his end which allowed me to acquire his media pass for the show. Thankful he immediately thought of me as I was actually free that evening and for one, don't like turning down opportunities which allows me to do what I love. Thanks, Joe!

The show was put together by Pulse Entertainment and the staff were one of the most helpful and nicest bunch of guys I'v met during a concert. It's hard to find this kind of hospitality from other media outlets and it made my evening that much smoother. Even made nice, nice with security. Always a plus if you shoot live shows.

Hey Monea opened that night and if you're not too familiar with them, don't worry. You'll soon understand why this trio band group has the talent to give you your ticket its money's worth. Originally from Canton, Ohio, this Rock/Pop triad opened for such bands including Bare Naked Ladies, Goo Goo Dolls, to the Doobie Brothers, Lady Antebellum, and even Kid Rock. If you're ever down in the Arts District during First Friday, you can sometimes catch them playing there. Be sure to check them out and give a listen.

Never heard of the Gin Blossoms. Mainly because their music is a little out of my 'listening zone'. I didn't quite know what to expect until about half way through the set. As Robin Wilson began to strum the opening cords to "Found Out About You", the crowd's cheers widened a bit louder than normal. By this point, the notes began to harmonize my ear drum and I said to myself, "damn, I know this song! So these guys wrote it!". Immediately I was shot back to the 90s. This seems to happen to me numerous times when I end up seeing a national band I'm unfamiliar with.

Photographer's Notes:

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