The Road to NYC with Olathia

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@ Dinosaur Bar-B-Que downtown Brooklyn

Over the weekend of April 8th, I crammed myself into Olathia's overhead storage department as the band were scheduled to play a couple of shows throughout PA and NY with the road ending at Lucky 13 Saloon in Brooklyn. The restricted space was little concern for me along with the other 9 passengers. We've all had the same goals in mind; have a kick ass time and make new friends/fans through music.

This was my very first visit to the Big Apple, so with early April weather among us, I pretty much anticipated the outcome on the outside. Rain, wind and a brisk 40 degree spring outing. Damn, we for sure didn't let that bother us. Got to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, slammed authentic New York style pizza, and witnessed the confusing underworld of subway transportation. With all that done in one afternoon before our departure the following morning, it's a must I spend more time there at a future date.

So I tell you New York, the shirt saying was true by trip's end. "I 'HEART' NYC"! Be back soon.

Jabber Jaws (Allentown, PA)

This small bar and grille had the perfect atmosphere and recipe for a good time. The outer appearance had a killer wrap-around porch with a Bourbon Street Louisiana feel that instantly felt different from anything back home. Traveling 6 hours non-stop through Pennsylvania listening to awful radio selections of mostly country, glancing at nothing but fields and farms on miles end (yawn), I was ready to bust out of the vehicle give my eyes and hears something more stimulating to enjoy.

Lucky 13 Saloon (Brooklyn, NY)

If there is any bar that speaks to any metal head, it's gotta be Lucky 13 Saloon in Brooklyn. Memorabilia was spread out every inch of the place. 1st edition movie posters stretched behind the bar, music banners plastered as if it came in rolls straight from the factory, beautiful women dancing up-n-down the poles, and ingenious props that fit perfectly to set the tone that you knew actually where you were. The room beyond the bar area also had a stage, where Olathia, Social Station, Secret Army, and Black Wail performed that evening. Great turnout with each area packed throughout the venue.

Thank you to all the bands, promoters, the Lucky 13 Saloon, fans, and all the awesome new people I got to finally meet that night. It truly was a successful weekend I will remember for awhile.

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Travel: Pittsburgh, PA

I put together a photo-story-gallery post over at Exposure.so of my self-assigned photo project while I was in Pittsburgh, PA.

If you’ve got a minute, I hope you’ll check it out (here’s the link).

Stranger #72 - Randy

July 24, 2014
As I began to cross Liberty Ave. in downtown Pittsburgh, PA, I heard a voice stretch out to me, "Hey camera man, take my picture." I looked back to see and where the voice was coming from and noticed this woman of African decent waving her arms at me at the outside table of the McDonalds.

Once I sat down with her, that wasn't the case. She didn't want anything to do with herself in front of my camera. Even though she had a front gold teeth just screaming to have it's picture taken. After my failed attempt with her, I directed my attention to her friend in a wheel chair who happened to have some insanely bright red hair. He was easily a better subject to get a "yes, you can take my picture."

This is Randy and he's wheel chair bound after a tragic accident while working for the power company. While on the job, he lost his footing and fell off an electrical pole. Even though he can still walk, the pain eventually returns after any long exposure.

We also talked about the Gay Pride Protests that happen in Pittsburgh and the incident which left a innocent young woman brutalized by a local law enforcement officer, Country music, and a new subway line where I could ride free through the city. Score!

It was a cool and interesting meet up, Randy. I learned some new things about this great city and thank you for allowing me to shoot your photo.

Photographer Notes:

Camera: Nikon D600
Lens: Nikon 24-70 f/2.8
ISO: 400
Aperture: f/3.5
Shutter: 1/800sec