Photos: Ink in the Clink @ Ohio State Reformatory

The world famous prison penitentiary, Ohio State Reformatory was the setting for the 3-day tattoo festival, Ink in the Clink in Mansfield, Ohio. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. Warm 80 degree heat with sun shining all weekend long. Sadly, I missed the first day, but was present for the rest to make sure no moments went undocumented.

The staff and everyone involved with the production were outstanding to work with. Met with a lot talented artists and amazing photographers who really were on another level. Browsing the reformatory was one of the coolest parts of the festival. With all the history that presented itself from room-to-room, you also got to witness highly skilled tattoo artists and unique vendors that you wouldn't normally see at your local flea market.

Special effect artist, Robert Kurtzman had his work on display there, but he himself wasn't there in person due to business obligations in NYC. Paranormal Penitentiary were there to give me the low down of his artwork. The twisted wickedness Robert creates is damn impressive and his attention to detail grabbed my attention right off the bat. 

Monster Dolls

The horror dancing cabaret girls, the Monster Dolls, were there dancing the whole weekend with synchronizing dances, fire twirling, and fantastic stage props. Just watching them move around on stage kept me engaged as they flawlessly moved to the beat of the music.
Look at their costumes and tell me they're aren't bad ass?! They were all super sweet to let me grab a shot of them back stage. Thanks, ladies!  

Psychostick

If there was one band that stuck out beyond the rest, it certainly had to be Psychostick. A metalcore band from Chicago with a HUGE twist. It's all comedy worked into their stage act and music. Farfetched outfits accompanied their charismatic persona kept you entertained from the first strum of the guitar cord.

Flaw

It was great to see Flaw again. Last time I saw them was a month ago in Akron at the Empire Concert Club. Beofre the start of their set, the band had some technical difficulties which there was a long 20 minute delay. From the fans' perspective, they were getting a little antsy and annoyed. None-the-less, they eventually busted out and played a solid show.

Drowning Pool

One of the two national bands that played that night was Drowning Pool. I was especially excited to see how they sounded since going through several singers in the past. The best part of the show and I think everyone there could agree, was seeing America's Got Talent star, John Hetlinger do Drowning Pool's famous "Bodies" song. If you don't know who John is, he's the 80 year old guy that's been a internet sensation covering the band's heaviest song on the national television show. Drowning Pool invited him to travel with them and to bring his talent out on the big stage.

Saliva

Last of the night, Saliva came on stage and didn't hide the fact they came loaded with the hard stuff. Crown and Fireball were available as refreshments to quickly heat up day 2 of Ink in the Clink. Saliva was more difficult to shoot as the stage lights was very spotty and had me quickly adjusting my camera for each shot. A lot of Bobby, but I was able to grab some stage side shots for a gloomy look, which I ended up liking more than anywhere else.

Dread Engine

I really wasn't anticipating such a forceful and heavy ass band besides Olathia to ignite the final day of Ink in the Clink. I was wrong. Columbus area electronica metal group, Dread Engine played a mind-blowing set with wicked dual vocal screams and fast tempo'd guitar riffs that took my adrenaline above 10. No exaggeration. If James Hetfield of Metallica decided to mesh with Lamb of God in his heyday, you'd have a good idea of the sound of Dread Engine, but you get a music video below instead. You're welcome.

Olathia

I've seen their sound evolve. I've seen there comfort zone mesh tighter than the waistline of a 80's glam hair band. Seeing their cooperative teamwork by producing catchy melodies with Chris' talented writing, transforms each new Olathia piece into heavy metal nirvana. The new stuff is soo good and we heard more than a few that afternoon from their 45-minute set.

Red Sun Rising

Wow. It's probably be almost a few years since I last saw Red Sun Rising. Their success keeps climbing the charts. Already with two top charted singles from their "Polyester Zeal" album, Red Sun Rising haven't slowed the wheels down at all. Playing the biggest festivals in the country and opening for some of the biggest names in rock. It sure is nice these Akron natives have made northeast Ohio proud.  It's one thing to love the album, but seeing them live is just a sweet entertainment perk to witness. Be sure to check them out next month when they come to the new Goodyear Theatre next month in Akron with 3 Doors Down.

Pop Evil

Seeing Pop Evil twice already, I didn't expect to see anything that I haven't already witnessed. Well, maybe their new drummer, but it all seemed like a typical Pop Evil show. Not a big fan of their music, but I love their crowd control they use with some of their popular songs, such as "Footsteps" and "Take It All". 

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: Red Sun Rising and Pop Evil @ The Agora Ballroom

Friday night, I finally was able to see Akron's own Red Sun Rising again as they opened up for Pop Evil at the Agora Ballroom.

As Red Sun Rising always do, they had a bunch of hardcore supporting fans cheering them on. It was nice to see a few familiar faces from past shows I've seen. Their following has increased dramatically over the past year and for good reason. They're releasing their new album entitled, "Polyester Zeal" on August 8th. I believe three of the songs off the album here played that evening, with a brand new one never before performed live.

This was my first time seeing Pop Evil. From past shows I've seen online and positive reviews, I thought it was a no-brainer to at least check them out. Great stage energy made this one of the better shows I've seen in awhile. Leigh Kakaty, the lead singer, came out in a Cleveland Cavs t-shirt and sporting his LeBron James shoes declaring he's a HUGE James fan and was disappointed the team lost the Finals. The crowd and band brought the energy as this made for a smooth and memorable night for me. Thanks Cleveland!

Photographer's Notes:

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

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: Red Sun Rising @ Akron Musica

Red Sun Rising celebrated a special Halloween show at the Akron Musica on Friday night. With the theme obviously encouraged, many fans came out to support the spirit with masks and costumes while almost packing in the whole venue. This also show also left a big stamp for the locals as RSR hit the road later this month for their tour with the rock band, "Pop Evil".

Next week will most likely be my last show for 2014 as I will be picking back up on a few side projects I'm involved with. I'll be shooting "Flight 619's" first-ever sold-out performance at the Empire and boy, am I excited for this one.

I just want to personally thank Red Sun Rising for allowing me to come out and shoot them this year. Four shows to be exact. I truly think these guys will make it and have nothing but positive things for the band. Good luck!

Photographer's Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600 (Updated)

Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

The Akron Music was a great venue, but a little more difficult to get the shots I was hoping. Static stage lighting was the key light for the entire show, so I didn't have to worry too much about changing shutters or my aperture as much, but I did find myself shooting at ISO 6400 the whole set.

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.

Red Sun Rising Warms Up Freedom Fest

If you braved the chilly air all the way until Red Sun Rising took the stage, then you already know how much of a hardcore RSR fan you are. Despite the 40º evening, the blowing air, or even the chilled Bud Light that paired nicely with your cold fingers, it definitely was worth the wait to see these guys again.

RSR headlined at Lock 4, located in downtown Akron, part of the free event known as Freedom Fest. The full hour set included many of their popular hits and to watch the two guitarist painfully pick cold strings, I'm sure if was like scraping your fingers across shards of glass.

Here are my picks from the evening.

To see the rest of their tour, check the link here.

Photographer Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600

Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

Found myself keeping my camera and batteries warm to ensure extended use in the coldness. Wish I could say the same about my ears and fingers. Damn fingers had at least a 1/2 sec delay. 0.o