Photos: Grindhouse @ The Empire Concert Club

More and more bands these days are creating their sound to become "different" to stand out amongst their peers. While some actually take it and improve upon the original recipe, othersfailed to kick up any dust. I guess it goes back to the cliche saying, "if it isn't broke, don't fix it." Grindhouse, a newly band formed back in early 2015 from Columbus, have strictly just kept with the traditional rock-n-roll formula and it works.

Album artwork courtesy of Grindhouse

Over the past Labor Day weekend, they made their first trip to the Empire Concert Club to play their brand spankin' new album, The Devil You Know" that drops next Saturday with a release show at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus. The verdict. It simply stuck to the ropes of 'rock' with all the familiar riffs and beats that blended into what you'll be introduced from the album. With sound, comes image. Each member of the band (with Se7en getting the Gene Simmons experience) deck themselves in face paint for a visual on-stage ride.

Check out the Grindhouse images below.

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: Entendre Promo Shoot @ The Variety Theatre

Sunday, I was hired to shoot Entendre's new band promo at a place, not any 'general' place, but a location with a much historic past that began in 1920s. I'm speak of the 88 year old Variety Theatre located in west Cleveland.

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Photo: Afterthefinalcurtain.net

Through a donation by the management of the band, we were giving free roam of this gorgeous Spanish-gothic style theater that not only housed a great cinema selection and vaudeville back in its heyday, but also staged some of the biggest names in music. We are talking about bands such as Slayer, Metallica, the Dead Kennedys, R.E.M, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Motörhead. Patrick Colvin of the Friends of the Historic Variety Theatre, told us Motörhead literally brought the house town that evening as the plaster of the ceiling began to fall onto the crowd. It was the beginning of the end for being a concert hall as the noise pollution was too much for surrounding residents and at this point, the place was showing its age.

With so much history attached to the Variety Theatre, it does leave behind a reminiscence of permanent residents roaming the venue. Yes. I'm talking about ghosts. Alongside a great history lesson by Patrick, he disclosed about spirits that still reside in the building. A woman in a white dress with piercing red eyes, playful children, and voices that echo the amphitheater were just a few he recalled on with interesting stories and occurrences he had encountered.

The future of the beautiful venue is currently in the hands of donations, grants, and money collected from residents living above the theater to restore it in its glorious form. If you have a chance to check this out, please do. They do offer tours and walk-a-rounds through donations and it's totally worth it. To donate to the nonprofit Friends of the Historic Variety Theatre and for updates, follow them on Facebook.

The Shoot

The first thing that made this come together (besides the killer location) was having the band show up with a matching style of threads. I can't tell you how much this helps for a shoot to bring "unity" to a band.

I placed the guys on the stage for this shot for a couple of reasons. One, it's a friggin' old stage with great rock history. And two. The aged look of the mechanics of the theater conceptualized the look of a rock-n-roll band. Very simple. A total of 4 lights were used for this shot you see above. Two flash strobes angled 45 degrees, camera left and right. Two halogen work lights placed behind the band for a shadow to dramatize the overall image.

Entendre w/ Matt Gisbrecht of PFV

Entendre are in the studio now and one of their tracks include hip hop artist, Matt Gisbrecht of PFV. I will be honest. I am not a rap/hip hop fan by all means, but I listened to some of his tracks and the beats and lyrics are very real and hit all your emotions. Matt is such a down-to-earth guy and was honored to work with him that day!

I changed my setup when Matt got into this shot. Used a SB-910 flash camera right to light the guys of Entendre where my second flash attached with a snoot to direct the light towards Matt, without filling in light from the guys behind.

Thank you Entendre, RC (band's manager), PFV, and Patrick for letting everything come together with positive vibes and a great working atmosphere! I would also like to thank the spirits of the Variety Theatre for not draining my batteries or photo bombing my images. Even though it would of been really neat if a couple orbs or eyes peered in my shots. :P

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: Olathia w/ Wretch and Dose @ 42 Eighty

Got to see the Olathia gang again last Friday night in Brunswick at 42 Eighty Concert Club. A smaller venue, but the place was packed as Dose and Wretch opened the evening. Not too much of a surprise that all the bands gave a solid performance, but I left the night thinking, "Wow! That's gotta be the best metal show I've been to in a long time."

Dose

Olathia's drummer, Jeff invited me up to see his side project, Dose he started up with along with his brother Jason. If I had to describe the energy of their show, I'm pretty sure it would be the equivalent of drinking 5 Red Bulls and driving the fast lane with a slow driver in front of you. Madness!

Wretch

Wretch, who recently signed with Pure Steel Records, gave fans a memorable show playing much of the old material along with hits from their latest album entitled, "Warriors". This was Evan's (drummer) last show with the band and the guys made sure to send him off properly with a celebration and pretty much his name as the headline.

Olathia

I don't need to build up any hype for you all about Olathia. Those who have seen them before, know what they're capable of doing on stage. Those who have not, well...my pictures don't justify the experience Just go seem 'em! But those who attended that night received a special treat as the band played a new song called, "Rotting Teeth of Gold". And Chris mentioned there's another one close to being released which is sure to be catchy with fans.

One of the coolest part of the show was when Chris' husband, Ron, who's also the lead singer for Wretch, joined her on stage for a duet style of Iron Maiden's "Trooper" and Dio's "Rainbow in the Dark". I don't know what it's like to have two powerful lead singers in the same house together, but sure the writing speaks for itself.

Photographer's Notes:

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

Photos: Mushroomhead @ The Outpost

Friday, the ever-popular Mushroomhead visited the Outpost for a very crowded and rowdy show. I mean, these guys pretty much sell out a venue with a snap of a finger in Ohio, but this show at the Outpost was really living up to the metaphor of "packed-in like sardines". I was able to get clearance from their drummer, Skinny and help from the lead singer of Olathia (thanks Chris) to shoot these guys. I was beyond hyped up for this one.

I have never been to a Mushroomhead show, but I've heard all the commotion about how bad ass they are live. AND WOW! Thus far, this marks the best I've seen. Not just to shoot, but to see the theatrical performance this 9-man group puts on is beyond entertaining. Their image may stand a bit intimidating for some, but these guys are so loyal to their fans and such cool guys that you look right past it.

I could go on and on about my night, but why talk about it, when I was able to capture it up front?

Mushroomhead are known for their technical "water drums" throughout the show. Water is spilled onto the base of the drums and colored lights are set underneath to boost the effect as each beat is hit. As you can see pictured above.

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Photographer's Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600 (Updated)
Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8
Accessories:
Zwipes Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

Like before any show I shoot, I did my research. I was literally right next to one of the water drums, so I was proned to water hitting my camera and lens throughout the set. I snagged a Zwipes Microfiber cloth and tucked it away in my back pocket and used it to wipe my gear off from time-to-time.

The lighting set up wasn't too bad. It got tricky as the band's 3 strobes trickled on and off, which had me constantly switching settings on my camera. As you can see in the very last photo.

With a small venue like the Outpost, I didn't know it was possible to fit all the members of Mushroomhead on the stage, but they did it with ease. Oh, and when you have a small stage like this and water spurting everywhere and fans breathing down your neck, you can expect the humidity and temperature to rise very quickly. Just to be forewarned.

If you're a photographer who loves to shoot shows, rather you are a fan or not, I HIGHLY recommend you catch one of their shows. Your portfolio will thank you. ;)

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: Flight 619 @ The Empire Concert Club & Bar

I was on assignment at The Empire Concert Club & Bar for Mad Rabbit Media shooting the debut rock band, "Flight 619". That's right. Their very first live show. Jammed packed and a lot of positive things from the evening went down. When Greg Wilkinson, the Founder and Director of Mad Rabbit Media, contacted me, he told me it was imperative that the band needed "badass concert shots" and since he was familiar with my type of work, I knew to answer rhetorically.

The four-member band were AMAZING that evening. I asked their lead singer, Dakota Wilkinson how she was managing before show-time. She replied "nervous", but the excitement was definitely more prevalent. To make things more tense, they also filmed their first music video. Don't worry, everything sailed smoothly and the packed crowd definitely made it aware they put on one hell of a performance.

They will be at the Tangier in December with "Red Sun Rising".

Here are some of my favorite images from this shoot for Mad Rabbit Media. 

Photographer's Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600 (Updated)

Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

Flash:
SB-700 w/ Gary Fong Flash Diffuser

You know the feeling after a shoot, you go home and browse through the library of images on your card and realize, "damn which files am I gonna to pick?" Yeah, I was all over that dilemma. Calling "time" and ordering a pizza seemed to help a bit. But not a bad thing. I actually had a blast editing these and I'm sure Mad Rabbit will be impressed.

Photos: Tantric @ The Agora Theatre

Tantric headlined the evening at the Agora Theatre in Cleveland Wednesday. I remembered listening to these guys back in my high school days and kind of lost interest in them over the years. Hugo, their only founding member left, put on a emotional show, playing a lot of the old stuff with new material that blended into a great night.

Photographer Notes:

Camera:
Nikon D600

Lens:
Nikon 24-70 f/2.8