Flight 619

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

Photo Credit: Jeff Weaver

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: ERA 9 and Flight 619 @ The Outpost

Tuesday evening, I finally was able to see ERA 9 at the Outpost along with my friends of Flight 619, as both bands opened for former Skid Row frontman, Sebastian Bach. 

Right off the bat, ERA 9 brought it! Bringing in additional lights and fog machines to add presence to their show. I'm glad they did, because I was never impressed with the venue's stage lights. Thumbs up to ERA 9! As energetic and entertaining to watch them, Flight 619 as always stepped up and brought a hammering performance right before Bach.

Take a gander at some of my top pics from the evening.

Photographer's Notes:

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

I made a decision that this will be my last show I will shoot at the Outpost for awhile. No offense to the venue, but it needs major improvements if they're going to support national acts. Too small and the stage value isn't there for me. I think if they decide to upgrade the place, I would be more than willing to return. It's the hardest venue to get any decent shots. I do my best to make them look great, but I can only do so much before I have to start sacrificing quality. And you know me, I'm all about the quality.

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