Def Leppard and the Amazing iPhone

I have a busy mind. Last night was no exception as I stood in front of the Sleep Train Ampitheatre stage watching Def Leppard during a wonderful performance WITHOUT MY CAMERA. For a photographer bent on capturing life's miracles large and small it's not an easy state to be in. BUT it so happens I have an iPhone, one of the many Apple enthusiasts that just had to have one. I didn't fall into a immediate delirious swoon over it but now it's one of the most incredible and indispensible tools I use. I absolutely love it.
My experience with camera phones was never very good so I didn't take this one seriously either. I just did a couple cursory pics of friends to add to their contact file but never really tried it out to see what it could actually do-- until last night. Holy Cow! Color me kaleidescope-- I'm thrilled with the results. These pics are from a freakin' camera phone! Sent via email straight outta my iPhone and made into a slideshow online. No Photoshop at all, not even a smidge.
Imagine what I could have done with a real camera-- but that's not the point of this. The point is living the experience is everything-- so last night it was a joy to step back without my camera for the rare experience of seeing as a participant and not the professional voyeur I usually am. Yes, I still had a camera of sorts but it was to capture the moment in all it's glory. Sometimes clarity and perfection just don't matter. These photos, imperfect as they are, are a wonderful visual record of a great musical experience. Def Leppard were incredible. You could almost feel the weight of their passion, their skill, their love of performing with each note. Foreigner and Styx performed first and overall it was a completely fun rock and roll night.

Tesla, Live at the State Fair

Tesla, currently on their world tour, stopped by Sacramento and opened the California State Fair concert series in front of thousands of fans. One fan managed to get onto the stage and rushed the guys, just bouncing all around like crazy, just thrilled to be there. They finally got him off the stage and it was a good natured moment overall. 21 years they've been doing it. Their latest release Real to Reel, is such a great collection of tunes from the 70's that they've made their own-- Ball of Confusion, I've Got a Feeling are two of my personal faves. But you just gotta go out and buy it. It's wonderful, just like they are!

Yeah, you play that triangle!

Yeah, this is a true first for me at a rock concert anyway-- a guy wailing on a triangle! One of my favorite bands to see, The Matches, were on one of the second stages durring Van's Warped Tour at Sleep Train a couple weeks back and towards the end of the set this guy comes out with his triangle and a screwdriver and I mean he was going for it with everything he had. He's not one of the main band members that I remember but in that moment he was a shining star! ;)