Eye Street Chronicles

Jingle Ball 2011 Power Balance Arena 107.9 The End

2011-12-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

Jingle Ball, Jingle Ball, Jingle all the waaaaaay! Oh what fun it is... I did have a great time shooting this show. All the entertainers were top notch and great music all around. In general the sets were very short, which just left me wanting more. The show made me want to run out and buy music, and that's really what this is all about right? Ok, it may be all about the music but as a visual person I can't help but notice the appearance of things and I'm as opinionated as the next person.

I know I know I know, so when Neon hitch came out to do her bit with Gym Class Heroes I couldn't stop staring. But then again, I doubt anyone could have considering the rest of the outfit, or lack of it. The song is really great too-- "Ass back home". Great hypnotic hook sung by Neon. Travie has the most amazing face and he uses it like a brush to a canvas. It's almost elastic and as goofy as he gets he will suddenly spread his face into the most contagious smile just to remind you he's playing with you. This is fifth time I've seen them and they're always fun.

Selena Gomez came out in the cutest little holiday dress-- very ballerina but without the toe shoes and certainly very holiday but far less as literal as the cheeky Katy Perry was a few years back in her little Santa dress. I think boyfriend Justin Bieber would approve. Jojo was the fiercer darker woman on the stage. Carolina Breathe has frenetic energy while the frontman for Cobra Starship has this magnetism that certainly magnetized me!

Anything Goes Music Circus

2011-07-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

Anything Goes at Music Circus in Sacramento

Oliver!

2011-07-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

Oliver! at Music Circus in Sacramento

The Producers at Music Circus is a WOW

2011-07-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

The 2011 Music Circus season opens July 12 with "The Producers"!

2011-07-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

MUSIC CIRCUS! A favorite Sacramento summer pasttime! You absolutely must get out to a show this season, they have a wonderful line up starting with The Producers. This is a hilarious Tony Award winning show about a colossal theatre scam based on the Mel Brooks movie. You can read the synopsis and see more about the actors in the show on the California Musical Theatre website. CLICK HERE.

THE PRODUCERS AT MUSIC CIRCUS July 12-17, 2011

Art for Acres Benefit coming up!

2010-11-02T17:26:00.001-07:00

What are you doing Sunday night? Here's a thought! The Art For Acres Benefit at @Beatnik Studios. Live auction, live music, elegant appetizers, fabulous art. Great art for a great cause at a great place. Check out the flyer for all the info. I hope to see you there!

Heart Throb Justin Bieber at Arco Arena

2010-10-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

www.eMusiConnect.com
Justin Bieber! OMG!!! Thank you Steve, my security guard friend, who gave me a pair of ear plugs to help drown out the screams of the thousands of girls at Arco Arena for their favorite teenage heartthrob-- Justin Bieber! He's awesome, he's fun, he puts on a show! Gallery of performance photos up soon at www.eMusiConnect.com. Not to be left out was a striking performance by opening band Burnham. Also, Sean Kingston, really impressed me with his laid back manner and great vocals.
I got to the show early just to wander the crowd a bit and shot pics of excited fans on their way in. See them HERE as a well as a few fan photos from inside the arena.
www.eMusiConnect.com

Shakira at Arco Arena, Sacramento

2010-10-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

www.eMusiConnect.com
Hot, Dazzling, Shimmering, Sweet, Sexy, Dynamic. Shakira in concert at Arco Arena last night was absolutely wonderful. The arena swelled with anticipation the second the lights went down signaling her arrival. Then there she was, walking slowly through the crowd in a beautiful pink dress, singing sweetly, mike in hand. Suddenly a wall of raised arms and cell phones began trying to capture a glimpse of the beautiful Shakira anyway they could. Meanwhile, the photographers, myself included were jockeying for position to get a few photos even with our powerful lenses aimed right at her. Challenging but still exciting. Shakira can warm even the iciest heart with her wonderful voice and her boundless energy as she walks, jumps, runs and dances completely filling the enormous stage with a power and a spirit that shows why she's a luminescent star.
Gallery up soon!

di Rosa Museum Collection Show

2010-10-20T09:41:00.001-07:00

I am so thrilled and honored to be included in this exhibit with the likes of Imogen Cunningham, Eugene Richards and Judy Dater! Please check out this press release about this wonderful show at the di Rosa Museum in Napa Valley October 30th, 2010 thru January 29th, 2011. It's called Know the Rules and Break Them. You will see some amazing work in this unique selection from the di Rosa Collection, some rarely seen!

Swanky Bunny

2010-10-18T17:49:00.001-07:00

I was recently the subject for a spotlight video for CA Workshops. Super fun time doing a studio photo shoot of the beautiful Gabriella while trying to ignore two video cameras walking circles around us and videotaping the whole thing. Then a couple more hours talking about my work, showing my studio and workspace and then creating a finished product/art piece from the shoot, which you see here-- Swanky Bunny. :) Initially we were kind of going for a steampunk/goth look but once the bunny ears (from my Burning Man Billion Bunny March experience) went on it kind of changed the mood. All I could think of were the cartoon swinkies you see advertised and it just stuck.
As for being taped for the video... I can talk a lot... and FAST. And I did! Woah, slow down there little lady. eek. ;)
I'm not used to appearing in front of the camera, that's for sure but it was fun nonetheless. Thanks to Jeff and Chris at CA Workshops who made it easy and fun!
If you haven't stopped by the site be sure to go there. It's a great resource, a huge wealth of videos dedicated to teaching about photography-- anything you want to know can be found there. I'll keep you posted when the video is released, quite curious myself. ;) We probably spent about six hours over two days and the video will probably be 10-20 minutes at most-- more than enough really! It's amazing how much time and work goes into that kind of thing. Can't wait to see it!
CA Workshops

Victor Wong, a shared experience from the way back machine

2010-09-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

It was more than just a few years back when I met Victor Wong for the first time. Our mutual friend Bobby introduced us-- along with a favor. “Can you give Victor a ride home?” Absolutely, I jumped at the chance already planning how I might ask Victor to let me do a portrait session with him.

Victor, a highly recognized movie star at the time, has a face to remember and I felt so lucky for the opportunity to spend a few minutes with him. It took a bit of courage but my photo session request was met an enthusiastic yes. I was thrilled! Just a few days later I arrived at his house to pick him up to go to the photo studio. Thinking back on it I had very little planned. I work simply and often consider these kinds of sessions a collaboration-- and I take a photojournalists approach too. Who are you, what will you tell me, what will you reveal to me-- this is my quest while working one on one in the simplest of situations. I’m there to draw it out, to capture it, to reveal a nuance, an essence, a flicker. One light and a conversation. That’s enough for me as an artist with my muse.

And that was more than enough that amazing day when Victor and I shared an experience. Victor, the extraordinary man-- part photojournalist, part actor-- fully showed up. With him next to me in the car I was nearly vibrating with nerves. It seems so funny now because while I was trying to muster up the courage to ask him if I could photograph him shirtless he suddenly and without provocation announced that he’d be glad to get naked for me if I wanted him to! Though he never did get fully naked he did reveal parts I never expected to see. “Charr, photograph this. No one will ever have this picture.” he said as he pulled out his dentures for a close up photo. And his belly button, and even revealing his behind.

Before becoming a movie star Victor was a photojournalist and he wanted to give me the gift of himself, in ways previously unrevealed, with that journalistic viewpoint. And he prodded me too, trying to get me to remove my blouse just so I could capture a “real” look on his face as he reacted to a woman’s body. He was daring, creative, fun.

Thank you Victor, for crossing paths with me and sharing yourself during this unforgettable experience!

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

2010-07-21T14:19:00.001-07:00

AMAZING IS RIGHT! Incredibly colorful, the choreography is wildly exciting and the entire cast, including 48 wonderful kids, does a phenomenal job of bringing this musical to life. Loved it. Music Circus does it again!

Spamalot!

2010-07-19T16:56:00.001-07:00

Just finished the run of Spamalot at Music Circus, had a blast. super colorful and lively show-- and FUNNY.
Next, opening on Tuesday, is Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. Saw a rehearsal the other day and it's just beautiful! Max Von Essen playing Joseph is just great--so is everyone else including the charming 48 kids who are also part of the cast. It's quite an experience! I'll be posting the posters I make from each show so stay tuned each week for a new one!

Rihanna

2010-07-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

What I saw of this show was a phenomenal spectacle at every turn. Rihanna, who seems to have climbed to the very tip top of the musical heap, was gorgeous and the production, the dance, the staging was so visually exciting to watch and wonderful to hear. She's a star. She's got a prowl and a power that is unmistakable. Ke$ha who performed before her was a hilarious romp that can only be described as trailer park grunge and a wicked fun-loving chaotic delight. Ke$ha seemed to be having a wild time and so did everyone backing her up on stage including the dancers AND the musicians. She likes to bang on things and so she did at every chance she got! And Travie McCoy, who opened the night, took it all on without his regular bunch from Gym Class Heroes. His sound had more pop and I really enjoyed the little something different from him!

Lilith at Shoreline July 5th

2010-06-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

Tim MCGraw and Lady Antebellum

2010-06-10T19:09:00.000-07:00

CLICK TRIANGLE TO WATCH VIDEO STILLS
Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum put on an amazing show out at Sleep Train Ampitheatre! When I arrived I was astonished by the sheer numbers of people-- a sold out show-- and it was wall to wall enthusiasm. Is it just country fans? Hard to say but wow, what a reception McGraw and Lady Antebellum got. And of course what the fans got was a fantastic show, incredible music and a mountain of love coming right off that stage!

GREAT LIVE NATION SHOWS COMING UP!

2010-06-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

Some amazing shows coming up this summer so make sure you get a ticket. No Service fees... LIVE NATION Makes a difference!

www.emusiconnect.com for more information, dates and links to buy tickets!

BECOME A FAN!

2010-03-10T16:33:00.000-08:00

Click here and visit Charr's Facebook Fan Page and become a fan! You'll get website updates and can join in with the general commentary from Charr and her friends. It's fun!

New Website is UP!

2010-03-05T09:38:00.000-08:00

I’m delighted to launch this one especially because it focuses on my more artistic side. What? Huh, you say? You are already so artistic Charr! LOL :) www.charrcrail.me

Those of you who know me well may be chuckling to yourselves because it’s true, I have always been “creatively insatiable”. In my personal work I have often combined pen and ink and painting with my images for years— starting with my gallery show-- The Empresses New Clothes, a popular series of nudes with the clothes drawn and painted on. But that was long before Photoshop took the world over and I was using actual black and white prints as my canvas. Things are a tad different now. My new work reflects it too.

Now I’ve begun delightedly combining my photography and drawings with all manner of imagery, which includes great stuff I’ve collected including antique renderings, my own scanned drawings, marbelized papers, fractals and fantastic typography by underground artisans-- for just a start.

This new website www.charrcrail.me and the imagery you’ll see is focused on portraiture and fine art. The coolest part is you’ll now have access to purchase my new wonderful line of ‘C is for Charr’ Greeting Cards as well as suitable-for-framing Photographic Prints in a variety of sizes.

And now that website creation is squarely in the hands of the computer consumer and I’ve built this one myself. The beauty is I can update it more frequently as I continue adding new work.

I hope you love the site as much as I do! I’m interested in hearing what you think too. :)

Please bookmark me, share the link with your friends and loved ones, buy a card, send me an email!
Social Media links are on the About Charr page so Facebook Friend me, add my Facebook Fan Page, Tweet me, Myspace me. I’m there and I bet so are you, let’s connect! www.charrcrail.me

TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH ANYONE WHO MAKES A PURCHASE BY MARCH 31ST WILL ENJOY AN EXTRAORDINARY BONUS-- “BUY ONE GET ONE FREE”!"

I see you rogue u r beautiful. ;)

2010-01-04T22:13:00.000-08:00

(and yes, I did create my own fractal imagery.)

Flower Power

2010-01-03T21:14:00.000-08:00

A little bit of history to go with the art...

"The cry of 'Flower Power' echoes through the land. We shall not wilt. Let a thousand flowers bloom."
— Abbie Hoffman, Workshop in Violence, May 1967

From wikipedia... Flower Power originated in Berkeley California as a symbolic action of protest against the Vietnam War. In his November 1965 essay titled How to Make a March/Spectacle, Ginsberg advocated that protesters should be provided with "masses of flowers" to hand out to policemen, press, politicians and spectators.[8] The use of props like flowers, toys, flags, candy and music were meant to turn anti-war rallies into a form of street theater thereby reducing the fear, anger and threat that is inherent within protests.

C is for Cat!

2010-01-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

Meet my magnificent feline Toby.
Text from the image reads... "The glorious cat laid on the window sill enjoying the fine spring weather. A bird taunted him from a nearby branch. The cool cat remained indifferent for he was a magnificent specimen of wisdom and poise. No bird could make a fool out of him. Besides, dinner was afoot and his favorite was on the menu."

Wouldn't this make fabulous legal tender? C is for C-note... Heehee.

Listen, Nature is Talking

2010-01-02T23:50:00.000-08:00

And here are a few fun facts about nature from a cool siteI found Batten's Plantscapes

All ladybugs have either two, nine, or fifteen spots.
On a breezy summer day, a mature maple can use over 40 gallons of water per hour.
Scientists estimate that there are at least 200 million times more insects than people.
Some hummingbirds weigh less than a U.S. Penny.
One-half of the world's population cooks with wood or charcoal.
One species of earthworm in Australia can grow up to 10 feet in length.
Orchids are the largest family of flowering plants with approximately 35,000 species.
Strawberries are actually part of the rose family, and are the only fruit with their seeds on the outside.
If everyone in the U.S. recycled their Sunday newspaper, it would save 500,000 trees every week.
Each year Americans send 24 million tons of lawn clippings, leaves, and shrub cuttings to landfills.
In so doing, it takes up about 20 percent of our landfill space.
Seventy percent of all water used by humans worldwide is for irrigation.
Seventy-six percent of Americans consider themselves environmentalists!

TWENTY TEN!

2010-01-02T13:34:00.000-08:00

A new decade, a blank slate to create something new... and here is something new I created. Wishing the world a wondrous new year.
(Thank you Emily and Scott! That was a fun photo session-- I had a feeling there was art lurking. ;)

Here He Comes CW!

2009-11-15T23:31:00.000-08:00

I have always loved silhouettes but don't do them much. I did a fun one with Arden Park Roots a few weeks back and since then I've wanted to do more. Today Chris and I went back to the same spot for another go... I'm itching to create all the time these days so I have to keep the inspiration satisfied! I combined the silhouette with another idea about crazy hair that's been swimming in my fertile brain.
We've been having the most fun hanging out today, listening to music and as Chris plays piano across the room I suddenly had the inspiration to use his song lyrics as a graphic element. He's working on a new album and this song, the title track "Here He Come's CW", really makes me laugh. :)

Fabulous Fashionista

2009-11-13T19:59:00.000-08:00

Yippee Yippee Yaaaaay! ICON SHOES Count me in as one of the ICON artists. A complete thrill! They have used one of my images on a line of handbags and small leather goods and they are gorgeous so check them out-- now, fast, quick as you can, GO, don't wait! ;)

Divine

2009-11-09T22:27:00.000-08:00

Great and inspiring imagery everywhere... I see them in cards, advertising, t-shirts, TV commercials. Fascinating artistic creations combining past decades and super modern imagery all collapsed to create something so new, vibrant and fun. Enjoying the artistic freedom and experimenting more and more in my favorite playground.

It's All About the Music Where You Live!

2009-11-03T23:20:00.000-08:00

Best job ever...! Over the years, working for eMusiConnect, I've photographed some of the greatest concerts you can imagine. This video represents a fraction of the wonderful musical events I've covered for them. If you haven't found the web site yet then you must visit www.eMusiConnect.com. EVERYTHING you want to know about what's happening musically around here is there. Check it out, bookmark it, see what's happening, get tickets and go see a show!

Thanks to Tesla for the awesome song in this video-- "I Wanna Live". I love you guys!

BAT BOY, THE MUSICAL!

2009-10-21T20:11:00.001-07:00

I had an awesome time shooting pics and creating this poster for the CSUS Theatre and Dance Department.
Bat Boy, The Musical is opening up Thursday October 22nd at Sacramento State in the University Theatre. It looks like a fun night so go out and get a ticket!

From their website: This bittersweet twist on the contemporary musical comedy tells the extraordinary story of a half boy/half bat creature, his struggle to find a place in a world that shuns him, and the love that can create both miracles and madness.
NOTE: This play contains adult situations that might not be appropriate for young children.
Written by Keythe Farley & Brian Flemming
Music & Lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe
Directed by Ed Brazo

Working it out

2009-09-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

I have this surge of artistic creativity coarsing through my veins at times and a desire to learn something that I can see in my mind's eye but don't know yet how to accomplish it. Life is bustling and so the hours I get to spend in one of my favorite activities-- noodling around in Photoshop or Painter-- are at a minimum these days. There are no classes for what I am trying to learn so I look at what's happening out there, seeking inspiration in life, in nature, on faces, TV, in any kind of design or imagery I see. Either new images such as the one of my beautiful friend Debbie or file images like of the lovely model Natasha or my musical boyfriend Chris-- I'm just working it out, teaching this dog some new tricks by trial and error. I'm convinced it's a great way to learn. :)

Cats, Cats and more Cats at Music Circus!

2009-08-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

This is such an enduring show and the production at Music Circus of Cats for the next two weeks shows why. These cats have such human qualities that it spoke to me with very sweet sentiments as well as the darker side of human nature. And it helps that I am a cat person. Love them, can't get enough of them, have to meet and greet every cat I see, ever, even on the street. Hey that kinda rhymed! :) Suffice to say, it's a delight. Colorful, amazing dancing, storytelling, great performers with powerful voices... and like me, your heart just may be touched.

Man of La Mancha at Music Circus

2009-08-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

Here kitty kitty!

2009-08-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

Cats, glorious Cats! Shot publicity stills for Cats at Music Circus, which is opening next week. Costumes, characters, makeup, dancing, all absolutely amazing.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

2009-08-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

Incredible dancing, all around good fun!

Rockalottapus

2009-08-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

Man of La Mancha at Music Circus

2009-07-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

Left to right: Kevin Ligon as Sancho Panza, Valerie Perri as Aldonza and Walter Charles as Don Quixote in the 2009 Music Circus production of “Man of La Mancha” at the Wells Fargo Pavilion August 11-16, 2009.
Riveting even at this early stage. Today I shot the publicity stills for Man of La Mancha at Music Circus and I am now sooo looking forward to seeing it for real!

No Doubt!

2009-07-25T00:47:00.000-07:00

Where's the thesaurus, how many ways can you say amazing...
No Doubt at Sleep Train Ampitheatre tonight was a delicious feast of music and the irrepressible Gwen Stefani. I'm working on a gallery of images and more about the show to come so stay tuned!
To see more pics soon go to emusiconnect
Live Nation

Jezebel Jett Redux

2009-07-23T17:41:00.000-07:00

Still furthering my exploration of the painterly way in imagery and sharing it as I go. xo, :)

Guys and Dolls at Music Circus rocks my boat!

2009-07-22T22:14:00.000-07:00

FFFashion, there's a little animal in all of us!

2009-07-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

Born Free USA recently sponsored a Fur Free Fashion competition that invited designers worldwide to create something fabulous to wear. The winning piece was a gorgeous winter white jacket and I spent a couple hours in the studio with the model making some really wonderful photos. But of course it was also an art piece waiting to happen, that really did happen!

Altar Boyz, Into the Woods at Music Circus

2009-07-16T14:25:00.001-07:00

Jump on over to the Wells Fargo Pavillion and get your ticket now for this super fun and funny show with performances through Sunday night! And that's what is happening this week.

But next week, already in production is Into the Woods. It's a wry fairy tale musical filled with action and adventure! With amazing music by Stephen Sondheim this show answers the question... what happens after "happily ever after" to Jack, Cinderella, Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood to name a few.
That's Yvette Cason as The Witch and Jeffry Denman as the Baker and Vicki Lewis as the Baker’s Wife in the inset photo.

Jezebel Jett, Sac City Rollers, fundraising baby!

2009-07-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

My enthusiastic derby girl friend Kim aka Jezebel Jett and I had some fun just hanging around the corner on 24th and N Street yesterday. What else do you do on a hot summer day while wearing skates and an over the top prom dress? I've been shooting pics of some of the Sac City Roller girls for a few years now and donated several art pieces to their fund-raising cause because...
The Sac City Rollers are having their first art show, which will feature art from their talented Derby Girls and local artists-- including yours truly!
This is a free event open to family and friends, so invite everyone you know! They'll have free food and drinks too!
It's Friday, July 17th at 7:00pm at Bites and Bikes, located at 1013 12th Street (between J and K), Sacramento, CA 95814
Now go have fun! Click here for more information.

Altar Boys at Music Circus!

2009-07-14T23:18:00.000-07:00

American Idols

2009-07-12T23:14:00.000-07:00

I loved American Idol on TV this season. I marveled at the brazen cheekiness of the off-key wannabe's who had a dream and a spark of hope. I delighted at the cream that rose to the top and voted for my faves with everyone else. Last week the tour came to Sacramento and I sat down with four of them for a chat-- on video-- for emusiconnect.
Kris, Danny, Scott and Matt were great to chat with (and I toyed with the idea of calling the piece "Giggling and chatting..." because you can hear me, yikes).
Watch the video and check out the live concert pictures in the gallery at eMusiConnect.
The show was great. The crowd chanting "Noop Noop Noop", Allison, the teenage powerhouse belting it out, Matt and Scott rising from below stage with dueling pianos, Lil strutting and electrifying and so much more. Adam sang his incredible version of Mad World and Kris, the winner, showed why he won. He has a great style but when he picked up his guitar he started to glow and all the passion and joy inside him poured out in an audible, visual gush. It's good to be in the photo pit. :)
It's not the easy way as Kris told me. They work their ass off. But it's the experience of a lifetime for these folks.

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE AT MUSIC CIRCUS

2009-07-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

First show of the 2009 season at Music Circus, incredibly fun!

Hello Beautiful, I mean Beyonce!

2009-07-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

90 seconds.
That's how long we were allowed to shoot Beyonce at Arco Arena tonight.

90 seconds. It felt like 10.

When the lights dimmed the crowd rose to their feet, the energy in the arena swelled and her silhouette quietly appeared as she stood on the stage awash in smoke and backlighting, microphone in hand... and then the lights hit her, Beyonce. And I am not one to be starstruck. But in that moment, bathed in bright, white, radiant light she stood golden and more beautiful than any woman I think I have ever seen. And what a voice.

90 seconds to capture it. Impossible.

See the gallery of pics at www.emusiconnect.com.

Carol Channing and a delighted audience!

2009-07-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

Carol Channing was at Music Circus last night for the opening of Thoroughly Modern Millie. She's promoting "Carol Channing and Friends," a benefit in support of her Foundation for the Arts and for the nonprofit California Musical Theatre. It's on August 31st.
It was really something watching her come down the aisle. She's extraordinary. Just listening to her talk is delightful, whimsical entertainment!
And that's CMT Executive Producer Richard Lewis escorting her down the aisle with her husband Harry Kullijian following just behind. Harry is at her side everywhere she goes. They are such a doting couple and though they didn't get married until 2003 they were high school sweethearts.

The Living Legend, Carol Channing

2009-07-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

What a day, what a day! Had the honor of meeting and photographing the legendary Carol Channing over at the Music Circus theatre today. Was there for publicity stills with the Altar Boyz (wowie! pics later) and stuck around for the press interviews Carol was giving. She's going to be there July 7th, opening night for Thoroughly Modern Millie, to open the show. What a fascinating woman to watch and listen to. I wish I was taking notes because she is incredibly fun, quotable, passionate, unexpected and with the sweetest thing to say to anyone she comes in contact with. It was incredible just being in the room with her!

The National Enquirer

2009-06-30T18:07:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you just never know where your images will show up!

Thoroughly Modern Millie, let the fun begin!

2009-06-24T17:17:00.000-07:00

It's go time for another amazing season with California Musical Theatre... MUSIC CIRCUS! Starting the season off is
Thoroughly Modern Millie, a spirited romp starring Mara Davi, set in New York City in the 1920's. Millie, an aspiring flapper and stenographer, seeks money and love in this Tony Award-winning musical. I shot the publicity stills today and it's a wonderful production! Follow the link for more on this fun production underway at Music Circus.

It's Save a Bat Day

2009-06-07T17:04:00.001-07:00

We are on a coffee quest. It's a gorgeous day, the sun is shining, the sky is a beautiful shade of blue and the birds are singing... but wait. Monique hears something different above the normal din-- perhaps a little bird has fallen from it's nest? So we all stop to search and lo and behold, barely visible against the bark of the giant palm tree, his tiny claws digging in, is a bat-- no larger than 3 inches long. Every minute or two he raises his little head and lets out the tiniest little squeeky sound. Amazing that she heard it! Of course I turn into the paparrazi, delighted to have a newsworthy event to try out my new "purse camera" as I like to call it. Gigi knows that her mother will know just what to do and Sarah handles the box he is eventually put into. Next stop Davis where the bat rescue liason waits in a church parking lot to transfer him to the next step on his life journey-- Winters, and the bat rescue expert-- saving the little guys life! We believe he's a Mexican Freetail. Anyone know their bats?

***Bat update! Gigi received an email update about our little bat friend. The wonderful woman who took him in writes that he is darling. He is a Big Brown Bat and still had his umbilical cord attached. He's doing well, is a good little eater, and squeaks to be fed about every 3 hours - just as he should. She says they call him big foot because Big Brown Bat pups have large feet compared to the body. She adds that she can't promise that he'll survive, but doesn't see any outward signs to cause worry.
Very exciting!

Forever Plaid, Forever Charrmed

2009-05-04T23:42:00.000-07:00

So who are these adorable, charming, dinner jacket wearing, delightfully goofy and sweetly smiling men? Meet The Plaids, the amazing Forever Plaid men who appear Tuesday through Sundays at The Cosmopolitan Cabaret on K Street Mall. It's a night of wonderful music from the 50's all woven into a tale of The Plaids, a singing group who come back from the dead for one night to perform the big show they never got to perform while they were alive. I don't think the smile left my face even once from the first second of the show to the very last. The songs are all great classics, which these guys sing beautifully. The choreography by Guy Stroman, an original member of the New York cast, is amazingly precise, the guys nail it. Each guy has his own special character to play with the humor near constant. AND you'll want to take every one of them home to meet mom!
There are a few moments when one or more of them break out into the crowd to engage an audience member too and I was one of them last Saturday night. It was a thrill! Don't miss this, it's a great night out at a beautiful cabaret style theatre and a rare treat!

and in honor of mom's everywhere...

Weddings

2009-05-04T22:07:00.000-07:00

I don't shoot weddings, but I shoot weddings. :) And when I do it's a bit more from a photojournalistic point of view. Turns out that for 'not-a-wedding-photographer' I've shot quite a few too. Today I had to did into some old hard drives and along the way came across some cool images from one I shot a few years ago so here are a couple of candids of the lovely bride!

You gotta keep learning...

2009-04-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

I have been nearly obsessed recently about Photoshop brushes, shapes and how to create them and use them as tools for a new level of creativity. Here is an example of a photo from my archives with a new look. The gorgeous Picasso body painting is by Paula Barkely and the beautiful model is Kara.

Lil Wayne and so many friends!

2009-04-06T14:28:00.000-07:00

What's hot in hip hop? Lil Wayne is what's hot and so is the dynamic performers he had on tour with him. They all came to Sacramento at Arco Arena last week. Lil Wayne, T-Pain, Keri Hilson, Gym Class heroes and Tay Dizm. I covered this show for eMusiConnect so you can go see the entire gallery of images! (The ones in this slide show are a quick sample.) It was such an entertaining show. Enormous crowd, fantastic energy, colorful, loud and the deep resonant bass was making the entire building vibrate. I had fun!

Sweet Baby James!

2009-03-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

Let there be Life!

2009-03-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful thing.
I'm guessing it was largely Annie Liebowitz and Demi Moore who popularized the photographing of pregnant women and I for one am glad. It's a wonderful thing to do and I admire the many women who choose to have the experience of exposing their big beautiful bellies during a unique time in their lives. This is one of my beautiful girlfriends at about 8 1/2 months. She had her baby boy a couple months ago now and we'll be doing baby pictures soon... can't wait, stay tuned.

The formidable, wonderful, Brian Wheat of Tesla

2009-02-28T11:32:00.000-08:00

Shot this pic of Brian recently at J Street Recorders in Sacramento in the newly remodeled lounge there. Look at all those records, pretty impressive! Stylistically I'm Livin' it Luscious, enjoying this new kind of work. Feeeels good to play!

Cheech and Chong, Still Up in Smoke

2009-01-27T15:59:00.001-08:00

cheechandchong01.jpg
Originally uploaded by Charrmer.

Cheech and Chong performed at the Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento the other night and just like their hit movie Up in Smoke from 1978 the smoke was flowing-- for real-- thick, aromatic, billowy smoke-- of the herb variety. Small wonder, it's what Cheech and Chong is all about. They capitalized on a genre many years ago and in my opinion no one has ever done it better or funnier.

Life is Art, Live it Luscious

2009-01-02T20:27:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I'm not making resolutions but I AM working in some new directions that are artistically satisfying, challenging and fun! As an artist I am always striving to find new ways to express myself, to learn new things-- I find myself constantly inspired in some way or another. As long as I can remember I've been an artist, a visual thinker. Now with the incredible digital tools I've enjoyed the opportunity to delve deeper into creating what's in my minds eye in addition to the literal expression that takes up much of my work life. Combining mediums-- art and photography-- is something I've been doing for years. I love working on images to blur the lines between photography and paintings, convey emotion with expression, color. Just pulled these photos out of my portrait archives today and went to work on them. This is just a first look at a new addition to the kinds of photographic portrait sittings I offer. Imagine what you might look like as a painting...

Life is Art, Live it Luscious

Hope all your own creative endeavors are deliciously fruitful this year!

Jingle Ball 2008

2008-12-23T11:54:00.001-08:00

KatyPerry469.jpg
Originally uploaded by Charrmer.

Gotta love Jingle Ball... It arrives every year at Arco Arena with a group of acts so fun and fresh, almost always the perfect up and comers too, though David Archuleta of American Idol fame is hardly unknown. Katy Perry, wearing an adorable holiday Santa outfit, charmed everyone, especially when she say her hit "I kissed a girl". Great song! Perry is just adorable with her flirty, playful and girlish ways. I loved the holiday schtick. It was quite fitting for the night.
To view a gallery of images go to eMusiConnect.

The thing about Archuleta is the quality of boyishness and awe that walks out onstage. As the crowd screamed-- and I really mean SCREAMED, he did his set with a measure of humbled awe and delight. It's part of his appeal, but man oh man can he sing. (I had to get earplugs, yikes it was piercing.)
To view a gallery of images go to eMusiConnect.

Her band was also decked out in elf costumes and they were equally cute and goofy looking. One photographer in the pit leans over to me and says "You couldn't pay me enough!" Boys Like Girls and Shontelle were on the bill too, solid, energetic on their short sets.
To view a gallery of images go to eMusiConnect.
The headliner was his hotness Jesse McCartney who started out as an actor and in a dramatic departure began this singing/songwriting career. He's got a pretty sophisticated act, singing, dancing, and in the spirit of the holidays a bit of prancing, which took the level of piercing teen shrieks and screaming to a whole new head-tilting place!
To view a gallery of images go to eMusiConnect.

Chihuly glass exhibit, Oklahoma

2008-12-15T13:09:00.001-08:00

No matter how much of it I see I remain forever mesmerized by the beautiful glistening sight of glass art, and artist Dale Chihuly is one of my faves. This slide show of images was captured while viewing the permanent Chihuly collection at Oklahoma City Museum of Art where I visited recently. Love and appreciation goes out to the wonderful composer Chris Goslow who wrote and performed the music, Winter Glass, for this show.

Madonna, Long Live the Queen!

2008-11-05T15:09:00.000-08:00

What a great spectacle she puts on!
See the gallery of pics soon at www.emusiconnect.com.

I've been adopted!

2008-09-19T13:45:00.001-07:00

Leeloo.jpg
Originally uploaded by Charrmer.

Funny how this happens! We think we adopt them but I'm here to tell you... THEY adopt US. I was on assignment a couple weeks ago in someone's backyard when I looked down and here was this little kitten, barely two weeks old, eyes still closed walking blindly right up to me. My immediate instinct was to take the baby home, there was no question. The little thing was barely hanging on, very lost and needed immediate attention and medical care. Kristy at Midtown Animal Hospital was kind enough to foster sweet little Leeloo until I could take full time care.
We are all doing well now-- Toby, Leeloo and I. Toby has only taken a mighty swack at the tiny creature once and seems to be chilling out now. I cringe when I see Leeloo trying to play with Toby's massive wagging tail but there's nothing cuter than a kitten in a full sideways run.

Burning Man 2008

2008-09-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

BM was amazing, overwhelming, enlightening and fun... And yes, like many others we left early and did not see the man burn. But that’s partly because I fell and sprained my ankle Saturday and could not walk. I’m great now, got a walking cast and am getting around with no problem at all. But poor Chris--- he had to pack up the camp in that horrific white out sandstorm all by himself on Saturday— what a trooper, he took such great care of everything! It was really something, you could not see past 20 feet at times and it blew like that for hours.

Everywhere you looked was something new and surprising, naked or semi-naked people, art cars, pirate ships, shark cars, armchairs on wheels, music from every direction, hula hooping and dancing people, bicycles of every shape, height and decoration, classes and workshops— i.e. A book group gathering to talk about Eckart Tolle's A New Earth, a kissing workshop under the Smooch Dome. And some just plain cool community generosity-- snow cones at The Lost Penguin, Open Mike at Welcome, 24/7 performances under the Center Camp Tent in half-hour increments with dozens of couches to sprawl on— but when you sat there’s always a big plume of desert dust explodes under you like Pig Pen from the Peanuts comics. And the acrobats, the Poi dancers, the beautifully skilled movement artisans were all breathtaking.

One of the highlights was participating in The Billion Bunny March, complete with getting “bunnified” (just a pair of ears really. ;) And we marched! People carrying signs like “Down with Humans, they make a better keychain”. “Bunnies deserve more respect.” Then the two carrots marching with us saying “Down with Bunnies, Bunnies are murderers!” It was-- dare I say— freaking hilarious and fun beyond reason.

I hardly took any photos at all. I have a few key things as great visual reminders though. It was somewhat of an endurance event but so glad I went! I wanted to experience more than document. Yeah, next year I will shoot more but this year I just wanted to have a good time and be part of the organic fabric of this alternate universe they have created out there. It’s nothing I have ever seen before and to get the full effect you really have to be there to absorb the energy, which is big, bountiful, rich, sexy and in many ways a gypsy, artisan carnival— all covered in fine dust.

Chihuly at the de Young in San Francisco

2008-09-07T00:29:00.001-07:00

Hairspray, Music Circus

2008-08-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

Alas, this is the very last show of the season... but yowza, what a fun one! Colorful, vibrant, entertaining, our own slice of Broadway right her in our backyard. Go have a night out and see this one!

Gym Class Heroes, Van's Warped Tour

2008-08-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

I'd seen it before, I knew it was coming, I was ready-- No, I was waiting for it.... Yes, have seen these guys before and love them! Gym Class Heroes, completely fun and performed last Saturday on one of two main stages during Van's Warped Tour when it hit Marysville, Sleep Train Ampitheatre. This guy makes the craziest faces and he's got such a delicious charm about him. After he made this crazy face he sorta slyly glanced over to the other band members with what looked to me like a playful amused-at-himself kind of smile... adorable! The crowd loved them, not surprised. they always put on a rad show!

Evita at Music Circus!

2008-08-13T09:56:00.001-07:00

All over the world...

2008-08-07T01:22:00.000-07:00

What greater form of expression is there than music. In the creative realm is there much that can compare, really? Music is happening all over the world, right in our backyards, clubs, and bars are playing host to all kinds of amazing original music every day. The Bistro, in Hayward California, is an example of a local bar with an unusually lively crowd eager to listen. On this night Cwiggz! (who just happens to be my delightful boyfriend) and Vanessa Beggs each performed their own brand of musical art to an enthusiastic crowd.
Though a classically trained pianist Cwiggz! has created his own brand of rap. His music is bold, playful, in your face, sometimes explicit and there are a couple of songs he performed that had the audience howling with laughter. There's that thing, you know that thing when someone says something you totally "get" but didn't have quite the right words to say it yourself. Yes, Cwiggz! is insightful and very clever-- it was fun.
I should mention that in addition to being a clever rapper Cwiggz! aka Chris Goslow is a wonderful composer and wrote and performed the original piano score for the photographic slide show I use for self-promotion on my website.
Also on the bill was singer/songwriter Vanessa Beggs who has a lovely soulful voice with great range and a haunting quality in some of her songs. She did an amazing cover of a Feist song, When I Was a Young Girl, in addition to several of her own original tunes playing on her new Fender guitar. She describes her work as Avant-Pop. I can see that, good call. :)
I guess the smaller local papers might do some coverage of shows like this but there just isn't enough of it. There is remarkable, original and truly unique music being created and performed by passionate musical artists any night of the week somewhere. Open mike's and small clubs like this are haven's for it. Go see a show, support your local music scene, get inspired, inspire others by showing up!

My Fair Lady, Music Circus

2008-08-07T01:16:00.000-07:00

Buckcherry, this one's for you Monique!

2008-08-07T01:07:00.000-07:00

Cruefest out at Sleep Train Ampitheatre was hot hot hot, not just temperature-wise but hot musically-- Papa Roach, Buckcherry and of course Motley Crue themselves. And by the way, the Buckcherry song Crazy Bitch is just wicked fun.

Swing!

2008-07-29T19:04:00.001-07:00

The latest poster from this weeks show at Music Circus. Swing! Amazing dancing, great fun, loved it!

Sac City Rollers

2008-07-27T22:51:00.001-07:00

Sac City Roller girls are a bunch of incredible kick-ass women who love to skate! I spent several wonderful hours today photographing them and each and everyone of them inspired me by their beauty, their spirit and their sense of fun. One of the best parts was creating a mock brawl that pitted girl against girl being playfully vicious as they pulled hair, smacked, kicked, growled and wrestled. Call me crazy but I had the best time!

Sweeney Todd at Music Circus

2008-07-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

The tales don't get much darker than this one and it's another one based on a true story-- The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, taking revenge on the world with the help of his shiny razor. It's a great show, it literally fills the theatre with lot's of action in the aisles and wonderful acting throughout. This one is currently running now through Sunday.

Hello everybody, my name's Gypsy, what's yours?

2008-07-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

Gypsy is fun, colorful, sexy, one of my all time favorites with one great song after another. Another musical based on a true story... Here is this weeks poster.
Read the review by Marcus Crowder online in The Sacramento Bee.
Show Review

Music Circus Season, 2008!

2008-07-23T12:06:00.001-07:00

It's a wild ride every week for the next few months but what a ride. I love doing this! Music Circus season started off this year with The Sound of Music, a charming and beautiful musical based on a true story and has delighted millions over the years. You can read the Sacramento Bee review here: Sound of Music Review
I create a poster for every show...

Gods Amongst Us

2008-07-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

Watching these iconic performers last night left little doubt in my mind that there are some people on this earth that leave an indelible mark on our soul. Sting, The Police and Elvis Costello are such performers and the show at Sleep Train Ampitheatre last night was a wonderful place to be.
Here they are, living icons of the music world, performing songs that just the first note will immediately transport some of us back to a moment in our lives, some visual or emotional memory that is burned in. Songs that make a difference just by being fun... Roxanne, Don't Stand So Close to Me, Every Little Thing She Does is Magic. Love them!

Elvis Costello stood and sang at the mike, no jumping around like he might have in the early days of his performances but who cares. Here is a man with a brain for melody and lyrics that few can compare to. The dark humor of Watching the Detectives-- "she's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake... "
...or the wistful romance of Every Day I Write the Book--
"Don't tell me you don't know what love is
When you're old enough to know better
When you find strange hands in your sweater
When your dreamboat turns out to be a footnote
I'm a man with a mission in two or three editions"
Who thinks like that? Elvis Costello does and the world is a better place for it.

Faeries Amongst Us

2008-06-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

Got a bug recently to do this faerie series (blogged about it once already) and the next thing you know I have a gallery show scheduled for July. I've been an avid pen and ink enthusiast for years and am always trying to find a way to combine it with photography. this time as I worked along there were two that went in a new direction, the one here is the second one. I used pen and ink drawing as the base, combined it with a portrait of Natasha and next added in imagery of marbled paper I made and photographed. I had a feeling I could do something fun with the paper besides wrapping packages! The reception is July 12th at the FE Gallery on Elvas avenue. It's a beautiful place and they are going to do a live metal smithing demo as well. If you live in the area you should really come out, see the show, Sheena Wolfe is showing glass masks too and the metal work (part of Fence World) is amazing! If you are in the area you might even make a night of it. Second Saturday in Sacramento is just incredible these days! EVITE
Thanks go to Chris Burrous at KOVR Channel 13 who did a piece on me at the gallery that ran this morning July 11th.
Click this and see it online!

New portfolio video!

2008-06-08T15:56:00.001-07:00

Creation of a photography or art portfolio is almost a science, especially these days when there is no "right" way to do it. Technology-- internet, digital output options-- have created endless ways for artists to create, display and market their work. You could create an entire college course around this and I bet there is one already. In addition to blogs and the online portfolio that one can simply send links to I happen to like videos and have finally created one that shows the diversity of my work. It's only a small sample of what I have to show and features original music by Chris Goslow, the incredibly talented musical artist I have the extreme pleasure to know. :)

Alicia Keys

2008-05-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

The beautiful Alicia Keys performed last week at Arco Arena and we were allowed two songs to shoot from the pit-- two songs that blended nearly seamlessly together and if it was more than four minutes combined I'd be surprised. But what a great four minutes. Keys sat at her piano that spun slowly in a 360 amidst smoke while she played bathed in blinding white light. Next Keys strutted up and down the runway, alternately joined by her dancers as she commanded that big stage.
The trick for me in these fast paced situations is to shoot a lot, look for a way to make nothing into something because if you are short, and behind something large and looming like the monitors, which I so often am, you have to find other ways to make interesting photos. So in addition to the obvious, that defining image of any artist on stage, I look for the artsy. I thought the silhouettes with the colors beaming from behind did the trick. So there you have it. Four minutes of the beautiful Alicia Keys...
check out eMusiConnect for a gallery of images from the show.

Rockstar Taste of Chaos

2008-04-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

I felt like the luckiest girl in the world this day... shooting this group shot on the Arco Arena stage of the entire Rockstar Taste of Chaos Tour for Hard Rock Cafe. Yay me. ;)
Shot the show too of course for eMusiConnect so go check out the gallery of images posted. The Rockstar Taste of Chaos tour is always a scintillating mix of raw, edgy, loud and theatrics that make for hours of entertainment. This year the show at Arco Arena was really extra cool because traveling on the tour, in addition to headliner Avenged Sevenfold, were three japanese (JROCK) bands-- D'espairsray, MUCC and The Underneath. They were all phenomenally fun, crazy talented musically and they brought a whole new level of rock and theatre to the experience for me. Loved it. As always Avenged Sevenfold showed a powerful presence and great musicianship, always delivering a beautiful show to watch as well. Kudos to the lighting guys who were awesome people and made the show great to look at.

Who's the fairiest of them all?

2008-04-01T22:46:00.002-07:00

I'm having fun with some wild imaginings about the fairy world-- frolicking or lurking-- it's all happening for them and I intend to expose it all by the time I'm finished... :) These were created today.
I also took a walk around the neighborhood today looking for beautiful flowers and trees, leaves and lovely fairy-like environments and photographed quite a few. For the fairies I'm using some images from portraits I've already shot but on the lookout for new models too.
The plan is to give them all names, each one representing something particular about life and love and the remarkably varied experiences of our world.

My darling cat Sheila, RIP Feb 10, 2008

2008-02-10T10:26:00.000-08:00

You brought a life of love, sweetness, beauty and joy. You are greatly missed...

Portrait of Sarah

2008-01-15T18:00:00.000-08:00

It's not always wise to go into a photo shoot, especially a portrait session, with no idea what you are going to do but it's more often than not my normal modus operandi. I enjoy discovering people on the spot, allowing the unexpected. Occasionally I may have the vaguest idea of a starting place but where we end up will almost always be anyone's guess... and so it was on this shoot. We started with sweetness and sparkling white daisies. Somehow we traveled far from a simple pretty to more of a goth-like image, using the sample section of a wrought iron fence that a friend gave me as the main prop. Add some beautiful light and a fading rose and a really interesting photo began to take shape.

Vacation 2007!

2008-01-04T23:24:00.000-08:00

In late September 2007 me and a wonderful group of friends embarked on an intense two week vacation starting in swinging London and ending in the lush hills of Tuscany. We managed nearly a country a day for the first week and finally wobbled tired but happy to a villa in Tuscany, which served as home base for the second week. I put together a book of our incredible journey and this movie is a small view of the gigantic and memorable journey.

Paula does Picasso

2007-11-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

My wonderful body painting friend Paula Barkely and I collaborated again last night, this time on the beautiful model Kara. Kara had to stay still for hours to become the living art piece inspired by the remarkable painter Picasso.
The photo session was far too short for my taste. Note to universe-- More unique and exceptional portrait opportunities please! :)

Sweet Baby James, the wonderful James Taylor

2007-11-12T13:01:00.000-08:00

I'm a fan, a huge one and have been since the first moment I heard the song Fire and Rain soooo many years ago. I swooned over his first few albums until David Bowie came along and I found my next musical hero. But I still have a very soft spot for the wonderful James Taylor who performed at Arco Arena last week to the delight of many long time fans like myself. BUT, I was there in a professional capacity shooting for eMusiConnect. It was an awesome spot to shoot from for a change too-- right down the center aisle about 15 rows back. Aside form the occasional latecomer it was perfection. Musically he was as strong as ever with wonderful backup band and back up singers who rounded out the songs that sound so timeless and meaningful when you listen to the lyrics. There was a moment when he sang Secret O' Life that I was truly touched-- just such a lovely idea and reminder about remembering to enjoy the journey, something I often forget during the crazy life I lead these days. The crowd was with him except for one goon in the crowd who yelled out "Shut up and sing!" I guess banter between songs isn't what we go to concerts for but I for one really like it. It gives more of a sense of the artists as people and not just performers. In fact Dolly Parton was one of the chattiest performers I've ever seen (next to Bowling for Soup-- who take it to a whole new incomprehensible level) and Parton is just the funniest sweetiest thing with charm in every word she speaks.

Greeting's from Lavender Heights

2007-10-29T15:39:00.001-07:00

Holy Hallows Eve Batman! Even I could barely imagine the abundance of incredible costumes i would see on Saturday night down on 20th and K Streets, the apex of Lavendar Heights, teeming with people all in fabulous costumes, scary, ourtrageous, beautiful, funny, imaginative-- like wow. Me and my fun girl posse hung out with the massive crowds just looking at and being looked at. And the shoes! Like 12 inch heel platforms of every shape, color, size and style. We got there kinda late so it was last call when we went into one of the clubs but the glory of the dance floor beckons... soon, we oughta all go strut!

London Baby!

2007-10-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a whilrwind vacation in Europe and have barely had time to begin the editing process for real but here's just one grab shot of a shop window while wandering the streets of London.

We were on our way to Harrod's, a store of such magnitude I think it takes up three city blocks, at least.

This particular one is from the town of Arezzo in Tuscany. I liked the contrast between what looks retro hip and decidedly old in the reflections. The blue sky that day was so rich too. The first night wandering around in London with fellow photographer Pat Schneider was really fun and we happened upon a very cool window display on our way to the best indian food in town. We both shot a bunch of photos of it and for me the visual became one of the things I continued to notice during the whole trip.

Def Leppard and the Amazing iPhone

2007-09-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-10T14:49:00.001-07:00

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!

2007-09-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

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! ;)

1776

2007-08-29T20:56:00.000-07:00

And the season is nearly over. This is the last show of the Music Circus 2007 season, ending it's run this Sunday. Wonderful performances, great cast and a history lesson too!
I just love this gig. I've has such a fun time, done some great work, met many incredible people and can't wait to do it all over again next year! :)

Jekyl and Hyde

2007-08-22T13:35:00.001-07:00

Hello Dolly!

2007-08-16T22:54:00.001-07:00

Annie

2007-08-16T22:53:00.003-07:00

Kiss Me Kate

2007-08-16T22:53:00.001-07:00

Nunsense

2007-08-16T22:51:00.000-07:00

Music Circus Season Opener, Les Miz

2007-08-16T22:46:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the Music Circus season is this far along already! We are five shows deep now but it seems like it just started. Les Miserables, affectionately known as Les Miz, was the first show of this year's Music Circus Season and this is the poster I created from the Dress Rehearsal shoot. This is the third year now I've been doing this. Seems I've been remiss in not posting them as I go along because it's work I am proud of and the productions are incredible! Here goes...