Remembering Kenny...

Two posts today... I couldn't go without mentioning my buddy, Kenny Catlin, who cashed his chips in way too early... five years ago today. Kenny died in a motorcycle crash while riding fire roads in the Los Padres National forest, on the backside of the mountains here in Santa Barbara.We met while shooting live music. We actually stood next to each other and shot one show at the SB Bowl before we ever met, I even took a shot of him at that time. (posted below) It was during New Found Glory's performance at the venue in 2003. It was the first show of the season and my first show as house photographer (again) after leaving in 2000 to live in SF. I remember thinking... aahh, this guy is blocking my chance of getting a shot, as the lead singer came to the edge of the stage. Then I thought... heck, I'll just include him as part of the scene and hope for the best. I didn't give it much thought after that.Probably two or three days later, I went to the local club, Velvet Jones, to shoot the band, Blazing Haley. I got there way too early to be sure I could get a good spot next to the stage. I go through the front door of the joint and there's Kenny, leaning against the bar, the only other guy in the place... with his camera too! I told him about the picture I had taken of him, which I think raised an eyebrow, but he knew we were both live music photo geeks and we bonded right away.

I'm fortunate to have been able to shoot elbow to elbow with him for many more shows at the SB Bowl in the next year and a half that he was alive... sharing in something that we were both passionate about.

You are missed Kenny...

More Happy Endings...

Ok, that's it for real this time. My official shooting season ended tonight with the Monsters of Folk show. Originally scheduled to take place at the Santa Barbara Bowl, tonight's show was moved to the newly remodeled Granada Theater in downtown SB.

And... like my last post of happy endings, another person is moving on. The publicist, Anna Suarez, for Nederlander Concerts (the company that promotes the SB Bowl shows), is climbing up the music industry's corporate ladder. Anna will be moving on to do promotions and marketing for Goldenvoice at Club Nokia in LA. Congratulations Anna, you will be missed! The good news is... she is being replaced by another Anna and, it's one I already know. I met the new Anna at club SOhO here in town, where she was doing the show bookings at one time. Welcome Anna, I look forward to working with you next season!

Speaking of SOhO, I do plan to starting hanging out there more. Now that the season is over at the SB Bowl I will be taking advantage of the fact that one can see live music there 7 nights a week. Muddy Waters Cafe and the Velvet Jones here in SB will also be on my radar as places to see and shoot shows during the winter.

Ok, here's a couple pics from the real final show of the season...

More from the Joshua Tree Music Fest...

Shots I like, that didn't make it onto JamBase.com

Joshua Tree Roots Music Festival pics...

A selection of my photos from the Joshua Tree Roots Music Festival are posted on JamBase.com, click HERE to check them out.

Check back in to see some of my favorites from the event, which I'll post here soon.

New sections for website coming soon...

I think that keeping current work on one's website is of most importance. You want people to know what you are doing "right now" to show what you are capable of. But... what about all of the old work you've done? The stuff that shows you've been around... honing your craft for a while?

Well, I'm starting to think... that stuff is important too. I have a few classic shots in the "Portfolio" section of my website (soon to be moved), but I am preparing to add sections just for the early stuff I've shot. In the least... it'll be fun to look at.

UPDATE: I'm am indecisive as all get out. This update never happened, better enjoy the pictures below right here cuz it's the only place you're gonna see them for now.

Here's a few I have ready to go, all taken at the SB Bowl...

Happy Endings...

Tonight, Blink 182 played the last show of their tour, which was the last show of the SB Bowl season, on Sam Scranton's (SB Bowl General Manager) last day working for the venue. Sam has spent the better part of two decades taking Santa Barbara's little crumbling "Bowl" and turning it into a full-blown concert venue that attracts some of the biggest names in the industry.

Enjoy retirement Sam!...Here are some shots from tonight, including opening acts, The Aquabats and The Telecasters...

So close, yet soooo far away...

It's funny how things work sometimes. Last night I photographed Loggins & Messina at the SB Bowl from the soundboard, my most hated vantage point at the venue. I found myself thinking back to only a few years ago when they came through, in 2005, and how I had "All Access." Mind you, I was hired by Rhino Records to shoot stills, for possible usage as artwork, on the Live CD and DVD that were being recorded that night.

I showed up last night knowing that the Gabe Dixon Band was opening up the show, but I didn't know anything about them. Come to find out, Gabe Dixon is the keyboard player who tours with Loggins & Messina and I had also photographed him before, in 2005, when they last played.

Here's a couple of last nights pics from afar...

Gabe Dixon Band

Loggins & Messina

...and here's a couple from 2005, so close on one, I couldn't even get my shadow out of the picture...

Gabe Dixon

Loggins & Messina

Night Ranger & Journey...

This show was a blast to shoot. It started out great when we photographers found out that we could shoot from the pit vs. the wings, which is where we were suppose to originally shoot from. That was followed up by good lighting and seasoned showmanship. It's a shame that the music world often forgets about talent like this and moves on to what is supposedly the next best thing.

By the way, if you are one of those people who thinks Journey is not Journey, without Steve Perry (like I thought), think again. Arnel Pineda brings it in a whole new way, and yes... he does sound just like Steve.

Have a gander...

Night Ranger
Journey

CSN...

The Crosby, Stills and Nash show on Thursday was pretty much this simple...