So True...

garyvarvel.com

Bowl Full of Stars...

The Santa Barbara Independent recently did a cover story on the Santa Barbara Bowl, in honor of its 75 years of existence. I got an email from the paper a few weeks ago stating that I was receiving the email because they felt that my history with the venue was grounds for any tidbits of information I'd like to contribute to the story (favorite shows, memorable experiences, etc.)

I shared the story of discovering one of my favorite bands while shooting there during my first concert season as house shooter in 1999. Check out the quote section from the article below where you'll see my comments and... check out some of the names they lumped me in with...

Click the SB Indi link above and be sure to read the full article as well!

Congrats Donavon F...

Good news for Donavon Frankenrieter who recently became an official Ambassador of Martin Guitar products. The good new for me is... Martin Guitar used one of my live shots from a gig at SOhO in Santa Barbara, CA in a e-card blast and on their website to make the announcement.

It's a nice feeling to be associated with such a great musician and an equally great guitar company...

(Click to make it bigger... my live shot is the color one...)

East Coast First...

Here I am... long time no post. No reason to really... haven't had the time to get myself hooked-up shooting shows. But... just last week, my opportunity arrived from the West Coast. My pal, Tim Bramlette, who is the "Merch Guy" for Donavon Frankenrieter set me up with a pass to shoot his performance at StageOne in Fairfield, CT.

The BIG bonus?... my other pal, Seth Pettersen was on the bus! He's opening up for all of Donavon's East Coast stops. So... I was lucky to see my two buddies, see Seth play, see Donavon and his amazing band play, and hang out all day on the bus like a rock star.

The BIG downer?... the mirror fell out of my Canon 5D half way through Donavon's set. Yes, I am part rookie and showed up to the gig with one camera body. So... I thought, hell with it, I'll shoot from the hip with a wide lens. Nope... the 5D's mirror assists in auto focus.

So... I just got pretty buzzed and hung out with a bunch of cool folks. Below are some of the shots I took before my camera shit the bed...

Thanks to Tim, Seth, Donavon and his band for letting me hang...