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...