Archives for February 2008
Mark Russell
Whenever political comedian Mark Russell is down in the dumps, he opens the newspaper and immediately cheers up. Practically everything he sees strikes him funny. “Some days,” he says, “the jokes jump off the pages and write themselves.” His answer to the frequently asked question, “Do you have any writers?” is “Oh, yes … I have 535 writers. One hundred in the Senate and 435 in the House of Representatives.”
Just like his PBS specials, which have been extremely popular for more than two decades, Mark Russell’s live presentations parody the biggest political stories in the news. The piano-playing satirist blends hilarious one-liners and music, performing stand-up political comedy in the form of brilliantly funny lyrics set to familiar tunes. We spent some time with Mark Russell at his Paramount Theater performance February 1.
The Five Browns
An unprecedented concert attraction, the 5 Browns are a singular quintet of world-class concert pianists. We had the chance to see them perform at The Paramount Theater on February 21. Performing on five Steinway grand pianos, these twenty-something siblings are dedicated to making classical music part of the lives of people everywhere. Flawless in precision and steeped in passion, they invariably stun critics and shatter the preconceptions of those who think classical music to be inscrutable or intimidating.
hint…
we have some super exciting news to be announced soon… here is a little hint…
stay tuned for more info!
little piece of history
i was so excited the other day when i happen to discover this area that has preserved a little bit of the past. i only snapped a couple quick pictures because i was pretty much trespassing… i am going to try and find the owner and get permission to go back… maybe take a bride and get some unique portraits… if anyone is up for it give me a call!
Ryan Shaw – LIVE in Charlottesville
Many of you that know me personally understand that I have a great love for music, especially the old Stax Volt Revue influenced soul sounds of the 1960s. This past Friday, I had the opportunity to photograph one of the most gifted R&B/soul singers in the industry. Ryan Shaw was due to open for Van Halen at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville. Since the show was postponed, radio station 106.1 – The Corner booked Ryan Shaw to play The Outback Lodge. It was simply one of the best performances I have witnessed……….PERIOD!!! His rendition of Otis Redding’s, “Try A Little Tenderness” was absolutely stunning! Unfortunately for us (good for him, however), this was, in all probability, the last chance we will have to see him in an intimate environment. He has performed on quite a few of the latest talk shows and is making waves throughout the music industry, including being nominated for a Grammy. Check him out on Ellen Degeneres by clicking here: Ryan Shaw on the Ellen Degeneres Show
Here are a few photographs I took at the show:
a day at the park
workshop
i just returned from a most fabulous workshop. once a year i take time to attend at least one workshop. it is not only an incredible learning experience, totally inspiring, but i get to meet great people and talk photography for days on end. my pick this year… susan stripling, one of my most favorite photographers in the industry. here are just a few of the images i shot.
Teatro Lirico D’Europa – The Barber of Seville
Among the finest comic operas, Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia features a delicious scores and the famous “Figaro” aria. In one deceptive scheme after another, the clever and charming barber Figaro assists dashing Count Almaviva in his plan to win the heart of the lovely Rosina, fending off her unwanted suitor and guardian, Dr. Bartolo Teatro Lirico D’Europa returned to The Paramount on January 13th with their company of international soloists, full orchestra, and chorus for a thoroughly entertaining afternoon of masquerade and pageantry!
The Mighty Clouds of Joy
After 46 years, 37 albums, three Grammys, and a trophy case full of awards, The Mighty Clouds of Joy are more than gospel legends. They are nothing less than a national treasure.
Incorporating rock and soul flourishes into a quartet sound that is today a cornerstone of the genre, the Clouds have carried gospel into the age of modern R&B and urban music like no act before them, performing alongside artists such as the Rolling Stones; Aretha Franklin; James Brown; Earth, Wind & Fire; Luther Vandross; Ray Charles; and Paul Simon. The group played The Paramount Theater on Sunday, January 6.
Lunar Eclipse
A total eclipse of the moon occurred last night and we won’t have the chance to see one again until 2010. It was visible from South America and most of North America. The lunar eclipse lasted a total of 3 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish. The Mid-Eclipse occurred at 10:26pm. This photograph was taken just after 11pm.
