Big Wreck @ NV Music Hall
It was quite the concert last night with Big Wreck at NV Music Hall. I am by no means a concert photographer but once in a while I’m asked to photograph the odd one here and there. I’ve been a fan of Big Wreck for a long time so I was excited to finally see them perform live. It was a sold at show which made for an electric crowd. As a photographer, it’s not always easy when it’s that packed, where you can’t even move, but I still managed to get a few great shots.
It was quite the concert last night with Big Wreck at NV Music Hall. I am by no means a concert photographer but once in a while I’m asked to photograph the odd one here and there. I’ve been a fan of Big Wreck for a long time so I was excited to finally see them perform live. It was a sold at show which made for an electric crowd. As a photographer, it’s not always easy when it’s that packed, where you can’t even move, but I still managed to get a few great shots.
They of course played a lot of their classics and even some recent songs as well. Some of the highlights for me was a cover of the Tragically Hip song ‘Ahead by a Century’ and their last song of the first set, ‘Blown Wide Open’ which is one of my favourite songs by them.
If they ever roll through town again, and you are a fan, be sure to check them out! Thanks to The Walleye for asking me to cover this concert!
Finger Eleven + I Mother Earth Concert at Crocks Thunder Bay
It has actually been quite a while since I got out and photographed a concert so I was excited when The Walleye asked me to cover the Finger Eleven and I Mother Earth Concert at Crocks in Thunder Bay. Having only seen I Mother Earth live in concert a long time ago I was definitely excited to see them perform again. Admittedly I have not followed Finger Eleven but even so, they put on an amazing show.
It has actually been quite a while since I got out and photographed a concert so I was excited when The Walleye asked me to cover the Finger Eleven and I Mother Earth Concert at Crocks in Thunder Bay. Having only seen I Mother Earth live in concert a long time ago I was definitely excited to see them perform again. Admittedly I have not followed Finger Eleven but even so, they put on an amazing show.
I recognized a few more song by I Mother Earth and they sounded just as good, if not better, then I remember from when I originally saw. The crowd at Crocks was honestly the busiest I have ever seen, and you could really feel the energy. As a photographer though, it's pretty tough getting good shots when it's so busy in a small venue. I did manage to work my way in to the front of the stage for a few songs which allowed me to get some really great shots of both bands.
Both bands sounded amazing and I was super stoked that I had the opportunity to not only photograph both of them, but also take in the music.
Bluesfest 2017
All the years that I have lived in Thunder Bay, I never once made it to a single Bluesfest, which all changed this past year. I was hired to cover a few hours of the event so I had no excuse this time around. The day that I chose to go, of course it rained for the first part. But that didn't mean I stopped shooting. Luckily, I was able to come back later in the evening and a lot more photos.
All the years that I have lived in Thunder Bay, I never once made it to a single Bluesfest, which all changed this past year. I was hired to cover a few hours of the event so I had no excuse this time around. The day that I chose to go, of course it rained for the first part. But that didn't mean I stopped shooting. Luckily, I was able to come back later in the evening and a lot more photos.
Admittedly, I didn't really worry about photographing the actual bands. Don't get me wrong, I captured a few here and there but honestly, it was just wasn't worth it for me. They were really strict about stopping and taking photos and I didn't have backstage access, so getting in close wasn't really an option, unless I felt like renting a huge zoom lens.
Instead, I do what I do best, I captured the people and moments within the crowd. I do it for wedding and portraits and my street photography, and this time it was no different. Next year, I will see if I can get in a bit closer but I'm so happy with all of the photos I managed to get with my lenses on hand.
Everclear - So Much For The Afterglow - 20th Anniversary Tour
This past Tuesday, The Rockhouse hosted 3 killer bands from the 90's, and for someone who grew up with a lot of music from that era, it was definitely a flashback to say the least. As soon as I hear the 'So Much For The Afterglow 20th Anniversary Tour' was coming through town, I knew I had to photograph it. Luckily, The Walleye asked me to cover it and my wife Anne to try her hand at reviewing the evening.
This past Tuesday, The Rockhouse hosted 3 killer bands from the 90's, and for someone who grew up with a lot of music from that era, it was definitely a flashback to say the least. As soon as I hear the 'So Much For The Afterglow 20th Anniversary Tour' was coming through town, I knew I had to photograph it. Luckily, The Walleye asked me to cover it and my wife Anne to try her hand at reviewing the evening.
As with all of my blog posts, the main point is to showcase images first and foremost, but like I usually do I share just a bit of my experience from the evening. I arrived with Fastball already on stage, but I did manage to see their last few songs, and of course, they were there most popular ones, including 'The Way' and of 'Out of My Head'.
Next up was another 90's group that also had multiple hits in Vertical Horizon. By the time they took the stage the crowd was starting to get larger and more energetic. The lead singer, Matt Scannell sounded just as good as he did back when the band started. They played some of their new songs and of course all of their classics including 'Everything You Want' and 'Best I Ever Had'. It's amazing after all these years, I still remember a lot of the lyrics which just goes to show you how catchy and memorable a lot their songs were.
Last up on the stage was Everclear which needs no explanation. As they made their way to the stage, the place was packed and I think Everclear fed off of that because they came came out with so much energy. That set the tone for the rest of their performance which included all of their classics, which include a ton of songs, and even some of their more underground songs as well. I really only know their more popular songs which I can still sing to this day, but I was also amazed just how many 'younger' people in the crowd that were singing along to all of their songs.
They ended the show with their biggest hit in 'Santa Monica' and it was a perfect end to a great evening of music. All the bands sounded fantastic and once again The Rockhouse was the perfect location for such and epic concert.
Big Wreck at the Rockhouse
The Rockhouse once again played host to a band from my childhood. Big Wreck rolled through town this past Tuesday along with Ascot Royals. I was in attendance, along with my wife Anne, to photograph the performances for The Walleye. Surprisingly, this was the first time I had the chance to see Big Wreck live, so I was quite excited to hear some of their new work and of course, some of their classics.
The Rockhouse once again played host to a band from my childhood. Big Wreck rolled through town this past Tuesday along with Ascot Royals. I was in attendance, along with my wife Anne, to photograph the performances for The Walleye. Surprisingly, this was the first time I had the chance to see Big Wreck live, so I was quite excited to hear some of their new work and of course, some of their classics.
We ended up arriving a bit late, but I still managed to catch the Ascot Royals last couple songs and I came away with some pretty good shots as well. Then, after about a 40 minute wait, Big Wreck took to the stage. You could immediately feel the energy rise a couple notches from the crowd. It was a packed house which was awesome to see.
Big Wreck put on an amazing show, playing a good mix of songs from their new album, along with a lot of their classics. They even changed the arrangements on a couple of the classics, which really gave old songs a new twist. Not only was I able to get some great shots from the floor, but I also got access to the top floor, which is where I got most of my favourite photos.
Anne and I stayed right to the end of the show and it was totally worth it. Next time Big Wreck comes through town, if you haven't already, you should really check them out.
Bif Naked with Jordan Alexander @ Crocks
It was another great night of music at Crocks this past Thursday. Unlike my previous concert with Buckcherry, this was more of a laid back affair which was a nice change. Bif Naked was the star that night and she was in town for a reading of her new book - Bif Naked I, Bificus. Before she made her way to the stage, the opening act, Jordan Alexander, sang beautifully. If you haven't already, please do check her out, you won't be disappointed.
It was another great night of music at Crocks this past Thursday. Unlike my previous concert with Buckcherry, this was more of a laid back affair which was a nice change. Bif Naked was the star that night and she was in town for a reading of her new book - Bif Naked I, Bificus. Before she made her way to the stage, the opening act, Jordan Alexander, sang beautifully. If you haven't already, please do check her out, you won't be disappointed.
Once Jordan was done, Bif took the stage with her husband shortly after. As I mentioned earlier, Bif read excerpts from her book and also performed some of her favourite songs. It was quite the intimate performance in front of a seated crowed. Thanks again to The Walleye for the opportunity to photograph this awesome show!
Buckcherry with Sebastian Bach @ The Rockhouse
The Rockhouse in Thunder Bay was host to an amazing concert last night. Three bands performed including The Wild, Sebastian Bach and the main act, Buckcherry. Unfortunately we couldn't get there early enough to watch The Wild perform, but, from what I heard, they put on an amazing show. The main reason I attended the concert was to take photos for The Walleye, but I was super excited to see Sebastian Bach because I grew up listening to him.
The Rockhouse in Thunder Bay was host to an amazing concert last night. Three bands performed including The Wild, Sebastian Bach and the main act, Buckcherry. Unfortunately we couldn't get there early enough to watch The Wild perform, but, from what I heard, they put on an amazing show. The main reason I attended the concert was to take photos for The Walleye, but I was super excited to see Sebastian Bach because I grew up listening to him.
Once he took the stage, the whole floor was jam packed as well as the balcony. Sebastian Bach sounded amazing and he really did put on such a great show. He just seemed so happy to be there, performing in front of the Thunder Bay crowd. He played all the songs you would expect and even a few surprise ones. I'm pretty sure my wife Anne would have fainted if he got remotely close to her but as he is one of her favourite singers. He was on stage for over an hour and it went by so fast.
Buckcherry was the feature act, and after a short break, they kept the night going and then some. By the time they took the stage, you could barely make your way across the floor. I wasn't as familiar with their music as I was Sebastian Bach's but I didn't really need to be because they also put on superb performance. I did know some of their songs and even the ones I didn't, were very easy to enjoy. I still can't believe how good of show it was, and we were all talking about it even today.
Even though it was my first concert I photographed at The Rockhouse, I can't wait to do another one in the near future.
Sebastian Bach
Buckcherry
The Trews Time Capsule Tour @ Crocks
Last night, at Crocks, The Trews rolled through town and it was quite the show. Before The Trews went on though, La Reese took the stage. Due to timing on my part, I was only able to catch the last couple songs of La Reese performing, but they sounded really good. I hadn't heard any of their music going into the concert but I will definitely be checking them out.
Last night, at Crocks, The Trews rolled through town and it was quite the show. Before The Trews went on though, La Reese took the stage. Due to timing on my part, I was only able to catch the last couple songs of La Reese performing, but they sounded really good. I hadn't heard any of their music going into the concert but I will definitely be checking them out.
Then, around 10:45, to the sounds of the anxious crowd cheering, The Trews took the stage. Immediately, you could just feel the energy through the whole place. It just kept going the rest of the night too. The dance floor was packed with people, and it was one of the busiest concerts I have been a part of at Crocks. I knew a bunch of songs by The Trews that I have heard over the years but it was great to hear those as well as others as well. They all sounded absolutely amazing.
Thanks as always to The Walleye for asking me to shoot this concert for them. I wasn't planning on going because it's been a super busy week, but I'm glad I got the chance to see both bands live!
Joel Plaskett + The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra
This past Saturday the Community Auditorium welcomed Joel Plaskett to the stage. He wasn't alone, as the entire Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra joined him. Lucky for me, I was there to photograph it once again for The Walleye. Going in I heard of Joel Plaskett, and even some of his songs. It was a totally different experience hearing him live in concert, especially when backed by an entire orchestra.
This past Saturday the Community Auditorium welcomed Joel Plaskett to the stage. He wasn't alone, as the entire Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra joined him. Lucky for me, I was there to photograph it once again for The Walleye. Going in I heard of Joel Plaskett, and even some of his songs. It was a totally different experience hearing him live in concert, especially when backed by an entire orchestra.
The entire evening as extremely fun to watch. Some songs were accompanied by the orchestra while others were just Joel playing his guitar by himself. Almost always before each song he told a short story of how it came to be which really made each song that much more personal for the crowd. If you have never seen him live in concert before, next time he is in town be sure to check him out.
For those curious out there, I used the Nikon D610 and the 70-200mm VRII lens. That's all I needed. My favourite photos of the evening was one of the last ones I captured. It was a great shot of the entire stage, with the entire orchestra playing and the lights flashing in the background. It really summed out how 'big' this performance was. Thanks again for The Walleye for hiring me to photograph this even and to the Joel Plaskett and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra for putting on an amazing show.
Hey Rosetta at Crocks
This past Friday, Crocks in Thunder Bay played host to a great Canadian band in Hey Rosetta. Admittedly I did not know much about their music going in but I seeing as how I was taking these photos for The Walleye Magazine, what better time to hear them play.
This past Friday, Crocks in Thunder Bay played host to a great Canadian band in Hey Rosetta. Admittedly I did not know much about their music going in but I seeing as how I was taking these photos for The Walleye Magazine, what better time to hear them play.
It was a fantastic concert and it was a very packed house. The crowd was into it from the start, right up until the end. This was my first time photographing a concert at this location but I really like how the photos turned out.
Just Folkin' Around at the Foundry
Recently I have been doing some freelance work for The Walleye which simply an awesome local newspaper in case you haven't heard of it. This time around they asked me to photograph a few local performances at the Foundry this past Friday. The night's event was called Just Folkin' Around.
Recently I have been doing some freelance work for The Walleye which simply an awesome local newspaper in case you haven't heard of it. This time around they asked me to photograph a few local performances at the Foundry this past Friday. The night's event was called Just Folkin' Around.
The first performer was Nick Sherman. This was my first time seeing him and after hearing him sing I would definitely check him out a again. He was then followed by another local artist in Tiina Flank. Her set was just as entertaining. The great thing about her performance is that most of the next band, The Moonshiners, joined her on stage. Once she was done, it was time for the main act which was indeed the Moonshiners. What was great about their set is that they took turns singing which really made for a unique and very energetic night.
I am very much looking forward to photographing another event soon. It's great that Thunder Bay has so much fantastic local talent. Be sure to check out The Foundry to see what events are coming up soon and please do get out there and support out local (and non local) talent.
Here are a few of my favourite photos from the night. They are all in black and white because... well.. concert photographs just look so much better in black and white.
