In early 2015, I completed a new website. Aside from updating the blog and changing the images on the splash page a few times, I never really followed through with…
Patti Smith kept things fiery throughout her show at Damrosch Park for Lincoln Center's 'Out of Doors' summer Source: Patti Smith and Mariachi Flor de Toloache played 2016 Lincoln Center…
In 2015, John Brandon of San Fermin, Ty Taylor of Vintage Trouble, Colm Querney, Kellindo Parker (who plays with Janelle Monáe) and Al Kooper (who plays with Bob Dylan) were among some of the musicians I photographed who sent me personal messages to let me know they appreciate my work. It’s a great feeling to have the artists themselves find your work. And though I didn’t hear from her, even Mariah Carey probably saw my work on the Village Voice.
One up and coming band, Secret Weapons, found my photos and reached out, inviting me to come check out their show. After seeing them a few times and getting to know Danny and Gerry, it was great to hear they signed to a label before the year was out. Congrats fellas.
In the same period, I’ve gotten my work published (even if it was just once) in more places, including in and on Noisey, Pancakes & Whiskey, Fangoria, ReverbNation, Rockin’ On, Open Ears, the Sundance Institute and who knows where else.
It helps that I’ve been seeing a lot of music. Although I don’t have an auditor, I try to keep track of what I’ve seen in a year. Returning to the Newport Folk Festival and seeing a ton of great music in Fort Adams State Park was one of the highlights. I look forward to going again in 2016.
Everest Awakening, is a new organization ” founded in light of the recent earthquake to bring together musicians, artists, writers, poets, activists, politicians, and scientists in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Nepal and neighboring territories of the Himalayan region. Using our skills and various platforms, we are doing what we can to spread awareness and hope, using our voices and resources to keep people informed and educated, and to help others to direct their efforts and donations to where they are needed most.”
Founded by Jesse Paris Smith, the organization hosted a benefit event on May 17th at City Winery in NYC to raise funds for victims of the two recent devastating earthquakes in Nepal. The event featured Jesse’s mother Patti Smith along with Loudon Wainwright III, Michael Stipe, Kaki King, Shyam Nepali and more. Pictures from the afternoon show are below the jump. Michael Stipe read a poem, he did not sing because of allergies. Loudon Wainwright III performed a few goofy numbers. Kaki King brilliantly played her guitars, one of which sounded like a kyoto with a simple modification. Patti Smith did one song, followed by a cover of “Everybody Hurts” (with the writer, Stipe not far away), then a new poem about the tragedy in Nepal (accompanied by Jesse on the piano) and then finally with almost all the musicians back on stage, she did “People Have the Power” for the finale.
Please make a donation to this organization or any organization of your choice and help provide relief to the victims. Pick up a few songs that were generously contributed to Everest Awakening by various artists as well via the stream below.