Maxwells – Page 2 – Photogeek Blog

Flashback Friday; Maxwells and Dromedary Records Host Camelfest

Community Outreach, Maxwells, Uncategorized

The older I get the more I find myself playing catch up. I work harder, sleep less and seem to be having more fun than any other time in my life. This creates an unforeseen problem. There just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day or days in the week to accomplish the tasks I hope to accomplish. You’d think that with all the modern technology at our fingertips, things would be made easier. Maybe it’s just me, but it only seems to make things more difficult. My neglect towards this blog only serves as a reminder. One of the things I decided to do is start a new installment to the blog titled “Flashback Friday”. This will allow me to free myself from any time

constraints and show work that from the recent or somewhat recent past.

This weeks install doesn’t go that far back. The second week of August to be exact. I was still recovering from surgery when I was contacted by Dromedary Records head Al Crisafulli and Jim Testa of Jersey Beat asking if i

would cover a two day, three show music fest at Maxwells. The festival, strangely named “Camelfest: would benefit the Roots and Wings Foundation. A group that serves to help those that are aging out of the Foster Care System. It sounded like a great cause. Definitely worthy of attention. The thing was I was just out of the hospital recovering from surgery. I still had my stitches/staples in (Eleven if anyone’s counting) and was told to rest and stay out of crowds or situations where you might be bumping into people. “Fuck it” I said. You only live once and Maxwell’s is only a few blocks from me. It wasn’t as if I’d be getting caught in a mosh or have people stage diving on my head. So I went, covered all three shows and had a great time. The few times when I really felt the pain of my surgery was when I bumped myself with my own camera. By the end of it all I was exhausted and needed an entire day to sleep it off. Regardless

, I’m glad I got to be a part of something special. I finally got to meet Al from Dromedary. He’s an all around awesome dude. It was really special getting to see him really enjoy himself on the final night. Enjoy the pics.

Camelfest; Good Times for a Great Cause.

Community Outreach, Maxwells

I couldn’t live with myself if I left you with nothing but band pics when it comes to remembering what was Camelfest. Here are some pics of The Dromedary kids having the best time ever. Thanks Al, you proved that music and community go hand in hand. We can all play a part in making a difference.

It’s a Rye heat.

Maxwells, Rye Coalition

Here’s the second set from the Rye Coalition show. Considering how sick I was that day. The moment the music started I was healed. This one’s pretty heavy on the guitar. Great seeing everyone from Tom & Ticia to Zee & Testa. Enjoy.

The Rye Coalition kill it.

Maxwells, Rye Coalition

When I think about all the great music I’ve been privileged to see and document lately it makes me feel as if I’ve been spoiled. During an interview last night I was reminded of the drier times. Nights when there was no show to look forward to. Days when a trip to the record store seemed pointless because the same act was being recycled over and over again. Right now there is an abundance of great shows happening at venues of all sizes. Bands that played in our salad days are doing reunions and even making new music. My eyes and ears are constantly be treated to amazing sounds. Bands I worshiped back in the day and ones I missed. The term “Best show ever.” keeps repeating itself over and over. Saturday night was one of those “Best Show Ever” moments as Rye Coalition poured every drop of energy, sweat and testosterone into their reunion show. Like many of the best bands from their era they were underrated and under appreciated. It wasn’t until they were gone that a lot of people realized what they missed out on. I was lucky to be there front center to take shots for Jersey Beat and of course, myself. Thanks to Jim Testa for getting me the ticket. This will be the first of two sets of the shots I love most.

Cropduster reunion celebrates the 10th Anniversary “Drunk Uncle” release.

Jersey Beat, Maxwells, NJ Underground

When Jim Testa of Jersey Beat asked me to cover The Cropduster reunion show at Maxwells my reaction was “Sure”. I had no preconceived notions or overblown expectations due to the fact that I had never heard the band before. I did a little snooping and upon seeing the them described as “Insurgent Country”. Well, I was curious. Just not any more excited. I got there just as Jim Testa set up to open the show. I had never seen Jim perform but had somewhat of an idea what to expect. Jim’s stripped down folky punk was just enough to melt the freezing temperatures that circled Maxwells that night. Jim sings about what he knows, music. His lyrics are intelligent, quirky and ironic. A nice little side note to what was to come. As Cropduster took the stage the back room filled with smiling faces who seemed to be well aware of what they were in for. As the band began to play I freed myself of any labels or lame musical alliances and just soaked in the incredible sounds. There are times when I go to see a band and can’t help but be mad at myself and think “How the hell did I miss out on this the first time around?”. This was one of those times. Hope you enjoy the shots. Some of which made it to NJ Beat and NJ Underground. Now if you’ll excuse me. I need to run out and get a copy of “Drunk Uncle”. Cheers!!!

Messin’ with Manual

Maxwells

This weekend I took the Canon 7D to it’s first show and shot on manual with no flash. This was my first time shooting for NJ Underground. It was also my first time shooting simultaneously for NJ Underground and Jersey Beat. Though this was a working assignment I still wanted to use a little spare time to get creative and play around with lighting and speed. Below are my favorite oddities from Cropduster’s set. I’ll post the more fan friendly shots later.

!No Pasaran! @ Maxwells

Maxwells

I’ve been pretty busy this week and haven’t been in the best mood. Bone chilling cold weather tends to do that to my fragile psyche. However I did want to see !No Pasaran! who were playing Maxwells tonight. One of my absolute favorite current bands that have been kinda floating under the radar and keeping a low profile. A Jersey Politico Punk three piece that have a sound reminiscent of Fugazi and Quicksand with a little element of jazz and a lot of distortion thrown in. Maybe I’m a little off with the Jazz but what the hell. No one’s paying me for this shit. Some of my favorites shots have a little bit of blur and were taken without flash. Anyway, the interview I did with them is 2009 can be found here. Check it out. http://www.unitewebzine.com/Home.html

A Visit from Stuyvesant.

Canon lenses and equipment, Family Portraits, Humor, Music, Portraiture, Studio Lighting, Stuyvesant

Last night I had the guys from Stuyvesant over for some Band shots. Brian told me they wanted an “Unforgiving Look” while Ralph pointed to Television’s “Marquee Moon” album. I personally looked for inspiration from some of my favorite SST and Dischord Records. In less than an hour we knocked out what they were looking for. I offered them more time and ideas but they were very happy with what they got and were gone before knew I it. Brian, Ralph, Sean and Pete were very easy going and fun to work with.

Jenifer Convertible? Are you fucking kidding me?

Jenifer Convertible, Maxwells, Music, Stuyvesant

When I heard Jenifer Convertible were getting together to play the Dromedary showcase I was pretty psyched to say the least. During my time living in Hell’s Kitchen I saw them about a half dozen times and loved them. Their Maxwells set did not tarnish my fond memories in the least. In fact they renewed them. I don’t know if they have plans for more shows. Judging from this one. They certainly haven’t missed a step.

Stuyvesant brings mirth and merriment to the CMJ Festival.

Maxwells, Stuyvesant

I’ve known Brian for quite a while now but it’s only recently that I’ve been listening to his band Stuyvesant. A couple of months back I sat down with the band and inrterviewed them for my website. Friday night the band was in top form representing Dromedary Records at Maxwells for the CMJ Festival. Brian wore the Elmer Fudd hunting cap and Ralph was his usual nutty self. Check out my interview with them here.