Spring finally has swept away the snow and if you have not been here in a while (or at all) there have been a lot of shows covered, portraits taken and other news. Some of many highlights include:

*Portraits of a handful of artists, including a return session with Le Butcherettes, as well as Bleached, Freakwater, Laura Stevenson and The Split Squad.

*Numerous great shows by new/newer bands like Japanese Breakfast, Mothers and Hinds.

*Numerous great shows by old favorites like Robyn Hitchcock, Patty Griffin, Shearwater and Low.

*The publishing of a photo of mine of Lucinda Williams on a front cover of the book ”Louisiana Women: Their Lives and Times, Volume 2.”

Le Butcherettes Portrait, 2016

Laura Stevenson Portrait, 2016

Bleached Portrait, 2016

Freakwater Portrait, 2016

Japanese Breakfast, 2016

Robyn Hitchcock, 2016

Lucinda Williams Book Cover Image

2015 is over tonight and what a year it has been! Before getting into lists, I want to to thank those that have given me the opportunity to photograph for their publications: Pat Rapa of the now  defunct Philadelphia City Paper, John Vettese of WXPN’s The Key, Jay Jacobs of Pop Entertainment and Josh Middleton of Philadelphia Magazine. I have two lists published: my favorite Philly concerts at The Key here and my best Philly concert photos at Philadelphia Magazine here. Since I shoot for multiple publications and in other locales than just Philly, I want to take a moment to recognize my favorite band to shoot, my favorite artist discovery and my favorite shot of the year.

BEST ARTIST TO SHOOT: Sleater-Kinney. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to see them three times. They are, in my estimation, the best rock band around now and a live force second to none. I have shared my favorite shots from each of the three shows.

BEST ARTIST DISCOVERY: Adia Victoria. With only an EP to her name at this point (and a full-length to come in 2016) she packs a live and recorded wallop. And she has an important voice and presence that is unique and direct. She is destined to be one the greats of her generation.

FAVORITE SHOT: Bill Berry and Mike Mills at Athfest. When 1/2 of the original R.E.M. join each other on a microphone to sing “(Don’t Go Back To) Rockville” in R.E.M.’s home of Athens on a June day, something special has occurred.

Sleater-Kinney, Union Transfer

Sleater-Kinney, King’s Theatre

Sleater-Kinney with Fred Armisen, Terminal 5

Adia Victoria, Kung Fu Necktie

Adia Victoria, Johnny Brenda’s

Bill Berry and Mike Mills, Athfest 2015

Beginning the first of this December and running through December of 2016, Smithsonian is hosting a rock photo competition that will culminate in the creation of a book. I am honored that they have accepted my 19 submissions, including having 14 up the day the site launched. Three of these shots are also EDITORS’ PICKS. I am also one of the 10 current SPOTLIGHT photographers in the competition, which is a huge honor. Go to the landing page for the site here, the SPOTLIGHT photographers here and my page of shots here. I have also been featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer Magazine section on December 8th regarding this project, as can be seen here.