Homebrewed Concert

Have you been to one of Straight To Ale's Homebrewed Concert series? Homebrewed Concerts are like VH1 Storytellers done by our local greats. The first concert featured a line up of men that have been playing for years, such as Microwave Dave and Jim Cavender. This second Homebrewed Concert featured the local leading ladies of songwriting: Amy McCarley, Ingrid Marie Felts, Dawn Osbourne, and Rita Burkholder of Helen Keller's Ukulele.

Straight To Ale provides a unique but neat atmosphere for concerts with surprisingly good acoustics for a brewery. Unfortunately, the show was scheduled on the evening of Panoply, so I think it didn't get as much attendance as it could have, and certainly not as much as it deserved. A wonderful evening of soul-filled music!

I had heard the name of The Dawn Osbourne Band, but I'd never had the pleasure of hearing them until tonight. Dawn Osbourne music conjures the idea that you are in a smoke filled room at a jazz bar of the 1940s. She has a golden voice and a confident presence. She brought along keyboardist and backing vocal talent, Andrew Sharpe. As the only man onstage, he ended up being some source of humor and a good sport. Dawn Osbourne is punk cabaret at it's best!

I have seen Amy McCarley play with her band many times and it was a pleasure to get to hear her in a more intimate setting with the focus on her voice and guitar. With her band McCarley can wax honky-tonk, not my style but that's no problem - I can respect she does it masterfully. 

So glad I got to here her tonight! This "stripped down" playing let me notice the wonderful guitar riffs she writes into her songs, evoking emotions from the music itself instead of relying only on the words. I've been hearing her voice and guitar for days afterwards.

This night was my first time hearing Ingrid Marie Felts. Her vocal range is so lovely I was flat-out amazed I was hearing her in a bar in Alabama, not a big stage in Atlanta. Switching between the keyboard and the guitar in her folk stylings, her voice could have carried her acapella and still held us all spellbound. Her presence is somewhat elfin and, like all the ladies, I could have listened to her for days.

I have been an acquaintance of Rita Burkholder's for years and I have been gaga for her gypsy music from the first time I heard her. Over the years her style has changed. Playing now as Helen Keller's Ukulele, her music is like a twinkling music box, but don't let her sweet voice fool you, her lyrics carry weighty meanings. As Amy McCarley quipped that evening, "That's the sweetest I've ever heard someone say, heads are gonna roll. I'm kinda scared now."

Music is often about romantic love, and while Rita has those too, she also writes songs about the love for her kids and the difficulties you face as a parent for the rest of your life. She sang a selection of those tonight.

Rita is also wonderful at stage banter and I was very happy to find some recordings of the Homebrewed Concert on YouTube from Mortimer Frogwalker. Great stuff, check him out!

Check out his recording of one of Rita Burkholder's song's with its lead-in banter. It was so nice, I had to link to it. Check out the others' performances on his channel, too.

However, if you missed this concert, there's only one thing for you to do: find any one of these ladies playing around town or on the web and support them!

Editing note: I've had to rework this blog, due to loading issues using such large images. I've had to reduce the size that the images appear on your screen while reading, but never fear, you can always click on any photo to see it full size - and I suggest you do...do it, you'll love it!

Bitter Dregs of Panoply

I try to be supportive of local events even when I can see a lot of room for improvement. For the most part people are doing their best, and most of our Huntsville festivals are really just in their infancy. Many of them, like the Mardi Gras parade are not well supported by the city. I went to Panoply this weekend. It is older than me and the city dumps tons of resources into it. This should be a great event, right? Well...

Drew Richter performing

If you work at Panoply and aren't open to some serious criticism or want to think only good things of it, you should probably stop reading here. I'm about to open up.

If you want to listen to some great music, Panoply's got it. If you want to see highschool dance groups that will knock your socks off, Panoply's got it. Beyond that, not so much. I have to say not a lot of art at the art festival. Where were the community art projects? Where were the street performers? Why the entire street of fried crap vendors instead of spacing out the stages more? Two of the music stages were so close to each other that the bands were able to speak to each other. True story.

Dancer silhouetted with the church steeple

Those of you who know me personally and are on my Facebook page got to hear my bitter diatribe of Panoply after I got home, including this one liner: "Panoply...it's not the festival of the arts, its the festival of music, money-grubbing, and fried flesh on a stick." But before I complain too much, I did buy some lovely things from some great artists selling their work and listened to some talented bands so it was an enjoyable day. I did not regret going, however I have not been to Panoply in over ten years and it will likely be another ten before I go again. 

We began our day with being searched...for food! I dutifully put my camera bag up to be searched by the security guard, expecting just a brief look for weapons, or perhaps alcohol. As he opened the bag the guy said no outside food and drink was allowed. They were searching for a terrible contraband: the sandwich. My family looked at each other amazed. We said we had food allergies and there was nothing we could eat there (very true). They let us in, looking very confused, but we almost walked away at the gate. The anarchistic in me hates to be searched, and I couldn't stand it for that silly of a reason. Please think about this Arts Council. Are you really so money hungry that someone bringing a sack lunch is worth hiring security to search people's property like they're criminals?

I love watching the artists making their pieces in front of an audience, that was the whole idea behind the formation of Lowe Mill. The arts in action is a great way to connect. There were several artists at work here, which I was thrilled to see but I didn't feel like I got to see much, despite being there from 10:30am to 5:00pm. It seems like scheduled times would have been better. For example I kept walking past the blacksmith, hoping to get a good photo, but never managed to see him at work. It was a hot day and he certainly needed to take breaks. But when should I come back? Perhaps next year we could consider scheduled performances, just like the music. Might have made this more successful and also made these artists more prominent. 

Watching this little guy rock out made it all worth it

There seems to be an expectation that Panoply is for kids. I don't think it has to be that way, but fine, if it is for kids why are they're not more art activities? I saw some cool masks they got to make, and a few places provided paper and paint. For the most part I saw kids playing with hula hoops (fun but not artsy), fiddling with the free things advertisers had given them, and loading up on overpriced bundles of lard and sugar. When I was small at Panoply we worked on large scale projects, each child at the festival making a small part of the whole. As the days progressed the creations got bigger and neater. You felt part of the community and got to participate in an art activity not possible in most settings. Granted, I did not have a small one with me, but I didn't readily see any art projects like that.

Yes, this may bitter and critical. You did read the title, right? I love the arts and I would love to see this festival actual celebrate it.

Panoply, where is the art?

On the plus side, dance schools in the TN Valley rock!

NASA's Earth Day or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Selfie

So I once was an admitted selfie hater. I don't need to see a crappy pic of you taken on your cellphone while you consume food. While I still think this, my views on selfies in general have altered, starting with my "social media experiment" and concreting itself during NASA's #Globalselfie Day.

First of all let's get one thing straight: I actually have taken selfies since before that word existed. When I was a kid we would take "self portraits" by holding the camera at arms length, usually to take up the last few slots in the roll of film so we could replace it and get it ready to go. These were not dignified in anyway and, while they occasionally got a place in the family albums, they were not proudly displayed anywhere. The internet didn't exist back then.

When I was a bit older I often took selfies to remember a hairstyle or an outfit that would be fleeting. As the cameraman of the family, I hardly had any good photos of myself. I never showed these to anyone, and certainly never considered posting them on the internet for strangers to see.

When I got my Facebook account, the need for profile pics increased the selfies. Although many of these were mirror shots, I hardly ever allowed the camera to be seen (a more difficult feat with a huge SLR than a tiny cellphone). Many people would inquire who the photographer was, never suspecting I had taken the photo of me myself. I even used them for my theater headshots.

But I never used them on my professional photography blogs or social media. I looked down on anyone who did, and dismissed many sites as being nothing but collections of selfies. While this may be true, that isn't inherently a bad thing. We've all seen bad photography, and it has nothing to do with the subject. It can be a blurry, dark photo of a dog on the couch just as easily as a selfie of a preteen in the mirror.

I began to read about how they were useful for your business. People want to connect with the people they do business with, even on the smallest level. Seeing you as a real person not a faceless logo, helped people make that connection. While the underwear mirror selfie is still not a good choice for your professional profile (unless you're that kind of professional), used tastefully the fact is selfies sell.

Yet, my real acceptance of selfies came a few months later when NASA began to promote an Earth Day event they called #Globalselfie Day. It was a way to document where you are on the planet this Earth Day 2014, and everyone around the world was asked to join in. Even those working could take a few minutes out of their schedule to step outside and snap a pic on their phone to upload it to their favorite social media site. Great concept really - and hopefully got people thinking about the world.

For my #Globalselfie, or selfies really, I decided to travel around town highlighting green areas in the city. I expected it to be a fun journey, some of it in the rain, and I figured I would get a lot of pretty photographs of these areas. I didn't expect to have so much fun taking photos of me.

I discovered the true magic of the selfie. There's something hilarious about trying to hold a camera at arms length. Giggles are required while standing in goofy positions, trying to get the best photo of you and what's behind you, not to mention the piece of #Globalselfie paper. It's just fun. And I think that fun comes across in the finished product. Seflies are fun - for the taker and viewer.


Not all these photos are true selfies. For some photos it required that I set the camera down and get farther back. But all of them are taken using the spirit of the selfie. I did not use a tripod, using only my backpack and any existing structures to brace the camera. Timer function only, no remotes, so running to get in place adds that extra selfie feel.

After my backyard, my first stop: the solar panels outside of Huntsville Botanical Gardens. 

For my next photo I headed into the Gardens and found a beautiful spot with flowers, water, and the main building in the background.

Tulips and irises surround a pool making this a colorful as well as green spot in Huntsville city. The Botanical Gardens is a great place to enjoy with your kids at one of the many play areas, or find a quiet bench to read out of doors in the water gardens or one of the many gazebos.
I intended to take only one inside of the Gardens, but as I was enjoying my walk I went to see how the Wonderland sand sculpture was holding up. I was so impressed by the fact that the sand sculpture showed only a little damage that I had to show the world our amazing sculpture, afterall people were looking for the hashtag around the world. If you missed my blog post about this sculpture check it out here.

I took quite a drive across town to Monte Sano, and then I would stay in the downtown area. I wanted to get a photo at the iconic overlook near the playground on the state park lands. Perhaps the most challenging photo, trying to get the lighting just right with that type of shooting. And I cracked up, twisting myself into odd positions to get that perfect photo.

Monte Sano Mountain offers some of the best views in the city. Monte Sano State Park offers great hiking trails, untouched wilderness, camping, and a great place to walk the dog - all only a few miles out of the city.

I narrowly missed a downpour, finishing up with this photo shoot and reaching cover just as the rains came.

Just off the mountain, I stopped at my next green location, Maple Hill Cemetery. This #GlobalSelfie location may seem odd to non-locals, but in Huntsville it's often used as a park. Maple Hill Cemetery is a historic place with many older trees with a surprising variety of species. The maples and dogwoods make sure the places is beautiful in both the spring and fall, while the monuments to the beloved citizens of Huntsville range from angels to pyramids. At the other end of the cemetery are some swings and picnic tables referred to as Dead Children's Playground. Wouldn't want to forget you were in a graveyard after all.

I really thought I might have to take this photo from inside the car and I was planning the shot, when the rain abruptly stopped and the sun even peeked out a little. I managed to get a really nice photo with the #Globalselfie sign upside down, which you can still see on Instagram. 

My final selfie, finishing up my #GlobalSelfie Huntsville green places tour in the heart of Huntsville, downtown at Big Spring Park. John Hunt settled here, as the first European to live in this area. Fresh spring water flows up from the ground at this spot. Once, the city got all its water from here. The pumphouse has since been removed and the area cleaned up and turned into a great lunch retreat for those who work downtown, and a duck feeding spot for the rest of us. Still, I mourn the rattlesnake breeding area John Hunt wrote about and destroyed. 

While taking this photo, a polite young lady asked if I wanted her to take my picture. When I told her it was Globalselfie Day she got really excited. My hope was that she did her own.


And the day had started with a reluctant photo in my backyard...

Yeah it's silly. That's the point. So keep taking your selfies. I'll try to be supportive.

Springing into a Hsv Botanical Gardens springtime

Putting my new membership to good use, I have been at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens a lot lately, watching the buds burst into bloom. Soon the green will come creeping.

We've had a nice mild spring this year. Usually in North Alabama we jump directly to summer and waves of heat. Nice spring showers and mild temps have made for a very enjoyable time for both the plants and the people.

The koi have braved the ice and are happily swimming once more in the water gardens.

The silver painted trees that added interest in the winter still shine in the spring sun.

Woodland flowers slowly slither across the ground, covering it in a green blanket with little stars.

Narcissus cover the hill along the Dogwood Trail.

Tulips are out in full force. Love these purple ones!

Have you been to the Gardens? 

To appreciate the full beauty of the blooms, click on any photo to see it full size.

B'ham Wanderings - Post War

  
Wandered down to Birmingham, AL last week. Took a few pictures out and about, then headed to my destination: The Bottletree to see one of my favorite bands, Post War, play.



Despite having lived in Birmingham for two years, I had never been to this cafe/bar before. I fell in love with the place almost immediately. Some great kitsch populated the windows and they sported an entire wall of velvet paintings (one of my secret loves). Normally I find televisions in bars and restaurants disgusting, but even here was something interesting - classic Dune was on the viewer.



In contrast to the usual barfly selection of fried crap, I heard they had some decent food. They did have some decent selections that I could eat, and even more impressive, some vegan dessert. 

As a side note, for you dairy eaters, check out the dessert menu next time you're at a restaurant and count how many items don't have any milk products in them. If you find any, PLEASE let me know. Despite the many delicious dairy-free options available at the stores, you'll find hardly any at eateries.

The Bottletree also featured a pretty nifty stage and accommodating staff. They also have a patio, but I was a bit chilly that evening, and decided to wait until next visit to check that out.

I had a Snake Handlers beer, made by local B'ham brewers, Good People, while I waited for Post War to begin.

I first saw Post War play at Invisible Fest. Since then I have seen them whenever I got the chance. 

They mostly play their original songs, which are charged with emotion, and when they do a cover, they do it with so much flair you aren't guaranteed to recognize it. The song becomes theirs.

Front man Tyler Nafe will likely be the first member of the band to come up an introduce himself. He masterfully communicates emotion through his singing voice. 

Tyler can also pronounce my name correctly.

Jimmie Monroe Gregory is on guitar, mandolin, and also some back up vocals, along with everyone in the band.

Brett Joiner on several stringed instruments and the keyboard during poignant moments. 

Harrison Jones has the percussion end covered, along with delivering some surprisingly nice vocals in the occasional song.

I was sad to Dana McCollum Timms was missing from the ensemble the night I took photos, due to car trouble. She plays my favorite instrument, the violin, and delivers the majority of back-up vocals.

However, the band's artist, Jaeme Case stepped up that evening to deliver vocals. It had been many years since I'd heard Jaeme sing and was pleased to hear her again.

I rarely use a flash for stage events. It's distracting to the performers, and terribly annoying for the paying audience. However, I will piggy back on other photographer's flashes, like in the photo below.

It makes for interesting lighting when the flash comes from another angle.

After the show, I finally picked me up a Post War t-shirt, featuring the P+W fox, Jaeme Case designed. I'm sure selfies will hit my Instagram account soon.

So overall, a great night. I'll be down there again, enjoying a drink...and some tofu cheesecake.

As always, click on any image in my blog for a larger view.

Thanks for looking!