School of Rock at Summerfest

Well, it has been fun, and a learning experience.  If I am fortunate enough to attend next year I will have a much better idea of what I am getting into and how to make my way through the crowds.  All in all I saw some great musicians.  Not all of them played my types of music, but all represented their genres well.

I was very impressed by some of the School of Rock kids I saw in the AM.  It made me wonder where the careers of some of the people I knew 'back in the day' would be if they had such an outlet or platform to champion them.  There is one person in particular who stood out.  I was wondering by the BMO Harris stage to see what they had to offer when I heard an amazing voice doing a cover of Jefferson Airplane.  I was very surprised to see someone so young doing a really good Grace Slick

To top it off I saw several young women representing on every instrument.  Actually the girl who was drumming for the Jefferson Airplane set was also amazing, but too hidden by her drum set to get a good shot.  I am hoping that seeing so many young women involved in all areas of music is a good sign of things to come.  (Of course I only saw one woman on the production side-so that will need little improvement too)  Just in case you think I am a little blind I included this gentleman in the School of Rock group.  I did not care for his set but as a group I thought they did an great job.  (And he reminded me of an old friend)

Well Known Strangers

Well you won't find their name on the Johnson Controls line-up for Friday the 8th, but happily they were there.  I'm not sure if they will be on the JC page or not, I haven't checked yet, but if they are give a listen.

Strange Daze

The first Uline Stage offering Thursday (7/7) was Strange Daze.  I will admit I was so into seeing what was at the park and that I didn't give them much time.  What I heard I liked, but they had finished their set by the time I had made a round of the park.  And I should mention- cudos to them for dealing so well with the rain and the early time slot.

Celeste Buckingham Thurs. (7/7)

This girl has amazingly powerful voice and a really impressive range.  Definitely worth a listen if you get a chance.  Check out the Summerfest and Johnson Controls Emerging Artists website

Stolen Rhodes

This is Stolen Rhodes one of the Uline Stage's line up from Weds. and one of my top five for the evening.  I would definitely like to hear more from them.

Since I was not officially shooting for anyone.  I was limited to basically one lens and no camera bag or other gear.   All in all I am pretty happy with the angles I was able to get.  I was in the audience and trying to be as unobtrusive as possible.  No one likes the photographer that prevents you from seeing their favorite artist.

It was nice to just be an audience member watching people who are passionate about their craft.

I am afraid, I all to often fall into symphony mode when listening to music-shutting my eyes and just listening- instead of really trying to watch the passion and conviction that is being poured out.

This is probably my favorite photo of the set.  The exposure is a little off, but I love the fact that you can see some of the audience in his glasses.

Thanks for a great evening guys!!

So, I was going to continue my wander around town and tell you a little more about the wonderful architecture here, but we had storm at sunset the other night and thought I would share that instead.  I had just finished a meet and greet for the lead singer of the GooGoo Dolls, only to walk out of work to live music in the park and a storm brewing.  Enjoy

Looking Up I

As many of you may know I love looking up.  I find some of the most amazing things in my city that way.  It makes me wonder how many people actauly look up at the artwork around them.  There are a few building here in Milwaukee that have their stonework all the way to the ground floor, and so capture your attention more so, then the ones that only have their cornices in place.  But if you're wandering downtown here are some of the things you may spy on your travels