Summer Concerts : Cabernet Cabaret

August 5, 2014

Summer concerts are much more than just Lollapalooza. Smaller local events like Arranmore Arts’ Cabernet Cabaret offer a beautiful setting, a friendly audience, and a great evening of family-friendly music and dancing.

It’s a one time show with a fun theme and you can bring your own party complete with food and drinks. For this particular show titled, “Midsummer Night’s Dance Party,” former American Idol contestant, Reed Grimm, serenaded an audience member by surprise just as the night was getting started.

Be sure to check the Cabernet Cabaret schedule if you’re in the Chicago area – see you there!

Street Level-palooza

August 5, 2012

I went for a walk this evening with the intent of using my Polaroid to capture a typical Chicago scene. And I did – easily accomplished at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park.

After meeting this cute couple, I figured it was time to head home.

But with Lollapalooza in town this weekend, it was hard to ignore the masses. So I walked south on Michigan Avenue to see what things were like from the street during this massive music event.

Sometimes, you have to work the event from the gate.

Many pedicabs to cart attendees around the city.

No ticket? Just listen from afar.

Photo Shoot : Moondog J at Villain’s

July 22, 2012

Moondog J is a blues guitarist and vocalist from Australia with a great feel for the style. These photos are from his performance accompanied by drums at Villain’s Bar and Grill in Chicago on Saturday July 21, 2012.

You can catch him for a farewell Chicago performance at Phil McKracken’s in Street Worth, IL on Saturday, August 4. Very nice to meet him and friends at Villain’s! Learn more at www.moondogj.com

Mike Flynn’s Crash Landing at The Montrose Room

May 26, 2012

Mike Flynn’s Crash Landing performed at The Montrose Room May 18, 2012 – what a performance! For me, it was an absolute delight from music to photography. It’s really easy to take wonderful photos of great performers!

Enjoy and catch this group when you can!
– LP

Mike Flynn's Crash Landing — Mike Flynn’s Crash Landing

Larry Coryell Trio at Jazz Showcase

February 25, 2012

Tonight I visited Chicago’s Jazz Showcase in historic Dearborn Station to hear guitarist Larry Coryell with Larry Gray on bass and Paul Wertico on drums.

The show was uplifting and cheerful and that energy was evident on their faces throughout the evening.

Jazz Showcase is a wonderful venue where audience members are fully engaged with the performers. It is an atmosphere where the music is appreciated, but wandering around for photos during the show would be a distraction. From the back of the room at the bar, I had a full view of the stage and sat higher than the main floor tables. I used a fast lens (80-200 f/2.8) for the entire show after shooting a few with my new fisheye (10.5mm f/2.8). It was the perfect way to blend into the background and still get wonderful shots.

Jazz Showcase is a wonderful place to enjoy jazz in Chicago and I’m looking forward to returning soon!