I present to you Bennett! I’ve seen Bennett around town (very tall and hard to miss), but I have never seen them perform live. Thankfully, they were one of the many talented bands at the Gonerfest 21 lineup, so I made sure to get front and center with the wide-angle lens (again, very tall) and take in the performance. When I saw the GE AM/FM radio strapped on their shoulder, I knew we were all in for a good time. So grateful to @gonerfest for allowing me to photograph this amazing weekend. It’s hands down my favorite music event of the year.
Tennessee Screamers at Bark DKDC
Finally got to celebrate Thanksgiving Screamsgiving with the ones I love, the Tennessee Screamers. Made up of local legends Jessie Davis, Graham Winchester, Keith Cooper and Frank McLellan, I first heard them way back at Wiseacre OG on Dolly Parton’s birthday covering Jolene and have been a fan ever since. It’s hard making it out to late shows nowadays (I’m old), but always worth it to stay up late with the Tennessee Screamers! Speaking of legends quick shout out to Bar DKDC for being the best place to see live music in the city.
Dispatches from Riverbeat - Matt and Kim
I've been a fan of this band since their 2006 self-titled debut and their live shows NEVER disappoint. This was the #1 band I had on my list to photograph due to their awesome live shows. I was into it, the crowd was especially into it and got some great stuff. Kim has one of the best drummer faces ever. Still going strong 18 years later!
Totality in Rural Arkansas
I’ve seen solar eclipses before but never totality so decided to drive a few hours west to Arkansas to check it out.
Originally, I planned to stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Lonoke, Arkansas, and watch the eclipse from a nearby field. However, a few days before departing, I checked the totality map and realized it showed only 97% coverage instead of the full 100%. That Sunday night, I began searching for a location within the path of totality and found Cabot, Arkansas, just 20 minutes north of Lonoke. Even better, I discovered an EV charging station in a parking lot adjacent to a police station there. This was perfect as it allowed me to keep my dog, Rosco comfortable in the air-conditioned car while I prepared for the eclipse experience.
Cabot was cool! Fire Station and a railroad right next door. Some of my favorites!
The two minutes and twenty-seven seconds of totality were breathtaking. A profound silence enveloped the area just before and after the event, while the unique quality of light and the utter stillness of my surroundings left a lasting impression on me."
So I am now a Total Totality Junkie (TM) . Already planning on maybe going to Spain in 2026 to check out the next one!
The Hypos at Southern Grooves Studio
The Hypos, a new band featuring Greg Cartwright among others blessed us with a performance at the wonderful Southern Grooves studio at Crosstown Concourse.