Wow... It has been quite a while since I have updated my busy as hell schedule.
I have been extremely busy with all types of photographic projects lately.
It's a good problem to have.
Well, on February 9th I photographed a couple of bands at the Social for the Orlando Florida Guide.
An opening band named 'Semi-Soul'… A cool funk band with a wonderful pair of vocalists and a horn section that was unexpected.
The vocalists did a wonderful job of playing over each other…somewhat orchestrated.
The next band was 'FunkUs'… Unfortunately they told me that this was their last gig and would be creating another. Fun and groovy they were. It is sad to see this group of musicians' part ways. But everyone seemed OK with it and I wish them well and hope they find their success.
On the 10th of February I photographed Billy Joel at the Amway Arena. He looked good and sounded great. It was great to see him again.
Later that evening I rushed over to Duke's on Lee Road to catch Ambertone. A fantastic band with high energy and heavy tunes to keep you moving. They have a very pro- sound and look forward to seeing more of these guys.
Sunday… the 11th, The State Theater, St. Petersburg… 'Winger'… Yes, the 80's band…
They have penned songs like 'Miles Away' and 'Seventeen.' Well boys and girls, this is a band that proves that even older musicians have more than what it takes to fill a venue on their name alone.
They were well rehearsed and spot on. Hit after hit shot out of the amplification like a "Best of Winger" CD. The vocals were, as usual, more than to be expected. Kip Winger's humor was up to par with changing a lyric line of 'Seventeen' to 'Thirty Five.' It's hard to believe that the song is over 18 years old. It still sounds fresh and new.
We hung out for a while after the show saying hello again and talking about old friends we all new.
My wife, Angella & Kip Winger, after the show.
The new bands that are coming out could learn a lot from these guys. Well written songs, fine musicians, and a talent to include the audience in the show. Bravo!
On March 5th, I photographed Sevendust for their V.I.P. CD Release Party presented by Virgin Entertainment Group at the House of Blues in Orlando. Since this band is one of my daughter's favorites, It was only fair that I ask her if she wanted to be my assistant at the shoot. Well, she said yes…surprise surprise…
She had a wonderful time and found out what it takes to do these shoots. A lot of, get there early, wait, get the passes, wait some more, go over and sign the contract, wait even longer, check over your equipment one last time, wait again, check camera settings, mingle a bit, wait some more, then finally…SHOW TIME!!!
She was a great help that evening and was extremely happy to hang out with the band. My daughter used to live in Atlanta, where Sevendust is from, and they talked about the town, where they lived and what was going on. She had 'L. J.', the singer, call her cousin in Georgia to say hello… She really enjoys making others happy if she has the opportunity.
So I made sure that we got a ton of pictures with them for our own personal memories. It was so nice to see her having such a good time after all the long hours and hard work she put in.
My daughter is the second one from the right in the black shirt.
Ciao for now my friends...
Michael van Gelder
Photographer
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