The Deathstar

 

 

The Long Island guys from "The World We Knew" performed at the Deathstar located in Downtown Provo as a part of the "Spring Fling Tour" on March 31st, 2011.  The Deathstar has recently entered the downtown Provo music scene, sandwiching itself between the known Velour and Muse Venues. The sign on the building reads Legion but what many have yet to discover is the overlooked music scene found behind it's doors. I was on assignment to photograph small music venues and during my research came across the Deathstar. On my way to photograph the venue, I stopped to take a few exterior shots only to run into Tyler, the manager of the venue. As I chatted with Tyler, he invited me to come in and check out the show. I've been to a ton of concerts during my college years, but I must admit I have never attended a metal concert. Upon entering the Deathstar, I found an assortment of colorful friendly faces that just wanted to have a good time. I was really impressed with "The World We Knew" and they're great interaction with the audience. One of the greatest things that I love about small venues is the humility the bands have and gratitude they have for their fans. I guess one could say that there is an even playing field and an atmosphere mimicking friends just goofing off.

To Check out "The World We Knew"  please click here.

A BIG THANKS to The Deathstar, Tyler and "The World We Knew" for allowing me to photograph.

A Splash of the 70's

I was working on some work for a collaborative art show that my department is creating. The concept was fooling around Provo. Everyone was given an assignment to create a piece of art work based of a random section of Provo they were given. My area (#29) ranged from 300N - 300S and 500E - 900E. So early one morning I drove/walked around my plot of land photographing. I strolled passed this run down laundry mat. The frame of the sign was barely standing and power lines crossed back and forth. The inside of the store was vacant, containing only the shells of the laundry machines. It may be a barren sight to most but I loved it. I may not be a fan of the plain exterior but inside was a colorful treasure trove. The machines were a bright orange color accented by the greenish geometric wallpaper. I've recently had a slight obsession with the weird green and orange tones of the 70's, so this explains my adoration for this old laundry mat.

Musican @ F Uptown Platform @ Broadway & Lafayette

A continuation of my Subway Musicians Project. 

My experience with the Accordion Man playing on the F line Uptown Platform at Broadway and Lafayette. March Tenth I spent the evening riding the subway lines all over Manhattan on a hunt for Subway Musicians. I had just walked down the steps to the platform and discovered a treasure playing in front of me. With a beanie on his head and sitting on a type of case the man continued to play. There is something about the sound of an accordion that just makes me smile. I began to capture a few images placed a bill in the man's red bucket and continued to photograph.

Like so many of the musicians I photographed in NYC. I do not know this man's name, where he is from or the trials he has faced. But I like to think that I might know. I'd like to think that this  man comes from a large Italian family that is surrounded with love. This accordion man may play in the subway terminals for a few extra dollars but unlike some I believe he really does enjoy it. During the time I spent with this man he never spoke a word. Instead he wore a soft smile on his face and his tender eyes followed me as I photographed. As I left I said Thank You, he gave me a courteous nod and then I departed.

    

 Thank You Musician at Broadway and Lafayette!