I didn't know much about The-Dream before going to shoot him, just that he is obviously hip to SEO. While at the gig I found out that he co-wrote Rhianna's "Umbrella" and other R&B hits. He is currently touring behind his second album. I'm generally not a fan of producers turned singers, but he was pretty good. His set included a great cover of Michael Jackson's "Dirty Diana." For more, see J. Freedom Du Laq's review in the Washington Post.
This was the fourth or fifth time I've had the pleasure of shooting The National and also the most frustrating. Musically it was amazing - it was nice to see the band again and get reaquianted with their excellent album Boxer - but visually it left a lot to be desired. I was excited to see that there was a photo pit but the three songs we got for our time up front were slow and brooding, and as a result, the lighting was dim and moody. It wasn't until the sixth or seventh song that the band loosened up a bit and gave the crowd the show they wanted. See more photos after the jump an over on Washingtonpost.com.
Continue reading "[Photos] The National @ 9:30 Club "...
It was a shame I only got to stay for three songs, but even in that short time I could see why everyone considers Springsteen a "must see." "Badlands," the first song of the night, was incredible. See more photos and read Chris Klimek's ace review over on DCist. More photos after the jump.
Continue reading "[Photos] Bruce Springsteen @ Verizon Center"...
As shot for Washingtonpost.com. Dan Deacon's music does nothing for me, but his shows are always interesting. Last summer a friend described Deacon as "the best camp counselor ever," an apt description. He does an unprecedented job of involving the audience in the show, and they always respond in kind. Can't wait for Whartscape this summer.
Openers Future Islands, straight out of Greenville, NC, have improved by leaps and bounds since I first saw them two years ago. They have this indie-disco thing down pat by now.
Note to self: never go see Deacon again without your flash in your bag.
As shot for DCist.
Continue reading "[Photos] Night at the Museum 2 Premiere"...
