The History of Pittsburgh Jazz: A Short Film

After immersing myself in the Pittsburgh music scene over the past few months, I have decided to embark on a new journey- making a short film surrounding the history of jazz and blues in Pittsburgh and what the scene is transforming into today.

Many outsiders may not know that years ago, Pittsburgh was the mecca for jazz. National artists like Lena Horne could have practically called the Iron City their second home, and many local musicians like Earl "Fatha" Hines and Billy Strayhorn brought the jazz sound to a whole different level.

In 2012, fresh faces are emerging like trumpeter Sean Jones and saxophonist Chelsea Baratz, who began her career in Pittsburgh and whose success led her to moving to New York City. From Black Coffee to Tarra Layne, Jessica Lee and Steel Town Soul, this city is filled with incredible, young talent, inspired by the greats that came before them. This town is overflowing with those greats (Nelson Harrison, Roger Humphries and more) and it is my mission to document the best of the business.

With your help, I can make this happen. In a few weeks, I will be launching a Kickstarter campaign accompanied by a short promo video, giving you an idea of the direction I would like to take this film. I hope you can take the journey with me.

Peace and love.

New Year, New Gear

It's March and this year is going way too fast. I've embarked on a new venture of creating multimedia packages to promote local bands (check it: Bands of the Burgh) and have so many shoots lined up. Concerts, studio performances, weddings, engagements...it's taken a long time, but things are finally looking up.

Along with all of these changes and opportunities, it is time for new equipment. I just purchased the 25-70mm f2.8, which I am stoked to start using for video! Of course, a lady has to have a sick camera bag and I found the one. Check out Porteen Gear if you're looking for a bag. These beautiful bags are handmade by a photographer (Robyn Porteen) using gorgeous fabrics and leather. I just purchased this little nugget and I can't wait to put everything to use!

Occupy the Burgh

So two weekends ago, I attended the Occupy Pittsburgh protest. With my cardboard sign that fit perfectly around my camera lens, I pulled double-duty as protester and photographer. In the beginning, we were a small group at the top of Uptown but as we began to march, I looked back and saw a sea of people. As it turns out, we had a crowd of around 2,000, the same as Chicago! Although I cannot be downtown at the campsite due to my crazy work schedule (oddly enough, I am still a part of the 99% despite my working three jobs...yay, America!), I drove past the site the other day and saw a cluster of tents! I am hoping this movement gets on its feet and makes a real change in this country's policies.

In the meantime, check out some of the photos from the rally.

Senior Photo Time

So, it was time for Jessie's senior pics (can't believe she's already a senior) and we headed out to the Cowdens' farm for the shoot. Train tracks, barns and trees...some of my favorite props! She was by far one of the most laid-back seniors I've had, along with her brother, so the session was a breeze. I'm thrilled about what we got and I hope she is too!

Free Hugs...With Some Djembe on the Side

So I stumbled upon a peaceful gathering today while killing time in Schenley Park. After a few minutes of me staring at the circle of love happening in front of me, I realized this seemed familiar... While doing some bodypainting at the All Good Music Festival in July (yes, that's right), I ran into a girl from Pittsburgh who was telling me about an event she was organizing that was going to take place on August 14. It totally slipped my mind until today when I found myself in the middle of it all.

While I've been dealing with more stress than I thought possible over the past month, it was refreshing to be a part of this event today, even if it was for just a few moments. The mysterious figure I spy at every festival I attend, Gregory, was there with his "Free Hugs" t-shirt and mentality. Along with him were dreadlocked brothers and sisters playing djembes and dancing wildly in the grass. Even a snake made its way into the fun.

If this isn't peace, love and happiness, then I don't know what is.

Free hugs with Gregory!

It's All Good!!!

After several years of attempts, I finally made it to the All Good Music Festival in West Virginia! Was it what I expected? Absolutely not...it was better. I don't know how many thousands of people were there, but from the top of the hill, it looked like a swarm of bees. Beautiful, half-naked bees. Good vibes were everywhere to be found along with body paint, dogs, Indian headdresses, hula hoops and tie dye.

The night shows were breathtaking as we watched from the top of the hill where you could feel the vibrations of the music and the energy of the people. Neon lights took over my eyes as jam bands like Primus, Papadosio and Orgone rocked it out. Strange glow-in-the-dark contraptions like a large jellyfish and a dragon bopped around the crowd and fire lanterns were launched into the sky throughout the night.

I discovered so many new and incredible bands and saw some familiar ones as well (yes, Dana Fuchs). Watching everyone dance wildly to the music with no inhibitions made me smile more than I thought possible and made me realize that it is really all good. Unfortunately, the weekend had to come to an end and as I woke up Sunday morning, I found myself covered in dirt and burnt to a crisp. On the drive home, I wondered if it was worth the lack of sleep, the peeling my skin will experience in the next few days, and the long shower I would have to take once I crawled back into my apartment.

What a silly question I asked myself :)

Pride in the Streets!

Pridefest took over the streets of Pittsburgh once again yesterday as thousands of people celebrated gay pride. These celebrations almost remind me of Nelson Ledges where nothing is out of the question and anything goes! There is so much energy at these parades and I wish every parade was like that. I don't think I have to say much else...the photos speak for themselves :)

Happy pride!