The St. Antoine Family

I recently got to catch up again with the beautiful St. Antoine family in their very own backyard. It's always fun to run around with their two little girls (who aren't so little anymore!) and watch these two sisters make each other laugh, vie for Daddy's attention, and share treats. It's a true reminder of why I love what I do.

I Like It Like That

In honor of the American Music Awards, which aired last night, I wanted to put the spotlight on the AMA's BEST NEW ARTIST, Hot Chelle Rae.

I had the pleasure of seeing HCR open for The Script recently. If you're like me, when the opening act takes the stage you're thinking, "Who are these clowns? Please hurry through your obligatory 45 minute set so I can see the main act." On the contrary with these clowns. Sure, I had heard their catchy tune "Tonight, Tonight" on the radio and sung along, but I had no idea they were more than just a one-hit wonder. They took the stage with such energy that I wanted more and felt like I got two concerts for the price of one that night. I was giddy as I left the venue as a Hot Chelle Rae fan.

Congratulations to Ryan and the boys on this very much deserved win.

You Don't Know Nothin' About This

Anyone who knows me knows that I love music. Is it any wonder I'm dating a musician? When my Mom learned my new boyfriend was a singer/songwriter/guitarist, her exact words were, "He's a musician? Of course he is." Although I don't think it would have made a difference what he did for a living, as I believe my Mom would have preferred I only dated doctors and lawyers.

I love going to concerts, I love being front row, and I love meeting the artist or band.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not lifting my top for the drummer or going and getting high with the roadies or anything.  I just genuinely love to meet the people who make the music I love.  Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to personally thank the folks, continuously looping on my iPod, for singing my favorite songs.  Shaking hands with Otis Williams of The Temptations was probably the highlight...although I'm not sure he heard me when I thanked him for "being the glue" that held the band together.  I got a puzzled look as he shook my hand and left the stage. He certainly won't remember me, but I'll always remember him and that moment.

Recently I was given the opportunity to photograph Marc Broussard for Official Fan Club.net at The Culture Room in Ft. Lauderdale. Marc has been one of my favorite artists for several years now and, having never seen him live, my knees were literally about to buckle as I planted myself against the stage. The show was electric, there's no other way to describe it. Well, I think I also called it "Louisiana Swamp Sexy". If you're not familiar with Marc's music, I suggest you check him out. Personally, 'Carencro' is my favorite album. If you listen to nothing else, wrap your ears around "Home".

I got to meet Marc after the show and thank him for being one of my favorite music makers. Sadly, I think my nerves caught up with me on this one, as I nervously asked him if he thought the Saints would be in the Super Bowl this year. Was that the best I had?!? I'm reminded of the scene in Dirty Dancing where Jennifer Grey's character meets Patrick Swayze's "Johnny" for the first time and remarks, "I carried a watermelon." She later kicks herself for the vapid introduction. Thankfully, as I mentioned earlier about Otis Williams, he won't remember me...but I'll forever be haunted by my awkward introduction to someone I admire dearly.

And, so, bucket list item #24 (Be "in the pit" as a photographer for a national act) has been crossed off the list:

A very special thanks to Sally Rosen of Official Fan Club.net for the opportunity to photograph one of my favorite artists.  You can read her review of the show at OfficialFanClub.net