Boris and Melvins at Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, California on August 24, 2023


I really enjoy The Melvins. They are just a great group of guys who are super fun to shoot. This was my second time covering Melvins, but my first time covering Boris. Honestly, I had not even heard of Boris before because, well, as hard as I try to keep up with all the amazingly awesome bands out there, there are just so many. I often have to rely on my friends for recommendations of their favorite bands. Sometimes, like with Boris, I ask one or two people whose opinions mean everything to me when it comes to music if a group is worth putting on pants for. It's very rare that I would say No to a show, but it has happened. Once this person told me to go for it, I knew I was in store for a phenomenal night. They have never been wrong and this night was not the night that they sadly were. 

What I especially loved about this night was that nothing went wrong. I went, enjoyed some nachos, shot two amazing bands and went home. It was perfect and I could not have hoped for such a wonderful night.

​You can read my review here.

​Melvins

Boris

Disturbed with Breaking Benjamin and Jinjer at Pacific Amphitheater in Irvine, California on July 20, 2023


Disturbed is one of my all time favorite bands in the world. I love them and I absolutely love David Draiman. The first time I saw them live was for The Sickness tour waaaaaaaay back in the day. I was so young back them. David Draiman was, and remains, the single most charismatic frontman I have ever seen. 

When I got the approval to shoot this show, I cried a little. I'm not ashamed. This was also the first show that I almost had a literal fan girl moment. Every second closer to the show, the more my excitement and anxiety and happiness took over. Thankfully, I am a professional, (ish) and I was able to put all that stuff away and get the job done.

This is just one of those shows that I will never fully be able to believe that I actually got to shoot. Sometimes I still can't believe my life.

Sadly, this was the last show that I will ever shoot at Fivepoint Amphitheater, as they are closing after this concert season. 

​You can read my review here while I stare at my photos and try to convince myself that I was, in fact, the person who took them. 

​Jinjer

​Breaking Benjamin

Disturbed

Placebo at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles, California on May 11, 2023


This was one of the happiest nights for me. I had them in my calendar for getting permission from an editor to request a pass from the band's people but before I could send that email, Placebo's publicist emailed me asking if I wanted to cover them. That was one of the easiest YESes I have ever uttered in my life!!! 

This show was supposed to happen in 2022, but sadly the band encountered issues with their visas and the show had to be postponed. I am just so happy it actually happened. As was my 12th grade English teacher who was also at this show with his family. He's awesome and such a good person. I am grateful to have been in his class. 

​You can read my review here.

John Mellencamp at Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California on March 22, 2023


This was a dream come true for me! I have been listening to Mellencamp since I was a baby. Thank you for that, mommy. Pink Houses and Jack Diane and so many others that I can't even think of because I am still excited, have been staples in my playlists for as long as playlists were a thing. 

This was my first time shooting at Dolby Theater. That place is crazy! The parking garage is 867 levels below the surface of the Earth and you have to take 5,274 tiny escalators to the ground level. But, somehow, it felt like there was daylight in that garage. It was totally insanity. I felt like I was in some bizzaro world! Then, walking around the complex was overwhelming. Shops and restaurants and little holes in the wall where you can still your head in and ramen pops out. Then food trucks on the street and people just coming at you left and right. It was a lot for me. 

When the time came, I waited for the escort in the security room. I walked in and BAM! Lovely Alex was there. I always enjoy shooting with him. 

This show was everything that I wanted it to be. The band was extraordinary and John Mellencamp is as Americana as any one person can be. For one song, he brings his young grandchildren on stage to sing with him, and the second they leave the stage, he lights up a cigarette. There was nothing complicated or subtle about this show. He is unapologetically  John Mellencamp and that is exactly what you get. Nothing more, nothing less. 

The Acacia Strain at The Observatory in Santa Ana, California on March 20, 2023

Fit For A King at Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, California on February 18, 2023

Larkin Poe at The Fonda in Hollywood, California on February 11, 2023

The Piano Guys at Terrace Theater in Long Beach, California on February 8, 2023

Bush at Hollywood Palladium on January 29, 2023

Barns Courtney at El Rey in Los Angeles, California on November 8, 2022