Keith Urban @ Sommet
WOW! This was a really great opportunity. Keith Urban put together quite a line up for last night’s “All for the Hall” benefit concert for the Country Music Hall of Fame. Keith rocked the house first with “Hit the Ground Running” and followed up with several fan favorites like “Kiss a Girl”, “Stupid Boy”, “Tonight I want to Cry”,”Sweet Thing” and a Dolly Parton song that he says inspired him to make his way into this business…”Coat of Many Colors”. He was on FIRE but it didn’t end there…about a 30 minute break was required to swap out his band for Vince Gill’s band (great time to get in line for a t-shirt!). Then Vince came out (LOVE him..Gary and I got VIP/meet & greets once for a show in Minneapolis) and serenaded his wife, Amy Grant, who was in attendance below us near the floor. Then Vince, his band and Keith sat in on each of the artist’s sets that were performing. I’m not sure what my ’stand-out’ group or moments were but I have to say that the acoustic version of Lady Antebellum’s “I need you now” was really wonderful. And for the record? The final solo of the night, Taylor Swift, was her adorable, charming, sweet self. No disappointments there. All the artists returned to the stage for one final number together (Eric Clapton’s “Lay Down Sally”) but not before Keith and Vince would announce that they wanted to do this all over again next year! The date? October 5th, 2010. See y’all there!…..Hey I AM country! ; )
Keith Urban & Very Special Friends!
I traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to meet up with my friend, Sandi, from DC yesterday. The ultimate mission, outside of getting to spend time with a great friend, is the Keith Urban benefit concert for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum which is located across the street from the Sommet Center, where the event takes place this evening.
The names and the faces that are performing include: (as they are displayed on my shirt!) Keith Urban,Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Faith Hill, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town and Taylor Swift. Pretty impressive! Can’t wait. Section 113, here we come! 
Chicago…The Sequel.
Good morning and welcome to Chicago…the sequel. Well, not really but I was JUST here a few weeks ago for another wedding. Gary and I traveled here yesterday afternoon so I could be safely in place for my wedding today in Lansing (about an hour south of the city with the traffic).
Tiffany & Jason’s ceremony is at 2 but I get to start right here at the hotel at noon! Nice. That NEVER happens! Kimberly, the other photographer is starting out at the Bride’s mother’s home shooting all the ladies getting ready and I will be covering the gents!
I must confess that I love this city. The traffic I could do without making it a place I will avoid like the plague should Chicago win the bid for the 2016 Olympics! :\ That said I just love watching the city come to life in the evening. The buildings are simply gorgeous!
We elected to go, straight away, into the city from O’Hare and on a Friday at 5? No simple task. We found some great parking and set out on foot and tried not to look like tourists! Yet, where do we end up? At Tavern on Rush where Rush & State Street meet. A HUGELY popular spot but it was early and we decided to sit on the street at a tiny table for 2. They enforce a 2 hour limit at the street-side tables as it is a FABulous place to people watch. We stuck to our end of the deal. I will tell you that Tavern on Rush will not make our list of places to hit again. Ordinary food….$100. Hmmm, I think I’d rather hit the Trump International Tower & Hotel again and go sit on their Terrace instead….there’s always Sunday!
Gary will be entertaining himself today as I go off to shoot and we’ll hook up later this evening. Tomorrow we will head back up to Chicago (we splurged with a room at the W on Lakeshore Drive) and we’ll hang in the city all day!
Back to Life.
I returned home yesterday from Chicago. And due to the fact that it is such a short flight (love that!) I just sat and reflected. What I discovered about myself these past 6 days is that I don’t “unplug” enough and it is, indeed, possible. I hadn’t yet calibrated the monitor of my new MacBook Pro so working on images seemed a waste of time and my AT&T coverage in and around the city was so poor that the 3G kept kicking in sucking my battery of power much, much faster than normal…I could nearly watch that little green bar move! All of this just meant that I had to accept the time I was handed and just be ‘present’. What a gift. Ha! Get it? Present…Gift? 
Here, I must share with you that this whole “social media” thing, in my opinion, is here to stay…case in point…yesterday’s “gift”. Now, I had only known Angie Garbot for about 24 hours, to this point, but I had passed on to her the link to this blog so that she could see what I had written about our lunch the day before. She had read that I was still unsure of my plans for the day (see yesterday’s post) and so when she read on Facebook that someone she knew had 2 extra tickets for the Cubs/Sox make up game at Wrigley, she texted me the proposal that I come along. I felt like a little kid. Outdoor baseball (which returns to Minnesota next spring!) between such rivals with a brand new friend! Simply divine. I graciously accepted, Megan assisted me with the Belmont bus know-how and I was on my way. The Cubs lost yesterday to the Sox 5-0 but I didn’t care. Fellowship with a new friend and experiencing all that energy before, during and after the game was just what I needed. Angie and I walked around the area (I got a Cubs shirt, of course) and took random shots of all the crazy fans. Thank you, Angie, for thinking of me and including me in your day. That was so much fun! Prepare yourself for an invitation to come to Minnesota and experience Twins baseball outdoors next summer! I can’t wait to return the blessing.
We met up with Megan after the game as she had a shoot in Hyde Park that afternoon and we stopped off for our free wings at Trader Todd’s…they give you a free order of wings with your Cubs ticket stub on game day.
We parted ways with Angie and drove back into the city to shoot at “the golden hour” (sunset). As we walked along the lake shore we came across a native Chicagoan that was juggling and Megan decided to stop off for a lesson. Thanks Sam for attempting to school my friend in the art of juggling!
The sun set pretty quickly so we lost our “golden” opportunity. We said goodbye to Sam and walked down to the “Beachstro” where we met up with Tom and had a bite. Great to meet Tom, finally. Grabbed a few more shots of the skyline and headed home.
Had an early morning departure so I had called and arranged a cab (off my “around me” ap on my iPhone under “taxi”) to take me to O’Hare. Turns out I actually hired a ‘driver’! A stretch Mercedes pulled up at Megan’s Friday morning and I must say, I might do that again someday…pretty fabulous error on my part! Costly, but FABulous!
Had a lovely reunion with Gary and Boo. So good to be back home. Now, GET ME TO THE STATE FAIR!!!
Last Day in Chicago
Today is my last ‘full’ day in Chicago, I return to Minneapolis tomorrow morning. Megan has a shoot today in the afternoon near Hyde Park and we are trying to determine whether or not I should tag along and hang or stay back and play in the hood and film the Bear on walks around Logan Square. The jury is still out or should I say, still sleeping….
Yesterday, I had such a neat opportunity. Megan and I drove over to WITTS, not far from Logan Square, to meet up with Dawn Davis for lunch. It was a stellar day…sunny & 75 so and we, naturally, opted for the patio out back (ya gotta in the Midwest this time of year ‘cuz it could start snowing anyday!). The bonus was 2 other lovely ladies and fellow photogs were there as well. Angie Garbot and Amy Boyle. The fellowship was wonderful and the food was fantastic. I enjoyed the pulled pork sandwich (big enough to split!) that came with a side of their home made GIANT shells & cheese 
As we sat and solved the worlds problems throughout the meal and plugged the meter out front again to allow for more iced tea and chatting I couldn’t help but feel that this was something that I don’t do nearly enough. Life is busy. Friends are busy. But Life is about Friends so we need to, at times, remove the ‘busy’ and lift up our friends. Plus, like I mentioned, I got the opportunity to make 2 new ones yesterday! We left Witts and walked a block and a 1/2 to Angie’s Studio. She gave us a tour and gave us some history on her business and her space. It was really cool!
From there, the 5 of us walked a bit further to the Starbucks on the corner and grabbed some chairs and whipped out our iPhones and shared our favorite aps! I felt like we were in some sort of A/A meeting…you know…”Applications Anonymous”!
We laughed, shared pet photos and bought some fun aps. “Camera Bag” ($1.99) is now a favorite and notable is “Ocarina” ($0.99). By now we were pushing the dinner hour (woops) and it was time to say our goodbyes. What an absolutely fulfilling afternoon it was. Thank you to Amy, Angie & Dawn for carving out time in your “busy” for Megan and I!
Megan attends Landmark Education Forums and had a meeting last night from 7-10 so I was on my own for the remainder of the day. Grabbed take out with Megan, as she left for her meeting, at Cafe con Leche (Megan rarely eats at home) then the Bear and I went for a walk and I watched old sitcoms. I talked to Gary and that just made me miss him & Boo. I’m looking forward to the reunion! By this time tomorrow, I’ll be in a cab on my way to the airport.
My kind of town, Chicago is…
Yesterday, after a leisurely morning, we came to the conclusion that it was time to consider lunch. “Kuma’s”, famous for burgers and recently written up in the Chicago Tribune, seemed a good choice so Megan & I went to check it out. In my opinion, I felt it was a bit “over rated”. Now I certainly don’t claim to be a food critic, by any means, but as I poured over the many choices of “toppings” I knew that this was not going to be my favorite meal of the trip (case in point, Megan ordered the “Kuma” which was adorned with a fried egg!) not to mention that at nearly 1:30 there was a line at the door to be seated. This place is smaller than Runion’s (in Mpls). The kitchen, positioned in the back corner, was tiny…it was just big enough for the 3 cooks to spin around as they flipped peoples lunch selections. Kuma’s has a sweet little patio out back that you can see from the street as you walk by and we spotted several picnic tables that were open so we thought we would just grab one of those. Oh no, that was not to be…”those are reserved for parties of 4 or more.” SERiously. So we stood in this LOUD, metal rock, claustrophobic “eatery” until Megan spotted a couple that was waiting as well. “Should we ask them if they’d join us so that we can grab one of the tables out back?”…They agree and we dined outside with Brian (musician) and Alexa (PR). I will say this…the company FAR outweighed the food! Brian’s band, “Oh My God“, will be playing at the Uptown Bar next Thursday (Sept 10th), in Minneapolis! Cool! Here’s some shots from Kuma’s…and if you are a burger enthusiast, this is your place!
From there we headed downtown around 3 to take the Wendell Riverboat Architecture Tour of Chicago. We attempted to make the 3:45 but our ticket wouldn’t allow us so we ran around and killed an hour or so and made the 5:15. The light couldn’t have been better, I’m glad we had to postpone our departure. I must say that this was an amazing hour spent here in Chicago. The tour ($22 for adults) was worth every penny. Just remember to pack your camera and bring a cool lens! I elected to bring along my Canon 15mm fisheye..FABulous call! I have way too many images to put up but here are a few of my faves…and don’t ask what they are cuz I don’t remember them all. Our tour guide, Frank was aMAZing!
Then, of course, I had Megan take me to Millennium Park to see “The Bean“!
Then we hit the Billy Goat Tavern under Michigan Ave for a “Cheezeborger, Cheezeborger”! And had a little paparazzi fun…tourist.
Then it was off to Trump International Hotel & Tower. I told Megan that “I TOTALLY have to have cocktail up on the terrace!” so up we went. Truly spectacular views from up there! Jordan Cabernet..$29… a GLASS!!!
We found someone willing to take a shot of the two of us….which was nice!
What a great day! Thanks, Megan.
The Windy City!
Okay, so here I am in Chicago, staying with my good friend, Megan. She’s shooting a wedding today so I haven’t actually seen her yet but that hasn’t stopped me. I foraged around town for a bite to eat for dinner and now I’m raiding her movie drawer. I’ve reacquainted myself with Healy & Sawyer and tapped into her WiFi so I guess I’m officially a guest. A couple of months ago, Megan invited me to travel down to shoot a wedding with her tomorrow (Sunday) and I jumped at the opportunity. I didn’t want to “wish the summer away” but, here we are, the week leading up to Labor Day in the midwest…CRAZY! Time does, indeed, fly!
Sawyer, aka “The Bear” was soooo excited when I came through the door. I’m pretty sure it was because I had the power to let him out! I wasn’t ready to let him go until I got my “cat fix”….
More tomorrow….
Lunch with John Sather.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of getting together with John Sather of Here’s Life Inner City to discuss all sorts of stuff.
First, we had to catch up! John has had me come along side his foundation and others for the past, oh…I’d say at least 5 years.
Fund raisers, sporting events, Campus Crusade rallies, Food Drives, Lens Crafters event for inner city kids…all awesome events!
I adore John and his drive for community. It’s infectious!
Well, John recommended that we meet at a favorite neighborhood restaurant of his, Cafe Ena, on 46th & Grand in Minneapolis.
Wow! What a great find! Tucked back a few blocks west of 35 W. Menu is simple and delicious. The Ower and Executive Chef is Hector Ruiz
Rosanne Cash @ Dakota.
WOW! First of all, we get there and we are sitting at a table right in front of the stage. Second, we had dinner there (and the food was outSTANDING!). Third, to my surprise, they allowed photography…no flash. duh. Didn’t know we’d be able to but brought our cameras along anyway, just in case. I debated…do I bring the 50 1.4 or the 85 1.8? I brought the 85. Tonight, as Sandi purchased tickets for both shows back in April, I will bring the 50. Tonight, our seats are to Rosanne’s left think a little wider might be nice.
(all shot with a Canon 1D Mark 3 and the 85 1.8)
Here’s what the Star Tribune had to say about last night’s performance.
This really is a terrific place to see an artist up close and personal. I will watch for future gigs and hit the Dakota more often!
Thanks, Sandi, for recommending it and coming to Minneapolis to share it with me (all the way from DC!).
Seems you never really know what’s in your own back yard until someone comes from out of town to enlighten you! Sandi loves Rosanne Cash and now…so do I! Watch for her new CD,”The List”, to drop October 6th. I know I’m looking forward to it!
Same Sex Marriage In Iowa.
Today, as I was preparing for a wedding that I’m
shooting here in Minneapolis, Gary was preparing for
a trip down to Iowa to be a witness at his very best
friend’s (Jimbo) sister’s (Suzie) wedding.
Are ya with me so far?
Due to the fact that same sex marriages are now legal
in the state of Iowa, Suzie & Mary decided to go for it!
Suzie and Mary, long time partners, will tie the knot
in Des Moines, Iowa in a 15 minute ceremony later today
(first things first…Gary and Jimbo will golf down there
today!). SHOCKER!
I was so disappointed to learn that they would have
the ceremony today of all days. I really wanted to be
there. These are some great people and I would have
loved to be there to witness the joy…not to mention
a little history in the making.
Congratulations Suzie & Mary on this very momentous
occasion!
