Miranda Lambert at Wolfdance

Miranda Lambert
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

Miranda Lambert headlined Wolf Dance 2008 this year, and I actually didn't think we'd cover this since we just covered her a month ago. But to my surprised I got asked to cover it and my response was I'd love to.

The more I get to see and cover this girl the more I like her. She brings it with a ton of energy and rocks out. Last go round I got to watch more of the show. But since deadline was a bit tighter this go round and I had to walk like a billion blocks to get to it back and forth that ate up some time.

A really cool thing was that she changed up the set list from the last time I shot her. And this time I got to shoot for the first 3 not just first 2.

So the first three songs were

Guilty In Here
What About Georgia
New Strings

the rest of what I got to hear while I was packing up then treking back was.

Famous In A Small Town
Traveling Band
Easy From Now On

And the rest of the set list thanks the Miranda fans

Down
Take It Out on Me
Bring Me down
Down
Crazy Ex Girlfriend
Desperation
Me And Charlie
Cant be Bothered
Dry Town
Getting Ready
Gun Powder and Lead
Stay with Me
Kerosene

Ok Well here are some more shots from the show. Lighting was like really odd. They had spotters, but they had the spots turned down lower than they had the front stage lights. So When Ran was at the Microphone the front stage lights would blow out the shots. Then the second she'd move back from the mic would have to throw the shutter speed down a couple notches. I know this isn't a common deal with her its just a per event basis at radio shows and what not. The spotters should have cranked it up a little more though and toned down on the fronts.

Another random not is I love the shots with the green light behind her. I just like how they turned out.




Ok lastly congrats to Miranda on winning best album at the ACM's.

Ok that's all for now folks.

Tanya Tucker

Tanya Tucker
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

Shot Tanya Tucker Saturday at Billy Bob's. The lighting wasn't bad. It varies so greatly there dependent on artist. But most the time it's atleast descent as it was that night. I'm almost always able to shoot at 1600 or below which is always good.

Tanya was pretty good. She's sorta a big deal in country music and all. Her act was really choreographed and what not. And I'm ok with that. I do like a little spontaneity in my musicians though.

Anyway here are a few shots. Sorry I'm a tad bit short for words on this one. I didnt stay too long I shot till my card was full which was about 5 songs then I left.



Miranda shots coming up.

Rachel

Radiohead

Radiohead
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

Ok I just realized I've had these up on flickr for days and have yet to blog about this show from over a week ago. BLONDE! In my defense I am like a dirty blondish shade of hair color.

But I got to shoot what seems to be the coveted Radiohead show. It was the last one on the first leg of the US Tour as well. And very very sold out. I feel kinda bad because I'm so unappreciative of them too. Like I get that they are good music but I just dont get it. But atleast I know I'm unappreciative of some good music. Other good music I'm totally appreciative of.

So technicalities of the show. They dont use spotlights. Now I'm ok with just stage lighting. It's tougher but this is where most live music shooters get started is under crap lighting conditions. But man those back lights were bright sometimes. So it was crappy light and great light all at the same time. Their lighting was an oxymoron! They had these really cool lights that came down and glowed and stuff which they only used during the 3rd song and after unfortunately. We shot first 3. Typical.

I still got some pretty descent stuff when I was expecting to get crap. On Youtube there's a hilarious video from this show from "Exit Music" of Thom kinda scolding a guy that hollered out. About all I could make out was "Oh you're a funny guy aren't you?"

Ok here's some shots



You know when I think of Radiohead I think of the episode of Southpark where Cartman writes a letter saying some kid is dying and loves Radiohead. And its all an elaborate plan to embarrass that kid. That episode is so ridiculous.

Ok so random but yay David Cook won Idol. Now I pray they dont make him release some piece of crap album and let him be artistic because obviously the guy is. He's the only one who really changed up the music on his songs this year.

In other randomness there's a really weird Alanis Morisette video on right now.

Ok enough of the Randomness! I shot Leslie Jordan tonight. It was hilarious.

Rachel

Alicia Keys at Nokia Theatre

Alicia Keys
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So a week ago I got to shoot the Alicia Keys tour. And I have to say that the lighting was great. We were incredibly well informed before the show started. Which is always helpful to know what to expect. Shout out to the tour publicist. Ha. We got to shoot the first two. Both in which Alicia was up and dancing around for.

And frankly alot of critics keep busting her for that. But I think she just wants to get out from behind the piano for a few songs, and that should be Ok. Diversity in a show isn't a bad thing, and Alicia has already proven she is a talented musician behind the piano. To criticize Alicia for getting out from behind the piano is almost like criticizing Madonna for getting behind a guitar during her shows.

While out in the hall editing my shots I got to hear a good deal of the show and she sounded great. I caught myself singing along to some of the songs I knew.

Anyway here are some of the shots



Ok well I should have Radiohead up sometime in the near future. I'm having Kidd Kraddick withdrawls. Not because they just havn't had any guests in like a week, just cause I haven't seen the wonderful folks that work there in like a week.

Ok that's all
Rachel

Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So Tuesday Jordin Sparks was in studio at Kidd Kraddick and she was so nice it was ridiculous. I have no bad things to say about her. She took the time to introduce herself to even me the unimportant girl with the camera.

There's been all this drama surrounding her about having to go on vocal rest. But she sounded great. No signs of anything wrong with vocals. During one of the breaks she was saying she only liked green gummy bears and same thing with only liking pink and red starburst.

During that same break I had a friend ask me to bring it up so I asked her about Idol Forums where she was a frequent poster before she was even on idol, and she still posts there now even. She funnily enough said she checked it that morning. And I think its kind of cool that a big fan of the show won the show. But now I have this vision in my head of Jordin waking up in the morning and first thing checking the Idol forums. She also said she was sad to be passing the idol crown. Then I proceeded to talk about how I'm pulling for David Cook especially after his performance Mariah Carey week. And she said she really liked his Billie Jean performance. She also mentioned she was sad Michael Johns got kicked off.

I dont normally get pictures with the artist but I definitely got one with her as did like everyone there. And after it she said something about writing a song (BLANK) is for lovers. I forgot what the Blank was. But she said something cause I was wearing a Texas is for Lovers shirt on. And now I feel bad for forgetting.

But Jordin was so nice. And sounded great. I know I say alot of folks are nice because they are but man she's definitely up near the top of the list for niceness.

Here's a few pics, more at http://kiddlive.com on the main page or under stuff you missed.


Ok now if only I can get through the Alicia Keys shots then I'll be mostly caught up.

Rachel

Simple Plan at the Palladium

Simple Plan
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So I lucked out last monday and got to shoot the Simple Plan show. And I have nothing but great things to say about these guys. I can honestly see why a friend of mine loves them so much. Makes you want too move to Canada if everyone is this nice, well if it wasn't so cold.

The lighting wasnt amazing but it wasnt bad either. It was just all over the place so I tried my best to keep up. And this band moves around alot. I almost too a Bass to the face! One of the security guys I see at alot of events was laughing at me when I did this almost sort of limbo matrix move to dodge it. My best shots are of Jeff. The lighting by him was phenomenal.

The band and crowd definitely was all about the interaction. Pierre got up close by jumping into the pit area and got the crowd clapping, singing, and waving along with him. And David was quite chatty and pretty funny.

Set List:
Generation
Take My Hand
Shut Up!
Jump
When I'm Gone
Addicted
The End
Me Against the World
Your Love Is a Lie
Time to Say Goodbye
I Can Wait Forever
Thank You
Welcome to My Life
I'd Do Anything
What If
Untitled
God Must Hate Me
Crazy
Perfect

and some more shots





Ok so I have some Jordin stuff from Kidd Kraddick to put up. Then hopefully I can get the Alicia Keys stuff done!

Rachel

Simple Plan & Ferras

Simple Plan
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So Monday at Kidd Kraddick Simple Plan and Ferras were both in studio to perform.

To your right you will see Simple Plan busting out their New Kids on the Block moves, and actually a surprising amount of New Kids knowledge. BUT funny enough later that day after their show in Dallas Pierre was saying how he loved the New Kids back in the day, but hey didnt everyone. They were a really good interview and their songs sounded great acoustically. They went outside and mingled with the fans afterwards. Really nice and fun guys.

After Simple Plan, Ferras was in studio. For those of you that dont know, he has the Hollywood's Not America song. I think his style is kind of a young elton john vibe. And he was also really nice. Talented singer songwriter, so I'm hoping for good things for him.

Here are some shots, more at http://www.kiddlive.com on the homepage, and if not there, then under the "Stuff you missed" link

Simple Plan:



Ferras:


More Simple Plan coming, From the show that night! Then Jordin Sparks at Kidd Kraddick, and Alicia Keys.

Dolly Parton at Nokia Theatre

Dolly Parton
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So Dolly had the last stop of her Backwoods Barbie Tour at Nokia Theatre on Sunday night. It was from the soundboard which sucks but you deal with it.

One surprising thing was she had an intermission and no opening act. I only know this because I edit and transmit on location, and while I was doing that I could hear the show.

She was quite chatty and funny though. Talking to the audience, she told one girl who was dressed similar. that they both bought the same sparkly dress from walmart. And stated that it took alot of cash for her to look like trash.

Here's a few more shots


So simple plan ad more to come!
Rachel

Gavin Degraw at Taste Addison

Gavin Degraw
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So the amazing Gavin Degraw played the Taste of Addison last friday. And I've seen him several times before and he always puts on a great show. Even at outdoor festivals he tries to make it intimate. Jumping off stage to touch everyone in the front row and run down the middle area that lead to where the soundboard was. So not only is he entertaining but incredibly talented. One heck of a singer songwriter. I just find myself enamored when I watch him. Plus his piano is now sparkly so my eyes are drawn in that direction!

Ok so I have to admit, I didnt think I was going to get to shoot this. I just lucked out majorly since I was there with the Kidd Kraddick folks to shoot Freddy's set. And I got lucky cause after that I had backstage access which isnt as glamorous as you'd think. But there was a VIP tent that had free drinks. Yay for free drinks!

So I shot the first two songs with the other photographer whom I've shot with on a few other occasions. And then I put my camera away and sat down on the grass infront of the barricade and watched his set. After a couple songs Kidd Kraddick and Carmen from I-Nine came down and sat behind me and were watching too. Carmen was grooving to "Cheated on Me."

I have to admit I was sad he didnt sing "She holds the Key" or "Untamed" and off the old album I would have liked to have heard "Meaning" since its my favorite track off that one.

Here is the set list to the best of my memory

Crush
Just Friends
Follow Through
Next to You
Chemical Party/Proud Mary
Cheated on Me
Cop Stop
We Belong Together
In Love With A Girl
Never the Same
Lets Get It On/Sexual Healing
I Have You to Thank
Nice to Meet You Anyway
I Dont Wanna Be

Encore:
Dancin' Shoes
Silver Bells (Yes the Christmas song, he did about 2 minutes of it)
Chariot

Here are some shots from it





Ok well Dolly, Simple Plan, lots more to come.

Rachel

Secondhand Serenade

Secondhand Serenade
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

Secondhand Serenade was at Kidd Kraddick on Friday. He seemed really happy to be there. And I asked to shoot the tattoo on his arm and he then showed me his typewriter tattoo on his leg as well.

He went outside and met with the fans afterwards and was all about making goofy faces.

Ok so I have Gavin shots from Friday I need to add from taste of Addison. It was a lonnnnggg day.

But for now here are a few more shots of Secondhand Serenade, there are more at http://kiddlive.com under "Stuff you missed"



Ok like I said more to come.

Colbie Caillat

Colbie Caillat
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So last Tuesday I believe it was, Colbie Caillat was at Kidd Kraddick. She did a couple songs. Chatted a bit. She seems far less nervous than she used to in interviews. Because on Ellen a while ago she seemed really nervous. Her band was all really nice as was she. Pretty laid back.

Her guitar was cool. It said coco on it and it just looked really nice. Dino said she was pretty and I said it was because she was from California and everyone is pretty out there, its like in the water. Must be the pacific ocean or something. Granted that isnt to say if she was from another state she wouldn't be pretty too.

Ok here are some pictures, more at kiddlive.com under "Stuff you missed" plus you can listen to the interview there.



Lots more stuff to come. I feel like I always say that!

Rachel

Graham Colton at YAC Fest

Graham Colton
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So last Saturday I spent my day out in Plano at YAC Fest. I was there to shoot Graham Colton who I guess you could say is up and coming, but in reality he's been around for a while and has opened for some huge artist. Previously to just being Graham Colton, he was Graham Colton Band, and I think before Graham Colton Band he was just Graham Colton.

You may have heard his song "Best Days" all over the tv. It was the goodbye song they were using on Idol this season until they replaced it with Rubens crap of a song that makes no sense. It's also been used on a bunch of tv show promo's. You may have also seen him on one of several talk shows as well because he's been making the rounds. If you dont have his album "Here Right Now" go pick it up. It's pretty cheap at places like Target. And little photographer nerd tidbit, the album art was shot by Jeremy Cowart, who is amazing.

So on to the show!

So I hadn't met Graham before, but I had seen him before several time's when he opened for Kelly Clarkson. But I have to say Graham was incredibly nice as were the people with and associated with him.

He got there 2 hours before he was supposed to go on and was setting up his own merchandise actually. It was funny because he was like "I like it.. its old school!." He was also pretty excited because he got to drive down in his own car since Oklahoma is so close. I told him Plano was about an hour from me cause I lived in Arlington. He said he had some gigs there back in the day when he was going to SMU. I asked if it was at "dreamworld" cause honestly that's the only venue in Arlington I can think of really. And he thought that sounded right. I told him it was the cool place to go when I was in high school.

Later in the evening when this other not so great band was on, they go this is our last song. Apparently last song means were liars and we have 2 more songs after that to do. One of those 2 songs was I want to say Criss Cross' "Jump Jump"and Graham leaned over and goes "This is the stuff you remember" Cause I'm pretty sure everyone was standing there thinking what the heck?

So after the horrible band we all went down by the stage and Graham got set up and sound checked, and then he had one of the girls working the show gave him a Stadium style introduction. Onstage Graham was surprisingly chatty. But hey that's ok stories are always fun. I especially enjoyed the hockey game one with the kid that would skate across the ice and slam into the speakers and stage. That and the "letter" jacket song he made up on the spot. Cause in high school boyfriends give their girlfriends their football letter jackets and stuff. And he said his girlfriend wouldn't have worn his. Also pretty funny when he forgot the words to his own song that he wrote "If love was enough." I also just want to say it was cool getting to hear acoustic versions of the Graham Colton Band songs like "Cigarette" and "First Week"

Here was the set list:
Telescope
Don't Give Up On Me
First Week
Forget About You
Jessica
I Wont Back Down
On and On
If Love Was Enough
Cigarette
Matthew
Cellophane Girl
Best Days


After the show he asked if I got some good shots and I told him I'd have to see on the computer. He then apologized for chomping on his gum the whole time. But honestly it didn't seem to affect the photos. There's a couple where you see him chomping but not many.

I wish the show had been more publicized cause a bigger crowd would have been awesome and I know he's got a following here in the DFW area.

But here are some of the shots.





Okay so Colbie Caillat shots from Kidd Kraddick coming soon! Secondhand Serenade is in studio tomorrow and next week is Simple Plan, Ferras, and Jordin Sparks.

So much to come!

Also I'm going to be out at Taste of Addison tomorrow. I'm shooting Freddy (see kiddlive.com) on the small stage. Gavin Degraw is playing at 10:30 I dont know that I'll get anything descent from how far back I know I'll end up, because Freddy is on a different stage. So I may or may not have shots of Gavin.

Ray J and Finger Eleven

Ray J
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

Last monday Ray J and Finger Eleven both dropped by Kidd Kraddick. Both interviews were pretty good. They tried to get Ray J to sing but he wouldn't so instead he had to listen to Shanon sing. Which was pretty funny. Hearing Shanon go "Can I hit it from the front can I hit it from the back" is forever burned into my mind at this point. Ray J also took the time to give a thanks to "Trojan" I was almost rolling on the ground laughing when he said that on the air.

So after that, Finger Eleven came in and did an interview and performance. Between segments we were talking about how majority of canadians are really nice but how a certain artist from there is not and has ridiculous photo restrictions, like first 30 seconds and then that artist isnt on stage for the first 20. They were like whoa that's just wrong. But hey I'm not gonna name names. So I guess its safe to say Finger Eleven is nicer to photogs and gives them the generic 2 or 3 songs. They seemed like really nice guys though. One guy had this cool mohawk.

Ok here are some shots! More are at www.kiddlive.com

Ray J:


Finger Eleven:



Graham Colton is next! Then Colbie at Kidd Kraddick.

Travis Tritt / Tommy Lee and Ludacris

Travis Tritt with Tommy Lee and Ludacris
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

Almost 2 weeks ago I shot Tommy Lee and Ludacris in the Stockyards filming for a show called Battleground Earth, that will be on a new channel owned by the discovery channel. In short they have to get used cooking oil from restaurants for their busses. I guess in some sort of contest.

They participated in the calf scramble at the Friday Night stockyards rodeo. And filmed an entrance outside. Seriously ruins the magic of it when you watch them film it 5 times and you hear the director tell all the bystanders to walk around and dont just stand there and act natural.

But anyway the next night I was assigned to shoot Travis Tritt and when I got there I noticed the film crew was there. Our writer said they were going to be in Dallas that afternoon but I guess they came back to the Stockyards to do some more filming. I kind of felt like I was being stalked by them at that point.

So I shot my three songs. Travis was pretty showy on the guitar which was good. Makes for cool shots. Cant say I'm big into his music. I know some of it. I like lots of music, I like a ton of country music, but I've just never been into Travis Tritt. So I shot my three, then he brought out Ludacris and Tommy Lee. So I took a few shots of that. As pictured above.

I have some kidd kraddick stuff and Graham Colton stuff to put up but then I should be all caught up which is just amazing. I'm planning on going to Taste of Addison to see Gavin Degraw on Friday. I tried to get a photo pass from the festival folks but they were like oh we have actual publications. Well the paper I shoot for didnt cover it last year so that leaves you with what? The Dallas Morning News and possibly the Pegasus news, and I hate to say it but one of the obscure magazines that sells like 3 copies a month? And last year there were maybe 3 photographers in there shooting Daughtry, I've been in smaller pits with more photographers than that so just a tad bit of a rant. I

know my blog isnt huge but it does get some readers, and readers I appreciate you reading or at least looking. Ok end of that.

Here are the pictures:
Tommy Lee/Ludacris Battleground Earth Taping


Travis Tritt:



Off Topic:
I know I don't talk about my life like ever here. I talk about shows and all that. But some may know since I freelance I also wait tables to pay the bills. I work at a restaurant that has the whole curbside to go thing. And during lunch sometimes the expo handles it. So I'm in the back getting dressing for a table or something and the expo comes up and goes "The lady in the car out there isn't wearing pants..... and she's in a low car so you like have to look down." OK this is probably the funniest and most shocking thing I've heard all day. While its hilarious its slightly appalling that this woman thinks just because she doesnt have to get out of her car this dismisses her from having to put on pants. What if a cop pulls you over and asks you to get out of the car? Are you just going to be standing there on the side of the road with no pants. And for the record the area the restaurant is in is a pretty descent neighborhood. It's the type of area with a country club and multiple golf courses and the walmart is fairly clean even. So I just thought I would share the shocker of a the week.

Also since I cant say it at work I'm gonna say it here. If you cant afford to tip your server 15 percent at least. Dont go out and eat at a sit down restaurant. Go to the McDonalds where tips arent expected. I believe everyone should be able to go out and eat if they like, but maybe do it less often so you can afford it. I get it's a tough time in the economy, why do you think I wait tables and freelance photograph. But when you screw your server I still have to tip out on my sales to the busser and bar, and when you come in and spend 50 bucks on a meal and dont tip. I lose a dollar. I know in the grand scheme of things you're thinking oh that's just a dollar.

Well let me break it down for you were paid 2 bucks an hour. You know that doesnt even cover the gas it takes to get to work. If no one tipped us. At the end of the lunch shift we'd owe 4 bucks to the bar and busser possibly more but generally 4 bucks. If I wasnt being tipped and only getting paid 2 bucks an hour and I'm only there for 3 hours. I drove to work to make 2 dollars that day. If that is the state the nation is going to be in, the waiters of the world will quit then who will bring you your food. This isnt the jetsons, there is no sarcastic robot to bring you stuff. Also more than ever people are taking the term server for servant. I get that you drink your drink fast, I am not allowed to bring you a pitcher and shove a straw in it. And amazingly enough you are not my only table. I have 4 other tables that may need something other than a drink refill every 2 minutes.

Now as bitter of a waitress as I sound, I try my best to be incredibly nice to all my tables, I'm not saying I'm the perfect waitress, we all screw up and make mistakes, but I do try to be genuinely nice. But the moral of the excessively long story is, just because the economy is crap right now, we are hurting too. 10 percent and less doesnt pay the bills. It doesnt kill you to tip the 15 percent. If you can afford to go eat out then you can afford to tip. Especially those of you who order alcoholic beverages, appetizers, and desserts. So just take that into account. Also a couple tip guide lines, if you run your server around and they keep up and do a good job, you should probably leave more than 15 percent and DEFINITELY no less than 15 percent. Also if you sit at the table for more than 30 mintues you should probably tip more, because you're keeping that table from getting sat again, which is keeping the server from making more money. Our job isnt easy, it's not rocket science, but trying to please everyone is tough. We try hard to make sure your food gets out quickly and correctly. We try hard to make sure your drink doesn't run dry. And anyone who's waited tables before totally understands. Those are some of the best tippers. Not to mention I completely believe in server Karma.

I'm going to imagine everyone who reads this will take some sort of enlightenment away from it. Sorry about all the rants. I promise I'm a happy person. Just frustrated sometimes. In a positive note since it's not tax season business at the restaurant and tips have gotten better. Stimulus checks may have something to do with it too. If so then way to go government! How about lowering gas prices now! YEAH!

Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

So on my birthday Jason Mraz was at Kidd Kraddick. Not a bad birthday present right? I think the guy is a lyrical genius. But its so odd because he's way chill. His new stuff sounds great. The album comes out soon.

So I dont know if anyone has noticed this but alot of musicians have tattoo's and the cool thing about that is to 99 percent of these musicians the tattoos have some sort of meaning other than they look cool. So I find myself trying to get shots of the tattoos lately. And that I guess is my current thing. I wish I had asked Mraz what his tattoo meant. Maybe someone reading this can enlighten me.

Sorry I dont have too much more to say. Here are a few photos, there are more at kiddlive.com under stuff you missed.



Later
Rachel

Sunny Sweeney at The Granada

Sunny Sweeney
Originally uploaded by rachelparker

Sunny Sweeney a native Texan was the opener for Ralph Stanley at the Granada. I actually went early so I could get some shots of her.

Sunny definitely has a more traditional sound. Which to some is surprising because she's pretty young she just turned 31. To me that's just her having an appreciation for that style. Nothing wrong with that.

She definitely puts on the charm on stage and you know she loves being up there. Definitely camera friendly which we photographers always appreciate.

Before I want to say it was the 2nd song she did. I was still shooting so it all runs together for the first 3. She mentioned she had written the song with Radney Foster. Which gives her bonus points in my book because Radney is a songwriting legend and also amazing. If you get the chance to see him go. He might just even break out into "Real Fine Place to Start" a song you most likely know by Sara Evans but he wrote it.

Funny little tid bit. When I went back down to the front to shoot Ralph, she came down and sat down on the ground and watched the first few songs and took a couple pictures with her point and shoot from down there. It was kinda cool to see she was just as excited to see the show as she was to perform.

Anywho here's a few more shots from her set.


Alright well more to come later.

Rachel