Saturday, April 27, 2013

Pete & Kelly at Rother's Pub - La Porte

I like music. I watch American Idol. (I watch dance too, and watch Do You Think You Can Dance.) We are in awe of the talent in these TV shows, which is why we watch. This night, it was proven to me once again that our local talent is even better, as I stayed to watch my friends Pete & Kelly do their acoustic show at Rother's Pub in La Porte, IN. The best duo acoustic music I have ever seen and listened to . . .

Kelly is the lead singer. He stands out as an accomplished singer. I first saw him when he came to Crown Point to see Pete, and sang with The Robots. He has a rock star quality voice and presence. He leaves it on the floor for us, going home empty.

I have known Pete now for over a year. Pete and Kelly have known each other what seems forever. Pete is an excellent lead guitar player, and now a song writer. With these two together (guitar and writing; Pete & Kelly), you get one powerful punch of acoustic music. Do not forget Pete and The Robots . . . that is one electrocution!!!!

Here are some photos of the evening for you to enjoy. La Porte is a pretty cool town. Worth making the drive on a sunny day, and when the sun goes down, kick back with Pete & Kelly at Rother's Pub. As the days get sunny, I plan to do just that . . .










Purposely Exposed This Way









Oh I love music. I love these guys. I love the fact I met Renee Wicinski, or I would not have been pushed back into photography, nor would I have met Pete, or Kelly.

My life has been great so far. Picking up the camera again after 32 years has been a blessing. I have met many artists, made a lot of friends, and have the passion and commitment to photograph and write what I "see", so that you can too.

You can check out Pete & Kelly on their facebook page, Pete & Kelly.

Let us not forget Rother's Pub either; Website , Facebook


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Atelier Beate Axmann - Artist

I went to the Zhou B Art Center today to photograph more of Diana Leviton Gondek's work. Before I got started, Diana introduced me to Alelier Beate Axmann of Germany.

Each artist has their own world. One that they play in, experiment in, learn in. Sometimes it is used to hide emotion, and other times to let it out . . . to be vulnerable. I watched a video of Beate and found what her world is all about. I see her as a strong person who tests time, and I do not mean by a stop watch. I see her pull from memories, feelings, and fusing them into the present, so we can continue to "see" her in the future. She is not defined, however is evolving.

The Zhou brothers asked Beate to come to Chicago for a month to exhibit and to explore her work. Watching another video I understand why. Beate has the ability to take in her environment  and to express it in a very positive way.  Just like the Zhou brothers.

Here are photos of some of her work here at the Zhou B Art Center in Chicago. I encourage you to meet Beate and to buy some of her work. She is an inspiration because of who she is . . . an artist.


Beate (left) with Diana (right)











I believe all art forms express either true or hidden self about each of us. We explore, refine, test, change, in the hope and desire to define. We realize this is a continual journey, for if not, we would be done. We never want to be done . . .

For more information on Beate:

Atelier Beate Axmann


Again I would like to thank the Zhou brothers for bringing to Chicago, this melting pot of a city, art from around the world. We are in a global social environment. We need to communicate. Art is the simplest form of communication, and the most powerful. It comes from inside us. It is true. It is real, like Beate's art and so many other's art, including my own.

Come out this 3rd Friday of May to the Zhou B Art Center, to the 2nd floor, and visit Beate. Do not forget to visit the other artist studios as well. Walk slow, breathe in the emotions, experience, and walk away fulfilled . . . or at least until you need another art fix.

Zhou B Art Center
1029 W. 35th Street
Chicago, IL 60609

Join the 3rd Friday Art Tour!!!!



Tuesday, April 23, 2013

the Please, Please Me . . . at Reggies

I like "the Please, Please Me" band, and I like Reggies. Combine them . . . I had a most enjoyable evening with food and music.

the Please, Please Me band hales from Austin, TX. I first met them at the Elbo Room, and have seen them a couple other times since. This band is a very good indie pop band because of their written music and stage presence. They want the challenge, and the opportunity, to entertain all of us. They are positive and uplifting. They enjoy the simple things in life like Reggies and the patrons of Reggies. I hope to see them at Reggies again, soon.

Let me introduce you to these fine people, people who are real people, people who want to make a difference . . .


Jessie Torrisi - Lead Vocal / Guitar



Alissa McClure - Cellist



Agustin Frederic - Drums



Here are some photos of the evening. Reggies is a very tricky place to photography because of the heavy red lighting they use. I have found ways to make it work, though I think I need to use a fill flash next time.















This trio of fun is all that . . . fun. You can hook up with them on Facebook, and check out there website here:



the Please, Please Me


Also, check out Reggies.  I had the best BBQ pulled pork sandwich I have ever had in Chicago this night.

Reggies Music Joint
2105 S. State Street
Chicago, IL 60616



And and and . . . check out our pal Lou Shields at Reggies for their Moonrunners Music Festival tomorrow, Saturday the 27th.  The entire day is packed with music for everyone.  Lou goes on around 6:00 PM (I believe).  I say PM, because the jams start in the AM and go all day!!!!!

As always: