"Deep Purple, Smoke On The Water" - to Dan
I came to see Jeff Massey do his acoustic show. It is always enjoyable. Jeff's acoustic show demeanor reminds me of Bob Dylan. He's refreshing, up front, honest, skilled, down to earth, and writes his own music. You want him as a friend just to hang out with (and he is).
Jeff's song writing is why he was invited this night to the Smokey Jo's "Songwriter Night" that takes place the second Wednesday each month. Oddly enough, though not so odd as compared to funny, Danny Lemmon hosts this show at Smokey Jo's. Dan and I went to high school together. I was not sure of that at the time we became Facebook friends a while back. I saw the name and had auto flashback to the days that I enjoyed in life.
This evening when I saw Dan in person, I was almost positive it was him. Though there was not time to talk because he was kicking off the show, taking care of business. Later, we did realize that we went to the same high school, class of '75 with just under 1,000 other classmates that senior year. Pretty cool.
This evening when I saw Dan in person, I was almost positive it was him. Though there was not time to talk because he was kicking off the show, taking care of business. Later, we did realize that we went to the same high school, class of '75 with just under 1,000 other classmates that senior year. Pretty cool.
Smokey Jo's is a very cool place too. I pass it on the way to work. Not much on the outside, but the inside? Wow! Very cool. Staff is super friendly. Food is good. A family environment. The space is arranged to be very comfortable. The band stage is out of this world . . .
As a photographer I do wish venues would understand that digital photos from guests and photographers help advertise. The use of red light is a "photographer's kryptonite" Tutorial: Photography with Red Light, kaitlinobsura, February 28, 2022. A lot of additional post editing work is needed so that you can at least see something in the photograph. There is always the conversion to black and white (B&W). If I cannot save a photo, typically converting it to B&W can be very, or even more, effective.
Not that venues need to stay away from red just for people taking digital photos. It does have a cool effect. I get it. I am a hippie from the 60's and 70's. Colors are cool. Can set the vibe. Can bring back and make memories. Just that it does not have to be a constant red. Some light change at lease allows a photo to be timed between light change.
Here nor there, don not let my griping on stage lighting get you down. It is just something to get off my chest. Another reason why photography is an art. It is just not touching a trigger on a camera or a phone. It is much more if you want that great photograph.
Here are some photographs of the evening. I did not stay for all of the music.
Jeff Massey
of
Smokey Jo's Scratch Kitchen & Ale House
475 W. Burville Rd.
Crete, IL 60417
708.672-3383
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