My friend Kyle (from the Frantic, who often grace my blog) made it to Hollywood on this season’s American Idol! Kyle is such a genuinely sweet guy who truly loves music (seriously, he has photos on his Facebook of him performing when he was just a kid). He’s the kind of person who will hang around after a show until he has talked to everyone who attended, even if it takes hours. He has boundless energy onstage, and he and rest of the Frantic have been an important part of the Chicago scene for years. Basically, we’re so excited for him, words can’t even describe it.

It’s almost unbelievable, right?! I swear it’s true. Here are a few videos to prove it: Kyle’s Idol Interview and St. Louis, Behind The Scenes.

Until the beginning of Hollywood Week on Idol airs tonight (and y’all better be watching), a few favorite Kyle photos of mine are below to keep you busy.

PS. Brett, Chris, and Ian… I love you guys too, obviously.

There are just some bands that are FUN. They’re bands that have an amazing stage show, are quite unique, have lots of charisma, and are always a blast to shoot. They’re bands that whenever they are in town, if I am able to, I get a photopass, regardless of how many other times I’ve photographed them.

Dragonforce.
Semi-Precious Weapons.
Foxy Shazam.

And, of course, Steel Panther.

This was a sold-out show, so obviously, I’m not the only one that thinks Steel Panther is worth hanging out with for an evening.

Shooting notes behind the cut »

Yearly, Ludo plays “A Very Ludo Christmas” in their hometown of St. Louis. This show always promises to be a wonderland of large decorations, costumed characters, and craziness. Up until this last year, it was always something we heard about, but never were able to see. But, this time, Ludo brought the show to Chicago too, which was wonderful, because Chicago loves them. As you can tell from the photos, there was no holding back: a candy cane arch surrounded the stage, presents/Christmas tress/angels/garland adorned the stage, confetti was flying, and even Santa came out to say hi. Since these are photos, you can’t see that Christmas carols were sung, but trust me, they were.

Definitely the Christmas party of the year.


Left to Right: Augie and Dan (from Last Fast Action), Tom and Tim (from The Plain White Ts)
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Treaty of Paris got together again for a night to open up for Ludo’s Christmas show (speaking of Ludo, keep an eye out for the next post) a few weeks ago.

Merry Christmas to us. We love Treaty of Paris.

Oh, Mike… elves don’t smoke.

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Opening for Butch Walker, the members of Shovels and Rope are also members of Butch Walker’s band The Black Widows. Just two members, and playing on just a few guitars, a harmonica, and drum, Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent kept it simple and real. A unique mix of country and rock and roll, the music was definitely enjoyable and upbeat, and Hearst’s voice was killer.

Shooting notes behind the cut »