The 88th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Spongebob Squarepants by Nickelodeon

One of the greatest spectacles in American show business once again came to New York City on Thanksgiving Day.  The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in its 88th year swept through the streets to a live audience of 3.5 million.  That is in addition to the 50 million watching at home on NBC.  The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade features massive helium balloons, floats, guest musical appearances, marching bands, celebrity appearances, and to top it off, Santa Clause.  This magical event has been going on since 1924 and used to feature lions, tigers, camels, bears, goats, and elephants.  Santa Claus himself has always ended the parade except for one year when he started it off.  In recent times, they have added “Falloons” (float and cold air balloon hybrid), Balloonicles (balloon and vehicle hybrid) and “Trycaloons” (part tricycle part balloon).  The parade strolls through Manhattan, the most densely populated borough of New York.  It starts on the west side of Central Park on 77^th St. and finishes at Macy’s on 34^th St. 

A Typical night in Music City continued (#6) with “Fabrizio and the Fever”

Dec. 22, 2014

Nashville, TN.

Review and Photos by Butch Worrell of One Heart Photo

It was musical photography feast time in Nashville last Thursday night! Three venue's, 6 bands were on the table. 12^th and Porter's “Toys for Tots” show continued to rock on.

It was time for the finale of the night, “Fabrizio and the Fever”.

Michael Fabrizio is a talented singer/songwriter whose inspiration comes from his life experiences, songs which one can find meaning in and connect with. “Fever” is an eclectic group of musicians which provide the energy, spirit, and passion to complement Michael. In his own words, “We are genre gypsies starting a rock and roll revolution in the Nashville Indie scene.”

A Typical night in Music City continued (#5) with John Carter Cash

Dec. 22, 2014

Nashville, TN.

Review and Photos by Butch Worrell of One Heart Photo

It was musical photography feast time in Nashville last Thursday night! Three venue's, 6 bands were on the table. 12^th and Porter's “Toys for Tots” show continued to rock on.

It was time for the main feature of the night to come on, John Carter Cash.

A Typical night in Music City continued (#4) with The Raelyn Nelson Band

Dec. 20 2014

Nashville, TN.

Review and Photos by Butch Worrell of One Heart Photo

It was musical photography feast time in Nashville last Thursday night! Three venue's, 6 bands were on the table. 12^th and Porter's “Toys for Tots” show continued to rock on.

Toys for Tots Emcee, “Papa” Raines, played Santa Claus and gave the audience a very nice gift indeed, The Raelyn Nelson Band”!!

“Papa” introduced them as a band “where Loretta Lynn meets Cheap Trick. Or perhaps as one of their original songs go...”Jack and Loretta” ,ie. Jack White meets Loretta Lynn. No matter how you try to compare them though it comes down to one inescapable fact, Raelyn Nelson and “The Raelyn Nelson” band rock hard. And were/are good enough to take the opening act slot at “Farm Aid” this year. So thank you “Papa” for that priceless gift of music you bestowed upon us, “The Raelyn Nelson Band”

www.raelynnelsonband.com

Facebook.com/raelynnelsonband

Follow on twitter! @raelynnelson

A Typical night in Music City continued (#3) with Lewis Brice

Dec. 19 2014

Nashville, TN.

Review and Photos by Butch Worrell of One Heart Photo

It was musical photography feast time in Nashville last night! Three venue's, 6 bands were on the table.

Third course was Lewis Brice ,served at 12^th and Porter at the Toys 4 Tots benefit hosted by Michael Fabrizio and Red Roots Music, by Patrick “Papa” Raines.  

A Typical night in Music City continued with Emi Sunshine

Dec. 19 2014

Nashville, TN.

Review and Photos by Butch Worrell of One Heart Photo

It was musical photography feast time in Nashville last night! Three venue's, 6 bands were on the table.

Second course was served at Notable Blends, a very personal, intimate venue with the best coffee and food one could hope for. Hosted by Tony Gerber, the main course was a special appearance of Emi Sunshine and the Rain.

A Typical night in Music City with Kimberly Hawks and Blaise Streets

Dec. 19 2014

Nashville, TN.

Review and Photos by Butch Worrell of One Heart Photo

It was musical photography feast time in Nashville last night! Three venue's, 6 bands were on the table.

First course was served at Bridgestone Arena's Club 96. Kimberly Hawks and Blaise Streets.

Carissa Biele Video Shoot at Midtown Studio

Dec. 17, 2014

Nashville, TN.

Review and Photos by Butch Worrell of One Heart Photo

Mike Diiorio of Digital Production Group shot a video of Carissa Biele recording at Nashville's Midtown studio.

Carissa is an up and coming singer/songwriter recording an album to be titled “Fueled”. Already a Television personality, her talent shows as a TV show co-host on the “IHRA Nitro Jam” series on MAV TV. It is certain that between her talents and the dedicated professionalism of Mike Diiorio's

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with The Soul Rebels at Newport Music Hall

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue threw down last Saturday night with The Soul Rebels for a near sold out crowd! These guys just keep bringing bringing the New Orleans Funk stronger and stronger. I think every time I see them they get better and more energetic. We decided to go get down on my birthday at The Music Newport Hall in Columbus on December 13, 2014. The house was packed to the brim in the old style almost gothic music hall in the heart of Ohio State University. Troy played all the standards and even some huge surprises. The second song was a Green Day cover "Brain Stew." They encored with a stomping version of "Hurricane Season" into "Do To Me." There is a reason why Trombone Shorty is revered as one of the top dogs in the New Orleans scene. I even got a birthday shout out to complete the night. Check out tromboneshorty (dot) com for tour information and more of my photos there later this week.

Images by Doug Siegel

Ryan Culwell....Singer, Songwriter, Searcher

Dec. 8, 2014

Nashville, TN

Photos by Butch Worrell

Words by Butch Worrell

Ryan Culwell is a singer, songwriter, searcher. His songs bring to mind the pathos of the Classic Movie “The Searchers”.

Glen Campbell Remembered

Dec. 2, 2014
Nashville, TN

 Photos by Butch Worrell
 Words by B. Alan Ladd

This was a wonderful night of Music paying Tribute to a Legend, Mr Glen Campbell. Featured on this Event were Mila Mason,Jimmy Payne, Chris Gantry, Carl Jackson,Dickey Lee, and Glen's Bandleader for almost 2 decades, Jeff Dayton.

Joe Bonamassa Live in 2014

Joe Bonamassa in an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter who takes his influence from a British style of rock-blues. He also performs like he is channeling Stevie Ray Vaughan at times. He is definitely a musician's musician and packed the Cincinnati Music Hall with an eager crowd that have been waiting for this night for a long time. I talked to a guy at dinner who said he bought tickets on pre-sale back in March and got balcony seats. The orchestra level to this show sold out before it even went on sale. The first set was more of an acoustic style set. The second set was electric, in more ways than one! Joe introduced his band mates and their accolades at one point in the show. He has an all-star group of musicians including Carmine Rojas (toured w David Bowie, SRV, Billy Joel), Tal Bergman (Chaka Khan), Derek Sherinian (Kiss, Alice Cooper, Dream Theater), Lenny Castro (Toto, Clapton, Booker T, John Mayer, Rolling Stones), Mats Wester, and Gerry O'Connor. Joe is on a U.S. tour all over the states through February and then sets out on a European tour in March. Photos were from side stage as pit was closed to photographers.

Images by Doug Siegel

Santana Brings Back Abraxas to Midland, Texas

Carlos Santana brought his Band to the Wagner Noel Center For Performing Arts in Midland Texas and Concert Photos Magazine was there to capture the night as they rocked the house with a show that sold out in less than fifteen Minutes. This Intimate theatres philharmonic sound system was perfect for the clear sound of Carlos Santana's amazing guitar work.

The Honeymoon Tour Rocks The House of Blues in Orlando, Florida

Derek Sanders of Mayday Parade 

Four bands rocked the House of Blues in Orlando, Florida on November 14, 2014. Mayday Parade headlined the tour, while Tonight Alive, Major League, and PVRIS opened. The tour kicked off in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and went across the United States, ending in Orlando. The Honeymoon Tour started just after Jeremy Lenzo of Mayday Parade got married, hence the name.

Primus Rocks a Set of Originals and a set of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with Special Guests

Primus came to the Taft Theater and played a set of originals including an encore of "My Name is Mud" and then played their own rendition of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory music front to back. The show sold out a few weeks in advance and was a fun Friday night with Claypool and crew. Mike Dillon and other guests came out for the Wonka set. Tim Alexander (original drummer) is back on tour with Primus for the first time in years to complete the band!

Images by Doug Siegel
www.dougsiegelphotography.carbonmade.com

For Saturday Night in Music City.... Bela, Abigail and Rounder Records Ruled!

November 9, 2014

Review and Photos by Butch Worrell of One Heart Photo

On Saturday nights in Nashville, music is as diverse as can be. You can attend country, rock, metal, folk and bluegrass shows.....the list goes on and on.

An Inspiring Weekend at Fall LEAF Festival 2014

The Mystical Arts of Tibet performing at LEAF Festival

Photography by David Oppenheimer
Article by Jeremy Chrzan

Once again, the Fall 2014 LEAF Festival came and left with a bang.  October’s event once again featured the best in family entertainment and culture in Western North Carolina.  Located in Black Mountain, NC, about 15 minutes from the cultural mecca of Asheville, the LEAF Festival is nestled beside the serene Lake Eden at Camp Rockmont.  Since its inception in 1995, LEAF has become well known for its diverse cultural atmosphere with family friendly vibes.  LEAF has been voted the best music festival for camping and kids two years running in the local periodical Mountain Xpress.  The event occurs in the spring and fall of every year and typically sells out every time.  Fall LEAF really lives up to its name, with the leaves on the trees on their way to changing into a beautiful palette of reds, golds, and yellows.  Despite the cold, the fall LEAF packed a solid punch of exceptionally good times for all in attendance.

Gov't Mule Halloween Extravaganza with Neil Young Tribute

Mulaween took place on October 31, 2014 at The Taft Theater with special guest Jackie Greene (touring member of Black Crowes, Mark Knopfler, BB King, Ratdog, Buddy Guy, etc). The first set included Mule songs and the second set was all Neil Young. The band played for three and a half hours and played 37 songs. They played every classic Neil Young song including "Hey Hey My My, Down by the River, Southern Man, Ohio, Heart of Gold, Rockin in the Free World, " and many more. The encore of "Cortez the Killer" was a crowd and personal favorite. Check out the setlist at Mule Net.

Images by Doug Siegel

JJ Grey and Mofro, Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, Wilmington N.C. 10/11/2014

 Photos and words by: Patrick McGowan
Set list and notes by: Frank Sulloway

      JJ Grey and Mofro returned to Greenfield Lake amphitheater, in Wilmington N.C., A venue that makes him feel right at home. The outside venue sits on a “Gator Hole”, as JJ described it, and is surrounded by Pine and Cypress trees, indicative to Greys north Florida home. Last year when he came to Wilmington , the show was sold out. This year was close, and the only disappointments were from those that did not make it. JJ belted out something from each of his albums, including "AIR", "BRIGHTER DAYS", and "HO CAKE" from his 2001 inaugural release, Blackwater. The swamp was alive!  

Cheap Trick @ The Tennessee Theatre

With nearly 4 decades of touring experience, it came as no surprise when these stage veterans put on a fantastic show in Knoxville, TN!  

Music City, USA threw a Birthday party for Jerry Lee Lewis!

October 17, 2014

Words by Butch Worrell

Photos by Butch Worrell

(Cake and Book photos by “Bird”)

Jerry Lee Lewis turned 80 and launched a “Birthday” tour which touched down at the “Mother Church of Country Music”, Nashville's The Ryman Auditorium October 4^th.

36th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards

The 36th Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame awards ceremony was held on Saturday, October 11, 2014 in the Georgia Ballroom at the Georgia World Congress Center.

 

The evening began with a VIP Red Carpet and Governor’s Reception, a seated dinner, followed by the highly-anticipated Georgy™ Awards show. Co-emcees were Robin Meade and Monica Pearson.  Multi Grammy^® Award-winning Lady Antebellum received the Performer Award, multi-platinum Collective Soul’s Ed Roland scored the Songwriter Award, legendary blues songstress Francine Reed as given the Pioneer Award, southern rock chart toppers Wet Willie snagged the Group Award. Other inductees included multi-talented celebrity funny man Jeff Foxworthy received the Spoken Word Award and important music industry game-changer Danny Beard was honored with a Non-performer Award.  Posthumous inductees honored this year were: Sean Costello, Wally Fowler, Eddie horst, Bobby Byrd and Frank Fenter.

Citizen Cope brought the Clarence Greenwood 10th Anniversary tour to Nashville

October 9, 2014

Words by Butch Worrell

Photos by Butch Worrell

Citizen Cope brought his Clarence Greenwood 10^th Anniversary tour to the stage of the Marathon Music Works in Nashville this week.

Victoria Reed at the Marathon Music Works

October 9, 2014

Words by Butch Worrell

Photos by Butch Worrell

Victoria Reed graced the stage of the Marathon Music Works this week. She was the opening act for Citizen Cope.

Pearl Jam Opens Tour at U.S. Bank Arena with a Marathon Performance

Pearl Jam opened their Lightning Bolt tour in Cincinnati at U.S. Bank Arena on October 1, 2014. They played a three and a half hour show with two separate sets as encores. Highlights included several references to Pete Rose and how he should be in the hall of fame, talking about their last few days in Cincinnati with references to the old days of playing small venues in this city, and 34 songs of constant stadium pounding music. They delivered mellow songs to fast songs covering freedom, politics, charity, surfing, nature, and standing up for what you believe in at all times. Pearl Jam violated their curfew by half an hour and took a fine of over $10,000 to deliver a solid night of music to loyal fans. Pearl Jam gave the entire floor and first level seats to their 10 Club fan base for a minimal price. This band gets their back into their living! Pearl Jam has done over 100 charitable shows giving back to the community and practicing what they preach. This band has proven time and time again that they won't sell out. Go check out Pearl Jam 20 by Cameron Crowe.

The crew talked to people from all over the world throughout the night and was sitting next to Bronson Arroyo and Bob Pollard of Guided By Voices once my work was done. Pearl Jam is heading to several other venues throughout this tour. They will headline Austin City Limits Festival the next two weekends. In the end of October they will play right after Tom Waits and before Neil Young at his Bridge School Benefit in San Francisco, California. I have shot over 350 bands this year and this show was definitely up there in rank. This band has truly become a Hall of Fame act. There were several covers including "The Real Me" by The Who, "Rockin in the Free World" by Neil Young, and "Waiting on a Friend" by The Rolling Stones. Matt Cameron (drums) still tours with Soundgarden. There is a reason why The Rolling Stones,  Tom Petty, Neil Young, and other legends have said this band is one of their favorite touring bands. Rolling Stone also named Pearl Jam a top 10 touring band this year.  (Several photos were withheld for Pearl Jam's website and fan club which will post this week)

Images and Words by Doug Siegel
 (click read more for more images)
www.dougsiegelphotography.carbonmade.com

Pete Yorn Opens Tour at the Taft Ballroom

Pete Yorn came to the Taft Ballroom on 9/30/14 to play an intimate seated show for the tour kick off. Pete made a comment about getting the cobwebs out at his first show, but he sounded great to us. The last time Pete played in the area was opening for Dave Matthews five years ago. It was evident that a lot of loyal fans were eagerly waiting his return. Pete was interactive with his audience all night like "Storytellers" and was taking requests throughout the entire show.

Images by Doug Siegel

Nashville's City Winery holds it's grand opening

October 2, 2014

Words by Butch Worrell

Photos by Butch Worrell

Nashville (Music City USA) is a city with many great music venues and it can be tough to stand out. The new City Winery, which held it's grand opening last night, not only stands out already as one of the best; it brings a level of class and sophistication not yet seen here.

Trigger Hippy Steals the Show at Americana!!!

October 1, 2014

Words by Butch Worrell

Photos by Butch Worrell

Nashville, TN

The Americana Fest in Nashville showcases such incredible talent every year that it is hard for any individual artist to really stand out. But 2014 was the year that Trigger Hippy stole the show.

The Black Lips with King Khan and Cincinnati Suds at Southgate House Revival

The Black Lips headlined the Southgate House Revival last week with King Khan and Cincinnati Suds as supporting acts. All three bands had great sets and rocked out this old rehabbed church which serves as a multi-stage venue. The Black Lips are currently touring around the eastern United States with King Kahn and the BBQ Show.

Images by Doug Siegel

The Black Lips

Raelyn Nelson Band at the High Watt

September 28, 2014

Words by Butch Worrell

Photos by Butch Worrell

The Raelyn Nelson Band graced the stage of the High Watt last night. Fresh from their successful Farm Aid debut they rocked the packed house at the High Watt.

Carlene Carter records a Sirrus XM “Outlaw Country” show

September 28, 2014

Words by Butch Worrell

Photos by Butch Worrell

Carlene Carter graced the stage of the Sirrus Radio sound studio at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday of Americana week to record a show.

Stick Figure - Livin' It Fall Tour

Article and photography by Jimi Nedoff of  Nedoff Fotography

Stick Figure rolled into Charlotte, NC on September 21, 2014 to play for a small but enthusiastic crowd at the Visulite Theatre.

Stick Figure

Wednesday on Americana Week in Nashville

Thursday, September 25, 2014
Words by Butch Worrell
Photos by Butch Worrell
Nashville, TN

 Wednesday Americana started with a seminar on 'Streaming Digital Technology'. Next was the evening at the Station Inn with The Barefoot Movement,The Cactus Blossoms, and a bluegrass superjam!

Americana Week Kicks off with Jim Lauderdale

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Words by Butch Worrell
Photos by Butch Worrell
Nashville, TN

 Jim Lauderdale (song writer, singer, poet and arguably the 'King of Americana') opened up the Americana Music Conference and Festival week with a screening of "The King of Broken Hearts", a documentary by Jeremy Dylan and Chris Kamen on Jim's life.

Farm Aid 2014 where Family rules

Wednesday, September 23, 2014

Words by Butch Worrell
Photos by Butch Worrell
Jack White photos courtesy of Greg Nixon

 Farm Aid held it’s 29th birthday party at the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre in Raleigh, N.C. last weekend. Of course the Farm Aid Four were there; Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Dave Mathews, and John Mellencamp.

Stick Figure is bringing California roots to Charlotte

Article by Jimi Nedoff

Stick Figure, a California roots / dub reggae band, will bring their Livin' It Fall Tour to the Visulite Theatre in Charlotte, NC this weekend. The nationwide fall tour also includes the supporting bands Pacific Dub and Hirie. The show will be this Sunday September 21, 2014 with doors opening at 7:00 PM show starting at 8:00 PM.

Sam Bush, Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers, Steep Canyon Rangers in 2014

We had a great week this summer with Sam Bush, Nicki Bluhm & the Gramlers, and the Steep Canyon Rangers. Each band offers their own blend of bluegrass, folk, and rock. Caught all three of these acts at The Telluride Bluegrass Festival and got a chance to hang out with these bands. All three groups were class acts and some of the nicest people around, performing great live music. Check them out if they come to a town near you. (Low light at this venue)

Images by Doug Siegel

Bunbury Music Festival 2014

Bunbury Music Festival had another successful year on the banks of the Ohio River. The festival featured five different stages, over 100 bands, a craft beer area with hundreds of great beers, fireworks, and great weather to round out a perfect weekend. Some of the performers included The Flaming Lips, Paramore, Fallout Boy, Heartless Bastards, The Orwells, Dead Sara, J Roddy Walston, Empire of the Sun, Fitz and the Tantrums, Young the Giant, Foxy Shazam, ZZ Ward, Andrew WK, Cage the Elephant and several others.  Several hundred more Bunbury moments including crowd shots at my flickr site under the Bunbury Album.

Images by Doug Siegel
www.dougsiegelphotography.carbonmade.com

Cage the Elephant

Grouplove, Portugal, The Man, and Typhoon Bring the Honda Civic Tour to the Horseshoe

The Honda Civic Tour brought in Grouplove, Portugal, The Man and Typhoon to the Horseshoe's outside stage last week. All three bands threw an energetic performance and clearly have many loyal fans. I have seen these bands at several festivals this summer and they are growing their fan bases in rapid numbers. The tour is currently up east and then heads west to most major cities.

Images by Doug Siegel

Yonder Mountain brings a little piece of ColoRADo to Charlotte

Article and photography by Jimi Nedoff of Nedoff Fotography


Last Thursday, August 28th 2014, Yonder Mountain String Band unleashed their stringed musical journey to a moderately sized crowd at the Fillmore in Charlotte, NC.



Yonder Mountain String Band
 

Satchmo SummerFest in New Orleans

The 14^th annual Satchmo SummerFest presented by Chevron is the premier American jazz festival dedicated to the life, legacy, and music of New Orleans' native son, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong.  Produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (FQFI), Satchmo SummerFest brings performances from New Orleans' most talented musicians, with a focus on traditional and contemporary jazz and brass bands.

Arnett Brooks

The Long Players and Special Guests Perform Beggars Banquet

By Butch Worrell

      Nashville, TN

The long Players are a group of Nashville Musicians that regularly cover seminal albums in Rock n Roll history.  

Rodrigo y Gabriela - Acoustic Progressive Flamenco Metal Rock Fusion

Article and photography by Jimi Nedoff of Nedoff Fotography

Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero, otherwise known as Rodrigo y Gabriela, made their first trip to Charlotte, NC this past Wednesday August 6 to perform for an intrigued crowd at the Fillmore.

Rodrigo y Gabriela

John Richards at the Frist

By  Butch Worrell

       Nashville, TN

John Richards played the Frist Museum and I was invited by Peggy Mercer (Celebrated Author, songwriter, and so much more, an amazingly talented woman) to come photograph and also meet the talented Lily Nelson, an up-coming singer-songwriter. It was a wonderful experience.

Emi Sunshine’s Grand Ole Opry Debut

By  Butch Worrell

       Nashville, TN

Emi Sunshine made her Grand Ole Opry debut On August 5, 2014.  For a Country/Americana artist their debut at the Grand Ole Opry is a milestone in their career

Carter Girl…Family tradition at the Grand Ole Opry

By Butch Worrell

      Nashville, TN

Carlene Carter, daughter of June Carter Cash and Carl Smith, step daughter to Johnny Cash has roots in country music as deep as can be. With the the release of “Carter Girl” on Rounder Records she has brought her Country roots to the 21st century.

Back on Top: Steely Dan

Donald Fagen and Freddie Washington with Steely Dan

Words by: Jeremy Chrzan
Photos by: David Oppenheimer

As one of the most anticipated reunion shows of the summer, Steely Dan graced their fans in Asheville, North Carolina by playing a marvelous show at the world-renowned Biltmore Estate.  With the stage adjacent to the majestic Biltmore House with views overlooking the beautiful grounds and the epic Blue Ridge Mountains, the venue added a visual element to the concert experience that was second to none.  It had been drizzling all day, but to everyone’s avail the precipitation held off for the show which allowed for a truly stunning sunset over the westward mountains facing stage right.  The show was packed, featuring a sold out crowd of mostly older spectators that looked to be collectively reliving their youth.

Trigger Hippy Shows Home-Town Love

By Butch Worrell,
      Nashville, TN

      Trigger Hippy is Tom Bukovac, Steve Gorman, Nick Govrik, Jackie Greene, Joan Osborne. They call Nashville their home town.

Dirty Heads and Pepper Supply an Evening of West Coast Summertime Beach Vibes

Images and article by Jimi Nedoff of Nedoff Fotography


Earlier this week, on Tuesday July 29, The Dirty Heads and Pepper rolled into Charlotte, NC for a night at the Fillmore. The two groups bring a good time, beach party atmosphere with their sounds. Perfect for a late July packed house looking for some fun.

Dirty Heads