Photo of the Day — Day 202

I’ve never learned to play a musical instrument.  As a child, I always thought that it would be cool to learn to play the piano, but pianos aren’t cheap, lessons aren’t, either, and we wouldn’t have had the room to put a piano even if we’d had the money to buy one.  Since photography is a time-consuming hobby, I have neither the time nor the money to take up an instrument now.  If I did, though, I still think that it would be neat to learn to play the piano.

Manhattan, NY

Photo of the Day — Day 118

As I was walking back to my car after checking out the latest developments in the Occupy Cville movement, I heard some quite nice music playing, and it didn’t sound like it was coming from a car stereo.  I turned the corner near Lee Park and saw folks sitting on the side of the hill, listening to a mini-concert.  The musicians were playing at what is likely the smallest concert venue around, the Garage (http://thegarage-cville.com/), which is (as the name would suggest) a one-car garage on North 1st street that has been turned into an art space of sorts.  I’d never seen the Garage open before, but a quick Google search lead me to their website, which describes the places as an “art space/concert venue/amateur film theater/impromptu studio/potluck dining hall/etc.,” which sounds pretty cool.  I stayed for only a couple of songs before moving on, but I was definitely charmed by the idea of a tiny garage concert, and I look forward to checking the place out again soon.

The Garage on North 1st Street in Charlottesville, VA

Photo of the Day — Day 113

I’ve mentioned the Pompeii Lounge (http://www.thepompeilounge.com/) before on the photoblog: it’s one of my favorite places to be in Staunton.  I’ve written about the friendly people who work there, the interesting mix of folks who stop by for a drink (and sometimes even a cigar!), and the shabby chic yet cozy decor.  One think that I haven’t included in my previous posts about the Pompeii is the fact that there is often quite good music to be heard there.  They have live music every weekend, always good and always free admission, and local bands frequently drop in for impromptu jam sessions.  One band in particular, Brian Elijah Smith & the Wild Hearts (http://www.bryanelijahsmith.com/fr_bryanelijahsmiththewildhearts.cfm), sometimes holds band practice there, and when they do, it’s a real treat.  They have amazing energy and a great sound; if they ever play anywhere near you, I highly recommend that you check them out.  Today’s photos of the day are a couple of snapshots of tonight’s band practice in the lounge.  It’s not the best place for photography, but it’s a wonderful place to hear good music.  

Pompeii Lounge in Staunton, VA

Photo of the Day — Day 83

The Darjeeling Cafe (http://darjeelingcafe.com/) is really picking up steam these days: they have their liquor license, they have expanded their menu, and they’re  now hosting all sorts of events like open mic nights and spelling bees and high teas.  Tonight was an open mic night, and although I was only able to stay for the first couple of performers, I was seriously impressed by the quality of the music.  J., who with M.B. is one of the owners, started the evening off with some incredible singing, and the acts that followed kept up the pace.

This is my first attempt at concert photography, and the lighting — while nice and dramatic for the audience — was a real challenge for photography.  I want to work on improving my concert shooting, but these “rough drafts” will have to suffice as the photo(s) of the day.

Darjeeling Cafe in Staunton, VA