Raymond Chang Photography & Design

What a night Saturday! So much great music, I ended up taking over 800 shots that night and spent the whole weekend going through them!

Rhythm Raiders- After Friday night’s set, Mike Watson invited me out to Montana’s to come shoot an evening of Country Rhythm and Blues at Montana’s Bar and Grille. What a night, the evening started off with The Rhythm Raiders followed by Von Grey, Mike Watson, and Nadirah Shakoor.

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Rhythm Raiders @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey – these four classically trained sisters blew the stage up! They almost made me ashamed to call myself a musician. Ranging in age from 10-16, each one of them is a trained master of several instruments! I was amazed at the quality of music these girls were producing LIVE!

Von Grey’s wall of instruments @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Von Grey @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson –Mike Watson put on a great set again, I brought my flash this time and was able to catch some great shots of Mike and his band!

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson Band @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson ft. Kipper Jones @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson ft. Kipper Jones @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Mike Watson ft. Kipper Jones @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art – At this point in the night, I still needed to get back to Darwin’s to shoot Uncle Sugar. I stuck around to get a few shots of Nadirah Shakoor and jetted out to make the drive back to Darwin’s.

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Nadirah Shakoor and Outside Art @ Montana’s Bar and Grill

Uncle Sugar – I made it back just in time for Uncle Sugar’s last set, and what a set! I loved seeing Eddie Tignor on the keyboards, and Ross Pead puts on a helluva show when he’s backed by his band!

Uncle Sugar @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Uncle Sugar @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Uncle Sugar @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Uncle Sugar @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Uncle Sugar @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Uncle Sugar @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Uncle Sugar @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – Mike Watson Band put on a great set last night! My night started out at Darwin’s where I got to meet Mike Watson before he blew the doors off the place with his guitar work! He played the most rockin version of Bill Withers “Ain’t no Sunshine” I’ve ever heard! I ended up sticking around much longer than I had planned, I wanted to shoot some more musicians!

Mike Watson Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Mike Watson Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Mike Watson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Paul Arredondo @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Mike Watson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ken Tolleson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Mike Watson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Mike Watson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Mike Watson @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Paul Arredondo @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Paul Arredondo @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Sideline’s – I was told Motor City Josh was performing right down the street and I should go check it out, so off I went! First person I run into is none other than Truett Lollis hanging out with Jonathon Norwood. I love getting the chance to see who other musicians are listening to. If Truett is there to see this band, then I know I’m in for a treat! I didn’t get to stay too long unfortunately, my goal was to get back to Darwin’s to catch Mike Watson’s third set and I still wanted to go check out Barry Richman. Frontman Josh Ford was a phenomenon on guitar as well as Alex Lyon on bass and Adam Savage on drums!

Motor City Josh @ Sideline’s

Josh Ford @ Sideline’s

Alex Lyon @ Sideline’s

Josh Ford @ Sideline’s

Adam Savage @ Sideline’s

Josh Ford @ Sideline’s

Nik’s Place – Barry Richman has been marked on my calendar for weeks! “The first Friday of every month at Nik’s Place” someone told me a while back. I get there at 11:30, giving me about 45 minutes to check listen to his set before I have to leave. “Thanks everyone, we’re going on break!” was the first thing I heard as I came through the door.

Doh!

I introduced myself to Barry briefly, grabbed myself a drink and ended up running into John Rose and his friends. We hung out on the patio for a while until Barry got back on stage. By then it was 12 and I only had 15 minutes left! I got as many shots as I could in the dimly-lit venue and took off back to Darwin’s. I got some decent shots, but probably could have done better with more time.

Barry Richman was ridiculous, and I mean that in every good possible way. He’s the FASTEST guitar played I’ve ever seen! At one point I had framed my shot up and was just letting the camera shoot out, I was just staring at his hands flying up and down the neck of the guitar! I immediately regretted not bringing my flash, I could have gotten some really cool motion-blur shots with him if I had. I’m going to have to see Barry again under better conditions.

Barry Richman @ Nik’s Place

Kari Savage @ Nik’s Place

Barry Richman Band @ Nik’s Place

Barry Richman Band @ Nik’s Place

Kari Savage @ Nik’s Place

Barry Richman @ Nik’s Place

Barry Richman @ Nik’s Place

Barry Richman @ Nik’s Place

Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – Mike’s set had turned into full jam session featuring Cody Matlock, Jim Nicoletta, and Joe Hussey! Plus I caught Akin before he closed the kitchen and got to eat another delicious Chicken Salad Sandwich as a late-night snack. Mmmm, so good!

Mike, Jim and Paul @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Mike and Cedric @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Darwin’s Blues Jam – What a night! Lots of amazing music was made last night, and I love seeing the interaction on stage with these musicians! I took so many pictures it was tough to pick which ones I thought were best so I’ll be posting a few more than usual today. We had a great time last night and would like to thank everyone for coming out and supporting your local blues scene!

The Cazanovas Every Thursday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Eric Pullen @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Maurice Nazzaro @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Danny Vinson @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Joe Hussey @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mark Slyman @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mark Slyman @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

John Rose @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

John Rose @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jim Nicoletta @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mike Greenwald @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Chuck Woods @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Sandra Senn @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Ana Howells @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Ana and Sandra @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Larry Griffith @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Christian Davidson @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Hobo Creed @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Larry Griffith @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Bob Coyle @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mary Raindrop @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mary Raindrop @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mary and Kayla @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Cody Matlock @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Joe Castellanos @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Matthew Smart @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Matthew Smart @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Stoney Brooks @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – Last night I decided to just hang out at Darwin’s and enjoy Little G’s set. Dustin Sargent came up and jumped on stage with his Bass for a bit. Lots of people came out for Ernie’s Birthday, we ended up with 3 whole cakes! It was a wonderful evening, and I had a blast hanging out with everyone.

While I was there I decided to do a promo shot for our Wednesday $5 Burger and a Beer special.

$5 Burger and a Beer Every Wednesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G and Red @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Dustin “Red” Sargent @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ernie’s Birthday Boogie!t @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – Garlic Grilled Cheese stuffed with Chicken Salad. My new favorite dish at Darwin’s. My evening started with a sandwich and some Jim Ransone backed by bassist Tamara Nicolai!

Garlic Grilled Cheese w/ Chicken Salad @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Jim and Tamara @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Jim and Tamara @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Bella’s Pizzeria – Between sets, Tamara told me I should check out Lefty William’s jam over at Bella’s Pizzeria. So off I went. I was immediately greeted by my buddy Johnny Cunningham, drummer for Novakord! Soon after that I was blown away by Lefty’s guitar skills! The drummer from Def Leppard’s got nothin’ on Lefty! I had a blast and got to meet lots of folks while I was at Lefty’s. I hope to see some of these great musicians at the Darwin’s Jam soon!

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty Williams @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Bryan Hall @ Lefty’s Monday Jam

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Josh Thane @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Erik Kaszynski @ Lefty’s Monday Jam

Lefty Williams @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

Johnny Cunningham @ Lefty’s Monday Jam

Lefty’s Monday Jam @ Bella’s Pizzeria

It still amazes me when I get to see these older musicians performing. A year ago I was shooting pictures of local rock shows in Atlanta, younger high-energy guys who are absolutely great musicians! Here comes Joe Clover. I was reminded of the set I saw with John McKnight…these older experienced musicians who just make it look so easy! Immediately I could tell, “These guys have been playing together for a LONG time.” Several times I had to double check to make sure I wasn’t listening to a CD, they were just so in-tune and together!

I’ve seen Joe Clover in the past perform at the Blues Jam, but this was my first time seeing his whole band! It was an amazing set and I can’t wait to have them back!

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

The Mighty Joe Clover Band @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

I had a bit of a slow night last night. It took me forever to put my guitar down and get ready to leave. When I finally got to Darwin’s it was almost 10pm and I realized I’d forgotten to put the battery back in my camera! I watched the Rhythm Raiders finish up their first set and made the trek back home to get my battery. I managed to get a few shots of the last set.

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Rhythm Raiders @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

We had a great Blues Jam last night, so many great musicians in one setting! As always, the Cazanovas rocked it out. Truett Lollis was awesome as always. We had great return performances from Stoney Brooks, Mary Raindrop, Hobo, and several other regulars.

Maurice Nazzaro @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Eric Pullen @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

The Cazanovas @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Danny Vinson @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mark Slyman @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Bob Coyle @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Blues Jam @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Sandra Senn @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

I was quite surprised by newcomers Allen, Lyle, and Wes…these young musicians came last week and showed up for a slightly nervous performance. Speaking to them after the show, they told me they were more nervous about performing in front of other musicians rather than the audience. I can relate to that, as I’ve YET to get up onto that stage! They stepped up and rocked it out this week, good job guys!

Allen, Lyle, and Wes @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Wes @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Lyle @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Wes and Allen @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Truett Lollis @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Truett Lollis and Jonathon Norwood @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jonathon Norwood and Eric Pullen @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s

Hobo @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Gary Dixon @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Darwin’s Blues Jam @ Darwin’s

Tamara Nicolai @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Stoney Brooks @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Mary Raindrop @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Michael Bradford @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

@ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Jacob Holliday @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Last but not least was Katie Martin, who closed up the night with a solo acoustic performance. I could listen to Katie sing all night, I love her voice! Keep your eye on this up and coming artist, she’s just getting started!

Eric, Jacob and Katie @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Katie Martin @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Katie Martin @ Darwin’s Blues Jam

Backyard Fun – I was on my patio and saw this grasshopper hanging out on the rail. I decided to play with my macro-lens attachment that I bought on ebay for $10. It’s essentially 4 magnifying glasses screwed together…but it works…

Grasshopper Macrohe jumped away before I could get closer.

Leaves on a tree macro

Hole in the wood macro

Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – As usual, my night started at Darwin’s. After I posted the pictures of my Garlic Grilled Cheese w/ Chicken Salad yesterday, one of the regulars came up with his own concoction: The Chicken Salad Cole-Trane. That is a chicken salad sandwich topped with chili and slaw!

Mark’s Chicken Salad Cole-Trane @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ross Pead came out and played a great acoustic set with his buddy on harmonica. The perfect accompaniment to my sandwich.

Ross Pead & Co. @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ross Pead & Co. @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ross Pead & Co. @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

John McKnight Jam @ Nick’s Place – I hung out at Darwin’s for a few hours and then made my way over to Nick’s. This was my first time seeing John McKnight play. Wow, what an incredible drummer! He made everything look so easy and effortless, I think I even saw him checking out his watch in the middle of a fill. I saw some great acts jump on stage from John Rose to Truett Lollis and Jonathon Norwood! I hope to see more of these guys come play at Darwin’s someday.

John McKnight Jam @ Nick’s Place

John McKnight @ Nick’s Place

John McKnight Jam @ Nick’s Place

John McKnight Jam @ Nick’s Place

John Rose @ Nick’s Place

Jonathon Norwood @ Nick’s Place

Jonathon Norwood and John Mcknight @ Nick’s Place

John Rose @ Nick’s Place

Steve @ Nick’s Place

John McKnight Jam @ Nick’s Place

John McKnight @ Nick’s Place

Truett Lollis @ Nick’s Place

Truett Lollis and John McKnight @ Nick’s Place

Truett, John, and Jonathon @ Nick’s Place

Truett Lollis @ Nick’s Place

Jonathon Norwood and John Mcknight @ Nick’s Place

Darwin’s Burgers and Blues – As usual, my night started at Darwin’s. I wanted to make sure I caught at least one set of Little G before I headed out for the night. G was brilliant as always!

Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Little G Weevil Every Tuesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Tonight for dinner I came up with the best sandwich I’ve ever had at Darwin’s. A Garlic Grilled Cheese stuffed with Chicken Salad…I inhaled it in about 20 seconds! Just a protip: you can absolutely order things off the menu!

Garlic Grilled Cheese stuffed w/ Chicken Salad @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Zuffy’s – So I’m branching out on my photography. I figure you guys come to see me at Darwin’s, now it’s my turn to come see you! First on the list was Lola Gulley’s Blues Jam @ Zuffy’s Place.

I was really interested to see a Jam Session headed up by a keyboardist. Lola is an incredibly entertaining front-woman and was cracking jokes all night with the patrons. Using topics thrown out by the audience, at one point Lola improvised a hilarious song about “boobies”. What can I say, I love Lola’s voice. Even when she’s just singing “boobies” repeatedly, she still sounds amazing!

Lola Gulley’s Blues Jam @ Zuffy’s Place

Chad Shefield @ Zuffy’s Place

Lola Gulley @ Zuffy’s Place

Jacob Holliday @ Zuffy’s Place

Lola Gulley’s Blues Jam @ Zuffy’s Place

Lola Gulley’s Blues Jam @ Zuffy’s Place

“Happy Birthday Chad!” @ Zuffy’s Place