I generally hang out in the back with my fellow Assistant Scoutmasters and view, cheer, and clap, from a distance…..until my name was called to come forward and receive my own unexpected award.

Many years ago (almost 15), I left my career with the Department of Navy to stay home with my 2 and then 3 boys to provide for their care and support my wife in her career.  While I have never regretted that decision, there are times when I wonder where I might be now had I stayed on.  As any primary care provider will attest, it gets a little old with the same routine; dishes, laundry, meals, driving to activities, and general lawn and home care.  It can and does get tedious and boring.

But then, the opportunity has allowed me to dedicate time to both my children and other kids as well…..and I think they are better for it.

Below is the wording that came with just a small Scout Knott Patch for me to wear above my pocket on my olive colored scout shirt.  This patch will serve to remind me of the decision I made years ago and why I do what I do.  To be seen as a positive role model in a young child’s life will always mean more to me then the career I could have had.

Thank you to those in the Troop who put in for this award.  I will wear it proudly.  And from the bottom of my heart, “thank you” dear Laura, my wife, without whom I would have never have had this opportunity.  I love you.

My brother worked all that summer and blew it all on an awesome stereo system he set up in his 6×8 foot bedroom in the basement.  It wasn’t long before I was rockin out with him to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, Zep, Jimi, and the Stones.  I’ll never forget the day he brought home Van Halen’s first album *angels singing* and gave it a spin on the ol’ Phillips.  That album melted my face.  Its impossible for me to hear any of those tunes without dreaming of the Glory Days back in high school.  Pun intended as I listened to Bruce Springsteen as well.  You kind of had to as that’s what the girls of the time were raving to!

In college, every Friday I’d come back to the house, crank the tunes, and clean up for the weekend ahead.  It was my thing.  My roommate once asked why it was necessary to listen to it so loud.  I said “its not enough to simply hear the music, you’ve got to feel the music!”

Out of college I worked for the Department of Navy (late 80‘s) and recall the day a co-worker said “have you heard of this band called Guns and Roses?”  One, two, and three albums later it was hard for my then engineering office mates to understand why I would spend the night in the Capital Center parking lot to score some tickets to see Axel, Slash, and the boys.  That long awful night yielded great seats and a powerful show forever etched into my brain.

Sadly, I’ve never been able to play an instrument.  Oh…. I’ve tried many times over the years but it just seems like something that must come from within and I just didn’t have the ear for it.  But I have always appreciated those that could and a good time for me has always been a good band, good friends, and perhaps a libation or two.

I have read that the music that stays with you most is that which you hear between the ages of 14 and 26.  That was true for a long time as I became content with listening to the same vinyl, cassettes, and CDs which seemed like forever.  We now call that classic rock   It continued on even after iTunes came along as I made  similar music playlists…..and getting a little bored.

As I continued to season with time, I found myself gravitating more to the singer/songwriter genre but not sure where to start or whom to listen to.  So imagine my excitement when this little coffee shop in Vienna called Jammin Java was taken over by the Brindley brothers with the promise of new and different artists rotating through all year long.  It sounded right up my alley ……and within 2 miles of my home…boom!  From folk to metal or Graham Colton to Anvil I have seen many great shows up there over the years.

So my instrument of choice these days is my camera.  I’ve been shooting for a long time, high school, in fact.  I do a lot of portraiture for lots of people but in the end what I really like is photographing live music events and doing band portraiture.  I threw together this blogpost in support of Jammin’ Java’s question on their FaceBook page, “how does music make life better.”  Enjoy this collage of my recent favorites captured at JJ.  More below.

One of the best shows I’ve seen at JJ; Tony Lucca with Matt Duke

Mr. Charismatic himself.

Awesome set of pipes on Matt!

Pat McGee singing backup for Mike Corrado.  Mike is a local from Quantico and opened for Pat many years ago and again this night.  I have to give Pat a big thanks for turning me onto many fantastic talented singer/songwriters at his music fest on the Outer Banks called Down The Hatch.  It was a great decision to go last year with my son.  Tickets for this years event are still available but I wouldn’t wait.  Go HERE for my blogpost from last year.

Green River Ordinance had one of the best light shows which made for some interesting photography.

Keaton Simons and his Beautiful Pain.

Michael Tolcher with his redneck wineglass.  He sings to the heart.

Graham Colton

Good ol’ powerhouse Bill Kirchen.  I’ve been going to see Bill for decades.  My wife hired him for my surprise 40th birthday……10 years ago.  She is a lovely woman.

Garen Gueyikian of Kill the Alarm.

Rockville’s own The Dirty Jacks winners of JJ’s Battle of the Bands 6.

Luke Brindley, one of the brothas and a fabulous writer, musician, and teacher.

Local favorite Grand Revival never disappoints and I look forward to watching Nate Wilkinson shred on his Gibson.

JJ has built themselves a reputation for supporting all age groups and all genre’s of music.  Here Carlos of the Pat Sommers Rock Shop jams to his favorite punk original while enticing the crowd.  If you put this kid in a hamster wheel he will light up Vienna.

Spawned from the excellent guidance of Pat Sommer’s himself is the band That’s What She Said featuring my own son Danny on lead guitar.  I would have never guessed all those years ago that I would have a musically talented son (he got it from his mother), in a rock band, and playing in my favorite venue.  I enjoy the place so much I rented it for my 50th birthday party.  Like I said before, good band, great friends, and a couple of drinkies.  What else is there?  Music lifts me up, brightens my day, gets me moving, and gives me something to look forward to.

Also cool that lead singer Jason is currently a student of Mr. Luke Brindley.

No I.D.  No problem.  JJ is a safe environment for your youngin’.

My son!

(Photo by Chip Tondreau)

Me, playing my favorite instrument, right up front where I can feel the music   I hope I’m still rockin’ through my 60s and 70s.  At least that is my plan.

If you’ve enjoyed my post and happen to see me up there, make sure you stop and say hello.

The boys of Grand Revival rocked the finals of Jammin Java’s Battle of the Bands last Friday night placing a respectable third out of a group of many entrants.  The final show is a culmination of the very best bands in the area and competition is always tight.  JJ was a packed house which made moving about and grabbing shots a challenge.  I’ve been watching two of the 4 young men in GR emerge in talent over the years and they have become an exciting band to watch.  Nate Wilkinson wears that Gibson like its a second skin, shredding it effortlessly.  And Kyle Moriarity on vocals puts on a great performance taunting the crowd with his charisma.  GR includes John Fee on drums and Carter Louthian on bass.  They have a growing fan base of loyal followers who hinge on every performance.  Check out more of Grand Revival on their FB page HERE.  Enjoy the photos.

Kyle.

John

Carter

Here’s looking at you Kyle!

A moving performance.

And a shot that’s just a little different.  Great show gentlemen!

So here I find myself on my 50th Birthday and wondering how I got here so fast.  Seems like yesterday I was on my bike with a sack full of newspapers delivering door to door and thinking at my tender age of 13 how long it would take me to get to 50, and where I would be and who would I be with.  Its been a great ride so far and I feel every bit the kid I was on that bike.  People have been asking, so how does it feel?  Well, I don’t think about the age thing too much, rather, I am more thinking ‘thank God I made it to 50.”  I just feel so blessed to have my health and made it this far.  I am very Thankful.

So here it is in a nutshell…..

I am thankful to be born an American.  I love my country.

I am thankful for a warm home and a loving family.

I am thankful that both my parents are still alive and well and able to help me celebrate.  My parents now have 5 of 7 of us in their 50′s, all healthy and enjoying life.

I am thankful for my siblings, who add a wonderful aspect to my life; each with their own gifts they bring into the family.

I am thankful to still remain friends with my old high school pals.  I never laugh so hard as I do with them.  They make my head hurt.

I am happy to still be able to ride my bikes and enjoy them.

I am thankful that I decided to follow my dream of being a photographer.  I love to capture time, create images, and make people look good.  Everyone needs a portrait.

I am happy that music is still a big influence on my life.  Nothing more fun for me than a good band!  Throw in a son who shreds guitar and me photographing the event and its like my own nirvana.  Love it!

(Not sure what birthday this is but there is my main bro Thomas to my left…..and my childhood friend Ernie to my right who I often fought with.)

(On the floor with Dad and my first Lionel train.  My siblings hated it as every time I ran it it would make the old black and white TV turn to snow.  I still have that train.  It still runs.)

(Fishing on the Rappahannock River at our family friends the Thorntons.)

Up a tree with my bro.  Wouldn’t be the first time we were up a tree or “down river without a paddle” or getting in some kind of trouble.

I am thankful for my beautiful wife Laura who rescued me from my lonely late 20′s.  I knew the day I laid eyes on you that you were for me.  And look at all we have done in 20 years of marriage.  The best is yet to come.

I love this woman.  She is the best thing that ever happened to me and without her I would not have the three next best things, our boys.

I am thankful for these three handsome young men.  They keep me young.  They keep me sharp.  They help me get out and enjoy our beautiful world.  They help me keep up with the latest technologies without giving me too hard a time.  All I ever wanted was to raise them to be good people, kind and considerate of others.  I think we did well.  We still have many adventures ahead for us.

And I am most thankful for all my extended family; beautiful nieces and nephews.  You all brighten my day 100 times.  Keep being silly, keep being fun, always be nice, follow your dreams.  I look forward to seeing you all grow and prosper.  I love you.

There are many other things in which I am thankful everyday and I never take them for granted.  Mom once told me live every day like your last.  Well….I would, but then the laundry would never get done nor the dishes.  But I don’t mind.  I’m very happy and content with who I am.  I think that 13 year old boy riding his bike around Annandale would be proud of who he had become!

I promise you the self portrait photograph below is straight out of the camera and untouched.  I swear….zero photoshop.  Bring on the next 50!  Cheers.

Grand Revival hit the stage full on last night to capture night three in Jammin Java’s Band Battle VIII in Vienna.  While each band that performed were excellent, it was GR that really got the venue pumped.  GR is a local Vienna band that has been making the scene at several area venues as well as around Virginia.  You can check out their music HERE.  Grand Revival is Nate Wilkinson (lead guitar, vocals), Kyle Moriarty (vocals, guitar), Gilbert Pitcher (bass, vocals), and John Free (drums, vocals).  Great show last night and good luck as you head towards the band finals.  Enjoy the photos.

Nate was on fire last night as usual.

Gilbert working the bass.  He is a fun guy to watch for sure.

Kyle…..been watching him sing since he was a young kid; he just keeps getting better.

Jonh Free.  Release the hounds, this kid can jam.

Pat and Brian duke it out exchanging riffs.

The Birchmere saw the return of the original Pat McGee Band once again for another gripping, rocking, comical night of rock and roll as the reunited band played crowd favorites all night long to a sold out crowd.  The original 5, John Small (bass), Jonathan Williams (keys, guitar, vocals), Al Walsh (guitar, mandolin, banjo, vocals), Chardy McEwen (percussion, kindergarten box of goodies ) and Pat McGee were reverently accompanied by the very talented Nate Brown (drums), Brian Fechino (guitars), and the oh so smooth Michael Ghegan (sax, tenor sax).  Philadelphian Matt Duke was also on hand to open the show and provide some additional vocals (and impromptu lyrics) during the show.

The Birchmere continues to be one of my favorite venues for acoustics, lighting, and atmosphere.  While Pat’s music is more than enough to keep me at stage front for the entire show, I always appreciate the brief intermissions where he is likely to share a story or two about time spent cutting his teeth in his youth, life as a busy band on the road, or as a busy dad he is with three young girls.

If you find Pat’s music as appealing as I and many of his fans do, now is the time to make plans for his annual Down The Hatch weekend music festival this June on the beautiful Outer Banks, NC.  Check out Pat’s music HERE.  Read more on Down the Hatch HERE.  And view my post from last year’s event HERE.

See Pat’s far more detailed write up HERE.

Enjoy the photos.

Pat solos on I Know (extended)

John Small in the groove.

The handsome big Al Walsh

Matt Duke.

Nate Brown

Michael Ghegan

The highly talented Chardy on the iPhone.  Did anyone catch the name of that app?

Jonathan Williams.

The only real break in the action was when Pat’s family members (and band) presented him with a cake for his upcoming 40th birthday.  It was a nice surprise for he and the crowd who joined in in singing Happy Birthday.

Let’s get a closer look at that cake.  Gotta love the outfit.

“The good news Matt is that your invited back to Down The Hatch.  Bad news is you’ll have to sport that mullet again.”

Highly sought after and collectable Matt Duke mullet shot.

The whole gang on a fabulous night.

Click the image for a larger view.

Batting next for Vienna its Marky Mark!  This is another composite image in my Lil’ Slugger series.  I rarely pass up the opportunity for a new subject.  Mark is my son’s good buddy.  They have known each other since the pre-school days and are two peas in a pod.  When its sleepover time, I encourage our friends to bring their favorite jersey, costume, or look (with parental permission of course), so we can play in the studio.  Keeps me sharp and my subjects come away with a winning photograph!

Camp Olmsted Director Jonathan Zimmerman on the shores of Lake Merriweather.

(Click the image for a larger view.)

There is a changing of the guard at Camp Olmsted, Goshen Scout Reservation.  As our good friend and former director Sean Turner moves on, in comes long time staffer and right hand man Jonathan Zimmerman.  Jonathan, also know at times as Muscles, hasn’t missed a summer at Camp Olmsted in many years.  He knows every inch of that campus and will do a fantastic job of meeting the needs of several hundred Boy Scouts in the summer of 2013.  It helps that Jonathan knows how to connect with both young men, adult leaders, and the many staff whom will support him in his new role.

Jonathan comes from good stock….meaning…..he is an alumnus of our own Troop 976 here in Vienna VA.  He will be my kid’s boss as my two oldest will work the same camp next summer.  Its going to be a good one.  Good luck to you Jonathan in your new challenge.

Click the image for a larger view.

The Matt attack.  Matthew is a multi-sport competitor since…..oh….he was really young   Put a ball in his hands and he’ll run circles around you.  I’m proud to call him my nephew.

This image is a composite.  I took the photo of Matt in my home studio.  The background image is of a local high school field taken at dawn.  Its a 5 bracket HDR image combined and retouched in photoshop.  Then Matt was added in and the two married together.  Enjoy.