It was a dark room. I mean, really dark! But then again, The Opera House was not known for it’s outstanding lighting. The opening band “Dub Trio” (website here) had just left the stage and headlining Matisyahu was up next. I took my spot in the pit, conferred briefly with security (introducing myself, making sure they were cool in understanding the access I had been given, etc.) and set up shop. I didn’t really know what to expect, I’ll be honest, I hadn’t heard of Matisyahu before a friend mentioned his name two weeks prior. But as the lights dimmed (can you believe that - it was already pitch black and it got darker!) and the first melodic notes were played, I was hooked!

A brief bio on Matisyahu from Wikipedia:

“Matthew Paul Miller (born June 30, 1979), better known by his Hebrew name Matisyahu, is an American Hasidic Jewish reggae musician.

Known for blending traditional Jewish themes with Reggae, rock and hip hop sounds, Matisyahu is most recognizable for his single “King Without a Crown”, which was a surprise Top 40 hit. Since 2004, he has released two studio albums as well as one live album, two remix CDs and one DVD featuring a live concert. Through his career, Matisyahu has worked with Bill Laswell and reggae producers Sly & Robbie. Matisyahu is set to release a new album titled LIGHT featuring the single “One Day” on August 25, 2009. A deluxe album pre-order is available now at iTunes.”

So needless to say, I had a blast. Matisyahu gained one new fan that evening. And I suggest that when his new album “Light” comes out on August 25th, don’t walk, run to your local record shop and pick up a copy!

Cheers!
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It’s like riding a bike after years of not being on one. You just fall into a rhythm and let your feelings take over. That’s what I felt last Friday night when I photographed The Tragically Hip at a special intimate theatre gig at the Danforth Music Hall. The band has recently returned to the scene with a new album and have followed with an extensive multi-night tour. This show was deemed a “warm-up show” when really, it was clear the band was (and is) in top form.

Below are some examples of the photos I took that night. Please feel free to register and leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Last week I shot another play out at Threatre Burlington called Copenhagen. This play had three actors who were on stage the entire time!! The play “concerns a meeting between two brilliant scientists who had once done ground-breaking research together on the atom. Set in 1941, German physicist Werner Heisenberg makes a trip to Copenhagen to see Niels Bohr, a friend and colleague with whom he now has an estranged relationship.”

This play was moving on to festival as of this week and I wish them all the best and much success!

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In mid-2008, I shot another play directed by Dia Frid called ‘Trying.’ The play featured two actors (Carolyn Campbell & Vince Carlin), who were on the stage together the entire length of the play. Both are excellent actors and made this difficult feat seem easy as pie. I much enjoy looking back through these pictures as both Carolyn and Vince are very animated with their facial expressions and gestures. Live theatre is an experience in itself to shoot, one that I completely enjoy.

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My favourite band, The Tragically Hip played one of my favourite venues to see them in, The Air Canada Centre. I was again very blessed to be able to shoot the Hip from such a close range with my pro gear. As you will see below, I believe I have been really able to capture the essence of The Hip’s live show. There is so much energy, it just exudes from my photos. As always, I am quite happy with the results.

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In February of 2006, I was fortunate enough to shoot a play called Ring Round The Moon. The photos were used in the community section of a local newspaper and were given to the director as a gift from her actors and actresses. This play featured many extravagant set designs and very moody lighting. I made these photographs during their dress rehearsal where I had free roam of the theatre. All in all, it was a fun play to shoot and the director was very moved by my results.

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Quickly becoming one of my favourite bands is Wintersleep. They are pretty much still and “Indie” band but have seen some rising success with their latest album “Welcome to the Night Sky.” In particular, the song “Weighty Ghost” has seen some success on mainstream radio. Personally, you need to hear “Nerves Normal, Breath Normal” (especially the 15-minute live version), “Orca”, and “Home” to really get a feel for the band. And most certainly, if you ever get a chance to see them live, go and enjoy it.

So below are some photos I made at a show at the Mod Club in November of 2007. Have a watch out for future sets of this band as well as I’ve had a chance to shoot them a couple of times now.

Enjoy!

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Not five days after the Barrie show, I was granted my first access to the media pit at a concert. For three songs, I would have the best vantage point in the house, shooting my favourite band: The Tragically Hip.

Alongside other media shooters, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed, a bit anxious, but really, really excited. I maneuvered into position as the lights dimmed and the band hit the stage. It was the shortest 15 minutes of my life but one of the most exhilarating. Thanks again to MAv and the Hip’s management team for really making a dream come true.

Below are some of the moments I was able to capture.

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I’ve been shooting my favourite rock band, the Tragically Hip for many years now but this concert, at the Barrie Molson Centre in early 2007 was monumental for my photography career. You see, it was one of the first concerts that I was able to shoot with a pro camera. Shortly after this show, it was at that point that I also started to get noticed by the Hip’s webmaster and their management team. These pictures really have led the way for the subsequent concerts I have shot. I have since had a wonderful working relationship with them and hope that it will continue for many years to come.

But for now, please enjoy the moments captured below.

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Back in early 2008, I shot a show for an up and coming Maritime band called Wintersleep (www.wintersleep.com). Opening for them that night was a local Toronto band called Flash Lightnin’ (myspace.com page). And well, well, well, they ROCKED! Below are some photos I made that cold, cold night at the Phoenix. I hope you’ll enjoy!

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