I got the chance to photograph North Main Music's 2013 Student recital's a few months ago, and I left very impressed with the amount of students and their dedication and levels of really superb performances. The recitals are done at the Tupelo Music Hall in front of a live audience of family and friends. I applaud every performer that got up on that stage and performed in front of a packed room. It's challenging enough to perform things you have been learning, but to do that in front of a crowded room is another thing entirely, and everyone that sang or played; be it someone that was 65 or someone that was only 8 years old, really rocked the house and it was awesome.
I've been going to the Tupelo Music Hall since before it was actually the Tupelo. It used to be the Muse at the Grey Goose, and back when I was in college a professor I had knew invited me one evening and I was blown away by the room and the performers who had performed there. It fit in exactly with the kind of music I listened too. I remember the first time I saw Joel Cage there - his guitar playing was spitting electricity all over the room. And the first time I saw Vance Gilbert which made me an instant fan and someone I love seeing to this very day (and would LOVE to work with. Vance, my man, you reading?). Back in 2004 the building and venue was sold and it turned into the Tupelo, and more national acts started performing on the stage. It's a very awesome place, and I'm hoping I can get to network with them more in the coming years, because some of my favorite musicians of all time perform there.
I met North Main Music's owner, Mike McAdam, through Studio 99. He saw my work hanging on their walls and came to the studio for a head shot session. When the time came for the 2013 recitals arrived, he hired me to photograph the event. It was really well thought out, and it filled an entire day. He really does have a fantastic roster of avid learners and it was really exciting to see so many people of all ages so dedicated to learning the craft of music.
If you are considering lessons for yourself or a loved one, give Mike a call and visit their shop. It's never too late to create.