a concert in the park

We were already planning to attend The Ballroom Thieves' concert at Prescott Park in Portsmouth, NH, having known the band for almost five years now and seeing them perform at least annually, as well as photographing them. So when I let them know that we were looking forward to attending, they invited me backstage after the soundcheck to hang out and photograph. (I had my small camera kit with me, fortunately.)

The situation became even more exciting when they mentioned that Gentle Temper, the opening band (one of whose members is a sibling to a Thief), needed a photographer for their show. Their manager (whom I also know) and I quickly made logistical arrangements, and we were set.

The evening couldn't have been better, with perfect weather, great seats, wonderful music, and even some artmaking.

(Two galleries below: first, Gentle Temper; second, The Ballroom Thieves.)

behind the stage for Ballet Misha's "Nutcracker"

I've been photographing the stage production of Ballet Misha's Nutcracker for a few years. Last year, in addition to the performance, I wanted something different, so I asked their artistic director, Amy Fortier,  whether I could photograph what happens beyond the stage. She agreed and gave me full license to explore and visually document.

Given my other photographic duties (i.e., the performances), this work only shows the moments of backstage life before and in between shows. It ignores the hundreds of hours of planning, preparations, rehearsals, costume fittings, moving and setting props, et al.; as well as the general chaos that occurs everywhere outside those few hundred square feet of stage floor during the performances.

As in any performing art, however, the vast majority of work happens off the stage, and here is a tiny glimpse of that life.

PS: Their 2017 production is December 16 & 17.