I started the project Grand Dell Saloon over a year ago. Partly because it was next door to my studio, partly because I was interested in the people who hung out there, and partly because I like music so it fit more than one interest of mine. It did not cross my mind that I would become a student observer of people. Then again, maybe I have always been that, just didn't realize it?
I have learned since beginning this project, I enjoy photographing people. I'm not talking about studio portraits, or families, but people doing what they love or are very interested in. Mostly capturing people in an emotional state that is visible on their face. The emotion doesn't have to be extreme, joy or sadness, but facial expressions that speak without words. I might go on to say, body language, which everyone learns from childhood. I have become better at it over the last year, and have used light in my photography to frame it. The participants have ranged from the willing to the extremely unwilling, but I have been patient and my library of images has reached over five thousand. Now by no means are all of those images even keep-able, but it reminds me of my diligence and that alone encourages me to continue. So last night was one of those trips, to visit the Grand Dell Saloon where Pat Wilder was playing. I had seen her briefly at a Jam a few weeks earlier and was impressed with her skills as well as how down to earth she was off stage. Here personality and off stage vibe is every bit as pleasing as her on stage. I can't say that about many people, even if their stage is simply a job.
So keeping in mind that I'm capturing not just a performance but expressions of emotion. Here is the evening with the Pat Wilder Band. First Pat herself, sweet, full of fun, loving, and into the music.
She really got the crowd into her music, coaxing her "sisters" to join her on the dance floor. Walking around singing with a mic in hand, several of the ladies danced with Pat.
Even when she wasn't asking them to dance, people could not stand still.
Even well know guitar player Phil Franco LoBue took to the floor!
You have to say all was well in Muddville tonight. And then there were the duets, highlighting members of the band. The stand out was Carol MayDeo who has been nominated for a 2012 Grammy.
She played with a great deal of emotion, her solo performance was "Summer Time" which was beautiful. But her duets with the harmonica were also outstanding.
And I only wish you could her the sound of her electric fiddle! Here you can see Carlos in the mirror enjoying this wonderful music
But Pat was clearly the leader, chief music maker, and maestro of the evening. She was so into the music, it just flowed in her every movement.
And her duets were awesome, drawing attention to her musicians, her skills and her passion for music.
In the end, this band had a great time, the audience had a great time, and I came away thinking this was a very special evening with a very special talent.
The Grand Dell Saloon is a special venue for bands. It is intimate, funky, with a throwback vibe to an era decades ago. The people are comfortable, friendly, and share a love for music. They cross all lines of society, walks of life, and backgrounds....and that makes the place interesting.

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