Photos: Swingin’ Utters @ The Alley

Swingin Utters @ The Alley, Sparks, NV, 2011-07-10
Johnny Peebucks of Swingin Utters delivering an explosive performance...

To be completely honest, I did not do my homework on Swingin’ Utters before heading out to shoot their opening performance for Reverend Horton Heat at The Alley this July.  Had I done even the slightest of research, I would have learned early on that this was not ‘just some band’ hopping over the hill from the San Francisco Bay Area punk scene.  Swingin’ Utters are actually a pretty big deal when it comes to the streetpunk genre, and even more so when it comes to expanding the genre to include elements of Irish music, a little bit of that country twang and at times a nostalgic Clash-era reggae influence.  What seemed even more impressive was the fact that there were members of the audience who would, have, will again and most definitely did drive for miles to see Swingin’ Utters perform live in Reno/Sparks; regardless of whoever might be headlining the evening.

As far as shooting goes, there is no pit at The Alley.  It is every man, woman and child for themselves when pressed against the 2-3 foot tall stage, making room for moshing, jumping, fist pumping, slam dancing and any overall exaltation of life.  I was using the same Nikon 50mm f/1.8D lens that has been attached to my Nikon D7000 since SXSW this past March and, much like other recent shows, aperture and shutter speed were set to 1.8 and 1/250th of a second, respectively.  The ISO however, did find it’s home at 2500 for this set, letting as much of the nominal stage lighting in as possible without introducing undesirable noise.  In retrospect, I should have opened it up to 3200 on some of the shots, but then anything under the white spotlight would have been overexposed.  Well, maybe we’ll try a show with auto ISO set between 800-3200, whaddaya say?

Bonus:  While conversing with several audience members, I tried pinning down a great ‘introductory’ album to lead a new listener like myself into the sounds of Swingin’ Utters … you know, something that these undeniably devoted fans would feel comfortable recommending to a noob like myself.  The general consensus was the 1996 release, Juvenile Product of Working Class (Fat Wreck Chords).  Great jumping off point if I do say so myself.  Thanks for the recommendation guys, and to those who may just now be discovering Swingin’ Utters — Enjoy!

 

VIEW THE FULL SWINGIN’ UTTERS GALLERY HERE

Swingin Utters @ The Alley, Sparks, NV, 2011-07-10
Greg McEntee hammering it home on drums...
Swingin Utters @ The Alley, Sparks, NV, 2011-07-10
Darius Koski crankin' out the feedback...
Swingin Utters @ The Alley, Sparks, NV, 2011-07-10
How to play bass with only three strings...
Swingin Utters @ The Alley, Sparks, NV, 2011-07-10
Guest vocals by Austin Bunnell...
Swingin Utters @ The Alley, Sparks, NV, 2011-07-10
Johnny apologized for spitting on the stage...

 

Camera(s) Used:

Nikon D7000

Lens(es) Used:

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D


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Super-Happy Fun Bonus Pic!!!

Swingin Utters @ The Alley, Sparks, NV, 2011-07-10
Austin Bunnell jumping on stage for a couple of verses ... go Austin!

Photos: Neko Case @ Knitting Factory Concert House

Neko Case @ Knitting Factory Concert House, Reno, NV 2011-07-05
Neko Case showing off her acclaimed singer-songwriter prowess...

After managing to NOT blow myself up with fireworks over the 4th of July, there was a very special reward waiting for me at Knitting Factory Concert House in the form of a headlining set by none other than the fiery-haired, Americana popularizing ex-New Pornographer, Neko Case.  She came out promptly after an invigorating opening set by Y La Bamaba, and put on a show that I will truly remember for a long time to come.

The pit was shared with another photographer shooting for Examiner.com and during the 2nd song another showed up for Reno Metromix.  I’m guessing that the later didn’t get the memo from Neko’s tour manager that pit access for photographers was limited to the 1st (2) songs only.  Well, I played by the rules at least … can’t fault me for that, right?

Enough about photo-drama though, let’s feel free to talk in our native geek tongue.  Aperture?  Can’t shoot without it.  Due to the bright lights, I felt comfortable enough closing it up just a bit to a setting of 2.0.  Shutter speed?  That too, can’t shoot without it folks.  Settings?  My trusty 1/250th of a second dear Watson.  Finally, ISO.  Let me note that this 50mm f/1.8D lens attached to my Nikon D7000 has been performing stupendously at 1600 (and higher).  So, I left it there and am thoroughly impressed with what I was able to walk away with from the evening and hope that you, my readers, are as well!  Check out the full gallery and make sure to click the ‘Like’ and ‘Tweet’ buttons at the bottom of the post/page to share with your peeps!

VIEW THE FULL NEKO CASE GALLERY HERE

Neko Case @ Knitting Factory Concert House, Reno, NV 2011-07-05
Jon Rauhouse supporting Neko with one of his many instrumental talents...
Neko Case @ Knitting Factory Concert House, Reno, NV 2011-07-05
Kelly Hogan on-stage in support of Neko Case at The Knit...
Neko Case @ Knitting Factory Concert House, Reno, NV 2011-07-05
Neko's blazing orange hair set afire with orange/red stage lighting...
Neko Case @ Knitting Factory Concert House, Reno, NV 2011-07-05
Gotta love the 2X page setlist...

Camera(s) Used:

Nikon D7000

Lens(es) Used:

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D


Go On, Treat Yourself to Something Nice!

Do you buy stuff online? Do you buy camera stuff online? If this post or anything else on ishootreno.com was helpful to you, please consider supporting this site and making your next photo gear, music or general purchase through one of our affiliate links:

Every time our readers buy new gear through our affiliate links, it helps us bring to the table more of that which brought you here in the first place — the ‘money’ shots!

The best part?!  It doesn’t cost our readers anything extra to show their support!

If our readers do pick up some new gear, please drop us a line … we always love to hear about your new additions!

Comments, Praise, Feedback?  We’re all ears!

Please let us know what you thought of this post on ishootreno.com!

Super-Happy Fun Bonus Pic!!!

Neko Case Triptych by Brian Ball for I Shoot Reno
Several color variations of Neko Case at The Knit arranged in a triptych...