Photos: Pharoahe Monch @ The Underground, Reno, NV 2011

Its not everyday that you see someone wearing a gas mask. In fact, the last time I saw someone wearing a gas mask was during a zombie apocalypse film; and truthfully, civilization just isn’t to that point yet. Realistically, I probably just need to go to Burning Man, and then this might not seem so extraordinary to me. On the other hand, during that rainy evening of Sunday, June 5th, it was pure magic.

By magic, I’m referring to the stellar lineup found at The Underground in Reno, NV which was comprised of a slew of local musicians (NoBody Really we’re looking your direction), artists (Ashley Drake you’re awesome) and the hip hop legend whose parking spot I almost (unknowingly) stole, Pharoahe Monch.

As the show began, DJ Boogie Blind (X-Ecutioners), MeLa Machinko and Showtyme took the stage in saluting poses, the crowd packed in tightly against the monitors and our shutter began clicking away. After a quick swipe from stage right to center and back again, I was in the perfect position to capture Pharoahe Monch’s arrival, gas mask and all.

In the two earlier postings from the evening of June 5th, I had noted that the venue was quite dark, especially if the performer(s) didn’t step all the way up to the front of the stage, extending themselves over the monitors. This did make for a challenging shoot, but luckily I was prepared for the worst, and hoping for the best.

That being said, I found that while shooting on my Nikon D7000 (Nikon 50mm f/1.8D lens) it was important to keep the aperture wide open at 1.8, my shutter speed relatively fast at 1/250th of a second and the ISO cranked up to 3200. Admittedly, my thumb did take the shutter speed up a little bit accidentally at a couple moments in the evening (1/200th of a second was the fastest I noted), which may or may not be represented in one or more shots in the full gallery.

There are several crowd shots also included in the gallery, as there was an obvious and direct connection between those performing on-stage and the excitement found in the air, shared throughout the room. In short, this was a show to remember for everyone in attendance, for a period lasting no less than a lifetime.

VIEW THE FULL PHAROAHE MONCH GALLERY HERE

DJ Boogie Blind with Pharoahe Monch @ The Underground, Reno, NV 2011 — DJ Boogie Blind of X-Ecutioners rockin' the wheels of steel...

Mela Machinko with Pharoahe Monch @ The Underground, Reno, NV 2011 — MeLa Machinko performing alongside Pharoahe Monch at The Underground...

Showtyme with Pharoahe Monch @ The Underground, Reno, NV 2011 — Showtyme laying down soulful vocals alongside Pharoahe Monch on June 5th...

Camera(s) Used:

Nikon D7000

Lens(es) Used:

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D

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Super-Happy Fun Bonus Pic!!!

Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House, Reno, NV 2011

Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15 — Bret Bollinger of Pepper crankin' out the rip-roarin' bass lines with a fury of energy...

I’ve seen some pretty energetic bands before. Though, nothing in my fifteen years of concert-going had prepared me for the experience of photographing Pepper at the Knitting Factory Concert House in Reno, NV on Sunday, May 15th 2011.

Having got a taste of the pit and stage-to-photographer height difference during Iration’s opening set, I knew that this would be more challenging than shows where the line between stage and audience blurs into nothingness. This would be pushing the limits of myself as a photographer, and even more so myself as a fan who wants nothing more than to portray a favorite band with style, professionalism and a touch of grace. What I ended up with as the final product could very well exhibit one or more of these qualities … of which the final say is really up to you, our readers. What do you think? Please feel free to share your comments below or give us a shout on Facebook or Twitter.

The music of Pepper is heavily reliant on the solid three-piece band structuring found throughout the entire spectrum of rock ‘n roll’s lifespan and is made unique through a high-energy show filled with hints of punk, rock, reggae and an overwhelming sense of fun-loving sun-drenched collaboration between friends. Front men Kaleo Wasman and Bret Bollinger hold down the amplified electric string instruments (guitar, bass; respectively) while Yesod Willams backs up vocals while pounding out the golden speedy rhythm on his drum kit. The huge banner behind the drum set hangs proudly, reminding the audience that they are catching a show from a major touring band that does not mess around when it comes to pleasing their fans.

I’ve personally been a fan of Pepper since their 2002 release, Kona Town, but would also recommend checking out their other albums on Amazon to fill up that summertime playlist: Give’n It, Stitches EP, In with the Old and Kona Gold will get y’all started. Complete the set with No Shame and Pink Crustaceans and Good Vibrations.

VIEW THE FULL PEPPER GALLERY HERE