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

Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15
Kaleo Wasman in full stride while careening through those 'Kona Gold' guitar licks...
Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15
A true testament to the energy levels found at Pepper's live show...
Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15
Kaleo: Tall, dark and silhouetted...
Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15
Bret spelling out secret code with his fingers...
Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15
Yesod Willams of Pepper behind a massive drum set on-stage at Knitting Factory Concert House...
Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15
A man who truly enjoys what he does...

 

Camera(s) Used:

Nikon D7000

Lens(es) Used:

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D


Go On, Treat Yourself to Something Nice!

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Super-Happy Fun Bonus Pic!!!

Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15
How to play the bass guitar really, really fast: 101...

Knowledge Lives Forever @ The Alley, Sparks, NV 2011

Chari Knowledge Smith of Knowledge Lives Forever
Chari "Knowledge" Smith of Knowledge Lives Forever performing @ The Alley, Sparks, NV...

As the lights dimmed and the stage announcer introduced ‘the best live hip-hop band in Reno’, we had no idea what exactly to expect from Chari “Knowledge” Smith and her band Knowledge Lives Forever, which includes guitarist/bassist Gia Torcaso, Kris Stosic on drums and newcomer Kim Radzik on guitars.

The group played an energetic opening set for an audience steadily growing in size in anticipation of seeing the legendary DJ Quik take the stage as the headlining act later in the evening.  The band’s performance was full of thick, live hip-hop beats, dripping sweat beads and the guy behind me yelling, “you’re the s—” after every song.  In short, it was amazing.

There was also a memorable cover/reinvention of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes played near the end of the set that really got the crowd movin’ out on the dancefloor.  We would *highly recommend* checking this band out next time they’ve got a live show here in Reno … or in your town when they roll through!

Scroll down for a couple of our favorite shots and a link to the full gallery.  Also make sure to follow Knowledge Lives Forever on Twitter and give ’em the ‘ol thumb’s up on Facebook while you’re at it!

Gia Torcaso of Knowledge Lives Forever performing @ The Alley, Sparks, NV
Gia Torcaso getting her fretboard strum on...
Kris Stosic of Knowledge Lives Forever performing @ The Alley, Sparks, NV
Kris Stosic banging out the drums...
Kim Radzik of Knowledge Lives Forever performing @ The Alley, Sparks, NV
Kim Radzik busting out the grungy licks...

VIEW THE FULL KNOWLEDGE LIVES FOREVER GALLERY HERE


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 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!