Naughty Gras
First off, this is maybe not what you immediately think. I am a huge music fan and enjoy attending as many concerts and festivals as I can on a personal and professional level. My most recent excursion was the Cal Expo in Sacramento, California.
Recently, I had the chance to photograph a long term client and friend, Brett Blackburn, Drummer Flash. He is a drummer, and also a DJ Back, for DJ Alazzawi. Alazzawi is best known for his work on KSFM 102.5. Blackburn is incredibly talented and well-known as an astonishingly fast drummer, as well.
Besides being a drummer, he is known for his entertainment skills. Sure, any drummer can twirl sticks in their fingers, but Blackburn takes it to the next level. He truly elevates the level of audience’s enthusiasm and engages people.
Naughty Gras is like a Mardi Gras themed event with live music. It features lots of festivities, dancers and three performing musical acts. The entertainment and attendees were suitably attired in Mardi Gras clothes featuring lots of green, purple and gold. Nearly everybody dressed up and wore the infamous beads.
Since I was providing coverage of the event, I had a backstage all-access pass, and chance to meet and photograph all of the entertainment and their entourages, Including that picture at the top with me and a couple of the guys from Far East Movement. Backstage Blackburn had a cake waiting for him because it happened to be his Birthday. Alazzawi and his wife Lauren wanted to show their application and surprise him with something special. Wish I had thought of that!!
Blackburn, better known as Flash kicked off the entire show. He was followed by a Far East Movement and LMFAO’s drummer Sky Blu performed an hour long set. The performance was excellent, the attendees had a ball, and I got some incredible shots to top off the whole night.
Expect a music video before long as well – I was able to get some live video footage in addition to the other photography work that was done. Check out the pictures in the mean time.