The Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Verizon Center in DC Dec 18

The production of the Rockettes show was unlike ANYTHING I have EVER seen.  The show was beautiful.  I wish I could have stayed to see the whole thing.

This was my first chance to use my new camera (Canon 5d Mark II).  I'm so in love with it that I'd marry it if I could.  : )

Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Verizon Center Dec 9

I had heard a lot about Trans-Siberian Orchestra and had heard one of their Christmas CD's - which we affectionately used to call the "Heavy Metal Christmas" album - so I was super excited to see them live.  After shooting the 1st 3 songs I was able to check my cameras and watch the rest of the show with a friend from the 4th row (Thanks, Kaitlin!).

The lighting was unlike any show I'd seen before, the snow falling from the ceiling was awesome, and the musicians were incredible.  Anna Phoebe made my friend and I both wish we had learned to play violin so we could be as cool as her, and I still can't get over the fact that Alex Skolnick from Testament (one of my favorite metal bands) was shredding on guitar.

AMAZING!  

The Casualties at Ram's Head Nov 14 2009

Miley Cyrus at Verizon Center

The Miley Cyrus show at Verizon Center was, by far, my most challenging shoot ever. Only 2 photographers were approved and we had to shoot from the soundboard which was at ground-level and at the complete opposite end of the stadium from the stage. The excitement of these young fans seeing one of their idols in person was incredible. The sheer energy in that room could have powered a small city for days.

We had 1 song (about 3 minutes) to capture our images over a sea of wildly waving posters and kids perched on shoulders. Approximately 98% of my shots were obstructed by a head or a black square.

I'm thrilled to have had this opportunity and actually amazed that I managed to get a few decent shots. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Maybe I just need to purchase some KISS-esque platform boots for these situations.

Revival Tour featuring Tim Barry, Jim Ward, Chuck Ragan, Jenny Owen Youngs, etc

This year's Revival tour honestly goes down as one of my all time favorite shows. I've seen many of these performers' bands in the past (bands that I love), but seeing them all just hanging out, having some drinks, taking turns playing individually, then performing together at the end of the night was absolutely incredible.

The show I saw at Sonar on Oct 16 was only the 2nd of the tour. Treat yourself to some beautiful music by going to this show when it hits your town.

KISS at Verizon Center - October 13 2009

OK, KISS fanatics... you were right. I now officially love this band. All I can say is "WOW!!!"

Kelly Clarkson at Patriot Center

I have never been one to watch American Idol aside from the hilarious try-out shows, but I love Kelly Clarkson. Since U Been Gone is the first song of hers I ever heard - and I have never met a person who doesn't (secretly, at least) love to belt this song out as much as I do.

I was thrilled when the staff gave me a ticket so I could stick around to watch her whole set and was floored by how AMAZING she is live. The Patsy Cline and Alanis Morisette covers may have been my favorite performances of the night simply because it was her performing something I haven't already heard hundreds of times on my iPod.

Oh - and to the people who concentrate more on the fact that she's gained some weight than her ridiculous singing abilities: you are what is wrong with the music industry. Just sayin.

Dio with Black Sabbath at Merriweather Post Pavillion - August 2009