Jazz Night at Music Cafe

The Music Cafe in Damascus regularly features Jazz nights on weekdays. This week featured Karla Chisholm on vocals, Wardell Howell on bass, Raice McLeod on drums, and Benji Porecki on keys. This was the first time the 4 performed together as a band, but you never would have known it. Every song was flawless. These musicians are all so incredibly talented. If you ever have a chance to see any of them perform do yourself a favor and check them out.

Music Cafe "gingerbread house decorating night"

From Dec 18, 2008

The coolest place in Damascus – The Music Café – hosted a Gingerbread House decorating night. Seriously. This event was SO cool for the kids. Other places should copy this idea.

The Music Café charged $18 per house and provided a complete kit to construct the house and the icing and candy to decorate it.

There was a Santa who visited and was amazing with the kids, but needed to stick to being jolly and stop telling me how to take photos. His payback was my favorite kid who GRILLED him with questions such as “…so where’s your sleigh?!,.” “… if you didn’t bring it, how did you get here?!,” and “HOW do you watch us all the time to see if we’re naughty or nice?!” That girl rules.

Dan Webley as Elvis at Music Cafe

FROM NOVEMBER 29, 2008

I am going to be shooting at the Music Cafe in Damascus fairly often - and I’m thrilled about it! They are going to be blowing up my photos of their popular acts to decorate the stage area walls.

The first of my live shoots at the café was the very popular local favorite - Dan Webley as Elvis. This guy is great. He does young Elvis for the first set then changes into older Elvis for the second half.

One thing Elvis does that’s so cute is he hands out scarves to all of the kids. The kids love it and go up for autographs after the show. He can be hired for parties/events. I'm trying to find some contact info for him and will post here when I find something.

Half Shell Band Promo Shoot

FROM NOVEMBER 23, 2008

I’ve been back in town for only about 2 weeks and did a promo shoot for the local Half Shell Band. The band members are talented and fun people. I had a great time with them and I'm SO glad to be doing photography here already.

One of the owners of the Music Cafe in Damascus, MD is the drummer of the band. This café is seriously the coolest place in this small, dry town. The amazing food, great atmosphere, fun entertainment, and wireless internet has been a real life saver for me.

Half Shell band plays often around the area. They also play the cafe. Check them out!

(A “dry town" with no alcohol (not even beer and wine) can be sold in stores nor served at any dining establishments. Yeah… really… it’s nearly 2009 and this is STILL happening. Can you believe it?!)