Quietdrive @ The Varsity Theater

Back in the day, Minneapolis-based Quietdrive traveled to Chicago all the time. We would see them live every few months, even did some promos with them (once at an ungodly 7am after a show the night before). Basically, they were no strangers to my camera.

But, as life happens, I’ve stopped shooting as much music work (instead focusing more on portraits and weddings), and Quietdrive has stopped visiting Chicago quite as often, so it’s been a while. However, they still put out music, and I still get excited about it. For the past several years, going to their annual holiday show has been on my to-do list, but winter travel and life kept getting in the way.

When I heard that the show this past December was going feature a reunion of old band members, that was it. There was no better time to commit to a road trip. So, road trip we did. And danced to old and new favorites we did. In a nutshell, it was amazing. There is nothing quite like music to instantaneously transport you to a different time. For that hour or so of set time, I felt 23 again. So, basicaly, thanks Quietdrive, for always being so great and welcoming, and for all the years of fun.

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

(c) Redwall Photo :: www.redwallphotography.com

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Tall Animals @ House of Blues

You might recognize a few of these guys from my many photos of The Dog & Everything and Last Fast Action. But, since those pictures, they’ve changed it up 100%: they put down the guitar, tossed out the bass, and lost the drums. As Tall Animals, they are focusing on upbeat, danceable electronica. It’s quite a shift, but it’s great seeing something so inspired. Plus, it’s super easy to dance to.

Check out Tall Animals on Facebook, iTunes, or in real life at the annual Fall Formal on November 24th.

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Quietdrive @ Mojoe’s

Because of my crazy wedding photography schedule during the summer months, it’s rare that I’m able to find time to see concerts during that time. However, when I heard that Quietdrive was coming back to town, I cleared my schedule for a precious free night of fun. Old friends and one of my favorite bands to photograph, they never disappoint. In fact, the whole night was worth it just for their cover of Brittany’s “Toxic” (complete with violin, of course). The rest of the set was just an amazing bonus.

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