Anyhow, am I glad to see 2017 in the rear view? You betcha! My goals for 2018 – to be healthier – which has gotten off to a rough start – but I am hopeful! And to finish processing images in the backlog from the euro tour before we hit the year anniversary – I am guessing I will blog each location separately – so much to look forward to! As well, an upcoming Alaska cruise where I will be revisiting these awesome sights and more

So 4months gone, here is my final adieu to 2017: don’t let the calendar hit you on the way to the recycle plant – lol – and, oh, never lose your humor!

Starting with the good, parts of what made the ugle pretty if you will…one of the most interesting parts of our euro tour was our Berlin visit, and specifically the Berlin Wall, or rather what remains of it. The most interesting part was, to me, near the Bridge of Spies: the portion of the wall that was re-appropriated as art installations. To keep the concrete there, so we never forget the sin, yet use it now to make statements worth future consideration. So smart, and beautiful, from something so ugly.

And while we are talking ugly – how about a post surgical selfie? Because, why not…The story about how this came to be, is interesting. I was told that I had some small nodules on my thyroid found as ancillary findings on a CT scan of my neck from late 2016(was scanned for unrelated issue). And, that I should have a follow up ultrasound to baseline them, no rush, as they were very small. I eventually got around to it in March ’17, just before the order was to expire, and oh lucky me, at least one looked larger than thought from the CT, and suspicious, so needed a needle biopsy. At that point, the surgeon doing the biopsy, luckily head of the department for such things, knew pretty much as he was doing the biopsy, that this was a bad nodule. So it was no surprise when I got a call the following day, confirming the results. I mentioned we had a trip planned to europe in less than 2months…and doctor said, well, just had a cancellation for the following week – and I’m like sign me up! This gave me just enough time to have a full 6 week healing period, before our trip…see, upside. Other than it being a major pain in the neck. And moral of the story, follow up on doc recommendations, even the random ones.

Given the sore neck, I used this as an excuse to buy a new fangled mirrorless camera – ha ha! I chose Fuji, because it was cutest (j/k)… The camera and I got to know each other up in Skagit Valley this spring, ahead of our euro tour…

Rewind a bit, to the beinning of the year, I did get to get my fashion on, at the Yves Saint Laurent exhibilition at the SAM – so gorgeous. And the iphone did well, as the camera I had with me at the time!

Fast forward, back to summer, I so awesomely scheduled a group baseball game on day one of my low iodine diet (required for aforementioned radioactive iodine treatment).

Hey, who says, beer, rice cakes, and apple slices don’t go perfect together. Oh well, friends are the best!

The summer ended well, I mean, we did buy a HOUSE! It’s perfect for us: it is a one story ranch, around the corner from where we were living in Duvall, Washington…And we closed on our anniversary, because, we are: those people…lol

Thankfully, the house was one story, since that is when the other big downer happened, about 2wks post move in – I broke my ankle – awesome. See my now franken ankle…and hey the pretty decorations on my new scooter, because you gotta make this shit fun!(the latter, my husband decorated )

With that, I bid goodbbye to 2017…and a final goodbye to our two adopted kitties: Thelma & Louise…xoxo miss you always.

Signing off with a random 2017 collection of photos…

Massive love, happiness, fear, frustration and more ~ highs and lows. There haven’t been that many clicks of the big camera, that is for sure. But I always say, the best camera is the camera you have with you. And just like everyone else, I have my phone with me all the time. So, if I want to review the year faithfully – that is where I am going to look.

It was a lot of fun actually going through the year, reliving it a bit…from pulling over to capture a sunset, marking the first snow of the year, trying to capture a speedy little one, taking the ever elusive perfect selfie, maybe taking one or two or too many kitty cat pix, perhaps gratuitous food images(sorry! lol), lot’s of wedding prep, pix of Wade – so many lol, and so much more. The images that recorded life through the year tell the story of the year fairly well I think. Here’s to 2017 – who knows what we will see.

Leading off with the best of insta’s, more @elisasherman.

For the big camera blogs ~ Big Island, Pride, Wedding.

Now for the year in my life ~ 2016.

…someone may have gotten me this interesting sunny side up egg stencil? lol…

There may be a few (or endless) snaps from our honeymoon location in Puerto Vallarta…

House sitting…kitties. (we miss you Bonçuk! xo)

Sunrise over the park…

…did I mention kitty cat?!

Paradise…well, Nuevo Vallarta – same same.

…the hubs at sunset – xo

…wedding gifts were fun, I’m not going to lie….

…the cutest shower gifts…

…lot’s of sunsets….

Louise, close up!

Selfie, because…

First-ish snow of the year – yes, this is out of order…

Magnets…

Because – lol.

The farm that would later be where we got married…

The Grand opening of the 520…it was so cool to walk out over the lake…

Crabs…or rather crab.

Puppies seem appropriate?!

First engagement ring pix…because, well endless wedding references and photos…I warned…

At the gorgeous church in Puerto Vallarta…

…this was a missed pic, that I love the colors – shall we call it art? lol…

Those are just a handful of my faves…until the end of 2017….

And the full year…start to finish…

A year passed by, that was both fast and slow… A trip to New York to see Gaga & Tony, a singular capturing of music and lights, a long gaze of Pride & Love, a passage through the Gates of the Mountains, a border crossing visit to the new Canadian flagship in Vancouver, a road trip to the PDX to catch the incomparable Madge…so much. Some captured via the newly fixed fish – finally, many many other via iPhone old and new…some just in the brain cells.

According to Instagram, these were my most popular…

Many images never rendered to jpg…but languished raw on my hard drive until now…thankfully a year passed, and this annual posting motivated them online…

My favorites across the sensors…

~Full Screen link here – 2015 Year in Review~

Kind of a fast and furious year. My camera only left my bag on occasion, or request. Some images never left my cards, before reformat…well that may have been a slight forgetful error, but still.

As in recent years past, a lot of images were captured in snapshot form, via iPhone to Instagram&Tumblr. There’s a fair bit of life that’s caught here, that I would never pull the big rig out for. I know I also enjoy a look back at the moments, the scenes, the selfies

There was also the chance to try out a Sony full frame mirrorless and shoot it along side my Canon 5d2…it did pretty well. I might get one before traveling abroad this next year…can’t beat the size/quality ratio, that is for sure.

A couple trips…

Pride Love…

Music…

And Victory, amongst the many good times in #fullframe…

And on to 2015…check out a small selection of 2014 below, or to review full sets, check the full 2014 collection

For one, my photography has found a role within my life that is decidely less serious. I am a fan of images, first… An image maker, creating what has inspired or crossed my path.

Some music images have continued to make their way to my sensor, through the lenses…along with some gorgeous seascapes, glorious crystalline ice bergs, and a reappreciation for the fact,that it isn’t he camera you have, rather the camera you have with you, be it the 5d2 or my iPhone.

After all, the phone camera, you have, likely, with you all the time, so when an image appears by happenstance, in front of you, snap…the ultimate snapshot device as it were…

I have several this year, around town, on vacation, it is, image making at will, unplanned, and uncontrived – perhaps of quality, perhaps, just pure fun. Digital has made image capturing, the recording of pixels, a matter of course for pretty much everyone. And as a fan of images, I do not pretend to be above that fray…

Of course, the big heavy mark II got many a click, and as of a week or so ago, finally a sensor cleaning…

Some of my favorite images, landscape, life and beyond, not excluding music…

And with that, 2012 images are but a pixelated record in time…Adieu.

Some of my particular faves ~

Images from the Lifehouse show early this year, are some of my favorites – especially of Ben Carey – he is perfection to photograph – he is the perfect dirty rock star guitarist – you realize I’m not being literal – just honest, he’s not beautiful but he is – does that make sense? The lead singer of Lifehouse, yes, is technically pretty good looking – but Ben is the one that kept pulling the lens over and giving it. He’s also pretty cool – bumped into him a late during Pajama night decked out in his bathrobe on the VH1 Best Cruise Ever, but that’s another tale to tell!

More recently – there was the spectacular night that was put on by husband wife duo – Neil Gaiman & Amanda Palmer…Their show was stunningly fun to watch, take in, and yes photograph. One of the best parts of the night, was when Amanda invited dancers out, and lined them up to deliver birthday kisses – lucky man.

Stepping back in the year a bit, was the Noise for the Needy shows…I have shot them since 2008. It’s a fun way to give back to the community doing what I can do pretty easily. This image – was of Claire England of Bright Futures at Chop Suey – wearing, you aren’t mistaken – that’s a Justin Beiber tshirt – priceless!

This next photo is a fave simply because I love the color, and the swishy-ness of it – it is what it is, and I like it. The girls are 2 of the 3 singers for a brand new band (in one of their first shows), called The Pytons – they hired me to shoot 3 of their shows, and they are all spectacular people – my hats off to them, and I wish them much success and good music.

And while I didn’t shoot many shows this year, I did bring this whole full circle by finally officially shooting INXS – the band that inspired me to do this thing amongst the swirling lights, hot rock stars, and whatnot…It was what would seem their last tour with Canadian lead singer, JD Fortune, who won the spot back in 2005 on the show Rock Star: INXS – which also can be credited with my inpsiration for getting into this game, rather later in life than the youngins (in my thirties, lol)…So JD, even though you hid from me for most of the 3 songs I got to shoot you, this one’s for you…for always being that Rock Star on stage every time I saw you, being friendly and cheeky offstage, one upping my friend about the temperment of her pug whilst playing poker, and being so lovely backstage when I got invited to shoot the fan winners with the band this go round. JD – you are a rock star. INXS, I wish you the best in your next ventures. And to 2011, it was a good year.

So that’s it for the stories – check the list with links to all of the artists featuerd this year, along with the slideshow with several fun images from the year, whether it was Scott Hutchison, my 3rd time out shooting the fabulous Psychedelic Furs, my second time shooting the spectacular that is the Theivery Corporation, or the killer country that is Little Big Town – it was all good. Until next year, adieu…

2011
December –
Pink Martini with the Seattle Symphony

November –
Jason Webley (feat. Amanda Palmer)
Amanda Palmer @ Occupy Seattle
An Evening with Neil Gaiman & Amanda Palmer
The Bangles

September –
Thievery Corporation

August –
Little Big Town

July –
INXS
Gillian Welch
Owl City
Neko Case
Mat Kearney

June –
Brett Dennen
Noise for the Needy featuring: Akimbo, Wildildlife, Black Queen, Princess, Vultures 2012, Smooth Sailing, Whiskey Tango, What What Now, Brite Futures, Lisa Dank, The Redwood Plan, Fresh Espresso

May –
Psychedelic Furs

April –
Robert Plant

March –
Lifehouse
Joshua Radin
Laura Jansen
Noise for the Needy feat. Kokon Taiko Drummers, Truckasauras, Mad Rad, Junkie XL
Scott Hutchison

February –
Josh Ritter & the Royal City Band

January –
Alter Bridge
Amos Lee
Taddy Porter
Like a Storm

2011 Year in Review – Images by Elisa Sherman

Overall, I continued to shoot shows… I even shot Bumbershoot this year – you’ll see several shots from this in the review set:)

I upgraded equipment around April – from my trusty Rebel to my 5dmkII & 7d combo, along with the 24-70 2.8L, 70-200 2.8 IS L, 50 1.4 – keeping my trusty 100 2.0 – and more recently (October) adding the 15mm 2.8 fisheye.  So lot’s of new toys to learn to use – and hopefully get more good shots.

Imogen Heap performing at the Paramount Theatre - June 2010

There were a handful of notable shows where the images and getting of images, was just so fun – that I can barely choose what my favorite frames were – I just loved the entire sets ! Those were probably June’s – Imogen Heap show (pictured at right), July’s “Sextreme Ball“, September’s – Train show, obviously- September’s – Bumbershoot, and October’s – Never Shout Never gig.  As well, I finally got to see one of my faves from the Rock Star days – Ryan Star – who managed to visit Seattle, not once, but twice(!) in one week in September 2010 – Ryan’s 11:59 is doing well, and it was so great to see him live again – hadn’t seen him perform since 2006.

I also tried my hand at capturing more crowd – some successful, sometimes less so… These are tricky and require – quickly modified exposures, the right angle of view, wide glass, good timing – and well, an enthused crowd – a lot of variables that don’t always come together…

Bumbershoot Fans as LMFAO performed on the State Farm Stage

[flickr-gallery mode=”photoset” photoset=”72157625593109218″]

All in all a fun image year…there is drama and joy, and those quietly peaceful moments that probably most define my favorite images.

Check out, some of my faves in this year in pictures – 2010…

Foxy Shazam performing at El Corazon in April 2010

Anvil performing at Bumbershoot in September 2010

The Psychedelic Furs performing at the Showbox Sodo in June 2010

Ra Ra Riot performing at Bumbershoot in September 2010

Lacey Conner (fr Rock of Love?!) of Lords of Acid, Headlining the Sextreme Ball at Studio 7

Corinne Bailey Rae performing at the Moore Theatre in April 2010

Never Shout Never performing at the Showbox Market in October 2010

Ryan Star opening for Train at the Marymoor Amphitheatre in September 2010

Floater performing for their Seattle CD release at the Showbox Market in July 2010

Dengue Fever performing at Neumo's in January 2010

Kate Nash performing at the Showbox Market in November 2010

LMFAO performing at Bumbershoot in September 2010

Barenaked Ladies performing at Marymoor Theatre in July 2010

Romany Rye performing for Noise for the Needy at Neumo's in June 2010

The Maine performing at the Showbox Market in October 2010

The Providence performing at Bumbershoot in September 2010

As Tall As Lions (who have recently called it quits) performing at Neumo's in April 2010

Train performing at Marymoor Amphitheatre in September 2010

Windowpane performing at the Showbox Market in July 2010

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros performing at Bumbershoot in September 2010

Goo Goo Dolls performing at Sno Casino in May 2010

Visqueen performing at Bumbershoot in September 2010

Syztem Seven peforming during the Sextreme Ball at Studio 7 in July 2010

And of course – it was an honor to shoot, in one of his final live performances – Solomon Burke at Bumbershoot…

Solomon Burke performing at Bumbershoot in September 2010

And just because I held this post until 2010 was officialy OVER – here is my fave from the last show of the year – literally – X performing NYE in Seattle at the Moore Theatre

Exene Cervenka of X performs on December 31, 2010 at the Moore Theatre in Seattle, WA

Slideshow of the the full set of 2010 faves – http://www.flickr.com/photos/emswazzu/sets/72157624755098884/show/

[flickr-gallery mode=”photoset” photoset=”72157624755098884″]

Some additional highlights of the year also included having some live shots(both from 2009) make it onto some CD artwork and another’s website:

Foxy Shazam: self titled CD


Psychedelic Furs official website:

To peruse shoots from the entirety of 2010 – see the 2010 LIST

December –
X

November –
Mister Heavenly
Passion Pit
Kate Nash

October –
The Maine
The Dirty Heads
Never Shout Never
O.A.R.

September –
Bumbershoot – feat. The Whigs, The Providence, Visqueen, Star Anna & the Laughing Dogs feat. Mike McCready, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The English Beat, Solomon Burke, Hole (Courtney Love), Fences, LMFAO, Lisa Dank, The Moondoggies, The Thermals, Anvil, Grynch, Zoe Muth & The Lost High Rollers, The Maldives, Justin Townes Earle, Billy Bragg, Hey Marseilles, David Bazan, Crash Kings, Ra Ra Riot, THEESatisfaction, Jenny & Johnny, & Booker T.
Train
Ryan Star (opening for Train)
The Flaming Lips
Hanson
Ryan Star (at Chop Suey)

August –
Dum Dum Girls
Melissa Etheridge
Jaill

July –
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Hey Marseilles
Barenaked Ladies
Floater
Windowpane
Afraid of Figs
Sextreme Ball – feat: Lords of Acid & Thrill Kill Kult with Blownload, Syztem Seven & DJ Deathwish

June –
Imogen Heap
Ben Christophers
Geese
Sintonía
Psychedelic Furs
Noise for the Needy – feat: Album Leaf, Delta Spirit, Kinsky, Baths, Ezra Furman and the Harpoons, & Romany Rye
Maxwell
Jill Scott
Born Ruffians
Young Rival
Kids and Animals

May –
Goo Goo Dolls
Vedera
Evelyn Evelyn

April –
Corinne Bailey Rae
Foxy Shazam
Young Veins
Bad Rabbits
Feverclub
As Tall As Lions
Bad Veins
Skeletons with Flesh on Them
Owl City
LIGHTS
Paper Route
Jónsi
Death Vessel

February –
Wilco

January –
Suzanne Vega
Dengue Fever
Lushy
Steve Earle
Hayes Carll
Alec Ounsworth

And a bit final self promotion – don’t forget to “Like” me on Facebook,  and follow me on Twitter!

I’d also love to give a shoutout, to the additional Facebook/Twitter pages – for SoundSpike-Facebook|Twitter &  seeLOUDER-Facebook|Twitter.  Like & follow them too!!

Special thanks to all the contributors/editors at SoundSpike.com – notably the photo editor Hali. As well, much love for all those fellow photogs/contributors at backbeatseattle.com – especially site founder/editor – Dagmar. And of course to all the publicists, label reps, managers, venues, and most of all – the fabulous musicians that make the music and images come to life – Thank you!

To all my fellow photog friends & fans I have met along the way – see you out there – here’s to more gorgeous images created by the rock stars we love!

xoxo
~elisa

Overall, I continued to shoot shows… I even shot Bumbershoot this year – you’ll see several shots from this in the review set:)

I upgraded equipment around April – from my trusty Rebel to my 5dmkII & 7d combo, along with the 24-70 2.8L, 70-200 2.8 IS L, 50 1.4 – keeping my trusty 100 2.0 – and more recently (October) adding the 15mm 2.8 fisheye.  So lot’s of new toys to learn to use – and hopefully get more good shots.

Imogen Heap performing at the Paramount Theatre - June 2010

There were a handful of notable shows where the images and getting of images, was just so fun – that I can barely choose what my favorite frames were – I just loved the entire sets ! Those were probably June’s – Imogen Heap show (pictured at right), July’s “Sextreme Ball“, September’s – Train show, obviously- September’s – Bumbershoot, and October’s – Never Shout Never gig.  As well, I finally got to see one of my faves from the Rock Star days – Ryan Star – who managed to visit Seattle, not once, but twice(!) in one week in September 2010 – Ryan’s 11:59 is doing well, and it was so great to see him live again – hadn’t seen him perform since 2006.

I also tried my hand at capturing more crowd – some successful, sometimes less so… These are tricky and require – quickly modified exposures, the right angle of view, wide glass, good timing – and well, an enthused crowd – a lot of variables that don’t always come together…

Bumbershoot Fans as LMFAO performed on the State Farm Stage

[flickr-gallery mode=”photoset” photoset=”72157625593109218″]

All in all a fun image year…there is drama and joy, and those quietly peaceful moments that probably most define my favorite images.

Check out, some of my faves in this year in pictures – 2010…

Foxy Shazam performing at El Corazon in April 2010

Anvil performing at Bumbershoot in September 2010

The Psychedelic Furs performing at the Showbox Sodo in June 2010

Ra Ra Riot performing at Bumbershoot in September 2010

Lacey Conner (fr Rock of Love?!) of Lords of Acid, Headlining the Sextreme Ball at Studio 7

Corinne Bailey Rae performing at the Moore Theatre in April 2010

Never Shout Never performing at the Showbox Market in October 2010

Ryan Star opening for Train at the Marymoor Amphitheatre in September 2010

Floater performing for their Seattle CD release at the Showbox Market in July 2010

Dengue Fever performing at Neumo's in January 2010

Kate Nash performing at the Showbox Market in November 2010

LMFAO performing at Bumbershoot in September 2010

Barenaked Ladies performing at Marymoor Theatre in July 2010

Romany Rye performing for Noise for the Needy at Neumo's in June 2010

The Maine performing at the Showbox Market in October 2010

The Providence performing at Bumbershoot in September 2010

As Tall As Lions (who have recently called it quits) performing at Neumo's in April 2010

Train performing at Marymoor Amphitheatre in September 2010

Windowpane performing at the Showbox Market in July 2010

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros performing at Bumbershoot in September 2010

Goo Goo Dolls performing at Sno Casino in May 2010

Visqueen performing at Bumbershoot in September 2010

Syztem Seven peforming during the Sextreme Ball at Studio 7 in July 2010

And of course – it was an honor to shoot, in one of his final live performances – Solomon Burke at Bumbershoot…

Solomon Burke performing at Bumbershoot in September 2010

And just because I held this post until 2010 was officialy OVER – here is my fave from the last show of the year – literally – X performing NYE in Seattle at the Moore Theatre

Exene Cervenka of X performs on December 31, 2010 at the Moore Theatre in Seattle, WA

Slideshow of the the full set of 2010 faves – http://www.flickr.com/photos/emswazzu/sets/72157624755098884/show/

[flickr-gallery mode=”photoset” photoset=”72157624755098884″]

Some additional highlights of the year also included having some live shots(both from 2009) make it onto some CD artwork and another’s website:

Foxy Shazam: self titled CD


Psychedelic Furs official website:

To peruse shoots from the entirety of 2010 – see the 2010 LIST

December –
X

November –
Mister Heavenly
Passion Pit
Kate Nash

October –
The Maine
The Dirty Heads
Never Shout Never
O.A.R.

September –
Bumbershoot – feat. The Whigs, The Providence, Visqueen, Star Anna & the Laughing Dogs feat. Mike McCready, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The English Beat, Solomon Burke, Hole (Courtney Love), Fences, LMFAO, Lisa Dank, The Moondoggies, The Thermals, Anvil, Grynch, Zoe Muth & The Lost High Rollers, The Maldives, Justin Townes Earle, Billy Bragg, Hey Marseilles, David Bazan, Crash Kings, Ra Ra Riot, THEESatisfaction, Jenny & Johnny, & Booker T.
Train
Ryan Star (opening for Train)
The Flaming Lips
Hanson
Ryan Star (at Chop Suey)

August –
Dum Dum Girls
Melissa Etheridge
Jaill

July –
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Hey Marseilles
Barenaked Ladies
Floater
Windowpane
Afraid of Figs
Sextreme Ball – feat: Lords of Acid & Thrill Kill Kult with Blownload, Syztem Seven & DJ Deathwish

June –
Imogen Heap
Ben Christophers
Geese
Sintonía
Psychedelic Furs
Noise for the Needy – feat: Album Leaf, Delta Spirit, Kinsky, Baths, Ezra Furman and the Harpoons, & Romany Rye
Maxwell
Jill Scott
Born Ruffians
Young Rival
Kids and Animals

May –
Goo Goo Dolls
Vedera
Evelyn Evelyn

April –
Corinne Bailey Rae
Foxy Shazam
Young Veins
Bad Rabbits
Feverclub
As Tall As Lions
Bad Veins
Skeletons with Flesh on Them
Owl City
LIGHTS
Paper Route
Jónsi
Death Vessel

February –
Wilco

January –
Suzanne Vega
Dengue Fever
Lushy
Steve Earle
Hayes Carll
Alec Ounsworth

And a bit final self promotion – don’t forget to “Like” me on Facebook,  and follow me on Twitter!

I’d also love to give a shoutout, to the additional Facebook/Twitter pages – for SoundSpike-Facebook|Twitter &  seeLOUDER-Facebook|Twitter.  Like & follow them too!!

Special thanks to all the contributors/editors at SoundSpike.com – notably the photo editor Hali. As well, much love for all those fellow photogs/contributors at backbeatseattle.com – especially site founder/editor – Dagmar. And of course to all the publicists, label reps, managers, venues, and most of all – the fabulous musicians that make the music and images come to life – Thank you!

To all my fellow photog friends & fans I have met along the way – see you out there – here’s to more gorgeous images created by the rock stars we love!

xoxo
~elisa

And let’s not forget, of that total double dozen count, sweet 16 of them have been INXS shows… Yes, you heard me…INXS . Before this year, they were but a musical reminiscence for me of years past…this year they became my heart. (see INXS concert recaps)

I did do a few other things this year…I did go to South Korea…and wow, what an awesome experience that was. I almost went to Austrailia and Europe, but those did not pan out…I will have to plan those in upcoming years.

In the end though, this year was all about the music. Music and all the friends I have made through the sharing of the love for it. I can thank (or blame) Rockband.com and the lovely people that post on the forums there for helping make this year so awesome. I can also sincerely thank a band, that 18 or so months ago, I barely thought about…INXS, for pushing me to this journey. Or maybe I should thank Mark Burnett…whose reality TV series Rockstar, has seemingly changed my musical life forever.

What started out as whimsical summer viewing on Tuesday/Wednesday nights in the summer of 2005…somehow, what followed has enveloped and shaped the entirety of my year this 2006. Watching this one dude win, what seemed to be his dream, to front, a band I fondly remembered from my youth…warmed my heart. I had no idea that is would shape my very existence.

So the year…how did it start? Well, I believe it began, more or less, with me deciding I needed to post more on Rockband.com since I was going to be meeting a bunch of ‘em in Vegas at the end of January. Yeah, the madness that had been fed by obsessively reading the forum there, was just about ready to spread…

So, by mid January, I was ready to attend my ‘first’ INXS show. I had tickets to this show, here in Seattle, and to the Las Vegas show…which was a convention or massive gathering of sorts for folks post Rockstar, to come together from the various fan communities. It was supposed to just be those 2 shows…

So, on January 18th, I was there…here at the Paramount…front row just behind the 2row Pit (I had sprung for some upgraded seats)…I ended up w/noone in front of me…just about 5 feet in front of Tim Farriss all night. The band, that I had fallen in love with, in a whole new way than I ever admired their music back in the day, I was getting to see live, with that guy that I had wanted to win, on that TV show I had watched…

I was beside myself. First I had never seen a concert from that close before…practically at the stage… Next, I had simply never been to such a show. This band was so good on stage. Each member, amazing…connecting with the audience. I was in awe. (my Seattle show recap here)

Not barely a week and a few days later, I was in Vegas, at another show…After a preparty gathering of the folks from Rockband.com, there was the big show. I had brought one of my friends along…who was not a big fan…she was blown away at the show—we were not up front, rather in the stands with the common folk. Apparently, the lead singer, JD, was sick, but honestly…it was still an amazing show…the energy in the 10K or so people that were in that room. It was a thrilling experience. Following this, there was an afterparty sponsored by the forum I had been reading/posting at (Rockband.com). It was just some of us fans, and one of the contestants from the previous summers Rockstar, Deanna Johnston was performing. No the band(INXS) was not there, so don’t go thinking it was that type of party, lol…It was just a chance for all of us that had been waiting for this for so long, and for folks that had gotten to know each other online, to finally meet in person, and share this great experience. It was interesting…I feel like I kind of met some people, but it was odd…so many…and so many of us…uhmmm, a bit shy… but it was still great fun. I was so glad I went…that was supposed to be the end of this little INXS adventure come obsession. What a great ride… (Vegas show recap)

Well, that was not then end, rather just the jumping off point. I kept posting at Rockband.com . I got to know the posters online better as time went on…In fact, not even a full week later, one of the leading members, posted about some front row tickets becoming available on ebay for some rescheduled show in St Charles (suburb of St Louis)…for some crazy, undefinable reason, 6 of us, bought them, and decided to all go, to the middle of the country to see INXS …again!… what was up. Was Vegas not enough? The lure of the front row, was strong, and airfares cheap. There was no turning back on this journey now.

So we all ended up in St Charles. It was an amazing show, to say the least. I met up with some (some I had met briefly in Vegas) of the most amazing people here…many of which I call good friends today. The bonds we formed here, in the middle of who knew where USA…I will always treasure. The concert, the addiction that was INXS, exploded. (St Charles recap)

It was some time later a few wks I guess, when I found out I would be attending a work conference in Nashville the same time INXS had a show there in April. Needless to say I bought a ticket. And not just any ticket. One that eventually landed me in the front 2 rows of pit. It also, was an amazing coming together of many other Rockband.com members…we dubbed it Nashvegas. I had a great time meeting so many more folks I had come to know through this amazing online community. Also, a side benefit of my ticket was a meet and greet with the Band…don’t get too excited…it was just a kitchy little photo op w/the band, and them basically coming down a line of us, chatting briefly and signing stuff. But still, it was fun, to see them face to face, and tell them how amazing they were, and thank them for some great shows. This was really a special show for me, meeting the band for the first time, and really meeting and getting to spend time with so many Rockbanders. (Nashvegas recap)

So, was the madness over yet? One would think. But no, the band had a couple more dates scheduled close to me again, here in Seattle and Vancouver (BC). I bought tickets.

However, in a surprising turn, my sister called me not 2 days after I sprang for a front row Vancouver ticket, with an amazing opportunity. She offered me a chance to go along with her to South Korea for a week. Unfortunately, this was the same week, that INXS was going to be in Seattle and Vancouver. But, what am I thinking…I only had to buy airfare, the rest of the vacation was paid for…I had already seen INXS 4 times. I had to go with my sister. Family and grand international adventure was calling. I made the only logical decision, and I am so glad. Korea was amazing. The people were beautiful and kind. The country was so rich with cool things to see, do, eat! The pictures were amazing that we took on this adventure. I am so happy I took this little detour in what is otherwise a tale in excessive concert going… Traveling, is one of my first loves. It was great sharing it with my sister, and experiencing this land first hand was truly an honor.

So, was my year in groupiedom, cut short by real life trans Pacific adventure to another land? One would think. But no, not a week later, rather just 4 days after my return from overseas, I left on a trip I fondly call California Dreamin’. I took a groupie vacation if you will, and went to every INXS show from Reno to San Diego…meeting up with friends, staying at houses, and hotels with my friends I had met along the way. Seeing a band play, almost every night to fans that simply love them. I cannot tell you what it was like. Needless to say, band run ins, poker, flowing cosmos, tour bus tours, lol…it was amazing. The friends I had made during my concert going and posting online, helped make something unimaginable a year before, be so amazing. Being a fan of a band I had only one cassette tape of, prior to the previous summers TV show…had brought me so much joy and so many friends, I can never thank them enough. The music, the sound track to this journey…INXS baby…they are simply like no other.

So with that ended my bit of groupiedom…for a while… I had contemplated going overseas to see them in Oz and / or in Europe, but those trips never materialized for me. That was ok, I had definitely had my fill. Over the summer, I let the latest incarnation of the Rockstar series take me away. I had become a moderator on Rockband.com and watched the show, discussed it and snarked on it with an expanded community of folks. It was really cool. I had not experienced the show quite like this the previous summer. It was different though…there was not a band that had those youthful memories for me, trying to find a singer, rather a new one, that honestly, I never got too invested in. The folks they presented to us on TV, did not initially impress me…but as I started to listen the off show efforts of some of them, and the show progressed, I became a fan of many.

I even planned on going to a taping. I ended up going to the taping of the main performance show the second to the last week. I got to meet up again with so many friends on this trip. We even got to go to a ‘red carpet’ commercial taping the day before. It was cool. I was amazed at what it took to put a show like this together…and surprised again at how different it all is when you see it sans editing…you get to see all that really happens, not just what ends up on that hour of TV. The singers even sound different! And the energy…live music…it is simply impossible to trasmit that over the television screen. I am so glad went. I plan on going flying down for a few next summer if at all possible. It is like a free concert (not counting the airfare)…and just an amazing experience.

Thus begun the second half of the year…the year that I discovered live music in general…to an extent that I had never before let come into my life. I guess all that INXS concert going madness was now spreading!

One of the contestants from this summers show, that was dismissed early…I had become a big fan of his bands music, Lennex. I simply thought their CD’s were amazing. As luck would have it, I decided to hop a quick flight out to DC /MD area to see one of their shows, and meet up with some of my east coast Rockband friends. I am so happy I did. I was blown away by this band live. I even got to meet (and hug! Squee!) the lead singer…and take a lot of pictures! It was fun. I could not believe that another season of Rockstar, had brought me to be a fan of another band! And it wasn’t even the winner this time…lol, I think I am a goner;) (Lennex, Live! read all about it here!)

About a month later, I saw another band (this time local!) called Blue October. What is funny, is that I was exposed to their music because one of the contestants from this years Rockstar, sang one of their covers on the show, Razorblade. I was intrigued by the sound of the song that I was previously unfamiliar with. Added to that, I had heard some other positive buzz about the band following this…so when I learned they would be in Seattle, I bought the tickets! And all I can say is WOW! They are simply phenomenal. I now own 2 of their most recent CD’s, and seriously plan on buying the rest of their back catalogue…their music is great! Live, they are stunning. Not the prettiest bunch, lol, but intense, excellent and passionate musicians.

The following week, I had tickets to the sold out Killers show here in Seattle. They were pretty good, but honestly, they did not compare, musically, in my opinion with Blue October. I am extremely happy I went though, it was a fun show. My favorite songs were live were off of their previous album, Hot Fuss: Somebody Told Me, and Mr. Brightside. (Read my little review of Blue v the Killers here)

The next day, I was headed down to spend some time with my mom, as she was to be recuperating from knee surgery. I had a lay over in San Diego that I engineered to meet up with some friends again, and go see Ryan Star…yet another contestant from this most recent series of Rockstar. He is, simply, gorgeous. LOL. And, an amazingly intense musician, and really good songwriter. It was fun to get to see him in a small setting, doing his thing. I listened to his live CD(that he put out with at the end of this season backed by the amazing Rockstar House Band) on the drive up from San Diego to my moms. Really good CD.

Are you thinking I am done? Tsk, tsk, not so much;)
I found out in October sometime, that Paul Stanley (of KISS fame) was touring with the Rockstar House Band as his supporting band! I love them! They, honestly, are half the reason one watches the Rockstar show. I got to meet(briefly) a couple of them when I went down for a taping, they were so sweet! And live, at the taping they were amazing. I knew, another opportunity to see them peform, was too good to pass up, even if I couldn’t care less about this Paul Stanley fellow! Ha ha…I was right…

In early November, the Paul Stanley tour touched down in Seattle…me, armed with my ticket, met up with, yes, yet again, some fellow rockbanders and set myself up front and center! I was excited once the show started that it looked like we would be able to take pictures…this is something I had come to really enjoy at some shows earlier this year, the opportunity to take photos of the band…as a fan, it was fun to capture the moments on stage, to look back on. And oh my, the House Band, was blazing…they rock out on stage, play their instruments so brilliantly…it is almost blinding to the eyes and ears. Stunning they are on stage…I almost have no words. Sasha…surprisingly, wowed me even more than I anticipated. He is their HOT bassist…uhmmm, yum! His bass lines are amazing. Rafael, lead guitarist…O…just sayin. Nate, back there on drums! Yes…Paul Mirkovich on keyboards, and Jimmy McGorman on Guitar…just awesome. They made me think I was a Paul Stanley fan by the end of the evening! LOL…I cannot say enough about these guys. They are the best. Period.

What could follow this? Well, I got to see Storm and the Balls the following weekend. Storm Large was another contestant introduced to me via this years season of Rockstar. She is really an amazing woman. I got to sit in and record an interview one of my friends (yes, from Rockband—who flew in from OKC!) who conducted with her, before the show. I cannot tell you how much I like and admire this woman….she is not only gorgeous in pictures, amazing on stage, but truly a beautiful spirit. Her show that night was incredible.

Aww, the holidays, a break from the musical madness that has overtaken my life…Thanksgiving…I spent this year with friends rather than family…a conscious choice as I really did not want to travel during this holiday weekend. I am so glad I did this. It was relaxing, and friends are truly an amazing thing to have in your life…and in a way, are a type of family. It was a good holiday.

But never fear, a few more musical shows were in the offing. It turns out, that INXS had scheduled their last 2 shows of the year, in California…yeah! It was time to reconvene the California crew! Well, not everyone could make it, but the few I got to meet up with, and good friend I got to stay with made it an awesome trip! And seeing INXS again…probably a perfect circle to this fine year. They were a couple of interesting shows. So Cal shows and the fans…very devoted to say the least. The first show at the Disneyland House of Blues…out of control crush…and the boys, on stage, were as remembered, amazing, though, uhmmmm, feeling no pain (yeah I caught a wiff of their happy sauce pre show—just sayin;) Made me kind of munchie. And Indio, the very last scheduled concert of the year…it was really really good. They were on, like only INXS can be on.

They had a special guest guitarist come on during encore, and their love for eachother and for performing was at it’s height here. This trip ended, not with this INXS show, in the desert of of Southern California…but at my friends house, shooting video of her pug dog Coco…adorable pooch, hilarious video. Coco is a ‘star’

One more bit of musical madness to cap off the year…a quick trip I paid for via miles earned I had the chance to pop over to Baltimore again…and the chance to see Juke Kartel (fronted, by wait for it…another of the contestants from this years Rockstar)… And of course, meet up with some fellow Rockband friends again. Always a good time. Though Juke Kartel did not blow me away with their sound or songs, I found them all excellent musicians on stage, all very pretty and hot!, and Toby, their lead…has a really good voice. I will be interested to see where they go from here. I wish them the best. Another of the bands from this night, did spark my musical interest though, Whitestarr, I am going to have to look up their music! See, alls well that ends well.

So that is it …the Christmas and New Years holidays await. I will be spending them with family. I have yet, no concert plans for 2007, though I am sure I will attend a few. However, I expect nothing will ever compare to the outrageous ride that 2006 has been. I know, I will never see a band 16 times in a single year, ever again! I am pretty sure real life happenings other than concerts will take precedence once again in my little reality. Though I am also sure, I will continue to partake in live music, and make sure it is a significant part of my life from now on. While this year has been outrageous, I am looking forward to the fun, this years experiences will lead me to in years to come. And to the great friends I have made…there are no words. I can only say, I love you all, and I cannot wait until we meet again!