one last thing before I quit

About a month ago, I went to a camera sale that a bunch of businesses put on. I managed to pick up a Canon FT QL for $20. It even came with two lenses. A steal. After picking up some rolls of film and a new battery, my current interest in photography continues to grow. Oh, and I even picked up a SX-70 Polaroid camera for $10.

Anyways. That should give you a good idea of what's been on my mind lately, and sets up this post quite well.

I've watched Saturday Night Live for quite a few years now and one of my most favorite things, other then the Digital Shorts, are the bumpers that they have of the hosts and musical guests. It took me quite some time, but I finally figured out who was behind all of them. Her name is Mary Ellen Matthews.

She doesn't have a website. Or even a Fan Facebook page. But I'm most certainly a supporter of hers and am very intrigued in her art. It's not like her photos are revolutionary, they're basically all just portraits. But they are quite fun and they have purpose.

Pearl Jam
"Different lighting -- you know, I’m such a fan of music across the board, but of them, for sure. I just thought this would be an interesting take, especially with Eddie Vedder. His bone structure being that it is, this would really work for them."

Tenacious D
"I saw the Simon & Garfunkel cover -- 'Bookends' -- where they’re both in the turtlenecks and they’re kinda leaning on each other, so we kind of riffed off that. [Simon & Garfunkel are] one great duo in our musical history. They're just another one [laughs]. With Jack Black, you always kind of get a show. Kyle Gass as well. They’re loose, let’s say, but amazing musicians."

Foo Fighters
"I think it just says a lot about who they are, for sure. I think it really captured them. Dave Grohl is so free-spirited, free-living, has a great time with what he’s doing. And they’re such a group, I think they really enjoy what they’re doing. And they were happy to be there that day."

Alec Baldwin

Ellen Page

Hugh Laurie

Jack Black

Jack Black, again

Justin Timberlake

Michael Phelps

Natalie Portman

Paul Giamatti

Paul Giamatti, duece

Scarlett Johansson

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks, numero deux

Will Ferrell

Growing up and listening to many of the bigger Seattle bands, like Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Mother Love Bone, Green River and Pearl Jam. has always made me appreciate how small a world it can be for bands. Within this small community, many of the musicians have come and gone, formed new groups, collaborated, etc.

This past Tuesday, Pearl Jam was playing in L.A. and had a few special guests join them on stage. Singer-songwriter Ben Harper was there, which isn't a large surprise. Jerry Cantrell, Alice In Chains singer-guitarist, also joined them on stage. Above average surprise. But BAM! The Chris Cornell showed up! Now, I'm not a massive Cornell fan, but I was certainly on the Soundgarden train, and also the Audioslave boat. But, as I'm sure most of the world feels the same way, his solo work just doesn't reach the bar. Oh well. Doesn't matter. Temple of the Dog was officially back!

At the same time that Pearl Jam was beginning to form, Temple of the Dog was working on their first and only album. The band was made up of Eddie Vedder, Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard and Mike McCready all from Pearl Jam, Cornell from Soundgarden, and Matt Cameron who started with Soundgarden and then has since joined Pearl Jam.

Anyways, Cornell went up and they sang their most well known song, Hunger Strike. It was the first time they've played together since 2003. That would've been something to see live.



And just for kicks, here's Cantrell helping out with Alive:

T-shirts. Programs. Records. Hats. Books. All typical things I've seen at a concerts. But I've never seen this before. And I bet you haven't either. I don't know much about her but then Louise Ferguson actually goes to concerts and, rather then taking pictures of the band as majority of us do, she paint pictures. It's ridiculously neat.


Check out Louise's blog or her site for more. I wonder if this will catch on a bit more someday. I know I wish I could paint...