Mitch Pelkey at JD Chasers

It was Friday night and on a whim I decided to hop in my car and travel up to the tiny town of Hudson, New Hampshire.  Big stages are fun to shoot but I needed to be out and about town.  JD Chasers was my ultimate destination.  I'd heard rumblings that a local guitar player had a regular gig there twice a month and I figured I'd check him out.  The commute up there was uneventful and, once up there, the free parking was a breeze.  I could hear the music as I headed across the lot and made my way inside, I liked it already.  Once in the door it became abundantly clear that a stranger (me) had just entered the building.  Regulars filled this tiny townie bar and I was a novelty with 15 pounds of camera gear strung around my neck.  Not a problem, everyone was friendly.  Curious but friendly.

I found a seat at the bar and filled the friendly bartender in on my plan for the evening - I'd be taking pictures of the musician du jour, Mitch Pelkey, for an article I was writing.  She was happy to oblige and so was Mitch.  The service was excellent at JD's.  They took great care of me with thirst quenching spirits and a tasty salad made to my specifications.  Having had my fill it was time to 
work.

Mitch Pelkey is a gentle giant of a guy with a warm and inviting smile.  He's not hard to look at and listening to him is even easier.  His set list runs the gamut with song selections from a variety of genres.  They are all well-sung, well-played and pleasing to the ear.  I liked him and I'd see him again for sure.  He had a bar full of fans the night I was there so if you check him out get there early to get a seat and don't forget to empty your wallet into his open case, it's money well spent.

See you at the show!

xoxo
Michelle

 

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Merry Christmas Darling - A Carpenters Christmas

A few months back I was shooting a show up in Portland, Maine.  As is usually the case I was on my own.  As is also the case, when I'm alone I meet people.  This night was no different.  As I fiddled with my camera settings a nice gentleman with a kind and welcoming smile struck up a conversation.  Long story short, Mark Brett introduced himself and then introduced me to his lovely bride, Michelle Berting Brett.  The three of us just clicked.  Conversation was easy and it was a great night.

Now Michelle and Mark are two of the nicest people you'll ever want to meet.  They are also a match made in heaven.  Mark produces "We've Only Just Begun"  which is a renowned Carpenters tribute show that also includes Merry Christmas Darling - A Carpenters Christmas and the lovely Michelle stars in it!!  Oh what a voice she has!!!  

I was lucky enough to have run of the house for this show,  compliments of Mr. & Mrs. B, and for that I am so grateful!  The music of the Carpenters holds a special place in my heart.  Its the music of my childhood.  It's the music that causes a slow smile to spread across the faces of young and old alike.  It's music that warms the heart, and it certainly warmed mine.  

Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your talent and the sweet songs of the Carpenters with their forever fans!  Merry Christmas Darling!!

xoxo

Michelle

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Rodrigo y Gabriela at The Calvin Theater

Rodrigo y Gabriela at The Calvin Theater

by Michelle Cucchiaro

The road was long and empty and the scenery along the way showed signs of a still-beautiful-but-past-its-prime New England fall day. I was headed to the Calvin Theater in the little town of Northampton Mass. Northampton is in the western part of the state, a three hour drive from my home on the Northshore, and is in stark contrast to the hustling and bustling of  music venues in eastern Mass..........

To see my complete review and photo gallery of the show, click on the link below....

http://www.newenglandmusicnews.com/portfolio-view/rodrigo-y-gabriela-calvin-theater/ 

See you at the show!

xoxo
Michelle

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Flyleaf Rocks TT the Bear's!

Flyleaf Rocks TT the Bear's!

by Michelle Cucchiaro

I was asked to head down to TT the Bear's in Cambridge to fill in for another photographer.  The artist(s) dujour was a band called Flyleaf.  Opening were a couple of other bands, notably Lullwater out of Georgia.  Honestly, I had no idea what I was in for as I'd never heard of the headlining Flyleaf despite the fact that they've been around for over a decade.   No worries, I brought them up on YouTube, liked what I saw and figured it would be a good night.  I'm always up for something new and you should be too. It's the only way to broaden your musical horizons.................

To see my complete review and my picture gallery in it's entirety, click below.....

http://www.newenglandmusicnews.com/portfolio-view/flyleaf-rocks-tt-bears/

A few pics to get you rockin'...........

See you at the show!!!

xoxo
Michelle

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The Glitch Mob at House of Blues!!

Just a sneak peek at pics from last week's show at HOB!!  Loving the light show!

To see my complete album check out www.newenglandconcertreviews.com !!

Rock on!

Michelle

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CCR at Twin River Event Center

CCR...............

CCR put on a fantastic show at Twin River Event Center.  To see more great pics check out my complete album on New England Concert Review........

http://www.newenglandconcertphotographers.com/Concert-Photography-2014/CCR-at-Twin-River-Event-Center

See you at the show!

Michelle

The Johnny Lang Band at The State Theater

The Johnny Lang Band..........

Johnny Lang

For more great pics of The Johnny Lang Band, see my complete album on New England Concert Review..........

http://www.newenglandconcertphotographers.com/Concert-Photography-2014/Jonny-Lang-at-The-State-Theate

See you at the show!

Michelle

The Rich Robinson Band at The State Theater

The Rich Robinson Band.................

For more great pics of The Rich Robinson Band, see my complete album on New England Concert Review...........

http://www.newenglandconcertphotographers.com/Concert-Photography-2014/Rich-Robinson-at-The-State-The

See you at the show!

Michelle

Daughtry at Toyota Oakdale Theater

Daughtry.....

Chris Daughtry

For more great pics of Daughtry, see my complete album on New England Concert Review...........

http://www.newenglandconcertphotographers.com/Concert-Photography-2014/DAUGHTRY-at-The-Toyota-Oakdale

See you at the show!

Michelle

Goo Goo Dolls at Toyota Oakdale Theater

The Goo Goo Dolls............

John Rzeznik

For more great pics of the Goo Goo Dolls see my complete album on New England Concert Review............

http://www.newenglandconcertphotographers.com/Concert-Photography-2014/GOO-GOO-DOLLS-at-Toyota-Oakdal

See you at the show!

Michelle

Snoop Dogg at The Portland Expo!!

Snoooooooooooooooooooop!

For more great pics of Snoop Dogg at the Portland Expo see my complete album on New England Concert Review............

http://www.newenglandconcertphotographers.com/Concert-Photography-2014/Snoop-Dogg-at-The-Portland-Exp

See you at the show!

Michelle

Kurt Vile and the Violators at The State Theater

Check out Kurt Vile and the Violators..............

For more great pics of Kurt Vile and the Violators see my complete album on New England Concert Review at

http://www.newenglandconcertphotographers.com/Concert-Photography-2014/Kurt-Vile-at-The-State-Theater/i-dfHPMfS

xoxo
Michelle

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Rod Stewart at Mohegan Sun, Review

It was Sunday, May 25th and I was in the presence of greatness.  I'd traveled to Uncasville, CT to shoot the Rod Stewart concert at Mohegan Sun and that alone would have been awesome enough but I would soon learn that my experience would be so much richer than I had originally anticipated.


I got there early and roamed the floor for appropriate vantage points and took a peek at the stage to try to get a feel for whoever the opener might be.  Among other things I saw two drum kits, a few sets of maracas and the expected guitar racks.   My curiosity got the better of me so I did what anyone would do, I asked a stage hand.  To my surprise and absolute delight I was informed that Carlos Santana was opening for Rod Stewart!  Whaaaaaaaaat!  How did I miss THAT?  Two icons in one night, it doesn't get any better than that!  Sweet!

Santana's stage was as you would expect it to be and much like his music--  A bit darker and earthy with splashes of color.  The music was rich. There were beautiful Latin undertones of both sight and sound.  There were grooves that took you away and caused your hips sway.  He played for 90 minutes straight and showed the fans that he is every bit as deserving of his multitude of Grammy awards than he ever was.  After 4 decades of wowing audiences around the world, he shows no signs of slowing down even at 67 years old!  Once an icon, always and icon.  Rock on Carlos!

A 30 minute intermission was completely necessary to totally transform the earthen glow of the Santana stage and vibe into the whitewashed crispness of the rockin' Rod experience.  A silver lame curtain dropped as Rod's dazzling darlings and fellow performers took to the stage.  As expected, they were equally as gorgeous as they were talented.  Clad in turquoise sequined mini-dresses they gave the appearance of sugar coated gumdrops dancing across the stark white stage.  Rod's voice filled the room before he appeared looking dapper as ever in a blue satin jacket.  Still sporting those signature tufts of blonde spikey hair, the man simply doesn't age.


I grew up listening to his music and his voice is as distinct and awesome as ever!  He took us on a stroll down memory lane singing fan favorites of every decade since the 70's.  The packed house new all the words and sang along to songs like Forever Young, Reason to Believe, You're in My Heart and, of course, Maggie May.  Hot Legs was a huge crowd pleaser as Rod showed off his own pair of hot legs and kicked dozens of soccer balls out to his adoring fans. Rod rocked the house with a full 90 minutes of melodic mastery so if you get the chance, this show is a must see!!  Rock on Rod!!

xoxo
Michelle

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Jenny Lewis at State Theater

I went north last week and caught a Jenny Lewis show up at the State Theater in Portland. Check it out......

For more great pics check out my complete album on New England Concert Review at

http://www.newenglandconcertphotographers.com/Concert-Photography-2014/Jenny-Lewis-at-The-State-Theat/i-DvVP6wv

xoxo

Michelle

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Ray LaMontagne at the Cumberland County Civic Center

I absolutely love the music of Ray LaMontagne so when I had the chance to shoot this Nashua-born artist I was totally pumped!

For more great pics of Ray LaMontagne see my complete album on New England Concert Review at http://www.newenglandmusicnews.com/concert-photographers-of-new-england/


xoxo
Michelle

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Salt-N-Pepa Push it Real Good at MIXX 360!

Well here's a blast from college years!!!  Salt-N-Pepa!!!  Push it Real Good!!!!

For more Salt-N-Pepa pics see my complete album on New England Concert Review!!!

http://www.newenglandmusicnews.com/concert-photographers-of-new-england/

xoxo
Michelle

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Jason Isbell at Cumberland County Civic Center

Jason Isbell opened for Ray Lamontagne at the Cumberland County Civic Center.........

For more great pics of Jason see my complete album on New England Concert Review!!!

http://www.newenglandmusicnews.com/concert-photographers-of-new-england/

xoxo
Michelle

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Cruisin' With Styx

During a recent vacation I had the opportunity to meet and shoot one of my favorite bands, STYX!

For more great pics of STYX check out my album on New England Concert Review at 

http://www.newenglandmusicnews.com/concert-photographers-of-new-england/

xoxo
Michelle

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Santana at Mohegan Sun

For more great Santana pics see my album on New England Concert Review!

http://www.newenglandmusicnews.com/concert-photographers-of-new-england/

http://www.newenglandconcertphotographers.com/Concert-Photography-2014/Santana-at-Mohegan-Sun-CT

xoxo
Michelle

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