Posted on by Anne Sandler · 34 Comments

Lens Artists Challenge #183: Memorable Events

When Ann-Christine introduced her challenge she admitted it is difficult to choose a memorable event. She wrote: “I had to reflect upon it for some days before I knew what to choose… because life gives us quite some of these very special events, does not it? Happy Birthdays, surprising hikes, meetings with faraway friends, interesting exhibitions, travels to special places…”

It didn’t take me that long! My memories went to our cross country trip in 2013. This was a dream of mine and we decided to do it to commemorate our 50th wedding anniversary. This also coincided with the purchase of my Nikon D3100 and the beginning of my photography journey.

But, what do I pick from a 3-month (not long enough) trip? Memphis Tennessee! But what about Memphis? Beale Street! Just thinking about it brings back the food and music. If you love cat fish, that’s the place to be. If you love music, that’s definitely the place to be.

On our visit, we arrived at dusk to find Beale St blocked off for autos, but not motorcycles, especially when it came to a powder pink cycle with long eyelashes!

Hungry? You just had to step into one of the restaurants where an employee told you of the great food. And it was good.

After dinner, we started our musical adventure. As you walked by club after club, the music streamed out the open doors. Some had cover charges, some didn’t. But, oh my, what great sounds!

Some clubs carried famous names like B.B. King.

In Jerry Lee Lewis’ club, an entertainer played and sang just like Lewis would.

In one club, the singer played a request for me “Walking In Memphis” by Marc Cohen. I could have sat there forever.

All great evenings must end and so Beal Street must close.

I want to go back to Beal St for a few reasons, fun, music and now I know what ISO is!

Thank you Ann-Christine for helping me re-discover this magical night. I enjoyed seeing everyone’s Interesting Objects in response to Patti’s challenge last week, and look forward to seeing what Amy has in store for us next week. Remember to link to Ann-Christine’s post and use the Lens-Artists tag. I want to share in your memorable events.

Posted on by Anne Sandler

Sacramento Music Festival, part 2

It takes a lot of volunteers to run a weekend festival like ours. Although we just help during the weekend, I do feel like I’m a part of the whole operation. As a volunteer, we get free admission and a T-shirt. That shirt and our badge will get us into all the venues free. Of course, we work our own venues each day.

We work a youth venue on the Delta King dock. The ship’s staff is very gracious in their sponsorship and support of youth. Some of the older kids are just as good as some of the adult bands, and the younger kids are pretty good too. This year we had a group of  4th and 5th graders, and they were so cute! Evolution from North Bend Oregon drew crowds that numbered more than 100. They are a community band with children from 12 to 21. They were excellent. A local band from River City High School in West Sacramento drew crowds also.

Just watching the kids filled me with joy. They have a passion for music, and it keeps them away from other destructive activities. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be able to say, “I saw him/her play in our youth venue!”

While we do get to listen to wicked good music, we also work. The entire crew gathers on Friday morning to set up the venue. We put out the chairs, zip tie them together, help get the band area ready and our own table set up. During the performances that run all day, we keep the venue clean, patrol the fire lanes, and introduce and close the bands’ sets. It’s not too difficult, and it is fun. Next year I’ll take before and after shots!

Here are the last of the pictures. We’ll continue with the parade.