Ashley Andrea Beliveau

Joni Mitchell - All I Want

2012-02-02T17:08:00.000-08:00

I am on a lonely road and I am traveling
Traveling, traveling, traveling
Looking for something, what can it be
Oh I hate you some, I hate you some, I love you some
Oh I love you when I forget about me

I want to be strong I want to laugh along
I want to belong to the living
Alive, alive, I want to get up and jive
I want to wreck my stockings in some juke box dive
Do you want - do you want - do you want to dance with me baby
Do you want to take a chance
On maybe finding some sweet romance with me baby
Well, come on

All I really really want our love to do
Is to bring out the best in me and in you too
All I really really want our love to do
Is to bring out the best in me and in you
I want to talk to you, I want to shampoo you
I want to renew you again and again
Applause, applause - Life is our cause
When I think of your kisses my mind see-saws
Do you see - do you see - do you see how you hurt me baby
So I hurt you too
Then we both get so blue.

I am on a lonely road and I am traveling
Looking for the key to set me free
Oh the jealousy, the greed is the unraveling
It's the unraveling
And it undoes all the joy that could be
I want to have fun, I want to shine like the sun
I want to be the one that you want to see
I want to knit you a sweater
Want to write you a love letter
I want to make you feel better
I want to make you feel free
I want to make you feel free

© 1970; Joni Mitchel

Tim Considine, former Hollywood star from the 50's and 60's and a published auto historian and photographer, photographed the infamous cover photo for Joni Mitchell's Blue. It is my favorite of her albums, for it's raw emotion, spirited lyrics full of imagery, and her unapologetic and beautifully harmonized vocals.

Collection: Records

2012-01-30T02:53:00.001-08:00

For a start to this New Year I have been trying to rebuild my record collection of 45's. Not that it is a "resolution" exactly, as my love of playing records stems from my childhood when I would listen as my parents played their records on our home stereo, rather it is a commitment to continue the listening experience. It is certainly more of an experience to physically remove a beautifully crafted record from it's sleeve, place it underneath the needle on the turntable, and let it's sound invade the space around you. To hear the slight "fuzz" of the record as it makes its way song by song to the end of side A before having to switch to the B side is a memory I share with my family, so it makes this kind of music listening all the more emotional for me. My Grandmother was also a proponent of record collecting and my memories of her collection of albums always inspired me. She had everything from Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash to The Kinks (she was an amazing woman).

Another key element to listening to records is there is clearly no higher alternative for a musician to engage the listener through aesthetic elements. The album cover is iconic in the landscape of music history. The images, text, and placement of these elements is what we have as the most physical representation of the artist, and at hands reach, as we sit and enjoy the album contained therein. It brings the whole concept home to the listener. It allows us to use a reference point as we go through song by song of the entire piece. In this way an album is fine art. And I love every album differently- from the weathered and torn edges of those I have inherited, to the crisp and clean sleeves that I have been collecting myself.

I find it is more refreshing and energizing to have my albums playing when at home. I could continue to go on about how much I romanticize listening to music in this way, and suffice to say it is one of my favorite things to do with someone else as well. There is much love in sitting down around the record player and enjoying the whole experience.

Bob Gruen in Los Angeles

2011-12-31T00:06:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month I was able to attend some LA events for one of my mentors- Bob Gruen. Bob has had a filled year promoting his new anthology of photographic work: Rock Seen. His LA dates included a screening of the new film by the wonderful director Don Letts- Rock 'N' Roll Exposed: The Photography Of Bob Gruen (2011) at The Echo, to Bob's book signing at Marc Jacob's BOOKMARC on Melrose, and an opening of his work at the Fahey Klein Gallery on La Brea. It was a great time to catch up but more importantly to witness the multitudes of people adding their recognition to one of the greatest documentary photographers of Rock And Roll.

BOOKMARC on Melrose

Bob

Bob & I

At the Fahey/Klein Gallery on La Brea

Rock Seen, Cover

Title Page

Inlay of The Clash in NYC

Back Cover

Rock And Roll is Bob's life. He is the person to go to for an account of all that is rock music. The essential items that make up a photograph by Bob Gruen all have a common thread: he photographs within the context of a family. My love of his work began with The Clash. There is no other person who has documented the family that was and will always be that band. From intimate moments on the road for their first tour of America, to their defining connection to the audience in their performances, Bob was there to catch the fire which burned within those four people and those around them. And from there on I was in love with the idea that an instrument, in this case the camera, when guided by the right player or operator, could change lives and preserve the moments in life which encapsulate the human spirit.

Rock Seen is more than just a visual account of Bob's best work. It is the visual history of Rock and Roll from the last 40 or so years. If there was any performer to have changed or contributed to the landscape of Rock music, Bob was there to grab a moment of that frenzy.

PHOTOS ©ASHLEY A BELIVEAU

Carter Hulsey on Tri State Indie

2011-10-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

Photos of Carter Hulsey from his Las Vegas performance now up on TSI.

You can check it out here: tristateindie.com

Carter Hulsey

2011-10-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

Carter on the West Coast...

This year I have had the pleasure of meeting a fantastic musician, Carter Hulsey, and his band from Joplin, Missouri. Having met through mutual friends at Carter's Management, Full On Music, I was able to document some of their more recent shows and interviews this past summer. Carter's music, the band's vibe, and their original, stripped down Rock and Roll has impressed me ever since. These are talented guys who speak clearly from the heart. Their music is honest and true. And they certainly know how to have a good time.

They bring more energy and integrity to the landscape of bands who constantly rotate in and out of LA. It is refreshing to see them whenever they are in town. Carter and the band have a connection with the audience no matter what city they are in. They always find a way to relate to everyone, and make them feel at home.

Las Vegas House of Blues

Chain Reaction, Anaheim

Mulberry Street Pizzeria in the Valley

making pizza, jamming, interview

The Roxy, Los Angeles

ALL PHOTOS ©ASHLEY A BELIVEAU

Carter is on the Time Travel Tour...coming to a city near you very soon

be sure to catch a show:

Oct 06 – Pharr, TX Pharr Events Center

Oct 07 – San Antonio, TX The White Rabbit
Oct 08 – Dallas, TX House of Blues
Oct 09 – Houston, TX House of Blues
Oct 10 – New Orleans, LA House of Blues
Oct 12 – Orlando, FL House of Blues Orlando
Oct 13 – Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle
Oct 15 – North Myrtle Beach, SC House of Blues
Oct 16 – Charlotte, NC Amos’ Southend Music Hall
Oct 18 – Norfolk, VA The NorVa
Oct 19 – Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory
Oct 20 – Silver Spring, MD The Fillmore – Silver Spring
Oct 21 – New York, NY Terminal 5
Oct 22 – Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
Oct 23 – Rochester, NY Water Street Music Hall
Oct 25 – Boston, MA House of Blues
Oct 27 – Toronto, ONT Kool Haus
Oct 28 – Columbus, OH Newport Music Hall
Oct 29 – Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s
Oct 30 – Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room
Nov 01 – Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music Theatre
Nov 02 – Cleveland, OH House of Blues Cleveland
Nov 04 – Grand Rapids, MI Orbit Room
Nov 05 – Chicago IL Riviera Theatre
Nov 06 – St. Louis, MO The Pageant

Sunset Junction

2011-08-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

In response to the cancellation of the Sunset Junction street fair/music fest, Dangerbird Records has rose to the occasion with an event all their own. Join us Saturday at DBHQ from 12-6 with sets from The Fling, Butch Walker and many more!

All donations benifit the Pablove Foundation!

Hope to see you there! Come show your support!

Carter Hulsey

2011-08-25T22:44:00.000-07:00

A quick shot from one of the Carter Hulsey Band's shows in CA in early August...& more to come...

Carter Hulsey, Anaheim C.A. August 2011

©ASHLEY A BELIVEAU

INDEPENDENT LENS | The Cool School | PBS

2011-08-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

"It was a heart pounding, romantic scene..."

Art in Los Angeles, The Cool School, Independent Lens

Bloglovin

2011-08-19T17:02:00.001-07:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

The Los Angeles Art Scene and the 1960's

2011-08-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

"Rebels in Paradise" by Hunter Drohojowska Philip is a new book focusing on the uprising of the arts scene in LA in the 1960's. She discusses why LA was the center of cool, featuring artists of all genres including Ed Ruscha, David Hockney, Bruce Nauman, and why the permissiveness of the area made possible the sounds of a generation including The Doors, and films like Easy Rider.

Ed Ruscha, 1964 Photograph by Dennis Hopper

In a recent interview with KPCC, Southern California Public Radio, Hunter states why artists came to LA in the 1960's...

"They all chose to be in LA, I make a point of this because they all went to NY or Europe and looked around and decided that they could not make the kind of art that they wanted to make in the shadow of the abstract expressionists operating there. They chose to be in LA because it was more permissive. There was not as much history, there wasn't a sense of confinement by a critical establishment and they could do what they wanted...and there was no market particularly for anything they were doing so they were really free to just create and as a result of that they created work that was really unique to this area."

LA has an energy all it's own which is still separate from any place else. Its fast and loud and makes you dig for new and exciting material. The fact that there is a definite established art scene here now, does not deter from the fastidious nature of the new and up-coming...which is still somehow contrasted alongside the feeling that there is a margin to take your time and be laid back and let things happen organically.

Listen to the KPCC program Here

The Black Angels: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

2011-08-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

NPR's Tiny Desk sessions are a great way to hear your favorite bands stripped down and unforgiving. These podcasts show you the bones of the performers...you see their chemistry live. The area in which these bands perform is a small office, specifically that of Bob Boilen in the NPR Music office. The Black Angels, who I photographed last fall in Philadelphia, recently did a set for Tiny Desk. They are a brilliant force of electric psychedelic energy...and with the help of Alex Maas's own mic...they still sounded as sonically moving as an acoustic set for the Tiny Desk Session.

You can subscribe to the podcasts Here

Weezer on Tri State Indie

2011-08-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

Weezer photos from my trip to the Del Mar Concert Series last weekend are now up on TSI.

You can check them out here: TriStateIndie.com

Weezer

2011-08-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

Last night at the Del Mar Racetracks, in Del Mar California, Weezer played to a packed crowd where "the turf meets the surf". As Amtrak trains rolled by in the background, the very rowdy crowd which staggered down from the races was ready for their set to begin, and it was well worth the wait.

It is not a stretch to say it is a bit of a dream come true for me to see this band perform live. I've always remembered their video for "Buddy Holly", mostly for my love for nostalgia and old TV shows like Happy Days, but also because there was real substance to their music. The substance being fast Rock and Roll with an always quick and witty charm. They played all their hits including "Say It Ain't So, "Troublemaker", "Hash Pipe" and so on, with great excitement from the crowd. Also included was a new cover of Foster The People's "Pumped Up Kicks". The set lasted over an hour as Rivers ran all over the place garnering sombreros and various other items including someone's crutches from the crowd. Their giant glamed out "W" was present on stage and lit up the night as they played. A few arrests and some pauses to relinquish the many crowd surfers couldn't deter the band from fishing up the show which closed with an encore mix...including "Buddy Holly". The band has such a great sense of humor which was wonderful to witness, but their musicianship really does the work, as music always lifts people up and brings us together more than anything else.

ALL PHOTOS ©ASHLEY A BELIVEAU

*For blog purposes, I upload my photographs in a LOW resolution.*

If you are interested in a HIGH resolution archival photograph, please contact me.

Tri State Indie: BRMC

2011-07-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

Photos and review of BRMC at Twenty Wonder on TSI.

Check it out:

Tri State Indie

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at The Twenty Wonder Festival

2011-07-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Last night in Los Angeles, I was witness to some amazing Rock and Roll. I am constantly impressed by the support Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC) lends to non-profits. They volunteered their time to perform at The Twenty Wonder Festival, hosted by the Los Angeles Derby Dolls, in support of The Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles. Twenty Wonder (A Carnival Of The Mind), featured an amazing array of circus-type performers, scientists, roller derby dolls, artwork, and music...all to raise money and awareness for Trisomy 21 (Scientific name for Down Syndrome, and for which the festival derived it's name). Many people in the entertainment world lended their support for the event, comedians and actors alike, a list of which can be found on their website TwentyWonder.org. I was there for the general splendor of it all, but especially to show my support for a local non-profit, and to photograph BRMC.

They only had time for a few songs...starting with an amazing jam of Hendrix-like sonic energy...and ending with "Whatever Happened To My Rock 'N' Roll (Punk Song)". I have seen them before, at their first SXSW performance in Austin TX in 2010. They blew me away then, and even with four songs, did so again last night. They are absolutely a ressurection of true Rock and Roll. Not to imply that Rock music is gone, but to say that they drive a force into live performance that no other band is doing today. They take the blues and enforce it into their music, as described by Twenty Wonder they are the "World Wide Warlords of rock and blues...". Who else can take a small stage with little to no effects, and as a three piece, make your senses fall into a trance of raw Rock and Roll prowess? They did that to the audience last night. There was not one person unaffected by their sudden attack to the stage. And to know that they do so many of these small sets for the support of Non-Profits, makes them the most humbly sincere musicians performing today. They stay committed to what is most important...true love of Rock and Roll and making it accessible to anyone...bridging the gaps between demographics and what may be considered taboo. They are currently working in the studio, and still operating on their own Independent Label- Abstract Dragon.

ALL PHOTOS ©ASHLEY A BELIVEAU

Celebrate Life with HOPE

2011-06-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

The Paramount Lot, Los Angeles

Earlier this month I had the honor of representing Pablove Shutterbugs at a CHLA sponsored event at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. The event was an amazing day for the children and parents connected with CHLA.

Booths which aligned the Paramount lot promote a variety of organizations which offer an emphasis on health and well-being. It is an event with entertainment, circus-type games, and plenty of food and refreshments. The event is made possible through the philanthropic support of many organizations, individuals and businesses.

The Pablove team was there to promote the success of our recent Shutterbugs Graduation and Gallery Show, and also to provide information of upcoming events and sessions. I welcomed the opportunity to network for Shutterbugs and meet some of the CHLA patients. It was such a welcomed surprise to see some out our students from our inaugural show stop by the booth to say hello! It was also special to me that we were the booth which featured a full table which worked as a traveling gallery of all our framed student prints from their Gallery show last month.

The booths aligned the lot (Pablove under white tent)

The Pablove Booth, featuring our "traveling gallery" of student photographs on the back table

For more information, please visit Pablove.org

PHOTOS ©ASHLEY A BELIVEAU

Pablove Shutterbugs Graduation & Gallery Show!

2011-05-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Shutterbug Mentor Vanessa Price, and myself (on left) at the opening!

The Shutterbug Prints were Selling Out fast!

The reason I travelled from the east coast to Los Angeles had everything to do with this fabulous program of the Pablove Foundation. The last 5 months worth of work finally concluded at The Kopeiking Gallery show last Saturday. Pablove Shutterbugs seeks to teach children living with cancer to develop their creative voice through the art of photography. On the eve of the opening LA Weekly sited the program as "Genius", which is exactly how I feel about it, and why I moved out here to be a part of it.

After photographing the music festival circuit for the past three years, I wanted to change my direction and start sharing the gift of photography with others. Also, volunteering and moving out of the east coast was a highly attractive option, as every job I came across was rather unimaginative, and there was a lack of initiative among the people I had been working with. Most importantly, I wanted to be involved with a program that showed kids how magical a camera was, which is what I discovered at very young age. My father always had a camera and would point out a variety of new things like the perspective in an image, and inspired me to always keep my eyes open. Since childhood, my goal has always been to take his love for picture-taking as far as I could, and honor what I learned from him at the same time. As a child, the camera was the most interesting tool I knew of, something I felt a true affinity with. If I could have dreamed of a program to bring photography to children, Shutterbugs would be it and more.

The Pablove Foundation Shutterbugs program is the only program of it's kind. The students and their mentors had intensive workshops and assignments. The amount of joy I witnessed at the opening was further confirmation that there is something truly special at work in this program. And for me, the best sacrifice is to forfeit one's ego for the love of someone or something else, and not to squander time on fruitless activities because the best gift in the world is seeing a smile on a child's face or that of a friend because all you want is for them to be happy, hopeful and healthy. This event is forever proof that love does exist in the world. And I am humbled that the amazing Pablove staff accepted me on for the first Shutterbug session.

The opening, which also featured a Silent Auction with works from Bruce Davidson to Weegee, raised $36,000 for the Pablove Foundation. Each student saw their work professionally matted and framed, received a hardcover photo book of their work from the class, and a variety of other Pablove goodies! Our Shutterbug classes will be expanding so stay updated! If you would like to get involved please contact the offices and visit our website: Pablove.org

Eisley at The Troubadour

2011-05-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

Sunday night, Eisley played to a packed crowd at the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles, California. It seems fitting that the first show I photograph at the famous nightclub is of Eisley, a band known for their rich harmonies and beautiful lyrics, as the venue is known for playing an important part in the careers of the great singer/songwriters of California from the early 60's 70's. It's history is so rich in a variety of music genres, that the energy in there reverberates the events that have gone down since it was established in 1957 as a coffee house.

Eisley left a clear impression on me when I heard their first album Room Noises, and that impression was that their talent is clearly gaged by their ability to harmonize perfectly through some kind of ethereal connection. This connection may have something to do with the fact that this is a family of musicians. Eisley is three sisters, a brother and cousin. Their love, respect and support of each other is clear while they are on stage, even bringing on younger sister Christie DuPree, to sing a verse on “I Wasn’t Prepared”. It’s a combination you can’t resist.

The set featured songs from their first album, and everything in between up till their latest release, The Valley, which this tour is in support of. Their energy on stage was partially inspired by their love for Los Angeles, which Sherri DuPree revealed as the band’s “favorite city” to perform in. Hailing from Tyler, Texas, their tour will continue through to the mid-west and then south, finally ending back in Texas by June.

ALL PHOTOS ©ASHLEY A BELIVEAU

And check out my coverage for TSI here: Tri State Independent

A Favorite Image

2011-04-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

Bob Willoughby has an amazing visual diary of his photographs following the lovely Audrey Hepburn throughout her career, some of which are intimate and whimsical portraits of her attachment to animals. I love that although she was surrounded the Beverly Hills elite, she seems to personify a humble kind of beauty. A girl with an affinity for her animal friends, a bond which also speaks to her humanitarian efforts, she supported and led the crusade for the needs of the defenseless.

Audrey Hepburn Shopping in Beverly Hills, late 1950's, Bob Willoughby

Happy Easter

Art Competition: 34th Congressional District, Los Angeles

2011-04-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

In keeping with my event photography, I was offered to cover Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard's (Honorary Chair) 34th Congressional District's Art Competition last Saturday April 9th, at the Pico House in downtown Los Angeles.

I do not have many welcomed memories of high school, but one thing I can take from that time is my involvement as VP for our National Art Honor Society chapter. Photographing this event last Saturday initiated some fond remembrances from my time as the girl in High School who never left the art studios if I could help it.

It was also a blessing to witness the recipients receive their long awaited recognition in this competition. It is an awesome achievement to be awarded for your art at an early age. The finalists of the competition receive a spot for framed art of all mediums in the gallery, are part of the award ceremony, and also become recipients of a much deserved scholarship program.

To be offered the role of photographing this community event, my first in Los Angeles, instills the hope I have for new artists. Humble, yet knowledgeable of their importance as significant contributors in society, I am excited to be here to witness their goals come to fruition.

(Jennifer (left) & I at the event)

Thank you to the fabulous Jennifer Lafferty, director of Development for the Pablove Foundation, and Chair of the Competition, for suggesting my involvement with this event. You can follow her personal blog here ♥

Alkaline Trio: St.Patrick's Day at The Mayan

2011-03-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

Recently back from South Africa, where they played RAMfest, Alkaline Trio put on an amazing performance at The Mayan Theatre in Los Angeles this past Thursday. Here are a few of my favorites from their set. *And if you have not been to the Mayan, you need to check it out. It was built in downtown LA in 1927, and is one of very few Pre-Columbian buildings featuring hand-carved walls.

ALL IMAGES ©ASHLEY A BELIVEAU

the one am radio...at Dangerbird Records

2011-03-10T16:38:00.000-08:00

One of the perks of the Record Label Dangerbird, is how open and inclusive they are about the artists they represent. While the Los Angeles-based band the one am radio were rehearsing last week, my adjoining office and everyone at Dangerbird were invited to go check out the sounds from the studio...(anti-pasti and refreshments included)! The beautiful melodies of this foursome- Hrishikesh Hirway, Fontaine Cole, Scott Leahy, and Ray Lee, paint a lyrical landscape of thematic events. You can easily see the sunny days of Los Angeles, and you can visualize the photographic images as described in the fluidity of their compositions.

Check out their upcoming tour dates on their facebook and myspace as directed by their website.

ALL IMAGES ©ASHLEY A BELIVEAU

Suze Rotolo

2011-02-27T15:45:00.000-08:00

Suzie Rotolo: Artist, Activist, Author, girlfriend to Bob Dylan (photographed with Dylan on the iconic cover of The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan). One of the more well-written memoirs of the love between musician and muse, which chronicles of the events of the 1960's, A Freewheelin Time: A Memoir Of Greenwhich Village In The Sixties is a must-have. Suzie Rotolo will be remembered for her artistry and as the catalyst by which Dylan composed some of his more insightful early recordings.

Hello, California

2011-01-14T14:47:00.000-08:00

Venice Beach, California

I have recently travelled from the East Coast to Los Angeles, California. I am pursuing a passion of mine-volunteer work. I will be living on the beach and working with a wonderful Non-Profit organization in the Silver Lake area. The journey here, via train entirely cross-country, was full of memorable photos and memorable meetings with many a fellow traveller. I will be able to document some of that work on here shortly. My music photography will also continue.

The experience thus far has been a beautifully liberating one. And it has taught me that independence is something to be proud of, but love for one another is absolutely essential. The group of people I am living with, and the many others I have met so far, have brought much positivity into my life. This is the West Coast, and it is overflowing with it's own particular offerings.

Top 10 2010

2010-12-31T14:02:00.000-08:00

1Johnny Cash Ain't No Grave

2Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Beat The Devil's Tattoo

3The Black Angels Phosphate Dream

4The Walkmen Lisbon

5Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings I Learned The Hard Way

6Darker My Love Alive As You Are

7 The Black Keys Brothers

8The Morning Benders Big Echo

9Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

10LoveLikeFire Dust

Currently Reviewing

2010-12-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

Currently my writing efforts are aimed at compiling a list of the 10 best albums of 2010 for one of the online publications I contribute to. At first I felt that narrowing down a list of 10 is rather arbitrary. I can come up with five on my own that I feel were outstanding, but ten was a stretch. The nostalgic in me loves rediscovering old albums and bringing new life to them through wearing them out on a cassette player I have in my Saab. That alone elicits a very long list of albums I have "re"discovered this year. But a list of entirely new releases that truly impact me was something I have been thinking on at length.

The bands I have photographed this year come to mind, but some of them were on a leg of a tour based on last year's album releases, such as Band Of Skulls and Japandroids. There were some re-releases I thought were amazingly produced as well. Most of the new material I heard this year is not from the same polling pool one would find among the Grammy Nominations. Not at all. So I will be narrowing it down to some of the un-knowns I have come to admire. My list will consist of bands that are from the San Francisco area that have not toured throughout the country yet, and also some younger bands that have recently hit their stride, and everything in-between.

One such band I photographed this year is The Morning Benders. Their live shows are impressive. One of their featured songs of the tour is their rendition of Fleetwood Mac's Dreams.

*I did not make this video

Delta Spirit at The Paradise, Boston 11.26.10

2010-11-28T20:28:00.000-08:00

ALL IMAGES ©ASHLEY A BELIVEAU

Delta Spirit performed at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston, Massachusetts to a packed crowd last Friday night. Being back in the area for the holiday season, I was thrilled to cover another Delta Spirit show. They are favorites of the music scene here in Boston, and after last seeing them at this year’s SXSW, I can see why. Not enough words can adequately articulate the rowdiness of the Boston crowd for this show. It was at some point, before or after a front stage fight broke out, that the band remarked on this themselves. They held nothing back when delivering such crowd favored songs as Bushwick Blues, and People C’mon. The energy really reached it’s peak for a rendition of Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here…a song everyone in this Boston crowd knew every syllable to…and loudly sang along.

This tour, in support of their latest release The Waits Room EP, is still going strong. Be sure to catch their next dates as listed on their myspace and blog

Darker My Love

2010-11-28T13:18:00.000-08:00

all Photos ©ASHLEY A BELIVEAU

There seems to be a heavy emergence of shows featuring bands with a reprised love for organ-infused, psychedelic rock. This year especially has been proof of this. One such Los Angeles band, Darker My Love, played the Paradise in Boston on Friday, November 24th. Their set, although admittedly plagued with " Technical Difficulties" as lead singer/guitarist Tim Presley pointed out, was a release of vibrant energy. Their delivery on such songs as 18th street shuffle, had the heavily packed Boston night club moving steady throughout their set. Other songs featured- Dear Author, and Cry Woman Cry, were soulful journeys through the landscape that is the band's latest album Alive As You Are. They are currently on tour with Delta Spirit. The rest of their tour dates, including a show with Acme String Quartet in NY, can be found on their myspace and blog.

-all images are reduced in low resolution for blog purposes-

for hi-res archival photographs please email me

SUN AIRWAY 11.17.10

2010-11-19T18:15:00.001-08:00

ALL photos ©ASHLEY A BELIVEAU

Wednesday night, Sun Airway returned to Philadelphia to play a set at Johnny Brenda's. They brought something of a colorized/pop infuzed version of the Phantom of The Opera to the local Fishtown bar. The arrangements, both musically and visually, were mesmerizing. The screens backing the band were filled with projections of a young girl walking on the beach, close-ups of facial expressions, train tracks. The band themselves were amerced in a fantastic array of colored light, which omitted from the screen and off the light fixtures on the ceiling. The band are on tour promoting thier latest album, Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier- a musical excursion through the dream fields of Jon (vocals/arrangements) and Patrick (arrangements).

Favorite Track: American West

Make sure to follow their latest news and learn more at their website: sunairway.com

HeadCount: Disco Biscuits

2010-11-19T14:36:00.000-08:00

Photos from my recent partnership with HeadCount are now up on their site: headcount.org

Disco Biscuits 11.17.10

2010-11-17T15:16:00.000-08:00

All Images ©ASHLEY A BELIVEAU

For Headcount:music.democracy.action

Photos from today feature The Disco Biscuits at the Albert M Greenfield School in Philadelphia PA. I photographed them as they visited the 5th grade class, discussed the integration of "greening" the school, and viewed the rooftop installation of solar panels. A big "thank you" to the Albert M Greenfield School, HeadCount, Drew Granchelli, Mercury Solar Systems, and the Disco Biscuits for taking on such an amazing project.

From greeninggreenfield.net, "We really wanted to showcase the power that we can create with many voices working together," said Marc Brownstein, bassist for The Disco Biscuits and co-chair and founder of HeadCount. "We always knew that the energy created during the ‘Bisco' experience represented more than just a band and its songs. By creating something tangible for the community at large that the fans can also become a part of, we have found a way to give back and create a lasting, sustainable legacy for the future." Please visit GreeningGreenfield for more information on the school and how to get involved.

-all images are reduced in low resolution for blog purposes-

for hi-res archival photographs please email me

Kodak Ektar 100 film

2010-11-15T22:04:00.000-08:00

My favorite film is Kodak Ektar 100, which I have been using for my live performance photography recently.

Example:

©ASHLEY A BELIVEAU

The Morning Benders

11.11.10

Philadelphia PA

The Walrus: Twin Sister/The Morning Benders

2010-11-15T16:48:00.001-08:00

Philadelphia-based music blog The Walrus featured a selection of my photos and my review of Twin Sister and The Morning Benders...Check it out here: Twin Sister/The Morning Benders 11.11.10

Tri State Indie: Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti

2010-11-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

My recent contribution to Tri State Independent. My review and photos of Ariel Pink can be found here:

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti

Oberhofer

2010-11-13T17:31:00.001-08:00

November 11 2010

Oberhofer opening for The Morning Benders in Philadelphia

Twin Sister

2010-11-13T16:48:00.000-08:00

November 11 2010

Twin Sister opening for The Morning Benders in Philadelphia.

Tri State Indie: the morning benders

2010-11-12T23:56:00.000-08:00

My recent contribution to Tri State Independent. My review and photos of the morning benders can be found here:

www.tristateindie.com

the morning benders

2010-11-12T03:11:00.000-08:00

I first saw the morning benders this year at SXSW. I remember being impressed with their outbursts of energy on stage. They worked the crowd then, and again at last night’s performance at The First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia.

This is a band that does not disappoint. Playing songs from their debut album, Talking Through Tin Cans(2008) and Big Echo (2010), they kept the crowd on their feet. There is a 1960′s Phil Spector-esque quality to their sound, which is full of dramatic tonality. The venue was small and intimate, and the crowd were eager and responsive. They even did a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams”, which was delivered as an eerily beautiful ballad (see their EP The Bedroom Covers, 2008). The crowd couldn’t get enough, and the last song of the set “Excuses” was a six-plus minute excursion into a labyrinth of melodies, slow starting, and ending in a torrent of frenzied guitars. After their encore of “Virgins”, the band met with the crowd and talked about the last dates on the tour ahead.

Tour dates and info can be found on their website: the morning benders

Contributing To TSI

2010-11-10T17:59:00.000-08:00

Tri State Independent is now representing my work...check them out for news, reviews, and show listings...here is the Contributors page:

Tri State Indie

Thanks to Stephanie!

Tri State Indie: The Black Angels

2010-11-09T20:09:00.001-08:00

My recent contribution to Tri State Independent. My review and photos of The Black Angels can be found here:

www.tristateindie.com

Thanks to Stephanie

The Walrus Music Blog

2010-11-08T18:17:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia-based music blog The Walrus featured a selection of my photos and my review of The Black Angels.

Check it out here: The Black Angels at the TLA

Thank you to Michael

THE BLACK ANGELS

2010-11-07T16:19:00.000-08:00

November 6th 2010

The Black Angels

TLA

Philadelphia PA

an hour before the crowd jammed the TLA

all images are reduced in low resolution for blog purposes

for hi-res archival photographs please inquire at

ashleyandreabeliveau@yahoo.com

BLACK MOUNTAIN

2010-11-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

November 6th 2010

Black Mountain

TLA

Philadelphia PA

all images are reduced in resolution for blog purposes

for hi-res archival photographs please inquire at

ashleyandreabeliveau@yahoo.com

The Black Angels - Telephone

2010-11-06T17:05:00.000-07:00

The Answering Machine

2010-11-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

Now is a good time for these photos to resurface. It has been about a year since I photographed Manchester UK band The Answering Machine during their residency in New York last November. I had previously met the band in London at Camden's KoKo, and was excited to photograph them back here in New York. I stayed with them in Brooklyn and photographed their set at Cake Shop on 152 Ludlow Street. I was taking an experimental approach to the live performance images, using longer exposures, trying to capture an ethereal vibe. The days I spent with them are so memorable, and these images remind me of that time.

Bob Gruen: Party at The R Bar

2010-10-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my photos from Tuesday night. Bob Gruen had another amazing birthday party this year. After checking out Mick Rock's show at The Morrison Hotel Gallery, Bob & I headed over to the very red R Bar at 218 Bowery, for a night of fantastic music and live performances from Tammy Faye Starlite (performing with her Blondie Tribute Band) and the legendary Bebe Buell.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB!

(photo: b.gonzalez)

The Bean Cafe: Philly

2010-10-19T16:39:00.000-07:00

From the Journal...
I walked into a cafe on South Street called the Bean Cafe. They have a very customer-friendly atmosphere. On your right side as you walk in, there is a bulletin board of all the local artist openings, music venue fliers for up-coming performances, and an abundance of other varied listings in collage. They are located on the very busy South Street, right next to The TLA (Theater of The Living Arts). The decor inside is vintage and reused. The wooden tables look like they could have been used for art schools, with all the bruised paint stains and cuts in the wood. It is very familiar and inviting. Even the bathrooms are full of visuals. They seem to have a nod to the bathrooms from GBGB's, as there is not an inch left without a band sticker or graffiti.Lots of business men and mid-twenties people come in and out for coffees and baked goods. They sell organic and gluten-free options as well as smoothies. Some visitors from the historic district come in and share their Ben Franklin monument experiences over their coffee. The music playing in the cafe is an assortment of all that I love, including Johnny Cash. Perfect.

I prefer this type of experience. The Random acquisitions of an aimless walk, and the continuous adventure is what I appreciate most about travel. This, for me, is usually better than hitting up the prescribed spots in a tourist book. Being able to just sit and write in an open cafe with the sun shining in the ivy framed windows is where I rather be, instead of a chain cafe.

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM at NOR'EASTER FESTIVAL

2010-10-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

The gaslight anthem, NOR'EASTER FESTIVAL, SEPTEMBER 25