John R. Miller and William Matheny- Album Release at 123 Pleasant

John R. Miller had just released “The Great Unknowing,” and William Matheny had just released “Material Witness.” July 20th was a double album release from these great artists - held at the greatest Morgantown venue ever, 123 Pleasant.

The crowd was packed tight. The mixture of craft stouts and dented cans of PBR flowed high. “High” simply being a metaphor for the fragrant smells in the air. You could have thrown a small pebble anywhere in the crowd and likely hit someone you knew quite well. This was like a summer version of those winter nights when all the townies welcome back their long-lost college friends. Chill friends gathered at the upper bar, just enjoying the sounds. The dance floor was packed tight. The lower bar was filled with the absolute regulars - playing pool and drinking from expensive cans of Samuel Smith.

I did my usual thing, wiggling in and out of the crowd. Trying not to bother anyone too much.

Let’s get dreamy.

Nicole Atkins and Amanda Shires visit a tiny town.

Throughout my years of being a music photographer and journalist, sometimes some cool things happen. I did my normal process of reaching out about obtaining my photo pass, and I got an email from the Nicole Atkins herself. Being a huge David Lynch fan and a Chris Isaak fan and a Roy Orbison fan, I was naturally drawn to Nicole’s dreamy sad crooning. I’ve been a loyal fan since 2008, so this was very surreal to me. Nicole was kind enough to personally see that I got the photo pass, and that I was able to shoot the Amanda Shires show the same night. I only try to photograph artists that I am a fan of, so I ended up with my camera in hand, mouthing the lyrics to myself, in complete awe of how cool this all was. Plus, there was a trippy disco light that added to the look of it all. Anyway, check out the photos if you feel inclined.