I spent last week deep in the hills of Arkansas, but my vacation was far from a serene one, as I was surrounded by 22,000 other concert goers.  We all congregated on Mulberry Mountain for Wakarusa, a 4-day camping and music festival.  The festival featured 5 stages on which over 100 jam bands performed. 

As a photographer, I have the upmost respect for all artists, but particularly for those who work with medias other than my own.  My lack of musical talent, has all but added to my utter amazement with live improvisational music.  The excitement of witnessing a song being performed directly in front of you, is like none other!  The only thing I can compare it to, is watching a painter paint a masterpiece from the first brush stoke to the last.  

And to add frosting to an already sweet cake, I got to witness all the musical magic from front row center as a VIP!  The VIP area was in front of the rail, in what is often referred to as the press pit.  It was such an amazing experience to be shoulder to shoulder with the pro-concert photographers.   Although I felt kind of foolish trading business cards, as mine have babies on them, and theirs boasted rock stars!  I had fun trying my hand at concert photography but I think I’ll stick with my smaller subjects and natural light : )

and now for some eye candy…

My view looking back at the crowd from my spot, I was closer to the stage than the security guards!Brendan Bayliss from Umphrey’s McgeeJake Cinninger also from Umphrey’s Mcgee David Phipps and Hunter Brown of Sound Tribe Sector 9John Butlerand last but not least, the boys from The Midland Band: Tom Adelman, Scott Henggeler, Jake Reisdorff, and Butch Owens(not pictured).   This great group of guys, all Columbus natives, earn their spot at Wakarusa this year by winning the Waka Winter Classic.  I have nothing but good things to say about these guys : ) click here to check them out!