That One Time Downtown(III)

On Thursday I made it to UnCorked Wine Bar for the Akron-centric story telling series -That One Time Downtown - this month featured Chris Butler, Francisca Ugalde and Mike Gould. Chris(Tin Huey, Waitresses) told a story about re-acquiring his vintage Vox teardrop guitar. Mike(an Akron police officer) talked about the speeches he gives to Akron Public school Children. Fran(a local artist) discussed her artistic journey including some recent commission works she has done in and around downtown. 

This is the third venue for the event - the first one on the lawn at Cascade was great in the sun - but Uncorked worked well too(drinks!)

The Mighty Soul Night

Last Saturday some friends and I went to The Mighty Soul Night - a night of DJs playing vinyl records. The Djs were El Prezidente, Ben Crazy, Forrest Getem Gump, and Dennis Oliver on drums with special guest Roger Riddle. The Soul Night is always a blast but this one was especially fun with a better turn out and more dancing than last month. These are held at UnCorked Wine Bar and there is no cover - the next one is on December 19th - you can bet we'll be there again - you should be too. Something a little different is always a good thing.

Royal Docks Brewing

It was another great weekend full of things to do in and around Akron. On Saturday alone Sara and I attended three events. Here are some photo from our stop at Royal Docks Brewing in Canton, OH(not far from the airport).

Ektar in Autumn

Kodak Ektar 100 is probably the most beautiful C-41 film still on the market - and even better when used in the 120mm format. I shot a roll in the Fuji GSW690III, a massive rangefinder camera that makes 6x9 negatives(you only get 8 shots per roll at that size!). Fall is the perfect time for Ektar and its saturated colors - not to mention the lovely dynamic range this film gets you. I shot the roll over three different hikes in the Summit Metro Parks. Between having to use an external light meter(there isn't one in the Fuji), the slow process of manual focusing, and knowing you only have a handful of photographs to make you really slow down and choose your compositions wisely. For anyone who likes to photograph and didn't grow up in the analog era I would highly recommend trying out a film camera at least a few times - you'd be amazed at the way it changes how you shoot and your thought process behind it.

Make Art Not Waste

ReWorks and the Summit ArtSpace selected twelve artists to take discarded latex paint and turn it into works of art. They had three days to create in the studio and the works were then displayed on Friday night in the Project Gallery of the ArSpace in conjunction with the November ArtWalk. I stopped by and photographed the artists while they were working and then again at the opening. The paintings were really cool and all very different. The artists and ReWorks split the profits from sales of the paintings - Reworks will use their half to educate the public on proper ways to dispose of latex paint.

Lieberth Community Vision Award

Earlier today I shot the "Dave Lieberth Community Vision Award" Brian Moore was this year's recipient. The award honors a Leadership Akron Class member who has made a significant contribution to the Akron community. Each year the breakfast is tailored to the tastes of the recipient. Brian is a music and Disney fan and singers in costume wandered into the room and sang throughout the program. The event is famous for its big send-off which included an Elton John impersonator this year.

Bonus Day

Its been quite a while since we've had a first week in November like this....and I couldn't sit inside all day. I hopped in my car and drove to The Ledges at Virginia Kendall. How could I not? Here are some late-day-sun photos from my excursion.

Goodyear Metro Park

Yesterday Fran, Sara, and I all had work to do - but none of us could resist the chance to get out in the sunshine for a bit. We drove to Goodyear Metro Park for a hike and to take in the fading fall foliage. As everyone from Ohio knows - you can't waste these bonus sunny, warm days.

Halloween Charity Ball

On Friday I had the opportunity to photograph the 12th Annual Halloween Charity Ball at the Tangier. $35,000 was raised for two charities, Life Is Good No Matter What and Empowering Scholars Project. The party is a blast - open bar, food, costume contest, a DJ and a band - plenty of dancing.

Fall Color

It seems to me that the peak of Autumn color came a little later this year - but boy is it amazing outside right now. Here are a few snaps of it from the last few days.

Weekend Roundup

Twas a good, busy, and fun weekend but I only actually photographed about half of the events we attended.

On Friday we stopped by Locktoberfest at the Mustill Store - a benefit for the Cascade Locks Park Association. We then continued down the Towpath and met up at Blimp City Bike & Hike for the October Moonride. After the Moonride we rode to Thursdays to see a show(I only photographed the band Ghostman & Sandman). On Saturday we went to E.J. Thomas to see the Akron Symphony(no cameras allowed) and then on to Musica to see Pat Sweany(who was amazing as always). Sunday was pumpkin carving night at my parents house(a fall tradition). Below is a mess of photos to check out.

Halloween Bike Party

Last night was the October edition of Bike Party Akron - costumes suggested but not required. We cruised all over town ringing our bells and yelling "Bike Party!" It was a great turnout for a chilly evening - and the rain held off until right at the end.

Silver Creek in Autumn

Sunday was such a beautiful Fall day. My family decided to go on a Fall Hiking Spree hike at Silver Creek and cook out afterwords.
I guess I'll let the photos speak for themselves...

Summit Lake Sunset

Last evening I went for a bike ride on the Towpath. I had it in my head that maybe I would get some good magic hour, fall foliage photos. As it turned out I was a little late for that - but I did happen to catch an amazing sky at sunset from the boardwalk over the lake. Here are a few of my "faves".

Rainy Day in Peninsula

On Saturday I stopped at the Farmers' Market in Howe Meadow for coffee and a snack, perused the Peninsula Flea Market, had lunch and a beer at The Winking Lizard, and went for a hike along the Towpath. I knew the Nickel Plate Road No.765 was in town and while walking I heard the steam whistle - I ran to get myself in place for a shot I had long thought about. The above photo is on the train bridge over the Cuyahoga by Deep Lock Quarry. A blue sky would have been nice but I still think it came out decent. Steam engines are obviously man's coolest invention.

500 Plates

On Sunday afternoon I had lunch with 499 of my closest friends on the Akron Innerbelt. San Francisco artist Hunter Franks had come up with the idea of 500 Plates - lunch on the Inner Belt with music by the Admirables and a chance to discuss the future of the freeway when it closes next spring. Plates with recipes from all 22 Akron neighborhoods were given away with tote bags. The Knight Foundation funded the event. I wasn't there to shoot but to enjoy the day, meet people, and talk - but I shot anyways....

Bike Party!

The Akron Bike Party is a group ride that takes place the third Friday of every month. Last night's ride focused on the Akron Art Prize - we made stops at all of the gallery locations(well, everyone else did - I was only able to ride the first half because of other obligations). The rides are easy and family friendly - we ring our bells, play music, and yell "Bike Party!"...and more importantly meet new friends in the biking community.

Analog Summer Leftovers

Here we a have an assortment of analog photos from the summer - I'm finishing clearing the deck to make room for autumn images. These shots didn't really fit anywhere else so I'm going to place them here for your viewing pleasure...