Mountain Island Lake Dam - Cowans Ford Refuge

We've been experiencing some extraordinary weather here in the Carolinas' this winter/spring and today was simply gorgeous.  Had to get out and wanted to go see what the back side of the Dam at Mountain Island Lake looked like. 

Mountain Island Lake Dam - Catawba River

There were people fishing the banks of the Catawba although by the time I got there at almost 2PM the heat was chasing them away.  Didn't look like they'd caught any fish anyway.

After getting the shot at the Dam I decided to head over to a nearby wildlife refuge that I hadn't been to in almost 5 years.  I had never photographed the ponds at the end of the road so on this gorgeous day that became the plan.

Waterfowl refuge at the Cowans Ford wildlife refuge

The Cowans Ford Wildlife Refuge is basically a tract of land that has been set aside for wildlife.  No development!  In fact no people at all.  You can't leave the road and when you get to the viewing area, that's where you stay.  No wandering about.  No trails through the woods.  Nothing.  It's supposed to actually be a Wildlife Refuge! 

Much to my surprise I found that extensive logging was underway.  I saw several logging trucks coming and going from the site.  There was a sign espousing that they were removing a non-native species that had been planted for wood harvest some time in history but it also stated that the hardwoods would be left standing.  Acres and acres of barren land stood before me.  These loggers had not left a single tree standing!  I mean none!!  Greed overcomes conservation once again. Further proof that you simply can't fix stupid!  

Needless to say, this put a damper on my day so I simply came back home and while fuming decided to do a little writing.  We'll see what happens!

To better days!  Cheers..

September signals an annual change

Photo: A violinist for Lost In The Trees performing at The Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, NC Sept 4th 2009 - my favorite image for Sept.

September and October are probably my two favorite months of the year. Together they take us through an annual change which can be viewed as the end of the Spring birth or the beginning of the Spring renewal. Certainly beautiful from both perspectives.

This month reflected this change for me as it began with a dog days of summer visit to Charleston, SC and as I previewed in the review of the Sept calendar for the Evening Muse in Aug., the month was musically rewarding for the folks who love live music in Charlotte - included porterdavis, Evelynn Rose, and Girls Guns & Glory. The Tosco House Party was a quick warm-up for the spectacular Tosco Music Party. A litany of performances graced the stages of the Neighborhood Theatre this month including Lost In The Trees and Sea Of Cortez.

At the Blues Brews & BBQ festival in uptown Charlotte, the local Southern Rock group Preacher Stone provided some down home southern fried musical lunch viddles for the doctors, bankers, lawyers and such...

Looking forward to October and the diversity it brings to our lives.

Cheers,

Monty

Absentstar - I Nine - Needtobreathe

Musicians Gallery

The line-up of bands performing at Amos' Southend caught my attention, so for the first time in many years I ventured down to the club to photograph some of the hottest up and coming rock bands performing in America today. My research proved to be accurate as all three of these bands performed with smoothness and professionalism - with each of them being unique and somehow familiar. What's amazing is that these three bands are touring the East coast this month together. So everywhere they go, the crowd will be blessed with a wonderful show. Something which in my opinion, and experience, is not common.

Absentstar's history goes back to 1999, when Lead singer Derek Ingersoll, guitarist Andy Dixon and drummer Heath Hamilton relocated from Indiana to Chicago, where the three figured they stood a better chance of finding an audience for their music. In addition to an expanded audience in the big city of Chicago also hooked them up with guitarist-keyboardist Marshall Hanbury and bassist Noel Arnim, completing the band’s makeup in 2005. The band recently completed a wonderful new 12 song album titled Sea Trials. The guys have hit the road to share their music with the rest of America.

I Nine - As many of you know, one of my photographic passions is to capture little known, or "undiscovered" talent as they traverse their path to discover and impart their imprint on American music. This allows me to hear first hand the raw talent of these musicians before it is altered by the marketing machines, but primarily it allows a glimpse into the heart and soul of the extreme effort exerted by these young people as they work to make their mark in American music culture. A group of young talent whom I think may be the next musical name you will become familiar with is I Nine. These young people hail from the southern town of Orangeburg, South Carolina, not far from us here in Charlotte.

As with many bands there's a long and winding road that has led to their current state - which by the way includes a debut album titled, Heavy Weighs The King. The members of I Nine have been playing together for about three years, though as lead singer Carmen Keigans says, they also grew up together and have known each other since they were kids. The band comprises, in addition to Carmen; Bryan Gibson (lead guitar, cello); Matt Heath (bass); Brian Whitman (guitar). Hopefully you will get a chance to see these guys play at a venue near you soon. If not, watch for their performance on CBS' The Early Show on April 26th.

The headliner for the nights show was a group called Needtobreathe. When the lead singer of Absentstar asked the audience who they were all there to see, it was with one voice that they yelled "Needtobreathe"! It wasn't long before I understood why. Having signed with Atlantic records and cutting their debut album Daylight in 2006, this band was known to most of the people in the audience. They have just released their second album, The Heat, and are back on the road playing for audiences across the country. The band has a real southern sound flair with the expected melodies imbedded within. This makes their music easy to listen to and captivating at the same time.

As I said at the outset of this page, its not often you'll get to see a trio of bands in one billing that performs at the caliber these three do. If you like rock music you'll love the night you spend with these three.

Cheers,

Monty Chandler

Recent Activity

Image Gallery

January closed with a number of photographic opportunities and a bit of free time to make a few changes to the website. Anthony Gomes, Chris Duarte, and The Full Grown Band were the months closing performances here in Charlotte. February has kicked off in style as Malcolm Holcombe performed at The Evening Muse on Saturday the 2nd.

While waiting for my next dive trip in April, there are several events occuring here in Charlotte which I hope to photograph, including Chinese New Year celebrations, Richard Bruckner on the 13th at The Evening Muse and Delta Moon at The Double Door on the 16th.

We'll see what else presents itself as the month progresses.

Cheers,

Monty