Happy Monday to you all. As luck and Mother Nature would have it, it was just another southern weekend with the potential threat of rain. We were actually tossed a keeper even though the weatherman had suggested the possibility of rain on Saturday.

It was, by most all accounts, a female music kind of weekend. Huntsville’s very own Amy McCarley (http://www.amymccarley.com) debuted her new CD, backed up by the Nashville based Kenny Vaughan Trio, on Friday night at Straight to Ale. A long time friend and Blues icon, Debbie Bond  (http://www.debbiebond.com), made a rare appearance coming to Huntsville on Saturday evening playing at Bandito Southside. During the Alabama blues hey-day we chased Debbie and her band all over the south. Both artists put on exceptional shows showcasing their individual style of music. But it was the third music event that I attended this weekend that really caught my eye, so to speak.

You see, the Land Trust of North Alabama was hosting their first of three 2013 jazz concerts (the 8^th in the series) at the Historical Three Caves property with jazz vocalist Annie Sellick. For those of you that have attended a concert or their signature fundraiser, Moon Over Three Caves, you are aware of just how magical an event can be at the caves. For those that have not, you get the idea that something mystical is about to happen as soon as you walk in to the property. The moment you begin to top the trail hill you feel the faint chill of cold air, emanating from the caves, begin to bathe you. As you proceed to head down the trail the caves come in to view and there is no doubt you realize that you are about to be part of something incredibly wonderful. As you settle into your chairs with your food and libations, the lights that illuminate the caves begin to prominently appear on the walls and you cannot help but, take a deep breathe and sit back in awe of the view in front of you. And all of this before the first cord is played or the first vocal is sung.

I was fortunate enough to be on the LT Board of Directors for six years and along with other board members help push development of the concert series. As chairman of the first concert, I remember my anxiety as the lights came on for the first time and the female songstress, Robinella, began to sing. Once the music started and I was able to finally take a deep breath and enjoy the moment, I realized just how magical and mystical this setting was. I have no doubt that all in attendance on the inaugural night, were in awe of the venue. Most home grown attendees when asked about the caves mentioned having visited as kids but few had returned as adults, until now.

We Huntsvillians are so extremely fortunate to have a venue such as Three Caves so close to the city and one that is so unique as a social venue for the community. I believe once you have attended an event at the caves you will come away with the same emotion and euphoria that I did. It is an experience of a lifetime and as long as the Land Trust continues to have success, it will be an emotional experience that you will be able to relive time and time again.

Make a difference, find out more and get involved, join the Land Trust and assist with their mission to save green space. As important, come reap in the rewards of their stewardship and be awed at one of the most unique concert venues you will ever witness. Information about the Land Trust and their future concerts can be found at www.landtrustnal.org.

Once you have visited, you will leave a different person! Well at least until the cool air has left caressing your back as you top the hill departing the property.

“Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes!”     ENJOY!!

Keep us in mind for any of your upcoming photographic adventures.      Have Camera – Will Travel … Corporate, Advertising, Editorial and Art.

Best Regards …..
~ dK ~

Happy Day after Mothers Day! The one day of the year that we officially celebrate and honor those that have given so much of themselves to make us who we are. It was officially observed, for the first time, in Philadelphia in 1908 and given federal recognition in 1914. Why is it that we only “officially” do that once a year? Should it not be a monthly or weekly thing or more to the point, an everyday celebration? I hope you found time to recognize and rejoice in their life.

My mother passed away almost two years ago and like most there is not a day that goes by that something does not remind me of her. I think of her when I look to the heavens and know that she is there enjoying her family and friends and looking down on us. I think of her most when there are majestic moments with clouds in the sky as if it were a message to me. No better moment of love and solitude then to be shared with loving thoughts of her.

And now on to another mother of sorts, Mother Nature. It appears that spring is trying to find its way without allowing summer to just roll right in. And with spring comes the blossoming of nature and all of its beautiful colors. While visiting with my dear friends Jack and Elaine in Mentone a few weeks back, Elaine mentioned that they were heading to The Pocket at Pigeon Mountain in Georgia to view the wildflowers at the Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail Boardwalk. Unfortunately I was on my way home and unable to join them. But I was so intrigued by their excitement that I choose to pick a free day and run back over to the park which is just east “a little” from Mentone. Granted I am not much of a horticultural enthusiast because most that know me and read my blogs know that I never identify the plants or flowers properly. Of course the replies and corrections lead me to believe that some of you are reading my blogs. With the help of my “wing-woman” and photography student Ms. Laura Ragland, I think I was able to capture some beautiful and colorful items. I will leave it up to you to identify!!!

ENJOY!!!!!!!

Please do keep us in mind for any upcoming photographic assignments. As well, give thought to our vast collection of stock imagery for any of your art, corporate or editorial needs.

Have Camera – Will Travel … Corporate, Advertising and Editorial.
Best Regards …..
~ dennis keim ~

Another weekend of rain and cold weather but it is becoming the norm for this years Alabama spring. Why else would we hold weekend outdoor festivals unless to endure the elements and show our passion for the arts, music and food. This weekend we mixed BBQ, rain and mud and if the truth were known … a few libations together at the 13^th Annual Whistle Stop BBQ Festival at the Historic Huntsville Depot.

It is mostly considered a southern tradition but there is No Doubt that all those that cook and compete in BBQ competitions approach it with a feverish spiritual nature. Competitions are as much about the camaraderie and the mutual consumption of shared social libations as it is about the final product. The team names are as well thought out as the quality and spices that go into the final grilled meat submitted for judging. Teams have names like; Southern Stiles BBQ, Why You Grillin Me Dawg, OOPS BBQ, Bush League, Uncle Jay’s Dat-Da1-BBQ, Fat Drunk and Stupid, Swine and Dine, Jiggy Piggy and Squeal Appeal. You may ask yourself just how many different sauces and marinades are secretly prepared for these selected precious meats? Well I would guess as many as there are teams. And how great is it, you would think, to be one of the judges tasting 62 different entries in each of the different meat categories which include professional, amateur and the kids competition. Can your taste buds really discern from 62 different sauces times well, that many?

What I inevitably find most interesting, while walking around in the competitors area, is not what is being cooked for competition but that rare food item doused in BBQ sauce that you just might find while meandering through the camps. You do have to display the look of, “I might just be able to sample one more rib!” while making eye contact. My selection for “Peoples Choice” was not any of the ribs, pork or chicken but to my newfound favorite … a smoked and grilled Corn Dog topped with a secret barbeque sauce. Trust me, do not knock it until you have tried it!!!!! I must say, it was mighty tasty!!!

All in all, in spite of Mother Nature, it was another exceptional event hosted by Early Works and the city of Huntsville. And where else, but in the south, could you go to watch a group of adult men and women vying for the grand poopaa of titles, the “Alabama Corn Hole Champion?” In my day you would have stood close to a wall.

For those that can remember, Happy Day After – Cinco de Mayo!!!! I hate to admit it, I do remember and it was a fabulous evening. Enjoy!!!!!!!

Keep us in mind for any of your upcoming photographic adventures.      Have Camera – Will Travel … Corporate, Advertising, Editorial and Art.

Best Regards …..
~ dennis keim ~

Greetings and welcome to the last Monday of April, which should be by the very nature of the year, time for enjoying spring and to be celebrating. It appears that Mother Nature seems to have a different opinion of what spring should be like.

I was very fortunate, for a change, to be in town this weekend and have the opportunity to get downtown to enjoy our yearly art festival, Panoply. The Arts Council and festival staff continue to do an exceptional job of putting together just the right mixture of the Arts and this festival has pretty much something for everyone.  Kudos to the Council and to the city for finally allowing a beer and wine garden to make a debut at the festival, tucked away neatly from the masses. Could it be that we finally may just be “growing up” a little?

With an ever-present prediction of rain for most of the weekend, it was unfortunate that when it did not materialize that more residents did not venture out to take advantage of what was overall a wonderful weekend of Music, Arts and Community. Panoply continues to be a regional showcase of talent with this year’s musicians and artists once again accentuating the extent and depth of talent residing in and around this area. Talking with some out-of-town visitors from Philadelphia that were in town for the weekend, it was refreshing to hear how extremely complimentary they were about the quaintness, the organization and the overall quality of the event being hosted downtown in the park. It was very gratifying to hear their perspective, coming from someone living in such a large metropolitain.

Unfortunately, the weatherman’s prediction of rain finally caught up with the festival on the final day but, even with the early showers, they prevailed on Sunday to add a final crescendo. It was, as we say, just another Panoply weekend.

ENJOY!!!!!!!

Keep us in mind for any of your upcoming photographic assignments. If you were unaware, all of the art showcased in my blogs, as well as, on my web sites is available for publication or for purchase as corporate and residential collectible art.

Have Camera – Will Travel … Corporate, Advertising, Editorial and Art.

Best Regards …..
~ dennis keim ~

For the most part, it was another beautiful week in the neighborhood. Other than a little flair up by Mother Nature at the end of the week, I think we fared rather well.

I spent last weekend in Nashville, Tn. instructing at a Supershoots photography workshop (www.supershoots.com). The workshop has been held for the last few years at the Marathon Village complex (www.marathonvillage.com), which is historically known, for being the Marathon Motor Works automotive manufacturing plant in the early 1900’s. Like most plants of that era, the company moved on and left the large facility vacant which like other buildings was finding its way into decay. In 1986 it was bought and over the years, with much needed renovation, has slowly turned into a thriving artist enclave with the latest surge of occupants breathing new life into the community with American Pickers placing a store there. What once was a sleepy little section of town has grown and flourished into a very productive entertainment and artist district. To say the least, we no longer have the run of the grounds and have had to selectively pick our outdoor shoot locations.

Nashville is known as the music capital of the south, which provides the base for everything else to flourish. Great music, great entertainment and exceptional food including Sushi make for my increased desire to visit.  But the one thing I always will find time for is photographing the majestic skyline across the Cumberland River. It is a stunning meld of old and new – which pretty much fits what Nashville has become to be known for musically.

ENJOY!!!!!!!

Please do keep us in mind for any of your upcoming photographic assignments. All of the art showcased in my blogs, as well as, on my web sites is available for publication or for display as corporate and residential decorative art.

Have Camera – Will Travel … Corporate, Advertising and Editorial.

Best Regards …..
Happy Holidays!!!!
~ dennis keim ~