THE MGDS - A PASSIONATE BLEND OF FUNK AND BLUES

The MGD’s | Nighthawk

A few weeks ago, The MGDs reached out about getting some updated band photos. Of course we were happy to oblige and we’re so glad we did!

A Powerful Lineup

The seven-piece lineup of The MGD's is a force to be reckoned with. Their music is brought to life through a mix of keys and brass, accompanied by a poppin’ rhythm section. This unique combination adds a distinct flavor to the iconic Kansas City music culture. MGDs are made of Greg Bush who plays Bass, Damon Parker on Keys and Vocals, Matt Davis on Drums and Vocals, Scott Middleton on Guitar, Teddy Krulewich on Trumpet, Emmett Starkey on Trombone and Cole Gurly on the Baritone Sax. The MGDs present a passionate blend of funk and blues that is sure to captivate the masses. With their soulful stylings and high-energy performances, they are driven to deliver an unforgettable experience to their audience.

A Journey of Evolution

What originally began as a three-piece band between longtime friends back in 2008, the MGDs have grown and evolved into a potent powerhouse group in the high-energy music category. They have honed their craft and perfected their sound over the years, becoming a dynamic force in the music scene.

Influences and Sounds

The MGDs draw inspiration from a variety of classic and modern sounds, not only from Kansas City but also from New Orleans and beyond. Their music is a fusion of different genres, creating a unique and captivating sonic experience for their listeners.

Thriving in the Festival Scene

In addition to their club shows, the MGDs are a regular presence at festivals both in their hometown and beyond. They have graced the stages of renowned events such as Boulevardia, Middle of the Map, and the Crossroads KC Music Fest, just to name a few. Their energetic performances are guaranteed to get the crowd grooving.

A Rich Discography

The MGDs boast an impressive discography, with four original albums under their belt. Their dedication to creating original music showcases their artistic prowess and commitment to their craft. Alongside their own compositions, the band has a vast repertoire of covers, ensuring they can cater to any audience's musical preferences.

From Short Showcase Sets to All-Night Shindigs

Whether you're looking for a brief showcase set or an all-night long shindig, the MGDs have got you covered. Their extensive repertoire allows them to tailor their performances to suit the occasion and keep the energy flowing throughout the night. Experience the electrifying fusion of funk and blues with the MGDs. Their dynamic performances, rich musical influences, and dedication to their craft make them a powerhouse group that continues to captivate audiences wherever they go so it is easy to recommend to all our clients for their private events. Be sure to tell them we sent ya!

ORDER MERCH HERE:

https://www.themgds.com/merch-1

Follow the Band

Learn More about The MGDs on their website

THE BEST OF KC AT THE BEARTRAP MUSIC FESTIVAL | SAMANTHA FISH & LEVEE TOWN

Samantha Fish | Beartrap Summer Festival

The first weekend of August had been marked on my calendar for quite some time. Adam was playing a music gig with his band Levee Town at The Beartrap Summer Festival in Casper, Wyoming. I was thrilled to join him on this adventure, not just as his proud partner in crime, but as a photographer. I love capturing Levee Town in new venues and witnessing the vibrant energy of the crowd when they realize what a treat their ears are experiencing and the overall spirit of a music-filled summer day.

Beartrap Summer Festival

Casper, with its panoramic mountain views and clear skies, promised a picturesque backdrop for the festival. I couldn’t wait to capture the blend of nature’s beauty with the rhythm and blues of Levee Town and get my drone in the air. The magic of music under the open sky and the synergy between Brandon, Adam and Jacque – I was ready to freeze all these moments in time.

Levee Town | Beartrap Summer Festival

But the thrill didn’t end with Levee Town. The festival lineup had more in store. The performance that followed was by Samantha Fish, a local Kansas City sensation, and she was bringing along the legendary Jesse Dayton. I had not met Samantha prior to this, but I knew her father, Bill, and Adam has known her for years. Samantha's undeniable talent and Jesse's legendary skills were the perfect ingredients for some breathtaking photographs.

samantha fish | local charm, legendary talent

Samantha Fish | Beartrap Summer Festival

Samantha, with her guitar in hand, was a vision of feminine power and pure charisma. She warmly introduced herself to the stagehands, the sound team and literally everyone that was there to make sure her show went off without a hitch.

PRO TIP - Be like Samantha. Kindness goes a long way in creating an environment that is good to work in. Samantha’s team (both seasoned and support staff) was ready to move mountains, if need be, to ensure her show was executed to the best of their ability. A big part of that is Samantha’s appreciation of them and the part they play in making her look like the star she is. No matter how minor the role.

Once the show got started, Samantha’s talent combined with Jesse Dayton's legendary guitar skills was a visual and auditory treat.

Through my lens, I saw a young woman living her dream. Samantha's powerful guitar riffs, and her connection with Jesse and the audience were all a part of the story I wanted to tell. I moved around the stage and the festival and even got my drone in the air. I think we captured her intensity, her joy, and her charm.

And then there was Jesse Dayton. His fingers moved effortlessly over his guitar, creating melodies that left the crowd in awe and man can he sing! His years of experience and his love for music were evident in every note he played. Capturing him in my frame was not just an opportunity but an honor.

The Experience

As the day came to an end, I looked back at the photographs I had taken and the ones Adam had shot when he joined me for Samantha’s set. Each one told a story – a story of music, passion, and connection. From Levee Town's rhythmic blues to Samantha Fish's powerful performance featuring Jesse Dayton, we both had managed to capture the essence of The Beartrap Music Festival.

Photographing musicians is a challenge and requires a lot of patience and knowledge of the music being played. It is about more than just clicking pictures; it was about telling a story, capturing emotions, and capturing them in their best moments. The highlights, the crowd interactions and the overall energy of the moment.

As we packed up our gear, I felt a sense of fulfillment. I had not just witnessed a phenomenal music festival, but I had also witnessed the camadreship of the musicians with each other and with their crew, which is not always the case. There were no egos here, just love and respect for each other. Kansas City has never been better represented than it was on that little mountain in Wyoming. 

ORDER MERCH HERE:

https://www.leveetown.com/merch

https://store.samanthafish.com/

https://www.hardchargerrecords.com/collections/samantha-fish-jesse-dayton

EQUIPMENT & GEAR LIST (Not Sponsored)

• Canon R6 x2

• Canon RF 50 f/1.2

• Canon RF 70-200 f/2.8

• Canon RF 85mm f/1.2

• DJI Mini SE

OUR NIGHT WITH CLUTCH

Neil Fallon | CLUTCH

Imagine standing in the heart of an electrifying rock concert, camera in hand, capturing the raw energy of a band you've admired since adolescence. This was our reality last week, when Adam and I had the incredible opportunity to not only witness, but also record a live performance by one of our favorite rock bands, CLUTCH. We were there, not as mere spectators, but as active participants in the magic, tasked with the exhilarating job of capturing the first three songs on video. I can’t forget to mention that when Adam and I started dating, I asked him to name the top 5 drummers he felt most influenced him… Jean Paul Gaster was on that list. I knew when First Fleet Concerts added Clutch to available bands to shoot, we HAD to be there!

Jean Paul Gaster | CLUTCH

Now, Adam and I are no strangers to photographing events; it's a task we've undertaken many times. However, this was our maiden voyage into the world of video recording as spectators. Yes, we film weddings and we just took over filming Kansas City Limits but this is different because we’re documenting a performance without any guidance on what to expect, not directing every moment like we normally do. There are no do overs if something goes wrong and we did, in fact, encounter a few hurdles along the way, but ultimately, we came away with a memorable experience and footage that we'll cherish forever.

The evening was a whirlwind of high-decibel music, pulsating lights, and heady excitement. It was also an invaluable learning experience, a chance to step out of our comfort zone and dive into something new and challenging. But let me take you through the night, from the exhilarating start to the triumphant finish.

Tim Sult | CLUTCH

The Preparation

Our journey began the moment we received the green light from Weathermaker Music, First Fleet Concerts, and McGrath Amphitheater, granting us permission to record the first three songs. We were thrilled, to say the least, and immediately began planning. We knew that this wasn't just about capturing a band on film; this was about encapsulating the essence of CLUTCH, a band we've both admired since our teenage years.

We spent countless hours discussing angles, lighting, and camera and zoom settings, ensuring that every second we filmed would do justice to the band's dynamic performance. We wanted to capture the raw energy of the concert, the incomparable talent of the band, and the powerful, heart-thumping music that is CLUTCH's trademark.

As the day of the concert approached, our excitement was tinged with a bit of nervous anticipation. This was our first time recording artists of this caliber without having an iteniary and we wanted everything to go smoothly. But as the saying goes, "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry."

Dan Maines | CLUTCH

The Experience

The night of the concert was a sensory overload. The outdoor amphitheatre was alive with the sound of roaring fans, the smell of the river and beer, and the electric anticipation of a crowd ready to rock. As CLUTCH took the stage, the energy skyrocketed and we were right there in the thick of it, we were so close I could have just reached out and touched Neil Fallon when he was at the front of the stage. It was EPIC!

We started recording as the band launched into their first song. It was a surreal experience, being so close to the action, watching through a lens as the band we'd admired for so many years performed right in front of us. The footage we captured during those first three songs was raw, powerful, and incredibly real. (You will find the link to the video at the end of the blog.)

After the initial three songs, we put our cameras away and joined the rest of the crowd in the pit, losing ourselves in the music. Watching the rest of the show from the pit was an entirely different experience. It was raw, immersive, and incredibly freeing. We were no longer just observers; we were teens again, only this time we got to rock out together.

Neil Fallon | CLUTCH

The Aftermath

Post-concert, we were elated and exhausted. We had successfully recorded our first A-List concert, a feat that was both exciting and nerve-wracking. But the best part was yet to come - reviewing the footage. As we played back the video, we were thrilled to see that we had captured the band's electrifying energy. Neil is hands-down one of the best front-men I have ever seen (and that’s saying a lot), Tim brought his A-Game but I wish he’d look up from time to time (wink), Dan brought the bass and Jean-Paul left Adam so inspired he is no the proud owner of a Gretsch USA Custom kit.

Of course, there were a few hiccups - some shaky camera work since we were sharing a very small area with several photographers and we had a few missed moments due to a gimbal malfunction. But these minor blips didn't detract from the overall quality of the footage. Instead, they served as valuable lessons for future projects and reminded us of the thrill and chaos of the live concert experience.

Looking back, we're incredibly proud of what we achieved that night. We stepped out of our comfort zone, took on a new challenge, and came away with a unique record of a night we'll never forget. It was a dream come true to record CLUTCH, a band that's been part of our lives for so long. And we're grateful to Weather Maker Music, First Fleet Concerts, and McGrath Amphitheater for giving us the opportunity to make this dream a reality.

Without further ado… Click play below to view the video we captured together. I edited the visuals and Adam dialed in the audio!

EQUIPMENT & GEAR LIST (Not Sponsored)

• Canon R6 x2

• Canon RF 50 f/1.2

• Canon RF 70-200 f/2.8

• GoPro Hero 11

• GoPro Hero 3

• Ronin S

• Ronin SC

• Zoom Recorder H6

• Deity Timecodes

BASS STREET LANDING SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY BLUES SOCIETY AND BENT RIVER BREWING PRESENTS DAVID G. SMITH AND LEVEE TOWN AT THE BASS STREET SUMMER FEST

Yesterday evening, music enthusiasts flocked to the Bass Street Summer Concert Series, a much-anticipated event presented by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society and Bent River Brewing. The mesmerizing sound of music filled the air as singer/songwriter David G. Smith took the stage, captivating the audience with his heartfelt lyrics and storytelling. And then, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived as the headliner, Levee Town, graced the stage, all the way from Kansas City. Their energy was electric, igniting the crowd with their infectious rhythm and blues. You’re not imagining it, the drummer of Levee Town is none other than our very own boss man and my partner, Adam Hagerman. It was a night of incredible music, unique talent, and undeniable regional pride, leaving no doubt that the Bass Street Summer Concert Series had delivered an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LEVEE TOWN HERE: https://www.leveetown.com/

LEARN MORE ABOUT DAVID G. SMITH HERE: https://www.davidgsmithmusic.com/

Chris “Bad News” Barnes

Chris "Bad News" Barnes and the bluesballers Leaves Topeka Blues Society in Stitches at "Spirit of Kansas" 2023 July 4th Celebration

Three words, Barnes' performance was undoubtedly "Hilarious. Magnetic. Heartfelt."

The recent "Spirit of Kansas" 2023 July 4th Celebration, organized by the Topeka Blues Society, will forever be remembered for an extraordinary performance by the one and only Chris "Bad News" Barnes and The Bluesballers. The crowd at Reynolds Lodge at Lake Shawnee couldn't help but be captivated by an evening filled with laughter, a magnetic stage presence, and heartfelt music.

From the moment Barnes stepped onto the stage, the crowd was instantly charmed by his infectious energy and undeniable charm. The audience was drawn to his magnetic presence, eagerly awaiting what was to come. With a glint in his eyes, he owned the stage, connecting effortlessly with the audience, making them feel like old friends. Barnes has a unique ability of injecting humor into songs about serious subjects such as, “I Like Cleavage” which is a song about dueling political sides becoming “bosom buddies.”

It wasn't just Barnes' humor that made the night truly unforgettable. Barnes’ heartfelt original, “Slow Danced With Joni Mitchell” tugged at our heartstrings, evoking a flood of emotions. With every note sung, Barnes poured his soul into his performance, leaving no doubt that he was deeply connected to the music and the stories it conveyed. The heartfelt melody resonated with every member of the audience, creating an intimate and profound experience.

As the night progressed, Barnes managed to strike a unique balance between light-hearted humor and poignant musicality. The ease with which he shifted between comedic and emotional moments was nothing short of remarkable. His showmanship harkens back to his days as an award winning comedic actor. IFYKYK.

Chris was backed by a host of distinguished band members that make up “The Bluesballers” that left the audience fully engrossed, hanging on to every note and eagerly awaiting the next twist in their stellar performance.

Chris 'Bad News' Barnes truly lived up to his reputation and we cannot wait to catch a live performance again.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHRIS “BAD NEWS” BARNES HERE: https://chrisbarnesnyc.com/