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
