Weekend Broward Blog: Poles, Pool Tables and People

Weekend Broward Blog: Poles, Pool Tables and People: "Taking photo's with a pocket camera proved to be an exercise in frustration. You probably had a similar experience - you get..."

Poles, Pool Tables and People

Taking photo's with a pocket camera proved to be an exercise in frustration.  You probably had a similar experience - you get back home after a night of snapping great shots of bands and friends only to discover that 80% of the pictures need to be deleted due to underexposure, blurr or light streaks.  So I upgraded to a DSLR that had a much stronger flash and only snaps the picture when the camera thinks the lighting is just right.  Now that I had overcome the obstacle of darkness, I find myself running into new obstacles. 

Many of the bars and restaurants hosting bands were built without the intention of making room for the entertainment.  When they decide that a band will bring in more customers, they block off an area where tables used to be and tell the band to set up.  Unfortunately, that often means no dance floors, no riser stage, poles, pool tables and walls blocking clear views - all obstacles for the "perfect' shot. 

And if the fixed objects weren't enough, the amount of room between the bands and the crowds of people enjoying the entertainment draws to a matter of inches, there isn't much room for a photographer to get in between.  This weekend, I discovered a new appreciation for those "in the biz" who need to get the perfect shot for publication.   I don't know how they do it, but I'm learning.  Climbing stools and tables to get the right angle can be embarassing but not as bad as having a wall block half the shot.  I'm still new at this but give me some time and I'll get it right.  In the meantime, enjoy the shots I do manage to get, good or bad, and keep supporting the bands that work hard to entertain, no matter how tight a squeeze it might be.

The Accidental Concierge

Every weekend, on my way to somewhere, I like to stop, look, and listen to someone new or someplace I haven't been before.  This weekend, for example, I was on the road to The Perfect Game Sports Grill in Coral Springs when I was passing by JD's Lounge.  I stopped in to see who was playing, and before you know it, I discovered the Top Priority band.

I was also pleasantly surprised at what I saw and heard when I arrived at my final destination.  Excess became SLEJJ when they found a new lead singer and it's amazing what a new vocalist and new name can do for a band.  I know of another band I saw recently that sounded ten times better with their new lead but they maintained their old name and their old reputation!

I also discovered that, like the bands with new lead singers, places that once seemed dead and lifeless can also pick up and change 180 degrees for the better.  So, if you have been staying away from a place just because it didn't seem like a popular hotspot last time you visited, you might want to give it another try - you just might surprise yourself as I did this past weekend.

Not the same old thing!

As anyone who knows me will attest, I love watching classic and modern rock cover bands.  However, this weekend, I had the opportunity to enjoy music which I would consider "off the beaten track".  On Thursday, I took in a blues jam at the French Quarter restaurant in Pompano Beach where New Orleans food is served right alongside live Louisiana-Style upbeat blues.  Then, I happened to catch JP Soars @ The Poor House in Ft Lauderdale, who will be playing next Friday at The French Quarter.  He provided a mix of Blues and Rockabilly.  Finally, on Saturday night, I took in Ever So Klever at the Coconut Creek Casino - with a 3-piece brass section, they are quickly becoming my #1 recommended non-rock band in Broward County!  They will be playing again on the 21st. 

As we approach this coming weekend, take another look at the Weekend Broward schedule, look for some new names and see if you are ready for something a little different this coming weekend - you won't be sorry!