A time honored tradition here in Ottawa where a mish-mash of Artists showcase nearly all genres of music over a two week period. Every year the event organizers put together an outstanding line-up and this year I’ve been tasked with covering two days. Yesterdays headliner was RUSH, a personal favorite band of mine. Media passed and stoked as all hell I headed out to the venue.  Long story short “Major news and paper media only for tonight’s show” is what everyone was told as we all waited patiently by the media entrance.

I was disappointed, but also strangely determined. Heading through the main gate I pushed (as politely as possible!) my way as close as I could manage (knowing that I would have to also find my way out of the crowd to cover any other shows later in the evening). All in all the photos I came away with are reasonable considering how heavily cropped they are.

Alex Lifeson of RUSH performing during Ottawa Bluesfest. July 11, 2010.

Geddy Lee of RUSH performing at the Ottawa Bluesfest. July 11, 2010

After snapping a few shots of RUSH I decided to head over to another stage where another band who’s name I recognized was playing. The Swell Season is a folk rock band comprised of musicians Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. Their song “Falling Slowly” won  the academy award for Best Original Song. Two songs in the pit and I walked away with a few keepers.

The Swell Season vocalist Glen Hansard performing during the Ottawa Bluesfest. July 11, 2010.

The Swell Season vocalist Glen Hansard performing during the Ottawa Bluesfest. July 11, 2010.

It was an interesting night and a great learning experience.  Now on to July 17th and Lewis Black/Keith Urban’s shows!

Arkells front man Max Kerman performs at Pandamonium - March 31, 2010.

Wednesday night I was tasked with shooting the Carleton sponsored Pandamonium concert held at the Ottawa Civic Center. This annual event allows students a last chance to cut loose and party before exams and then the summer break. This years event featured performances from The Arkells and Girl Talk. Going into this event I know the photography was going to be a challenge. Concerts are a mixed bag of unpredictable conditions. Lights are flashing everywhere, lasers and strobes fire at random, and most of the performers are heavily back lit. Through all the unpredictability this is what I came away with from the Arkells show.

Arkells keyboardist Dan Griffin performs at Pandamonium - March 31, 2010.

Arkells keyboardist Dan Griffin performs at Pandamonium - March 31, 2010.

Arkells front man Max Kerman performs at Pandamonium - March 31, 2010.

Arkells front man Max Kerman performs at Pandamonium - March 31, 2010.

Arkells bassist Nick Dika performs at Pandamonium - March 31, 2010.

Arkells guitarist Mike DeAngelis performs at Pandamonium - March 31, 2010.

Girl Talk performs at Pandamonium - March 31, 2010.

After the Arkells finished their set it was time for Girl Talk (real name Gregg Gillis). Now I will admit that prior to being asked to shoot this concert I had no prior knowledge about Girl Talk. Let me say this guy is incredible. Constantly dancing (literally), mashing up the most random songs, and all the while emitting huge amounts of energy that seems to permeate the crowd. Girl Talk was hugely challenging to shoot. He performs behind a table (with his computer set-up on it) and always packs the stage with fans. Here are the few keepers from Girl Talk.

Girl Talk performs at Pandamonium - March 31, 2010.

Girl Talk performs at Pandamonium - March 31, 2010.

Saskatchewan Huskies fans cheer on their team at the CIS mens championship basketball game at Scotiabank Place on March 21, 2010.

The CIS Men’s Basketball Championships were played in Ottawa and like last year I was fortunate enough to shoot the final day of action (consolation and championship games). Unlike last years tournament, this year I was much more prepared to shoot basketball. Armed with my gear and accompanied by Carleton’s U’s assistant photo editor Adam Dietrich the day started with shooting the consolation match between the Windsor Lancers and Cape Breton Capers (who have the best mascot of all time!). Early on the game looked to be a blowout with the Capers leading by 17 at one point. The Lancers staged a successful comeback and managed to squeak the game into OT. Their efforts fell short though and Cape Breton earned the win. Here are a few of the keepers.

CBU forward Lasario Burrows (left) battles for position with Lancers forward Justin Wiltshire during the CIS mens basketball championship game at Scotiabank Place on March 21, 2010.

Windsor Lancers guard Josh Collins shoots over the top CBU guard Mark McGarrigle during the CIS mens basketball championship game at Scotiabank Place on March 21, 2010.

Since the early game went into OT there was very little time to edit/crop/color adjust before the championship game. After the game it was time to run back into the media room, empty cards, then back out on court for the final.

The final game was played between to excellent university teams; The Saskatchewan Huskies and B.C. Thunderbirds. A great game of basketball was played and massive amount of photos were taken. One comment about this tournament. When the buzzer rings to signify the end of the championship game it’s pure mayhem. As a photog. it’s an absolute free-for-all. Peak emotion shots are all around you. The defeat, celebration, joy and sadness that comes with winning and losing is everywhere. This year I was tasked with focusing on the victor, the Huskies. Here’s a few of my best (from the game and after).

Saskatchewan Huskies guard Michael Linklater glides through the air during the CIS mens basketball championship game at Scotiabank Place on March 21, 2010

Saskatchewan Huskies guard Showron Glover drives to the net during the CIS mens basketball championship game on March 21, 2010

The Saskatchewan Huskies team celebrates their 2010 CIS mens basketball championship win at Scotiabank Place on March 21, 2010

Saskatchewan Huskies guard Showron Glover celebrates after winning the CIS mens basketball national championship at Scotiabank Place on March 21, 2010.

Saskatchewan Huskies guard Showron Glover being interviewed by TSN after winning the CIS mens basketball national championship as Scotiabank Place on March 21, 2010.

Saskatchewan Huskies guard and CIS tournament All-Star Michael Linklater celebrates after recieving his medal and All-Star jacket. March 21, 2010

Saskatchewan Huskies forward Troy Gottselig recieving the Jack Donohue Trophy for Championship MVP. March 21, 2010 at Scotiabank Place.

Pictures to follow

Enjoy the sunshine!

Greg