Live From the Plaza

My second year photographing the Rock Hall Summer Concert Series

I try to never take for granted the opportunities my job provides me with. I am extremely lucky to be working at a musical and cultural institution in my own home city. I just happened to grow up in Cleveland, home also to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Last summer, I landed a photography fellowship that opened countless doors for me and my career. I photographed bands like The Breeders, Lita Ford, Maggie Rose, and Fitz and the Tantrums. I thought it would be a one-time opportunity and I would be released into the industry after the season to find my own outlets and photo pits. Luckily, I was so wrong. I managed to extend my fellowship through the end of 2023, shifting more into the exhibits side of the museum. January 1st, I was hired full-time as Exhibit Design and Content Coordinator and have been busy working on new exhibitions ever since. But, that didn’t stop me from returning to the plaza to the photo pit I called home last summer.

I am eternally grateful and honored to be working in a place that wants to cultivate my passions - encouraging them even. This glass building has given me the chance to rebuild my life after the hardship and grief of the past few years. After my mom died 2 years ago, I had no job or savings or direction. I am finally standing on my own two feet and running towards what I know I am meant to do. I have found a new purpose and a new passion for life and photography.

Here are just a few highlights from this summer season that reminded me that I am in the right place -

Die Spitz, the coolest girl band ever:

The embodiment of female rage, this band truly caught me off guard. Opening for Sleater-Kinney, the iconic duo from the riot grrrl era, this band had a gritty sound and chaotic presence that kept me on my toes. At one point, I couldn’t find the lead singer. I soon realized she had jumped off the stage, climbed over the barrier, and was singing from in the middle of the crowd. Unfortunately, I missed every opportunity for a shot of this moment. But, I did not let myself miss the iconic ending of her laying in the photo pit between the stage and crowd. I was mesmerized by their eclectic style and vivid energy. This is a band I will be on the look out for in the future for SURE.

Tobyraps, the rapper you can’t help but smile at:

I love photographing the local shows just as much as the big-name ones. A lot of times, I end up knowing the performers from my time spent here in the local Cleveland music scene. This band is no stranger to me at all - in fact, they are my friends. Josh, the drummer, is like a big brother to me and we spent most of the night joking around with each other onstage. They requested I “get up in their faces” for these shots, so I was able to scurry around the stage and really experience the set from their viewpoint. Toby’s performance is so colorful and expressive and you cannot help but be happy to be there. He has such a charm and inviting spirit, it’s always a blast to see his shows. His band contains some of the most talented musicians I know, making the experience that much more impressive. It is always an honor to capture the energy of them all.

Games We Play, an unexpected favorite (and friendship):

I was so preoccupied with the chaos leading up to the arrival of All Time Low to the building that I didn’t even realize who the opener was. I had heard of Games We Play, but hadn’t taken the time to really dig into their discography before the show like I normally do. Each band member brought so much energy and life to the stage, I was mesmerized. I didn’t know who to focus on with my camera, each one had such electricity in their performance. The stage presence of each guy was unlike anything I had ever seen, the show was entertaining so impressive.

Afterwards, I ran into the drummer and we soon got to chatting (my favorite thing to do) and ended the night as new friends. We talked about life and music and creativity and how the smallest choices in our life can make the biggest impact. We discussed creative direction and video editing, two things I can be a bit TOO passionate about. I truly hope I get to work with this crew again.

Lilieae, a familiar fav:

One of my favorite local bands to shoot for also happens to be made up of a few fellow Rock Hall employees. I was able to photograph this band last year on the plaza, and they were also the first band of 2024 I had the honor of shooting for. I have even been in/worked on one of their music videos!! It was the last concert of the season and one of the most fun. I got to run around the stage and shoot alongside my friend Emma (@emmabellefischer) on a perfect summer night. Truly one of the best shows I could have asked for. The lead singer, Lydia, has more energy in her pinkie than I have in my whole being. Watching her is so impressive as she bounces around the stage and gives an incredible performance simultaneously. A perfect end to the plaza season.

All Time Low (still not over it):

I know I have already written about this one, so I’ll keep it short and sweet. I truly have never experienced anything like that show. Looking back on it, it doesn’t even seem real. I am truly so honored to have had that experience and it is in my top 5 favorite concerts ever. Okay, that’s it.

Sleater-Kinney, a full-circle moment:

My first exhibit as a full-time employee and exhibit designer was Revolutionary Women in Music, and featured the duo in both artifact and video content. 6 months later, I got to tour them through the space I hand-painted and scribbled on, seeing their genuine reactions to the space dedicated to them and their influence on music. It was truly a moment I will never forget. Soon after, I got to be in the photo pit watching them perform right in front of me and hearing the music I had included to play within the exhibit. It was a total full-circle moment.

Boys Like Girls, a wild ride:

I was the only photographer hired for the night, which is unusual for the bigger shows at the Rock Hall. It was the final large-scale production of the season and I had no idea what to expect. My friend and coworker, Michala, was running the whole thing (I am insanely proud of her for this) and I watched her be invited to watch from the side of the stage by the band. I spent my first 3 songs in the pit and then decided to go to all my normal side-stage spots. Since I was acting as the house photographer, I had all access. I went up to check in with Michala and one of the band’s crew members saw me with my camera and pulled me onto the stage, telling me to run around and have fun with it. I am not normally - actually, never - invited onto the stage by large acts like this and so I just stared at him for a few seconds before realizing I needed to seize the moment. When I stepped off that stage, I was in a bit of a daze. That was NOT what I expected the night to bring. I will absolutely never forget that experience.

I sometimes have to punch myself when I realize the position I am in. I never thought I would be here, let alone at the age of 24. To see my hard work pay off and realize the progress I have made both professionally and personally.

As usual, thank you for being here and joining along in my adventures. I have lots of ideas and a backlog of posts and photos. This is a longer one than usual, but there will never be enough words to accurately describe what this season was like. And I cannot wait for the next.