Travel - Toronto Weekend - TIFF

This weekend I traveled to Toronto with fellow photographer George Clarence and Dennis Radford. This trip was for the 500px Global Photowalk. That was a bust as we were not only late, they were also left without us and we were unable to catch up to them. We later regretted the trip as it was in Hamilton, ON and should have stayed in the city. Enough with the chatting lets get to some of the pictures. Video will soon follow.

Hamilton, ON

George and Dino 

This time we stayed in the heart of the Downtown Toronto on John and King St. Being downtown felt better than home. Everywhere we went was something positive.The love that we received from some of the locals was unreal. From shop owners to employees and even random people on the street. From great people to even greater food, oh gosh the food was life. Poutine!!!! Nothing is was ate twice different types every day and every few hours (Thanks Dino!!!). I can't forget our wonderful host Kate who allowed us to use her place that was in the heart of the city.

Lamborghini Hurcan

Wonderful artist name Ashleigh

Shot from Sandy (I can't remember her name..oh she gonna kill me)

Churros!!

Lawerence St. Market

Sandy taking a hit before the shotgun

George getting these Chinese kids to jump for a picture

Peaceful Read

Testing the 105 F1.4 George

Testing the 105 f1.4 Dennis

Feeling A Little Blue

Few weeks George asked me to help out on a shoot, and always if I'm free I'm there. For this shot were doing something creative with Tiffany. If you read the previous post then you know exactly who she is, if not then you should read the last few posts. Just like any of the shoots with George I really don't know what is really going on, I'm just there no questions asked. 

Tiffany arrive and like always were clowning, and crack jokes. One thing folks don't know is that Tiffany has a very creative mind, a very imaginative mind. If you was to give her an idea she will execute it the nth power. Everything  she does is with passion and commitment, and she's down for the cause. While there I decided to do a behind the scenes type video for George, at the same time I was checking making sure everything was coming out great, and it they were. 

As always remember to check out their pages and website

George Clarence - Photographer www.georgeclarence.com 

Tiffany Marie - MUA Tiffany (facebook)

Mic Check Christmas Showcase

Host June Elaine

Host Melody Fresh

Comedian Faygo

Wednesday (12.17.2014) there was a performance showcase with multiple talents from Detroit artists. The acts ranged from rappers -- single and groups, singers -- single and groups. Also, it hosted a comedian and tap dancers. Before the showcased a cypher, where artist were able to put forth their freestyle skills before the show began. 

The beautiful hosts for the evening were June Elaine and Miss Melody Fresh to open up and introduce the performers for the night. 

List of Performers

  • Biance Badd
  • Danny Mellz
  • Blaz Reco
  • Paris Noel
  • Dre Butterz
  • Comedian 7mile Faygo
  • Nino
  • Malinda LeBeu
  • Hydro
  • Erica Page
  • Richy Marciano
  • Young Hitch
  • June Elaine

I might be missing a few people, but were a few I was able to find on instagram through the host page.

As I was great to see and hear the different styles from local artist, some critique is sure to follow. As every performer did a great job, there are a few pointers that are needed across the board.

The first is rappers who rap over their own vocals. I get it that sometimes you might forget the lyrics here and there, but when they don't have a performance track the audience get the echo effect. In turn it creates that awkward feeling of being in a listening party or in the car. Some artist did not have that issue at all. Granted every DJ has their own style but often times you gotta listen to the artist. It was times when the music was too loud for us to really hear those that were on stage. 

The showcase was held at Hazel's Place Lounge in Detroit, MI. The venue was small, and the stage itself was only 10% of the total space with a mirror extended along the end of it. Due to the poor lighting I had to bum up the ISO. by during so created a lot of grain that I did not necessarily wanted. If they were to add some performances lights then it wouldn't be a bad area for shows. 

Again it was a great show I really enjoyed seeing some of the talent this city has to offer. At the bottom is Biance Badd's performance of her new single "Private Dancer". Soon I have moments from the rest of the performers from the show case.