The Rain, the Mud, and Bourbon & Beyond

Champions Park
Louisville, KY 9-22-18
By Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

First off I must say that this was the best festival out of hundreds I have been to over my many years. The organization was unprecedented. There were many different kinds of food and drink vendors, rental lockers in different locations, adequate and friendly staff, large twin stages right next to each other with a large photo pit that transcended the length, great sound, and excellent lighting. When your festival is in Kentucky and your sponsors include several major bourbon distilleries it makes sense that you would be able to provide the best festival accommodations in the country.

Sting and Shaggy

Daily's Place
Jacksonville, FL
by Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

     Although I've been a Sting fan since the debut of the first album The Police did back in 1978, it had been over 25 years since I had seen him perform. I really didn't know what to expect, especially when you throw in some Shaggy. My curiosity was piqued.

Beth Hart Orlando, FL

Hard Rock Live
Orlando, FL 8-10-18
by Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

From the moment she weaved through the crowd from the back of the venue to the stage while singing her opening note to the final note of the last song, Beth Hart totally captivated every single person in attendance. 

I was a fan of her music before seeing her live but after seeing her perform I have to say that there is no reason for her not to win every female blues award until she hangs it up and stops singing. There is so much emotion in her show and she deserved every one of the standing ovations she received that night.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band in Orlando, FL

Hard Rock Live
Orlando, FL 8-10-18
by Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

Blues-rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd plays so hard and with so much energy that I'm surprised that things don't melt around him when he walks up on stage. Having seen him twice before, once with Experience Hendrix and once with The Rides, I knew what to expect, but seeing him playing his own songs made it that much more special.

When Shepherd plays it's almost like the guitar is part of his body. His hands seem to flow on it as easily as if he was smoothing out a wrinkle on his shirt.

The Alarm in Orlando, FL

The Social
Orlando, FL 8-16-18
by Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

From the moment frontman, singer, guitarist, and founding member Mike Peters walked out on stage the crowd of hundreds of adoring fans were instantly transported back to the 80's. There is something about seeing a great 80's band in a small packed club with brick walls and lots of colored lighting that just makes it all magically come together. 

Peters and his wife Jules (keyboards, backup vocals) were joined on stage by drummer, Steve "Smiley" Barnard, who has been with the band since 2010, and guitarist James Stevenson, who has been with the band since 1999. Stevenson played bass on most songs while Peters played rhythm-lead guitar. Towards the end of the show Smiley came out from behind his kit and played a bit of lead guitar on Peters' acoustic as well. 

REO Speedwagon and Chicago in Tampa, Florida

MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tampa, FL 7-21-18
By Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

This venue is perfect for a professional concert photographer. There is plenty of room to shoot, the lighting is excellent, the staff is helpful, professional, friendly from top to bottom, and the location easy to get to.

A Night With Joe Bonamassa in Northern Florida

May 10, 2018

St. Augustine Amphitheatre
St. Augustine, Florida

By Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

St. Augustine Amphitheatre is a modern concert venue set in Anastasia State Park with state-of-the-art sound and lighting. Upon arrival at this beautiful venue one could immediately feel the energy and excitement in the air that Joe Bonamassa's concerts are famous for. The majority of the approximately 4,000 seats were filled with standing, cheering fans when Bonamassa walked out on the stage at 7:30 PM and from that moment on both the night and the people belonged to him.

Arielle Enchants Central Florida at The Plaza Live, Orlando

February 23, 2018

The Plaza Live
Orlando, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Arielle is wowing crowds across the country while on tour as support for Eric Johnson. But she is SO MUCH more than just an opening act. Boasting a four-octave range, the uber-talented 27-year-old is a brilliant singer/songwriter as well as a highly skilled guitarist and keys player. When you have musicians such as Eric Johnson, Vince Gill and Brian May of Queen in your corner, you must be doing something right – and Arielle certainly is.

Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival Sizzles on Florida's West Coast

February 25, 2018

Coachman Park
Clearwater, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

The 12th annual Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival delighted blues diehards at downtown Clearwater's Coachman Park. Enhanced by a breathtaking waterfront backdrop, the two-day event spotlighted Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band as the Saturday headliner (and was SOLD-OUT for VIP/Reserved seating) as well as George Worthmore, The Steepwater Band, Super Doppler, Greyhounds, and ZZ Ward. Rock Legends Photographers' Michelle Wilson and Michael Yanko were on hand for Day Two featuring killer sets from David Julia, Rusty Wright Band, Samantha Fish, Toronzo Cannon, and headliner Ana Popovic.

Grand Funk Railroad in Cocoa, Florida

May 7, 2017


Riverfront Park
Cocoa, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Grand Funk Railroad headlined a picture-perfect Sunday festival at historic Cocoa Village, Florida's Riverfront Park, presented by the Cocoa Rotary Foundation to benefit the Boys and Girls Club. The tunes were cranking, the beer was flowing and the crowd was loving every minute of it. Multiple boats were anchored in the river, taking advantage of the gorgeous weather and the epic music from the iconic band, which still includes founding members Don Brewer (drums/vocals) and Mel Schacher (bass) as well as Max Carl (guitar/harp/vocals, formerly of 38 Special), Bruce Kulick (guitar/vocals, formerly of Kiss) and Tim Cashion (keys/vocals).

Jonny Lang at The Plaza Live

April 25, 2017

The Plaza Live
Orlando, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Jonny Lang's performance at The Plaza Live in Orlando, Florida turned a humdrum Tuesday night into anything but ordinary, as he rocked the packed house with his unique brand of blues-soaked Christian rock. I have been fortunate to photograph and review many of Lang's productions, but there was something distinctly special about this one. Lang hammed it up for the camera, which was an added bonus indeed. With his gritty vocals and mad guitar skills, Lang has put forth quality presentations over the years, with a faithful fan base flocking to his shows. I felt privileged to be among them. Backed by stellar guitarist Court Clement, drummer Barry Alexander, bassist James Anton and keys player Michael B. Hicks (recently supporting Keb' Mo'), the high-energy, guitar-driven event cranked out for a full two hours.

Buddy Guy at St. Augustine Amphitheatre

April 9, 2017

St. Augustine Amphitheatre
St. Augustine, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Iconic Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy thrilled fans in St. Augustine, Florida at the sensational St. Augustine Amphitheatre, performing with his usual showmanship. Looking and sounding stronger than ever, Guy played an 80-minute set of killer blues that rocked the socks off the crowd. Amid the polka dots and f-bombs, witty banter and guitar tricks, Guy made it look effortless and thoroughly enjoyable, even after all these years of shows. If you have the opportunity to attend a Buddy Guy show in your area, make it a priority. They broke the mold with him, and it just doesn't get any better.

Tinsley Ellis at Terra Fermata

April 15, 2017

Terra Fermata
Stuart, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

It's indeed a thrill when Tinsley Ellis embarks on a short tour of his native Florida, and when one of his stops is at Terra Fermata, it's even better. Backed by bassist Jonathan Holland and drummer Erik Kaszynski, the bluesman wowed the packed house with his ultra-smooth guitar licks and seasoned songwriting skills. He has an uncanny way of making eye contact with the audience that is rare in most musicians but quite appealing. The 100-minute set was over in the blink of an eye and was chock full of Ellis originals and a few covers. Fans were treated to three guitar appearances in the evening rotation: a 1967 Gibson ES-345 (affectionately named "Big Dog"), a 1959 Rosewood Fender Stratocaster and a 1982 Gibson Moderne reissue used for slide, and oh, how he made them sing!