Candlebox Rocks Central Florida 25 Years After Their Debut Release

March 13, 2019

The Plaza Live
Orlando, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

90s post-grunge rockers Candlebox brought their explosive show to a packed house at The Plaza Live in Orlando this past week, and they have never sounded better. "Florida has always been a good state for Candlebox," said frontman Kevin Martin. He is the only original member but has been supported by the same tight band for a few years now. The band's monster, self-titled first record was released in 1993, and they have been touring to honor their masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Even Martin is amazed. "I can't believe this record survived 25 years. I'm about to turn 50. It's freakin' me out!" Backed by guitarists Brian Quinn and Island Styles, bassist Adam Kury and drummer Dave Krusen, the Seattle darlings played a 90-minute blazer to a venue of adoring fans.

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 Bicoastal Double Shot of Keb' Mo' in Florida

June 13 & 14, 2018


Capitol Theatre, Clearwater, Florida
The Lyric Theatre, Stuart, Florida (two shows)

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Last month, multi-Grammy award winner Keb' Mo' kicked off a short, acoustic solo tour beginning in Florida. Rock Legends Photographers was there to capture the sights and sounds of nights two and three of this intimate, stripped-down soiree. Keb' Mo' rejoins Taj Mahal for the next leg of the TajMo tour, which resumes Monday, 7/23/18 with two sold-out shows in Denver, and then returns to solo dates in late August (for full tour schedule including solo and TajMo dates, see below).

Badfish – A Tribute To Sublime Sizzles In Sebastian, Florida

March 25, 2018

Capt. Hiram's
Sebastian, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

There are few if any tribute bands out there that rival the cult-like following of Badfish – A Tribute to Sublime. Packed in like sardines at Captain Hiram's “Grand Sand Bandstand” on the Indian River in Sebastian, Florida, the 1,100 diehards of all shapes, sizes and ages were the living proof. Fun dreadlocks, flowing alcohol and funky-scented air were the vibe of the night, with a heavy police presence to ensure safety. The weather was cooperative, the spirits were abundant and the music was spectacular. It was an ideal night to pay homage to the 90s SoCal Punk-Rock-Ska trio, Sublime.

Mike & The Mechanics Bring Their "Let Me Fly" Tour To Central Florida

March 19, 2018

The Plaza Live
Orlando, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Mike & The Mechanics absolutely rocked The Plaza Live in Orlando, Florida with a blazing, one hour-and-forty minute set of all their hits, including a few Genesis tunes. Skipping an opener and taking the stage at 8pm, the band played straight through until 9:40pm, offering a warm, inviting vibe of genuine camaraderie among the members. Original Genesis bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford was backed on this tour by co-lead vocalists Tim “The Power” Howar, Andrew Roachford (keys), Anthony Drennan (guitar/bass), Gary Wallis (drums/percussions) and Toby Chapman (keys/bass).

Candlebox Rocks Central Florida With Whole Damn Mess and State To State

March 2, 2018

The Plaza Live
Orlando, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

It's hard to believe that 25 years have elapsed since the release of the eponymously named, smash debut record from Seattle-based post-grunge rockers, Candlebox. The eleven-song chartbuster is as fresh today as it was in 1993. Founding member/lead singer Kevin Martin joked on stage at The Plaza Live that the milestone anniversary meant that some of us were as old as he was. While that may be true, the no-holds-barred frontman still has the chops and the audience appeal to perform as if it IS still 1993. Delivering a 90-minute blazing set for the packed, standing-room-only sea of fans, Martin and his band proved that not only do they still have it, they totally own it. Backing Martin on this tour are guitarists Brian Quinn and Island Styles, bassist Adam Kury and drummer Dave Krusen.

Texas Guitar Icon Eric Johnson Wows With "Ah Via Musicom" In Central Florida

February 23, 2018

The Plaza Live
Orlando, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

When describing guitarists, the word "virtuoso" NEVER should be thrown around lightly. However, when mentioning Eric Johnson, it ABSOLUTELY applies. The Grammy-winning legendary singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist currently is touring to thrill audiences with a start-to-finish performance of his iconic 1990 record, Ah Via Musicom, the album that contains his masterpiece, "Cliffs of Dover." As an added bonus, he is performing the 11-song opus with his original band members, bassist Kyle Brock and drummer Tommy Taylor. 

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.

AJR: The Click Tour Rolls Into Central Florida

February 13, 2018


House of Blues, Orlando
Lake Buena Vista, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Indie pop darlings AJR blew the roof off House of Blues, Orlando during their sold-out performance the day before Valentine's Day. Brothers Adam, Jack and Ryan Met played for 2,100 screaming tweeners, my own daughter included, and the New York-based siblings enthralled the crowd for their entire 80-minute set. Supported by stellar 25-minute offerings from openers Hundred Handed and Grizfolk, it was an evening of sheer joy for the eclectic mix of fans. 

An Evening With America In Central Florida

January 25, 2018


Peabody Auditorium
Daytona Beach, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

On a rather chilly Thursday evening in Florida's world-famous Daytona Beach, the charming Peabody Auditorium treated fans to an unforgettable evening with America. Growing up in military families stationed in England, founding members Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley, along with the late Dan Peek, formed their acoustic trio with killer harmonies in London, 1970 while attending high school together. They chose the name, "America," to set them apart from their British counterparts. By their fourth album, they had enlisted the brilliant production skills of George Martin, who proceeded to produce a total of four albums for them. 48 years later, Bunnell and Beckley are still doing it, and doing it brilliantly, although as Beckley quipped during the show, "48 years wasn't really part of Plan A." Nevertheless, the band has endured and thrived, performing approximately 100 shows annually. 

Jonny Lang Brings His Musical Passion to House of Blues, Orlando

January 19, 2018


House of Blues, Orlando
Lake Buena Vista, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Once in a while there is a concert that pulls you in from the moment you arrive, wrapping you in an almost visceral cloak of unbridled joy. Jonny Lang's performance at House of Blues, Orlando, was just such a show. There was a special vibe coursing throughout the Central Florida venue, one that would endure for the entire evening. Perhaps it was due to the brilliant pre-show music playing from Doyle Bramhall II's latest release, Rich Man. Perhaps it was the visage of Lang himself, lost in the profound hypnosis of his own guitar reverie, as if he knew a secret that no one else knew. Perhaps it was the knowledge that night after night, year after year, the child guitar prodigy with the 40-year-old gritty vocals, Kid Jonny Lang, morphed into the international blues-drenched Christian rocker sensation of today. Perhaps it was all of these thoughts spinning in the minds of the packed crowd, but whatever it was, Lang was on fire and the audience knew it from the first note.

Big Orange Music Festival Brings Blues and Funk to Southwest Florida

November 18, 2017


Laishley Park
Punta Gorda, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Southwest Florida's Laishley Park in Punta Gorda was rockin' by the water during the Second Annual Big Orange Music Festival featuring Evan Taylor Jones, Sean Chambers Band, Tinsley Ellis Blues Is Dead, North Mississippi Allstars, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe and headliners JJ Grey & Mofro, who also headlined last year's inaugural festival. 

The Magpie Salute Jams In Northern Florida

October 29, 2017


The Florida Theatre
Jacksonville, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Jam-band rockers The Magpie Salute cruised into Jacksonville on a cool, crisp Florida day and took over East Forsyth Street with their two mammoth tour buses. Members and road crew were in and out of the buses all afternoon into the evening, which was great fun for fans on the street (this one included). The casual appearance of Rich Robinson chatting outside of his bus in front of the fabulous Florida Theatre was a warm, inviting vision indeed. Following the demise of The Black Crowes in early 2015 after co-founding brothers Rich and Chris Robinson parted ways, Rich moved forward rapidly to assemble a superior lineup of musicians including guitarist Marc Ford, bassist Sven Pipien, keyboardist Eddie Harsch and backup vocalist Charity White, all former Crowes members. (Tragically, Harsch passed away just as The Magpie Salute was starting to take off.) Rounding out the ensemble are guitarist Nico Bereciartua, drummer Joe Magistro, newly added keyboardist Nick Rosen and lead singer John Hogg, who injects his own unique spin into the Chris Robinson sound, as well as backup vocalists Adrien Reju and Katrine Ottosen. With their self-titled debut record dropping earlier this year, the 10-piece collective has been touring steadily and offering a different set list at each show. Digging deep into the BC catalog and also opting for covers as well as material from individual ventures, this group knows how to mix it up and get it done right. What a treat it was to hear Robinson and Ford once again trade tasty licks with their dueling axes.

Sean Chambers Rocks The House in South Florida

June 17, 2017


Terra Fermata
Stuart, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Sean Chambers is one of today's most talented bluesmen on the music scene, and he is the real deal. Co-mingling his original compositions with covers from classic blues icons, Chambers' deep, gravelly tones and smooth, tasteful guitar licks offer one hell of a killer live show. The Florida native has been influenced by and compared to everyone from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Gary Moore, and he lives up to those comparisons. Chambers and the band took the stage at 7:10pm on a sweltering night in South Florida, and the only thing hotter than the weather was the music. Backed by an incredibly tight band of seasoned pros including bassist Todd Cook, keys/Hammond B3 player Michael "The Professor" Hensley and former drummer Paul Broderick sitting in for current drummer Kris Schnebelen, the house was indeed a-rockin' at Terra Fermata for two blistering sets of bad-ass blues. See the end of this article for links to the full set of photos from Rock Legends Photographers and live footage from this show, as well as a link to my Ink 19 review of Chambers' latest release, Trouble & Whiskey, which is currently #7 on the Living Blues charts and a must-have for every blues fan. 

Tedeschi Trucks Band: A Hometown Inaugural Concert Honoring Gregg Allman

May 27, 2017

EverBank Field

Daily's Place Amphitheater

Jacksonville, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

“Hello Jacksonville! Are we ready to party?” Jacksonville Jaguars' owner Shad Khan was all smiles introducing hometown darlings, Tedeschi Trucks Band, as they rolled into town on their "Wheels of Soul" 2017 Tour and kicked off the inaugural concert at the new EverBank Field amphitheater, Daily's Place. The beautiful new venue is adjacent to the football stadium and in fact opens right onto it on an upper level. While construction is not quite complete and several finishing touches need to be done, it was certainly ready enough for opening night, and what a night it was. Fronted by husband/wife dynamic duo Derek Trucks (nephew of the late Butch Trucks and 15-year member of The Allman Brothers Band) and Susan Tedeschi, the 12-member ensemble delivered a bittersweet performance as the news of Gregg Allman's passing earlier in the day cast a dark, emotional shadow over the jam band crowd. But hearing TTB open the show with “Ain't Wastin' Time No More,” a song written by Allman and recorded by The Allman Brothers Band shortly after the 1971 passing of his brother, Duane Allman, the fans got their much needed catharsis through the appropriately chosen homage, and a collective weight was somewhat lifted from the atmosphere. The show, as they say, must go on, and indeed it did.

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).