Van Ho Ba meets the end

The image of me playing trumpet about a year ago in Hanoi has now become an icon for the Van Ho Ba, a group that's just had it's last gig.
Photography by Bethany Bauman
Remixed by Kate

"I didn't even bring my dancin' shoes"

Snarky Puppy meets a groovy Octogenarian!

The Van Ho Ba hits Tay Ho!

This is what's hip this Saturday: The Van Ho Ba and Dhoopstick. Dhoopstick. That's a funny name. I guess so is the Van Ho Ba, but it all gets lost in translation in Hanoi, so who cares! The VHB refers to themselves as such: "The Van Ho Ba can be described as an unstoppable groove machine." I'd agree, and I'm itching to play trumpet (and Euphonium) with them again next time I visit Vietnam.

NX35

*All images from North by 35 (NX35) festival site, though I wish I had taken (most of) them.


Denton, Texas. When I say those words in Hong Kong, I get a blank stare but when anyone hears the music from the wonderfully quirky town they say "who are these guys? They're great!" Denton is hosting a festival and conferette (don't fret Denton Arts & Jazz Fest!) and it's going to be the best thing since Bruce Lee. In synergy with (but no direct connection to) the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival, North by 35 (NX35) is hosting their "first-year music conference programming over 130 acts, multiple panels, Q&As, and a trade show in the heart of Denton, Texas — the other, smaller, music town in Texas." Take a look at the cheeky band portraits to get a feel for the fun in store.








It may be smaller, but it's juicier. Don't let anybody tell you that "juicy" is not a way to describe good music.

My Denton Music 2009 Marketing Packet

My Denton Music has a beautiful spankin' new marketing packet I did the photography for. This has come just before the release of their site redesign. The current site is functional a fun, but will be cleaned up and have social interactivity included. It's a very exciting time for Texas music, and I'm looking forward to sharing the music with the world.

You can download the marketing packet here and enjoy the photos in a larger format. I may also post a few images, but don't want to spoil the upcoming MDM feature on Paul Slavens!

(The picture at the bottom was the crazy cool shindig at Hailey's on New Years Eve)

The Outpost: Pinoy awesomeness!

Photography by Nathalie Heugas

The Philippines is an intriguing place when it comes to music. The club scene is playing a lot of house music these days and the live music scene is about 85% cover bands or what I have termed "Karaoke Favorites" bands. That's what makes Cebu's venue The Outpost such a joy to listen and play at. It is the little chunk of Denton or Austin, Texas in its own way. The Outpost plays predominantly Reggae music, but the beauty is in how they pull it off. Nathalie took these shots of Coolie Dread and the Microphone Commanders (CDMC) and they play a mix of Reggae, Rock & Hip Hop plus yours truly adding jazz licks over the top. Rock on CDMC!
I love love love to hear new creative music (especially improvisitory) and I wish that not more groups in the Philippines followed suit with Coolie Dread. Historically, the Philippines filled with mostly love songs but there's so much talent lying dormant, but like a Phoenix it will rise. Oh yes, you wait and see! But, I guess for now it's just gonna be "Apple-bottom jeans and the reeboks with the pumps..." which I'm, admittedly a fan of. As for George Michael and his "Careless Whisper" - well, that's my cue it's time to leave.





Thanks for shooting Nathalie!
PS - I'm playing at outpost tonight!