Shaffner Photography

Thursday, October 28, 2010

My break from work

Thanks to my boss Bill for hooking me up with a ticket to the Gophers football game. They totally suck but I hadn't been inside the new stadium yet, so it was fun. My way upperdeck comp ticket wasn't needed inside. Many open rows down low so I sat mostly twelve rows up or so on the thirty yard line. Obama was also in town so it made for an interesting walk down. The shot of Obama's limos was the last shot my battery had. I turned the camera on a few minutes prior to the arrival and was perturbed to see the battery sign was flashing red. I quickly set the exposure and turned it off. When they drove up I turned it on, snapped one shot, and literally immediately the lens went back in and turned off, (on my point and shoot Lumix.)

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

mmmmm placenta

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Saturday, October 23, 2010

soap

rip soap thursdays

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Monday, October 18, 2010

cold, cold, cold.

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Monday, October 11, 2010

Cindy and Fern on the Xtracycle

Got the smallest helmet possible and it fits Fern well. We didn't think she'd be ready to ride until next spring, but she's so strong and has been sitting up for over two months. She'll be riding a bike by age 3!!!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Emmit Nershi Band and Gypsy Lumberjacks

Emmitt Nershi Band put on a high energy and intimate show September 30 at The Cabooze. The experience of many years of touring with Leftover Salmon and String Cheese Incident could be felt in a tight connection with each other on stage and with the audience. Almost as pleasing as the music was the ease and style with which it was delivered as the musicians skills could be fully appreciated with the stripped down classic sound. From SCI songs “Black Cloud” and “Texas,” to bluegrass traditionals and band originals, the musicianship, picking and harmonies blended beautifully all night.

Local band, The Gypsy Lumberjacks, got the night started with their own distinct blend of styles. Things that came to mind were Flamenco, bluegrass, improvisational rock, gypsy jazz and good old-fashioned beer swillin’ music. An original set featured an interesting rhythm section consisting of two hand drummers, one on congas/bongos and the other on cajon, also known as “The Box.”

All in all a fun night and a good chance to get up close and personal with artists many have seen on much bigger stages around the country and world.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

peapod

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Monday, September 27, 2010

Prime Prine

John Prine captivated the audience at the Orpheum Theater Saturday night. From the opening notes of the playful “Spanish Pipedream,” to the soulful and somber “Hello In There,” Prine performed with grace and intensity throughout a two hour set. The encore included a special guest appearance by opener Pieta Brown for an eagerly anticipated “In Spite of Ourselves” duet. It made perfect sense for her to join Prine onstage as the original duet was sung with Iris Dement, who is married to Brown’s father, Greg Brown.

Highlighting Pieta’s set was a story she told about being booked to play a gig with J.J. Cale. She said she walked in and saw Cale leaning on a wall talking to Tom Petty and was so overcome with awe and emotion she had to go to her tiny dressing room and write a song about it.

Prine’s set was all highlights: “Souvenirs,” “Angel From Montgomery,” “Sam Stone,” Hello In There,” “Space Monkey,” and all of the other songs were eaten up by the appreciative crowd. His warm voice was a bit raspy but it just seemed aged like a good wine, more seductive, more character. It only adds to the credibility he has as he tells his stories that make you feel the ups and downs of life.