RIP Bill Walpole

Hello all-

I photographed Bill Walpole for over 20 years. Mostly at the Double Door Inn. Here's Bill at the last time he took to the Double Door stage. Safe travels, Bill. Miss you.
-Daniel
February 28, 2017

-Daniel
February 28, 2017

New Tangents Magazine Is Now Available

Hello all-

The new issue of Tangents Magazine is now available. Check out my articles on the newsstands, at tangentsmag.com, or check out the articles on this page. Enjoy, and see you on the road,
-Daniel
February 24, 2017

Lemond Hart Interview

Lemond Hart Interview

written by Daniel Coston

Interview in Tangents Magazine, February 2017 issue

Over the last few years, Lemond Hart has taken great lengths to find his own voice, and the clothes that speak what he wants to say. Now located along Monroe Road, The House Of Lemond reflects many of the ideas that brought him to that space, and the wide array of where his heart and head is at, at any given moment. Daniel Coston checked in with Lemond via email to discuss the clothes, and their creator.

Tangents Magazine: Has your fashion sense always been with you? 

Lemond Hart: Yes, But it has developed over time with using my gift.

Tangents: What designers were an influence on you? 

Hart: Robert Graham is one of my favorite designers. He does coordinating colors and alternating patterns in his designs. I Love it!!

Tangents: And what point did you say, I want to make and design clothes now? 

Hart: My Grandmother used to always say, " If you can't find it, MAKE IT!! So, as a kid I've always loved style and fashion.

Tangents: This isn’t a job for you, is it? It’s what you want to do. 

Hart: No!! THIS IS NOT MY JOB. I believe that when you do what you love, you will never work again. I Love clothes, and #fashionismyministry

Tangents: You’re an independent businessperson. Talk about the juggling act of working with several clients a day, as opposed to one, two or three large clients. 

Hart: It is important to have great time management skills, I ALWAYS have several things going on at one time. I joke and say that I have OCD and ADHD...lol! I'll have 100 things going on at the same time, and they ALL have to be perfect.

Tangents: People want to but clothes online, but others want to come to a storefront. How does someone in 2017 do both? And how important is each of those outlets? 

Hart: Since Fashion is my Ministry, I encourage face to face interactions. However, as a savvy businessman; I understand the over the 3 Billion was sold online on Cyber Monday. It would behoove me to not get any of those funds. Therefore I am starting to sell Gift Cards and t-shirts online, while encouraging individuals to come into the store.

Tangents: How much do the fashions of the band inform the designs of the present? 

Hart: I understand how cyclic style and fashion is. I incorporate many of the details from vintage clothing into my modern creations.

Tangents: What trends in clothing are popular in 2017? 

Hart: I normally don't follow trends, no trying to sound arrogant, I like to create them. However, I have noticed that more men are accessorize get their ensembles.

Tangents: Do you have a favorite period in clothing design, or clothes-making? 

Hart: 1920's through the 1970's and some current designs also.

Tangents: Do the clothes make the person, or does the person make the clothes? 

Hart: The person makes the clothes!!! If the individual is not comfortable, they are more than likely not going to be as confident.

Tangents: And what do your clothes say about you? 

Hart: When someone see my dressed they ALWAYS say, you look so Dapper! So my clothes tell folks that I'm..... #dapperasf—k

Robert Nesbit/Housing Fest Interview

Robert Nesbit
written by Daniel Coston
Interview in February 2017 issue of Tangents Magazine

Too things loom large in Robert Nesbit’s life. Music, and social work. Nesbit combined these two subjects in 2014 with his first Concert To End Homelessness, featuring a sold-out show with the Blind Boys Of Alabama. After a successful second show last year with Josh Ritter, and Charlotte’s own Matrimony, the show returns to the Fillmore Charlotte on March 11th with a headlining set from new soul rebels St. Paul & The Broken Bones. For Nesbit and many others, this is more than a concert. It is a chance for music to have real impact on what many in Charlotte deal with on a daily basis. Nesbit talked about the concert and more via email.

Tangents Magazine: How did Housing Fest come about?

Robert Nesbit: The idea for HousingFest developed with my friend Katie Church who organizes the concert with me. We were both working at Urban Ministry Center’s Moore Place. Being musicians and music lovers, we began to think about the history of social justice movements and the role music played in them. We thought a benefit concert would be a powerful way to raise awareness and funds to help Urban Ministry Center end homelessness. We wanted to connect with young music lovers and provide an accessible, meaningful avenue for them to be part of ending homelessness in Charlotte.

We reached out to Gregg McCraw at Maxx Music. He agreed to provide the Neighborhood Theatre as a venue and promote the show.  Then we began to email different agents and artists about being part of the bill. From there, things began to take shape.

Tangents: How did you land the Blind Boys Of Alabama come about for the first year’s headliner?

Nesbit: Jim Lauderdale was the first person to commit to play HousingFest and his agent also booked the Blind Boys of Alabama. I asked if they would be interested in being part of the show. They were and it was a good fit for the first year. 

Tangents: Jim Lauderdale has also been a part of the first two Housing Fests. How did Jim get involved?

Nesbit: Jim and I both have roots in Troutman, NC. (That’s where my dad’s family is from.) Jim’s father, Chap Lauderdale, was a minister at the First ARP Church in Troutman. Jim’s parents knew my grandparents and extended family.

When I was getting serious about playing music, my grandparents told me about Jim who was the most successful musician they knew. As I explored Jim’s music, I felt like we were kindred spirits. We were both from the same area and loved American roots music.

I spoke to Jim about the idea for HousingFest at a music festival at NC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem in 2013. He was interested and encouraged me to reach out to his booking agent. He’s been a tremendous supporter of the show and our work to end homelessness. He’s a hero of mine. 

Unfortunately, he’s not able to be part of the show this year, but will certainly be back for future years!

Tangents: Talk about this year’s show. How did St. Paul get involved?

Nesbit: Every year Katie and I spend countless hours talking about potential artists to play HousingFest. We both enjoyed Paul’s music and had seen him live. I reached out to his booking agent, Frank Riley at High Road Touring. 

As it turns out, Paul is passionate about ending homelessness. He volunteers with a charity in his hometown of Birmingham, AL. He also played a benefit concert for them. We’re excited to have him on board - we know he will be a great champion of the cause. 

Tangents: What does this show mean to the charity, or charities that it benefits?

Nesbit: HousingFest is presented by the Urban Ministry Center. Urban is Charlotte’s leading homeless services agency, serving our community for the last 20 years. They provide over 250 units of housing with support services for the most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness in Charlotte. $2 from every ticket sold goes to Urban. We also have sponsorship options for individuals and companies interested in helping end homelessness. 

Tangents: What has been your proudest moment in doing these shows?

Nesbit: There have been quite a few highlights, but selling out the Neighborhood Theatre in our first year stands out. 900 people, supporting the cause and enjoying the music, inspired us to keep growing the concert.

Tangents: What can other musicians do to get involved in doing a show like this?

Nesbit: There are so many ways to give back to the community. 

Our good friend Justin Fedor is a talented musician who organizes his own series of benefit concerts for the Levine Children’s Hospital. Definitely check these shows out! He has been a tremendous supporter of HousingFest, helping us with logistics and playing last year’s concert. 

Musicians can always unite others around a cause with music. But something as simple as playing for people who don’t get to hear music often (assisted living centers, schools, homeless shelters) is a simple and meaningful way to give back. 

LeAnna Eden Interview

LeAnna Eden
written by Daniel Coston
Tangents Magazine, February 2017 issue

LeAnna Eden

Life. Experience. Emotion, in all of its colors. It’s all there in LeAnna Eden’s music. Originally hailing from Milwaukee, WI, Eden has used her time to Charlotte to find where she is now, and to make 2017 her breakout year. Eden talked about led her to this moment, and what comes next via email.

Tangents Magazine: Do you remember when you first took an interest in music?

LeAnna Eden: I was adopted at 7 and started playing piano. I remember writing my first piano piece at 8. I was in band, I played oboe. In high school, I performed in musicals and vocal jazz choir. But I really didn’t start making music and writing just for me until I was 18 and my friend gave me my first guitar.

Tangents: How much of your parents’ record collection has influenced your tastes in music? Or did you find your influences find you, once you got older? 

Eden: My adopted parents were very Christian, and I really wasn’t allowed to listen to anything besides Christian choral and classical music. But occasionally on Sundays driving to church, my adopted dad would let me listen to the oldies station. And when I hit my teens I got to listen to the alternative station. When my adopted parents and I went our separate ways when I was 16, I basically tried to play catch up and I still am. 

Tangents: Your music ranges over several genres. Is that a conscious decision, or does that just happen?

Eden: It used to just happen but now it's turning into a conscious decision. I want to write music for everyone. I dream of having a song on every music chart.

Tangents: What would you say are your biggest influences as a songwriter, and guitar player?

Eden: Curtis Mayfield, Betty Davis, Corinne Bailey Rae and Valerie June.

Tangents: Contrast the music scene in Milwaukee, and the Midwest, with the music scene in Charlotte.

Eden:The Milwaukee music scene was a beautiful place to grow into being a musician. The open mics were extremely supportive and gave me the feedback and encouragement that I needed to become the performer I am today. Milwaukee taught me that if I have a vision to do anything, all I have to do is ask. Milwaukee is a close knit group of people that love and support each other. I see a lot of similarities between Milwaukee and Charlotte. Both cities have rapidly developing art communities. And a lot of my peers are finding ways to mentor and keep the music alive.

Tangents:  How would you describe the scene in Charlotte, and the places that you’ve played?

Eden: I used to think that Charlotte was clicky. When I moved here 3 years ago, I would have severe anxiety about going out and playing. But once I emerged myself in the music scene, I realized how supportive it is. But support is a two-way street. Now,  I have anxiety about possibly missing my friends shows. 

I was lucky to have played Tremont Music Hall and Common Market before they closed. I love playing PETRA’S. I'm hosting a show there at the end of the month Jan 30th called "Session". I want to give the vocalists who don't have bands an opportunity to do their full set.

I've played the Station a handful of times. I love that bar. It feels like Milwaukee and reminds me of the bar where I first started doing Open Mic called "Frank's Power Plant”. But my all time favorite venue in Charlotte is the Visulite. I feel like they really held out a helping hand of support to my band and I.

Tangents: What has been your most memorable gigs, to date? 

Eden: I opened for Emily King at The Visulite Theatre.

Tangents: What themes would you say pop up most often in your songs?

Eden: My songs are usually just observations about my surroundings however good or bad,  with a sprinkle of self-deprecation and a dash of hope.

Tangents: Talk about your new band, The Garden Of.

Eden: The Garden Of is a broad term for all the artist's in my life. From musicians, to painters, to music engineers and vocalists, to the people in the crowd singing along and the energy is feeds me. But The Band the Garden Of is Zach Willard on lead guitar and James Jeffrey on drums. LeAnna Eden and The Garden Of just finished recording their first e.p. titled "11". It will be available for your ears soon.

Tangents: Finish this sentence. At the end of the day, LeAnna Eden is… 

Eden: Growing and becoming.

Maya Beth Atkins Interview

Maya Beth Atkins
written by Daniel Coston
from the February 2017 issue of Tangents Magazine

“She’s the future,” said a friend to me after Maya Beth Atkins’ performance at the Levine Children’s benefit concert this past December. On that night, the 16 year old singer, writer and guitarist took three of the biggest hits of the 1970s band Heart, and owned them in a way that went way beyond her years. While the set that night was a revelation to some, to others it felt another big step for someone that was already gathering attention at such a young age. 

Maya Beth was literally born into music. The oldest child of longtime Charlotte musician, and currernt Charlotte Checkers keyboardist Jason Atkins (Jason also often accompianies his daughter at her shows), Maya Beth was singing and performing her own shows by the age of 13. Whether it’s been a song from Pink Floyd, or one of her own songs, there’s a sense that Maya Beth Atkins is going to accomplish even more than what she has done in such a short time. Atkins answered questions about her career to date via email.

Tangents Magazine: Your dad is a musician. Do you remember when you first took an interest in music?

Maya Beth Atkins: I think I've always had an interest in music. Even when I was little, I'd always be singing something. My first memory of making music is probably when I sat down at my dad's keyboard and picked out "Lean On Me" and sang along.

Tangents: How much of your parents’ record collection has influenced your tastes in music?

Atkins: Oh, a big chunk of it. When I was in middle school I was very into Pink Floyd, namely the Wall album. My parents exposed me to all kinds of music, so my tastes are pretty broad. There's not much I don't like.

Tangents: How old were you when you first started performing?

Atkins: Oh man, I think I started performing when I was about ten or eleven years old. I played Michelle Branch's "Everywhere" for a music lessons concert. That's my earliest memory.

Tangents: What has been your most memorable gigs, to date?

Atkins:  I think my favorite gigs have been the 70s and 80s tributes at the Neighborhood Theatre. I mean, wow.Those shows were my favorite because one, I love 70s and 80s music, and two, the energy was just so raw and real and it was such a rush. Both performances were really profound, like I had found my purpose and what I was meant to do, you know? They'll always have a special place in my heart.

Tangents: What would you say are your biggest influences as a songwriter, and guitar player?

Atkins: My biggest influences for both songwriting and guitar are probably Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, respectively. Beside Fleetwood Mac and Nirvana, Gillian Welch just has this really bittersweet yet gritty mood to her lyrics that I'd love to emulate in my own music. Rawlings' guitar style is unique and it's unpredictable but it flows, right? It's bluegrass-y and folksy but it rocks too. 

Tangents: Your shows has been a mix of covers, and your own songs? What’s easier to play? Your own songs, or someone else’s?

Atkins:  It depends, honestly. Sometimes it's more fun to play covers, because I just love to play songs that I like. It's fun to have people know the songs and sing along. It's familiar. But I also enjoy playing my own songs and putting them out there for the world. If I'm especially proud of a particular original song, I'll have a lot more fun playing it.

Tangents: How would you describe the scene in Charlotte, and the places that you’ve played?

Atkins: I would describe them as just very genuine. I know nowadays music has turned into more of a trend or a look rather than what it actually is, which is music. Charlotte just really, truly loves music and you can tell wherever you go, whether it's a cafe or a night venue, that it's a very real and raw city. I love it.

Tangents: What themes would you say pop up most often in your songs?

Atkins: I've been told my music is a little on the dark or sad side and it's not a lie. I write a lot about substance abuse, heartache and tragedy in general. Those subjects appeal to me because they aren't false, they're real and I've seen what damage they cause. Every person knows what it feels like to hurt, so it's a very human approach to music. 

Tangents: What was it like to play the Double Door Inn during its last week?

Atkins: It was bittersweet, I think. I was really honored to play before it shut down, but it was also sad to look around and see all the history it had and the memories the patrons had bound to it. I loved the Double Door Inn.

Tangents:You recently covered Heart at the Levine Children’s benefit. Were those hard songs to learn, or sing?

Atkins: Oh my god, those songs were insane. They were super complex music wise. Heart wasn't kidding around when putting down tracks.  Ann Wilson's vocal range is really broad, so it was really hard to sing. Despite that, the entire performance was a blast. 

Tangents: Do your friends at school know about your music career? Are they supportive?

Atkins: My friends are aware and they're super supportive! They'll come out and see me time to time or ask if I've written anything new. They're very sweet people and I'm really lucky to have them in my life.

Tangents: Anything that I should ask you about?

Atkins: I'm also interested in writing and drawing. Anything to do with story telling, really. I hope my music speaks to people and tells stories.

Tangents: Finish this sentence. At the end of the day, Maya Beth Atkins is…..

Atkins: ....slightly uncomfortable with this question. 

Alash Photos, Charlotte, NC, February 22, 2017

Alash
Evening Muse
Charlotte, NC
February 22, 2017
All photos copyright 2017 Daniel Coston

-Daniel
February 23, 2017

Black Joe Lewis/LeAnna Eden Photos, Charlotte, NC, February 18, 2017

Black Joe Lewis
LeAnna Eden
Visulite Theater
Charlotte, NC
February 18, 2017
All photos copyright 2017 Daniel Coston

-Daniel
February 23, 2017

Bless These Sounds Under The City, Charlotte, NC, February 18, 2017

Bless These Sounds Under The City
Petra's
Charlotte, NC
February 18, 2017
All photos copyright 2017 Daniel Coston

-Daniel
February 23, 2017

Masterclass At Northwest School Of The Arts, Charlotte, NC, February 17, 2017

Masterclass At Northwest School Of The Arts
Charlotte, NC
February 17, 2017
Photo copyright 2017 Daniel Coston

-Daniel
February 19, 2017

Jazz Arts Initiative Photos, Charlotte, NC, February 17, 2017

Jazz Arts Initiative
The Stage Door
Charlotte, NC
February 17, 2017
All photos copyright 2017 Daniel Coston

-Daniel
February 19, 2017

Today's FB Update

Time to jump back on the photography freight train. Friday, photos of Carolina Business Review, one event at the Northwest School Of The Arts, and the Jazz Arts Initiative concert. Saturday, photos of the Daughters Of Penelope High Tea, Greg Russell and Boom Hari's housewarming party, one wedding reception and contra dance, Black Joe Lewis and LeAnna Eden at the Visulite Theater (hello again Joseph Kendrick), and Bless These Sounds Under The Streets and The Grand Shell Game at Petra's.

Today, The Show That Never Ends continues to one private event, John Elderkin and Moonbeams No Mas' listening party at the Evening Muse, and the Kelly Call memorial at Snug Harbor. All my love and best wishes to James Brown and his family, wishing for sister's quick recovery. Remember that now more than ever, your friends and loved ones need you, just as much as you need them. Safe travels, this is the life and time that I am living, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
February 19, 2017

Update From My Main Website

Hello all-

Wow. Happy holidays, happy new year, happy mid-February. It all just went right by me! There’s been so much going on. Let me get you, and me caught up on what’s going on. 

Thank you for following my work in the past year, as well as my exhibits at C3 Lab, the Levine Museum Of The New South, and the Charlotte Museum Of History. My exihibtion at the Museum Of History is still on the second floor, so come by and check it out anytime. Hopefully, I’ll have some new shows to tell you about soon. Thank you to everyone that came to my library talks, Jesse Brown’s Outdoors, Charlotte Museum Of History and elsewhere. I also have some more library talks coming this year, so stay tuned. 

At th end of last year, I was part of documenting the closing of Charlotte’s Double Door Inn, a venue of which I have documented for 22 years, and two versions of my book on the venue. It was an amazing and emotional thing to be a part of, and something that I’m still recovering from. WFAE did a great interview with myself, Double Door owner Nick Karres, and Bill Noonan here-

http://wfae.org/post/last-call-double-door-inn-look-back-43-years-charlottes-home-blues

I also contributed to the new documentary on the Double Door. Check it out on Amazon, and check out my recent Charlotte Podcast here-

https://thecharlottepodcast.com/2017/02/14/episode-059-the-double-door-inn/

There is much more to come from my time with the Double Door Inn, so stay tuned. Tangents Magazine is also continuing full steam, so check out the new issue, which hits the newsstands this week.

So much many different events, special events, galas and concerts over the past year. My sincere thank you to everyone that was a part of one of the busiest and most amazing years of my life. A huge highlight was flying to Los Angeles to work with the Monkees on their 50th anniversary show with Michael Nesmith. Wow, just wow. And yes, I was back in Charlotte the next day to photograph three events. Other artists I recently photographed or worked with included the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson & band,  Chad & Jeremy (whom I worked with Bethesda, MD), Time Sawyer, Buckeye Lane, Party Battleship, Amigo, Sinners & Saints, and many, many more. Look out for Moonbeams No Mas, the new album by John Elderkin, which features some of my photos. 

After sixteen years with the Charlotte Observer, the former Scene & Heard that I helmed is now exclusively in Southpark Magazine. I’ll be continuing my work with Southpark, Charlotte Magazine, and other publications, as well as working more directly with organizations. So, see you at the next gala, as well. 

And, here’s a list of where you can now find me and my work online.

danielcoston.blogspot.com (day to day updates, photos and general madness)

danielcostonmusicphotos.com (new site to view and purchase music photos)

danielcoston.photorelfect.com (place to see and purchase event photos)

@danielcoston (Twitter handle)

#danielcostonphotos (Instagram handle)

Thank you again, safe travels, and see you on the road.

-Daniel

February 17, 2017

Justin Hayward Photos, Charlotte, NC, February 16, 2017

Justin Hayward
McGlohon Theater
Charlotte, NC
February 16, 2017
All photos copyright 2017 Daniel Coston

-Daniel
February 17, 2017

Time Sawyer Photos, Echo Mountain Studios, Asheville, NC, February 10, 2017

Time Sawyer
Echo Mountain Studios
Asheville, NC
February 10, 2017
All photos copyright 2017 Daniel Coston

-Daniel
February 15, 2017

Loudermilks/Menders Photos, Charlotte, NC, February 8, 2017

Loudermilks
Menders
Visulite Theatre
Charlotte, NC
February 8, 2017
All photos copyright 2017 Daniel Coston

-Daniel
February 15, 2017

Special Consensus Photos, Charlotte, NC, February 10, 2017

Special Consensus
Charlotte Folk Society Gathering
Great Aunt Stella Center
Charlotte, NC
February 10, 2017
All photos copyright 2017 Daniel Coston

-Daniel
February 15, 2017

And A Change In Schedule

Hello All-

My schedule has changed on Friday, and I won't make it to WSGE to talk about the recent Double Door Inn documentary. But Jay Ahuja and Rick Fitts will be there at 11:30am, and I may try to call in. Tune in, and see you at the next radio appearance.
-Daniel
February 15, 2017

Charlotte Podcast On The Double Door Inn

https://thecharlottepodcast.com/2017/02/14/episode-059-the-double-door-inn/

Enjoy, and see you on WSGE at 11:30am on February 17th.
-Daniel

Double Door Inn Documentary Promotion

Hello all-

I'm joining up with the Double Door Inn documentary folks to promote the release of their film. I'll be taping an episode of the Charlotte Podcast this evening, which will air soon. You can also hear us at WSGE, 91.7FM this Friday morning (Feb. 17th) at 11:30am. And yes, the documentary is now available. Check it out at the link below, and see you on the radio,
-Daniel
February 13, 2017

https://www.facebook.com/TheDoubleDoorInnDocumentary/

Hiss Golden Messenger Photos, Charlotte, NC, February 12, 2017

Hiss Golden Messenger
Neighborhood Theatre
Charlotte, NC
February 12, 2017
All photos copyright 2017 Daniel Coston

-Daniel
February 13, 2017

Things From The Past Few Days

Thursday and Friday, photos of the Dress For Success Football Finale, the Make A Wish Ball, Charlotte Folk Society gathering, The Whelan Brothers back at Old House Studios, and Time Sawyer at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville. The Passing Show continues this weekend with stops at Art With Heart, the Johnson Brothers Valentine's Day Show at Snug Harbor, and Hiss Golden Messenger at Neighborhood Theatre. RIP Kelly Call. Take time this weekend to tell a friend or loved one how much you mean to them. We, and the world at large needs more of that. See you there, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
February 13, 2017

National Symphony Of Ukraine Photos, Charlotte NC, February 8, 2017

National Symphony Of Ukraine
Charlotte Concerts event
Knight Theater
Charlotte NC
February 8, 2017
All photos copyright 2017 Daniel Coston

-Daniel
February 13, 2017