https://southparkmagazine.com/double-door-inn-gone-but-not-forgotten-by-music-lovers/
-Daniel
December 31, 2023
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Photos From The Past Month
Photos from numerous events from the past month, including Good Fellows and Good Friends, and the Double Door Inn 50th anniversary show, or now online at danielcoston.photoreflect.com. Happy holidays, all.
-Daniel
December 21, 2023
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
RIP Bill Evans
RIP Bill Evans.The event scene in Charlotte, and its fashion will never be the same without you. I'll wear your coat proudly for many years to come.
Until the next time I photograph you, safe travels, Bill.
-Daniel
December 13, 2023
Monday, December 11, 2023
New Plastic EP Show
Holiday discussion with Plastic EP and friends? Let's begin....
https://youtu.be/DSUvsh26BkA?si=S5CcuEAir_EwJP6B
-Daniel
December 11, 2023
Just One Week Until The Double Door Inn 50th Anniversary Show On Dec. 17th
https://wl.seetickets.us/event/DOUBLE-DOOR-INN-50TH-ANNIVERSARY-REUNION-PARTY/551120?afflky=MaxxMusic
See you then,
-Daniel
December 11, 2023
RIP Jeffrey Foskett
RIP Jeffrey Foskett. Thank you for the music, and all the days that you were here. May you sing forever.
-Daniel
December 11, 2023
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
RIP Norman Lear
RIP Norman Lear. Thank you for all of the shows and songs that made the hit parade.
-Daniel
December 6, 2023
RIP Denny Laine
Safe travels, Denny. Until I photograph you again, someday.
-Daniel
December 5, 2023
Photos of Denny from 2014 and 2015.
All photos copyright Daniel Coston
-Daniel
December 6, 2023
Last Weekend's Events
Wow. Thank you all for the comments and posts wishing me a happy birthday. Every year, you all outdo yourself. Thank you.
For those of you that have wondered, photographed two events last night, followed by photographing five events today. I also figured out after 42 years the name of the priest whose funeral I attended while at St. Patrick's School in upstate NY in 1981.
Lots coming up soon. See you there, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
Dec. 3, 2023
Friday, December 1, 2023
St. Andrews Society Photos From Last Night
Hello-
If you are here to find the photos from last night's St. Andrews Society photos, they are here-
https://danielcoston.photoreflect.com/store/Photos.aspx?e=11923184
Thank you, and see you all again soon,
-Daniel
December 1, 2023
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Happy Birthday To Me
Dreaming and daredeviling through this existence since 1972.
-Daniel
November 30, 2023
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
New Interview! Denny Sarokin (Larden) Of Every Mother's Son
https://www.goldminemag.com/music-history/every-mothers-son-singer-songwriter-and-guitarist-on-come-on-down-to-my-boat-more
-Daniel
November 29, 2023
Friday, November 17, 2023
Recording Studios Discussion At Charlotte Museum Of History
Tomorrow! Saturday! November 18th at 1pm! Come hang out with David Menconi, Dolph Ramseur, Don Dixon and myself as we discuss the history of recording studios in Charlotte, and the people that made the music. Books by Menconi, Ann Wicker and myself will also be available. Hope to see you there.
-Daniel
November 17, 2023
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Johnny Cash Lyric Book Featuring My Photos Is Out Now!
https://www.johnnycash.com/johnny-cash-the-life-in-lyrics-available-now/
Hello all-
I'm proud to say that I have photos in this first-ever lyric book of Mr. Cash's career, chosen for the book by John Carter Cash. My thanks to the Cash and Carter families, and my their music live forever.
-Daniel
November 14, 2023
RIP Johny Williams
Many years ago, I was driving back home from a gig up north. I wandered into a gas station somewhere in rural eastern NC. I realized that someone was lurking behind me in the next aisle. It was Johny Williams, whom I'd known well from his days in Glory Fountain, and my nights photographing across NC. Johny and his wife had just gotten married, and we had somehow wandered into the same gas station at the exact same time.
When Johny and his wife told me that they hadn't taken any photos of their wedding, I said, "Let's do it now!" and proceeded to take wedding photos out in front of the gas station. It made the whole trip worthwhile. It was a wedding present that I hadn't planned on, but I am so glad that I was there to do that.
John, you have gone on to your next adventure. We hadn't talked in some time, but you've often popped up in my memories of those days. May you light up the sky like you did during your time here.
Safe travels. Until I photograph you again, someday.
-Daniel
November 14, 2023
Monday, November 13, 2023
This Past Weekend
Friday, photos of one taping of Carolina Business Review, and one choral concert at Christ Episcopal Church. Saturday, photos of one conference, Vetarans Day parade and festival. Charlotte Folk Society gathering, Hot Sardines with the Charlotte Symphony, and the YAM Fall Ball at the Mint Museum.
Sunday, drive to Chapel Hill for the 50th anniversary of Nuggets celebration. Take tons of photos, finally meet Lenny Kaye.
On to the next adventure. See you there, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
November 13, 2023
Friday, November 10, 2023
November 18th! Charlotte Museum Of History! Cool Panel Discussion!
Next Saturday! November 18th at 1pm! Come join me and my friends David Menconi, Dolph Ramseur and Don Dixon as we discuss the history or recording studios in Charlotte over the past 100 years. David will also have his new book Oh Didn't They Ramble on sale, courtesy of Park Road Books. Come by and say hello, and see you again soon.
-Daniel
https://charlottemuseum.org/programs-events/events/recorded-in-charlotte/
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Guided By Voices In Panorama
Guided by Voices
Grey Eagle Tavern
October 28, 2023
Photo copyright 2023 Daniel Coston
-Daniel
November 7, 2023
This Past Weekend
Thursday to Saturday, photos of one golf tourney, Verse & Vino event, Carolina Business Review TV taping, one discussion of the new Beatles song with Plastic EP and heavy friends, Kansas at Ovens Auditorium, and the Bella Notte gala for Opera Carolina.
Lots more coming soon. See you soon, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
November 7, 2023
Double Door Inn 50th anniversary show on December 17th!
Less than six weeks away! Hope to see you there.
https://wl.seetickets.us/event/DOUBLE-DOOR-INN-50TH-ANNIVERSARY-REUNION-PARTY/551120?afflky=MaxxMusic
-Daniel
November 7, 2023
Saturday, November 4, 2023
New Plastic EP Show!
How often do I appear on the Plastic EP show to talk about the new Beatles single? Now and Then.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZQ4-Arg-r0
-Daniel
November 4, 2023
Last Weekend
Friday, photos of one Novant Health event, Charlotte Symphony concert with Cody Jinks, and David Childers at Devil's Logic. Saturday, photos of Ricky Scaggs at Gardner Webb University, and Guided By Voices at the Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC. Sunday, photos of the Mark Myers memorial in Mooresville, NC, and Fred Fest at the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte.
It Could Be Nothing 1994 Demo Now Available
One of the first bands I ever photographed. I loved this band. I still do. Their original 1994 demo is now available. Spread the word. That is all. Over.
https://icbn.bandcamp.com/album/lather-up-and-splatter?fbclid=IwAR0muNQAoKkqNtzZyrP_drLGCgs6Z7BJlaWEhk_LtvHO7VPVFcrrg3-pp78
-Daniel
November 4, 2023
Monday, October 23, 2023
Lenny Kaye Interview
Lenny Kaye: Of Nuggets And Moving Forward
by Daniel Coston
featured in the forthcoming issue 93 of the Big Takeover Magazine
Opportunities and new paths in life can be viewed as passing windows. Something that shows you the possibility of a greater life and perspective, if you’re willing to explore what you see through that window. The chance to glimpse something better can come in many forms. Your grandparents, a chance introduction to a record of movie, or finding an all night radio station that plays something that you’ve never heard before.
For many of us, the Nuggets compilation was a widescreen window that changed our perception of what the music of the 1960s was, and can still be. Curated by a young Lenny Kaye, the collection introduced many to the notion of what is now termed garage rock, and that music that changes your life is infinite. It doesn’t matter if it was created in the past, it just has to affect you now.
With Nuggets celebrating its 50th anniversary, Kaye is hitting the road for a few select shows this year, including a show at the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, NC on November 12th. Over the years, music has taken Kaye many places. From over forty-five years in the Patti Smith Group, to music old and new that he still enjoys discovering, Kaye offers his thoughts about Nuggets, his upcoming show in North Carolina, and the influence that this music has had on himself and others.
Lenny Kaye: The thing about Nuggets is that they’re great songs. I have a sensibility about garage rock, and that’s its own kind of genre. I like songs that are beyond genres that are great records, essentially. That for me is why Nuggets has lived on. It’s not just a strange excavation of a moment in time, but they all are great records.
I think that you could make a Nuggets out of any slice of music. Girl groups, or reggae, any of the variety of hip hop. Just find the 20, 25 most accomplished records, and its a great listening experience. I think now they are called, playlists. (laughs) The fact is that I was really putting together songs that I thought were great, from a period of time. I guess the instincts came later, all seared in attitude, but I also thought that these were songs that need to live on. Amazing enough, a half century later, its still a signifier of something elemental in rock and roll.
I did one [Nuggets] show in Bethlehem, PA. I sang all of the songs there, which I don’t plan to do in North Carolina. Then we did the highly professional and well organized show in Glendale [CA] with the Wild Honey Orchestra. We also did one in San Francisco where Alec Palao led the house band. It was the other end [from the Wild Honey show]. It was funky in a cool rock setting. Then we did two nights in New York with a bunch of characters, including Bob Mould, Juliana Hatfield and a bunch of local stars. Now we’re coming to North Carolina. I like that a lot of people get up and sing songs they love. The North Carolina one is actually really great. A lot of friends will be there. Peter Buck, Kevn Kinney, Steve Wynn, Alejandro Escovedo. There are my brothers in arms, in the music universe, and its going to be a really great night celebrating great music.
Coston: Now that you’ve playing these songs live, what else have you discovered about the Nuggets collection? And what is it that makes this collection still thrive?
Kaye: In the end, there’s a core of why we play music. There’s a sense of yearning in them, there’s a sense of becoming who you can be, and the sense of desire. Which to me, is the root of any wish to make sense. I can only speak for myself, but in the early 60s, when I learned my first guitar chords, I’d hope to be a lonely folk singer in the garage. Then, seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, all of the sudden there was a new band model. You don’t have to be a doo-wop group and sing high tenor. It also happened at a formative moment for me, where I’m a mutant teenager in New Jersey. I’m not good at sports, I’m not a particular collegiate achiever. I’m looking for a way to understand who I might become, and at that moment in time, getting ann electric guitar, joining a bunch of your friends and howling at the moon is really a defining moment, especially for me.
Not that I thought that I’d be playing more than half a century later, but that I could become that, which I hoped I could become to be. That sense of identity, and learning one’s realization is at the core of any music that’s being made. There’s a sense of relief, and a sense of ecstasy about this music, because you’re turning it up, and trying to make yourself live up to the power of music. That’s a little abstract, but to me, there’s a sense of expressing these sounds. The very abstract language is one of the beautiful things about us being human. We see it all over the word, and how we go find way to express these undefined emotions within ourselves, and understand them.
There’s a lot of garage records where someone will come up and say, “This is a great garage record.” And I’ll listen to it, and it’ll have all of the tropes. The fuzztone, the yowling lead singer, and the banging drums. But does it transcend that? Is there more than what you would expect from a garage record? Some of these songs, I’ve been singing for as long as Nuggets has been out, and I never tire of them. I probably understand them far too well, at this point.
Coston: For me, there is still something beautiful about being able to play it loud, and let go.
Kaye: I don’t take the music that seriously. It helped form me. I don’t think that it’s better or worse than any other musical genre that you can choose out of the cornicopulatta (laughs) of musical manifestation. But the fact is that its fun to sing, and it’s fun for the audience to sing along. I’ve been so charmed by the response that these songs get. And if you go back fifty years from when these songs [came from], you’re in the era of Al Jolson, Mamie Smith. The microphone hadn’t been invented yet, so they’re still projecting to the far reaches of the balcony.
The fact that these songs are still honored, it’s a remarkable thing, and it speaks to their longevity, and a testament to a vital spark. I call it, the original sin of rock and roll. All of a sudden, there’s this blast of sound and noise, and it electrifies you. I feel that when I play these songs. They’re fun to negotiate, and they’re not even as easy to negotiate as people think. In all of these songs, if you started trying to understands how they work as a band, you’ll find lots of little strange hooks and sound effects, and ways in which the chords turn around on each other. They’re really fun to play, and at this point, I understand how to play them.
Coston: When you originally put Nuggets, my understanding is that you weren’t sure that [Elektra] was going to release it, so that the root of that original collection was, “I like these songs the way they sound together. Let’s see what happens.”
Kaye: At the time, all of the songs on Nuggets sounded wildly different from each other, and they still do. Back then, garage rock had yet to be defined. For me, as Mayo [Thompson] from the Red Krayola once said, “Definition defines limits.” If I had thought, “Oh, this is garage rock,” they all would have sounded similar. But then you have Sagittarius, which is symphonic rock. You have proto-punk like the Seeds. You have sophisticated musicians blending the blues and psychedelic [music], like the Blues Project. You had weird things like the Third Rail, which was two Brill Building writers creating a novelty record.
They sound very different to me, and its only with the passage of years that I see how it all fits together. Much more so than I did back then, and all credit to Jac Holzman and Elektra Records for letting me play in the fields of the Lord. Jac had this idea of an album that gathered together these orphan tracks of a one hit wonder, or a deep track on another album. He gave me hardly any direction, and let me put it together and trusted me. That was a great aspect of them as a creative record company. In the 60s and 70s, Elektra was the most forward and progressive record company of them all. Folk music, and then the Stooges, the Doors, and Clear Light. They also had Nonesuch Records.
Jac is a total visionary, and he gave me this project. I worked with them for about six months as a talent scout, and nothing I suggested to them took hold, and nothing they wanted me to get interested in took hold. So I had given them this list of random songs, many of which I was familiar with from working the Village Oldies record shop, in the Village. For a while, I thought that this was gone with my tenure at Elektra, but then they called up two months after I was at liberty, and they said, “We have the rights to all these songs.” And I said, “Let’s make this as good as we can.”
I turned down two covers, before that incredible Abe Gurvin cover came across the transom. It was like a weird accident. The record came out in the winter of 1972, and was not a commercial success. Rock critics liked it, but it found its place. especially in Europe. In America, we knew who the 13th Floor Elevators were. We probably even knew who the Seeds were, but in Europe that was quite a shock to the nervous system to have it over there. And then Seymour Stein with Sire reissued it in 1976, and then there was a new generation of bands who were having to reconstruct from the bottom up.
It just seemed to have a lifeline of its own. I can’t tell you how many times, I’m somewhere overseas, and someone walks up and says, “Nuggets changed my life. Can I buy you a beer?” And I say, “Well, it’s gonna change my life in about thirty seconds, when I enjoy a nice cold beer.” (laughs)
Coston: After that release, Elektra decided to pass on putting together another volume of Nuggets. In that gulf, a wave of independent garage rock compilations came out, and pushed that whole movement forward. Were you aware at that, at the time?
Kaye: I actually predicted it in the liner notes to volume one. I knew that there would be dedicated archeologists spreading out and finding all of these more obscure records. Ones that I would not have had to put in the original Nuggets.
[Elektra] did want to put the album out, but in the interim, when they picked up the option, Jac Holzman had sold the company to Warners. On the first album, we had a lawyer who, at a time when licensing wasn’t as easy as it today, now there’s departments for licensing, he was just chasing rogue people who owned the rights to these songs, and tried to figure out who to get them. He was dogged, Michael Kapp. And the new person, at the end of a year, they only had three clearances, so it faded.
But in the end, I felt like it was Johnny Appleseed. Planting seeds, and collectors being who they are fan out and find more. Its like the Gold Rush, “Oh, we’ve found a strike here,” and all of a sudden, hundreds, if not thousands of records are unearthed. Some are generic, and some are shot through with genius. I love that, because to be honest, I felt like I’d done what I needed to do with Nuggets.
Rhino wanted to recreate what I’d wanted to do with Volume 2 [for the 1998 boxset]. I got to put some songs that I’d discovered in the intervening years. I also took some songs off that as the years had passed, they were not needing revelation. Nuggets is kind of in the middle ground. There’s some hits on there. On Volume 2, it opens with the Lovin Spoonful’s “Do You Believe In Magic”, because the Lovin Spoonful ultimately were a garage band.
My last notes in volume one was to have people write in and say if the magic was in the music, or if the music was in you. That was my concept, anyway (laughs), but the truth is that a lot of the songs on Nuggets are more familiar. It’s not like its a record designed for obscurest record collectors. It’s a listening above. For me, Back To The Grave, Pebbles, Boulders, all of them are for the cognoscenti. I’m still like a popularizer, in a certain way.
I always say that I’d known that I’d be talking about Nuggets fifty years in the future, I would have f—ked it up, because of the pressure and the weight of history. “Oh, am I being conceptual enough?” In a weird way, I was just indulging my fancy, and putting a lot of my favorite records out there. I can’t say that they’re the best of everything, but it definitely seems to have struck a chord and paved the way for, if you’re a fan of sunshine pop, there’s sunshine pop on there. If you like gritty, straighter-ahead two-chord mania, there’s that, too. Or sophisticated arrangements.
I feel like I opened the door and suddenly, everybody had a realization and flipped through it, in the same way that when I discovered the series Brown Acid a few years ago, it almost opened up a genre that I had not been aware of, which is proto-metal of the early 70s. I’m just happy it lives on, and at the Cat’s Cradle, it’s gonna be a real fun time.
We’re just going to have a good time, all the time, like they say in Spinal Tap.
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
New Photos, And Where You Can Find Them
Lots of photos from recent social events and galas posted at danielcoston.photoreflect.com. New music pics posted over at @danielcostonphotos. Say hello, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
October 17, 2023
Monday, October 16, 2023
History Of Recording In Charlotte, Live Event at CMOH On November 18th
New event! On November 18th, I'll be at the Charlotte Museum Of History for a discussion about the history of recording studios in Charlotte over the last 100 years. Joining me will be David Menconi (whose new book Oh Didn't They Ramble is out now), Dolph Ramseur, and the legendary Don Dixon. More info can be found at the link below. See you there, and see you on the road.
https://charlottemuseum.org/programs-events/events/recorded-in-charlotte/
-Daniel
October 16, 2023
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Avett Brothers Print Available For Theatre Charlotte Gala
To help out Theatre Charlotte, I have donated a print of my photo that was featured in the Avett Brothers' Mignonette album in 2004. This print was made just for this auction, and is signed and noted by yours truly. Twenty years before it was a musical, there was a group of friends making music, and I think that this photo reflects that. You can bid on the photo now, with all of the money going to Theatre Charlotte. Spread the word, and see you on the road.
https://events.handbid.com/lp/broadway-ball/item/avett-brothers-photo-by-daniel-coston-1848103
-Daniel
October 11, 2023
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
RIP Mark Myers of the Young Ages
RIP Mark Myers. It was wonderful to be a part of all of the Young Ages shows that I possibly could. See you in the stars, sir.
-Daniel
October 10, 2023
RIP Stewkey Antoni
One of my best ever birthday gigs was photographing the reunion of Stewkey Antoni and Thom Mooney of the Nazz in 2019. Watching these guys play Nazz songs for the first time in fifty years was nothing short of magical. It was one of those nights that keep you in this business.
Stewkey left us for the Great Gig In The Sky over the weekend. A true character, and the frontman for one of the best bands to play at full volume, if only because it just feels good. See you in the stars, Stewkey.
My photos of that 2019 reunion can be found on this site.
-Daniel
October 10, 2023
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
New Interview With Plastic EP And Gary Talley
New interview! Myself and Plastic EP with Box Tops guitarist Gary Talley. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jthpen92jNo
-Daniel
October 3, 2023
Sunday, October 1, 2023
The Past Week
This past week.
Photos of Allegro golf tournament, Dress For Success Charlotte luncheon, Carolina Farm Trust dinner in Statesville, Baby Bundles event, Renaissance West event, Blumenthal event in Ballantyne, Dusk festival in Plaza Midwood, and Thurston Howell Band in Waxhaw. All while prepping the artwork of the new Cyrkle album on Big Stir Records, helping another friend get a book deal, and more than I really want to think about right now.
Hug your friends and loved ones, for in so doing, we are reminded that we are not alone. As my grandmother would say, Give them H E double hockey sticks, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
October 1, 2023
Friday, September 22, 2023
The Last Two Weeks
A whole lot of photos last week, a whole lot of photos this week, and much more this weekend. If you've seen me at an event the last two weeks, post below. Where should I be this weekend? Post below. See you soon, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
September 22, 2023
Saturday, September 9, 2023
The Cyrkle's New Single Now Available For Pre-Order
Now available for pre-order! The Cyrkle's first single on Big Stir Records! "We Thought We Could Fly", b/w the band's new recording of "Red Rubber Ball". "We Thought We Could Fly" features the harmonies of original Cyrkle member Tom Dawes, and comes courtesy of a 2003 recording by Andrew Sandoval. My sincere thanks to Andrew, and everyone at Big Stir that is a part of this new adventure. The single officially arrives next Friday. Spread the word, and there is more to come!
https://orcd.co/cyrkle-wtwcf
-Daniel
September 9, 2023
Thursday, August 31, 2023
RIP Steve Crump
A few weeks ago, Steve Crump called me to say that he was doing a story on the Double Door. In seconds, it was as if the years melted away. What photos do you have? When and where can I interview you? Head full of ideas, and hands full of camera gear. That was, and will aways be Steve.
Steve lived for his work and his stories, and on the day that he went to the Green Room In The Sky, I take comfort in knowing that so much of his life and work will live on. On video, online, in our memories, and in our hearts.
Safe travels, Steve. See you on the other side of the camera, someday.
-Daniel
August 31, 2023
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Feature Article I Wrote For The August Issue Of Southpark Magazine
https://southparkmagazine.com/the-sounds-of-life-at-charlotte-music-venues/
-Daniel
August 1, 2023
Monday, July 31, 2023
Where Else You Can Find Me!
Hello all-
How are you? My apologies for not posting as many photos here as I have in previous years. The last year and a half has been a remarkable blur.
Here's where else you can find my photos-
Instagram- @danielcostonphotos
FB- facebook.com/daniel.coston
Event photo site- danielcoston.photoreflect.com
Music photos archive- danielcostonmusicphotos.com
You can email me here at danielcoston at aol dot com, or through the sites listed above.
Thank you, and see you again soon,
-Daniel
July 31, 2023
DDI 50th Anniversary Show Update
Hello all. I wanted to give you all an update on the Double Door Inn's 50th anniversary show, set for December 17th at the Neighborhood Theatre.
In putting this year's show together, we kept coming back to those that were mainstays of the venue for those fifty years, and those that made every night at the Double Door so special. The Monday Night All Stars, the Spongetones, and Lenny Federal. While those are three big names to fit into one show, it came down to this. It's the Double Door. It's the 50th anniversary. We only get to do this once. And as I sometimes like to say, "You're doing this, or you're not."
So, we are doing this.
Shana Blake will open the show with a tribute to the Monday Night All Stars, and those musicians that have gone on to the DDI In The Sky. Then the Spongetones will take the stage, and Lenny Federal will close out the night.
Tickets are available now at the link below.
Spread the word, and I really hope that we can make this show something special. In a world where the loss of time, our friends and favorite places happens too often, it is time that we gather to honor a place that changed us, just as much as we changed the Double Door Inn.
More soon, as we get closer.
See you on December 17th.
-Daniel
Thursday, July 27, 2023
New Interview With Jeff Young, Plastic EP And Yours Truly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LJgjFJ1_08
-Daniel
July 27, 2023
Monday, July 24, 2023
Three More Days For My Exhibit
Just a reminder that my exhibit at Dilworth Artisan Station is open for three more days. Message me, send me a email or call if you would like a tour. See you soon.
-Daniel
July 24, 2023
Sunday, July 23, 2023
RIP Ernest Perry
I've heard it said that I've been at nearly every gala in Charlotte for many years. For all of those years, Ernest Perry was the host or emcee of those events. I always looked forward to seeing Ernie and his family, and watching him raise money for the causes that he cared about.
Ernie went to the Big Gala In The Sky on Friday, and has left behind an empty space on the podium, and in our hearts. My love and condolences go out to Priscilla, his family, and everyone who's lives Ernie touched. It won't be the same without you, sir. Safe travels, and I promise to keep a lookout for potential bidders, the next time I see you.
-Daniel
July 23, 2023
Friday, July 21, 2023
FABFEST Weekend! And The Last Weekend Of My Exhibit!
It's Fabfest Weekend! AND the last weekend for my exhibit at Dilworth Artisan Station. I will be at the studio at different times today, and Sunday. (The exhibit will be there until the 27th.) I will be at BritBeat tonight, and then at Fabfest all day tomorrow. Come see me on the author panel at 10:10am, the Beatle Brains panel at 3:30pm, and interviewing Gregg Bissonette on the main stage at 2:15pm.
See you soon, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
July 21, 2023
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
New Interview With Plastic EP And Vern Miller Of The Remains
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xdyIBNir8A
-Daniel
July 19, 2023
New Interview With Plastic EP And Denny Sarokin Of Every Mothers Son
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhU1ONw2Msc
-Daniel
July 19, 2023
New Interview With Plastic EP, And John Ford Of The Strawbs, Monks And More
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcRMl2Df2hY
-Daniel
July 19, 2023
Monday, July 17, 2023
Fabfest Week!/My Exhibit
It's Fabfest Week! Here's news about that, and my current exhibit.
Fabfest is this Friday and Saturday, July 21st and July. Evening concerts at the Knight Theater, and the Saturday extravaganza is at the Parr Center at CPCC from from 10am to 5pm.
At the Parr Center, I will be hosting the author panels, and taking part in the Author discussion at 10:10am, and Beatle Brains at 3:30pm. I will also be interviewing Ringo Starr's star drummer Gregg Bissonette on the main stage at 2:15pm. I'll also be selling books, prints and taking photos along the way. For more info, and I hope to see you there, www.fabfestcharlotte.org.
My exhibit will be on display at the Dilworth Artisan Station until July 27th. If you want to come by this week, let me know. I will also be there on Friday and Sunday for all my Fabfest friends coming into town.
See you here, there and everywhere, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
July 17, 2023
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Come Out And See Me On Saturday
It's our Fabfest preview party!
Hope to see you soon,
-Daniel
July 13, 2023
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
My New Exhibit
So here are the details on my new exhibit.
The show is in Trudi Norris' space on the third floor of the Dilworth Artisan Station, space number 38. If you interested in coming by to check out the show, please email or message me so that I open the gallery. I will be there as much as I can, and be there on Friday for Gallery Crawl from 6 to 8pm. I'll be there much of Friday, as well.
All prints are for sale. I'll have options on the wall of the gallery.
Plus, if you would like to peruse more of my photos, I will have an large folder of large prints sitting along the couch. I also can print of demand, if you would to order a print that you don't see.
I hope to see you all soon, enjoy, and thank you.
-Daniel
July 5, 2023
Mr. Cash, The Final Show, 2 Years Later
May those days, and Mr. Cash live forever.
-Daniel
July 5, 2023
Photo copyright 2003 Daniel Coston
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
July 4th, 2023
Tuesday, July 4th. Went to Denton, NC to the Threshers Reunion, and photographed a Johnny Cash tribute show, almost 20 years to the day that I met and photographed Mr. Cash at his last show. Back to Charlotte for a cookout, then out to Huntersville, NC to photograph Generation Radio, and met drumming legend Steve Ferrone.
My show is now up at Dilworth Artisan Station. Call or email if you would like to come by this week, and I hope to see you at the Gallery Crawl opening this Friday from 6 to 8pm. See you soon, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
July 4, 2023
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
New Exhibit Opening In July
At last, it's nearly here. My new exhibition will be at Dilworth Artisan Station throughout the month of July, with an opening party on July 7th from 6 to 8pm. My thanks to Trudi Norris and everyone else involved in the show. Spread the word, and see you there.
-Daniel
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
NSMA 2023 Photos
Back from the NSMA Convention Weekend in Winston-Salem. Looking for photos from the convention? Go to danielcoston.photoreflect.com to check them out. See you there, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
June 27, 2023
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Mr. Cash, Twenty Years Today
Mr. Cash, twenty years on.
Twenty years ago today, I photographed Johnny Cash perform a tribute show for his wife, June Carter Cash. It is still a day that is nearly impossible to describe. The emotional weight that the room possessed, more powerful than any sport or concert I have ever been to. The way time seemed to speed up and slow down. The sea of people that filled, and spilled out of the Carter Family Fold. My own emotion of finally witnessing someone that I had waited a lifetime to see, and finding myself in the position of documenting it all for his families. Even now, it still seems beyond real.
Within weeks of the show, my photos were published by Rolling Stone, Time, Lost Highway (Cash's label at the time) and many others. What has meant the most to me is both the Cash and Carter families have embraced my work from this day, and Mr. Cash's final show on July 5th of that year. On my worst of moments, I remind myself that on those two days, I did a good job that still means something. My photos are still on the walls of the Carter Fold, and I have never forgotten how much that place, and the people that run the Fold still mean to me.
Last month, I was parking my car when I noticed that someone had left a message on my cellphone. Not recognizing the number, I listened to the message to see who it was. "Hi Daniel, it's John Carter Cash," the son of John and June Carter Cash. I'd first learned about from a comic book about his family that I purchased when I was eight years old. I called him back as fast as I could. John Carter asked if he could buy some of my photos for a lyric book of his father's work that will be out this fall. He again told me how much my photos of his dad mean to him. As I finished the call and began to text my wife, I realized that I was crying.
Yesterday, I found myself riding some of the same route that I had taken to the Carter Fold for those shows. I decided to tune to a bluegrass station that I'd listened to during those trips. Switching to AM, my car randomly landed on a distant station, and the crackly sound of Johnny Cash singing "I Walk The Line," one of the songs that I saw him perform twenty years ago. I hear you, Mr. Cash. You are still here, showing us the possibilities of life and legacy, and I am still listening. Forever changed by the days I spent around you, and the photographs that documented those fleeting moments.
-Daniel
June 20, 2023
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Monday, June 12, 2023
RIP Scott Schinder
I first met Scott Schinder in Austin during the 2000s, during my many SXSW travels. We got back in touch in 2020, as we put together the Strangers On A Train CD for our beloved Left Banke. Scott was my co-producer on the CD, and wrote the liner notes.
Scott, I was looking forward to working more with you. Someday, someday. RIP Scott. Tell the Left Banke guys, Gary Brooker and all of our friends that I said hello, and see you in the stars.
-Daniel
June 12, 2023
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
New Plastic EP Show On Monkees Collectibles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6OylZz4Vkg
-Daniel
June 7, 2023
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
RIP George Winston
I had the good fortune to photograph George Winston on a couple of occasions. George would not allow photos to be taken during his show, but he would allow you to photograph him while he ran through soundcheck. You could jump on stage, stand behind him, whatever you like.
Both times, George came in last-minute, combed his hair for the photos, and got to work. One time, George commented that he wished that his shirt wasn't so wrinkled. I promised him that I use the piano to cover it up. One of my happiest emails to my late, much-missed mother in law was when George used some of my photos on social media.
Safe travels, George. Now you, and the music live forever.
-Daniel
June 6, 2023
Friday, June 2, 2023
Exhibit Update
Just a reminder that my photos will be at Theatre Charlotte this weekend, and next weekend. My show at Dilworth Artisan Market will go up on the walls after the 10th of this month.
See you all soon, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
June 3, 2023
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Article I Wrote About Fetchin' Bones, And The NCMHOF
https://clture.org/north-carolina-music-hall-of-fame-fetchin-bones/
-Daniel
May 31, 2023
Saturday, May 27, 2023
Announcement Of The New Chris Stamey CD, Which Features My Photos
https://www.brooklynvegan.com/chris-stamey-preps-new-lp-covers-alex-chiltons-she-might-look-my-way-watch-the-video/?fbclid=IwAR1AjIr7tU1VY9adyRD1l3IxC_hxhf9oMs1eGeq90NPSUacUH70N03ovHlc
-Daniel
May 27, 2023
Friday, May 26, 2023
News On New Exhibits!
Hi everyone! Here's an update on my new and upcoming exhibits.
I have ten photos at Theatre Charlotte, all tied to the play Detroit 67, which debuts tonight. The show runs the next three weekends, so please check out the play, and my photos.My show at Dilworth Artisan Station will not open until after June 10th, due to a scheduling change. I won't be part of the June gallery crawl, but I will be part of the July 7th crawl from 6 to 8pm. Come by after June 10th and say hello.
More soon, safe travels this holiday weekend, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
May 26, 2023
Monday, May 15, 2023
Announcing The Cyrkle's New Partnership With Big Stir Records
https://www.bigstirrecords.com/the-cyrkle
Five years ago, I drove ten hours to see the Cyrkle play in Van Wert, Ohio. I enjoyed the show, took some good photos, and drove home. Looking over the photos the next day, my first thought was to ask them about writing a book. However, a second thought soon followed, and kept coming back to me. I want to hear a new album from the Cyrkle.
After much work, plenty of recording sessions, and an occasional pandemic, the Cyrkle and I are proud to announce that our new album will come out in 2024 on Big Stir Records. This new edition will feature more new songs, with new singles released digitally beginning this summer. The Cyrkle are also now labelmates with the legendary Spongetones, whom I'll also be working with again soon.
Congrats to the Cyrkle, and everyone along the way that believed in this crazy dream. See you (again) on the charts, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
May 15, 2023
Weekend News
Saturday, photos of two JazzArts concerts, Charlotte Folk Society gathering, Veterans Bridge Home gala, and co-produced a new single by the Mannish Boys. Sunday, photos of Picasso at the Lupin Aigle at Divine Barrel, and Branford Marsalis at the Knight Theater.
Big news on Monday about one of my favorite projects from the past few years. See you there, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
May 15, 2023
News! From My Stationary Car!
https://www.facebook.com/100063552461674/videos/160351980098486
-Daniel
May 15, 2023
Friday, May 12, 2023
New Interview With Mark London
Hello all-
I interviewed designer and illustrator Mark London for the new issue of The Big Takeover Magazine. (www.bigtakeover.com). Look for it on the newsstands, and look for a link to the article here soon.
-Daniel
May 12, 2023
New Exhibits!!!
For those of you that have asked when I'll be doing an exhibition of my photos in the Charlotte area, that time has arrived. In a couple of places.
Trudi Norris has given me her studio space for the month of June. This show will feature a lot of my work with the likes of Johnny Cash, the Avett Brothers, Wilco, Carolina Chocolate Drops, and many, many more from the last 28 years.
The show will be at the Dilworth Artisan Market, space 38 on the third floor. We will be officially opening the show with a gallery crawl on June 2nd from 6 to 8pm.
Spread the word.
But wait. You say you want more? You want to see my photos of Detroit and Motown artists from the 1960s. Well dang, you're picky. You got it! I'll be exhibiting photos of said musicians at Theatre Charlotte during the run of the play, Detroit 67. The show opens on May 26th.
Come to Dilworth Artisan Market in June. Come to Theatre Charlotte later this month. It's a happening! See you there, and see you soon.
-Daniel
May 12, 2023
Friday, April 28, 2023
New Interview I Did With Joey Molland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OINBd27YH3o
Enjoy,
-Daniel
April 28, 2023
New Radio Appearance
Photographed three to six events a day for the past two weeks. Check out my appearance on Meagan RockRadio Paese's History Of Rock & Roll radio show, online at www.thehistoryofrockandroll.net . Much more soon. See you on the road.
-Daniel
April 28, 2023
Sunday, April 9, 2023
Saturday's Photos/Happy Easter
Saturday, photos of my friend Marin's birthday party, then to the Cat's Cradle for photos of Holsapple & Stamey, Johnny Folsom, Too Much Fun, John Howie and the Veldt in the main room, and John Harrison, Mayflies USA and Jennyanykind in the back room. Happy birthday John! So good to see so many friends from long ago. Check out some of the photos at my Instagram page, @danielcostonphotos. Happy Easter, and see you on the road.
Friday, April 7, 2023
John Sebastian Interview
My interview with John Sebastian and Plastic EP, done in the middle of photographing another event. Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmfMJPPvdc0
Daniel
April 7, 2023
Last Week
This past week. Oh, my.
Saturday to Tuesday, photos of the Allegro Gala, BRAKES golf tourney, and Broadway Junior at the Knight Theater. Wednesday, seven-ish events (I lost count around event number six). Thursday and Friday, more Broadway Junior, interviewed Chris Nunley of the Royal Guardsmen, photos of Charity League luncheon, two more events, and Time Sawyer at the Evening Muse.
Saturday, photos of Blazers and Bling at Bazal, Levine Children's Gala at Panther Stadium, and Tosco Music Party at Knight Theatre. Then interviewed John Sebastian of the Lovin' Spoonful during the first half of the Tosco show, followed by photographing the rest of the show, and then running back to Panther Stadium to photograph Wycelf Jean closing out the gala.
Lots more to come. See you all soon, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
April 2, 2023
Interview With Chris Nunley Of The Royal Guardsmen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tazl89XKwAA
Plastic EP and I interview Chris Nunley of the Royal Guardsmen. Snoopy vs. The Red Baron? Yes, please. Enjoy.
-Daniel
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Dan Tyminski Photos, Shelby, NC, March 4, 2023
Dan Tyminski
Memories Of Earl
Malcolm Brown Auditorium
Shelby, NC,
March 4, 2023
-Daniel
March 21, 2023
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Happenings On March 11th
Saturday, lunch with Larry Sprinkle and Dolph Ramseur, photos of the Deborah Triplett memorial, LAWA gala, and Parker Gispert at a house concert. Sunday, photos of the Oscar Party at the Independent Picture House, and Falllift at the Evening Muse.
Lots more to come this week. See you soon, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
March 11, 2023
Last Tuesday's Happenings
Tuesday, photos of the Blumenthal LEAP event, Ascend 20th anniversary party, Nebula at Snug Harbor, one video shoot, one phone call with a record label for an upcoming project, and a 2 1/2 talk on Stan Cocheo's Musical Conversations radio show.
Not bad for a Tuesday. See you soon, and see you on the road.
-Daniel
March 14, 2023
Friday, March 17, 2023
Happy St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day. As a child, I went to St. Patrick's School in Seneca Falls, NY. This was always a special day. All of the students would gather in an adjacent parking lot, and we would all release green balloons with our contact info, in the hope that someone would find our balloon and write us back. We would then get the rest of the day off, and I would wonder where my balloon had wandered to.
Forty years ago today was my last St. Pat's Day in New York. In the fall, my family would move to North Carolina, and a completely different adventure would soon begin. I have been thinking about those classmates that stood beside me that day, none of us knowing where this world would take us.
As part of the Coston, King and Collins families, happy St. Patrick's Day to one and all. To my classmates, and all my friends along the way, consider this one more green balloon released into the air, hoping that it will find you.
-Daniel
March 17, 2023
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Dean Torrence And David Beard Interview
It started as an interview with myself, Plastic EP and David Beard, talking about Endless Summer Quarterly, and The Teammates CD that David put together with Dean Torrence. And then Dean showed up to talk about all of this, and more.
Buckle up for this conversation in two parts. And check out the Teammates CD, out now on Omnivore Recordings.
-Daniel
March 1, 2023