I Have Photos In This Article On The Spongetones

 https://www.furious.com/perfect/spongetones.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawOZ76dleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFBQ013MTdLcVVsWWRMNXpOc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHpqVjdJ6M8JKJpUs9tzzGLCgxsiplv3xobu-JzDStVr7ujSBwPhNZ8XOLiPO_aem_8_DfBKKojd7FmZ3SvWRa3g

-Daniel

November 30, 2025

Once Again, It's My Birthday

 Swimming in awesome adventures and silly shenanigans since 1972.

-Daniel

November 30, 2025

Happy Thanksgiving

 Happy Thanksgiving everyone, wherever you are.

-Daniel

November 28, 2025

Recent Events

 Sunday, photos of Mitch Easter and gang at the Fidelitorium, as they prep for their fantabulous show at the RamKat this coming Saturday. What an amazing afternoon. Then back to Charlotte for Sam On Someday at the Evening Muse.

Monday, up to Kannapolis to host Peter Holsapple, Will Rigby, Bob Northcott and other groovy Reynolds HS friends as they toured the NC Music Hall Of Fame, then joined them as they all raced slotcars. If I ever grow up, I want to be you guys.

Lots going on. Hang in there, stick around, and I will see you soon, and see you on the road.

-Daniel

November 25, 2025

Plastic EP Interview With Myself And Susan Shumsky

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT5KwqMQu3s

Beatles? Transcendental meditation, and the the 1960s? Yes, let's discuss.

Peace and love, love and mercy.

-Daniel

November 23, 2025

RIP Todd Snider

 RIP Todd Snider. May the highwire that you've always danced on give you Forty Miles Of Elbow Room in your next adventure. See you in the stars.

-Daniel

November 15, 2025

RIP Charlotte Magazine

 I have been a freelance photographer, and occasional writer for Charlotte Magazine since 1998. Mark Lynch introduced me to then publisher Rick Thurmond at a show in 1998, and I convinced Rick (and myself) that I could photograph events, as well as crazy Rock & Roll bands.

Many people messaged and emailed me on Thursday night, and asked me how I felt about the Magazine closing its doors. Despite my history with Charlotte Magazine, I don't feel sorry for this era of my life coming to an end. I feel sorry for those that will have to spend the holiday season searching for another job, and I feel sorry for the non-profits and for profits that I was able to feature in the Magazine's Spotted section every month, knowing that another outlet for covering what's around us has slipped from our fingers.

In the end, we can lament its loss, but also be grateful that Charlotte Magazine existed, changing the lives of some of us, myself included, for the better.

Here's to what has been, what has gone, and the hope for what comes next. Here's to Charlotte Magazine, in all of its colors and moments.

-Daniel

November 10, 2025

Discussion About June Lockhart Wit Plastic EP And Friends

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYyKYocpB5A

-Daniel

November 10, 2025

Myself And David Childers On The Avetts And Beyond Podcast

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGH8DNrtJMA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6ZF-F31rSU&t=1318s

-Daniel 

November 2, 2025 

New Monkees Boxset? Let's Discuss With Ed Rising And Friends

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbpkco2BTaA

-Daniel

October 25, 2025

October 17, 2025 Events

 Thursday. Yeah.

Photos for a golf tourney for much of the day, during which I also helped set up the video premiere of the new Strawberry Alarm Clock single, "Monsters" (look for it today over at Psychedelic Baby Magazine, and Big Stir Records), conference call with Big Stir and the Cyrkle about plans for 2026, work on a forthcoming record production, and setting up media for said production.

Then to photograph the Furnish For Good gala, then to Mooresville to photograph the NC Music Hall Of Fame induction ceremony with Luke Combs, , Hattie Leeper, Clyde Mattocks, Robert Deaton, David Menconi and the family of Dex Romweber. Then back home to edit all of these photos, and send off pics of Ace Frehley to a photo agent. (RIP Ace, I'm waving my Kiss cards, purchased at the Super Duper in Seneca Falls in 1978, up to you in your honor this morning.)

Life is happening. Embrace it, your family and loved ones while we are here.

Love to all, and see you on the road.

October 17, 2025

New Interview! George Bunnell Of The Strawberry Alarm Clock

 https://www.goldminemag.com/interviews/the-strawberry-alarm-clock-create-monsters-their-first-single-in-decades/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNYrclleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFTV08yb0NScFlkZkxxUHJxAR5nEg4MZHlT0oxvgZUNpMSw4muOJy8_RuDTSXU73upci6auiJqAI0hZPCHEqg_aem_kpKkaqoESpcy7DPGVv2NDg

Yes, this is also the interview that got the Alarm Clock a record deal, through yours truly.

-Daniel

Events Happening This Weekend

 My show at ArtsPlus is now done. I will be back at ArtsPlus for another show next year. Stay tuned.

The Passing Show travels to Mebane, NC today for the art gallery opening of the Joe and Odell Thompson exhibit, then goes to Elkin, NC on Saturday for the Milltown Getdown.

RIP Bryan Dowling, and RIP John Lodge. See you in the stars.

Lots going on. Hang in there. Love to all, and see you on the road.

-Daniel

October 10, 2025

Fabfest Weekend, And More

 It's Fabfest weekend! Come by the Knight Theater tonight for the special Tosco Music Beatles tribute, then join us on Saturday at the Parr Center at CPCC for the FREE day of Fabfest, with special guests Gregg Bissonette, Gary Astridge, Jerry Hammack, music, art contest, and so much more.

Also, if you're in Mebane, NC tonight, please come by the opening of the Joe Thompson exhibit, which includes several of my photos of Joe and the .

See you soon, and see you on the road.

-Daniel

October 3, 2025

RIP Chris Dreja

 RIP Chris Dreja. Thank you for all the music and the photos.

-Daniel

October 2, 2025

Recent Events

 The last few days. Two to four events a day, in Charlotte and elsewhere, with five events on Saturday. I also worked remotely with the Cyrkle as they debut their first ever Storytellers style show tonight near Columbus, Ohio. (Check it out, if you get the chance.)

It's Fabfest Week! Lots of things happening this week, leading up to the Friday night concert, and FREE Saturday festival. Fabfestcharlotte.org has all the info. See you there.

I'm also part of a new exhibition on the life and music of Joe Thompson, opening this week in Mebane, NC. See you there.

See you all soon, and see you on the road.

-Daniel

September 28, 2025

RIP Bill Barnes

 Windows are not infinite. It is only a glimpse of a moment that passes all too quickly.

I first heard Bill Barnes' name as I searched for video work in Charlotte in the early 1990s. Through the years, we talked occasionally, running into each other at various events.

After WTVI ran a story on me this spring that highlighted my production work, I got an email from Bill. "I've got something that I want you to produce as a podcast, or a series." Intrigued, I met up with him at his house.

Bill had worked on a music show After Dark, which aired on WTVI, and simulcast on in the early 1980s. Like many shows of that era, the master tape are not believed to have survived, apart from VHS copies of a few of the edited shows that aired. What Bill had, however, was something more. These were a treasure trove of the raw audio from the complete shows. This also wasn't just bands in the Charlotte artists. They were national and regional touring acts, recorded throughout the state.

I immediately took on the project. Bill was initially unwilling to share these recordings with me, telling me that the recordings that stored safely on flash drives. Yes, I said, but let me take care of this, and II will ask you about sharing them with me again soon.

I not only immediately approached WTVI, WFAE and others about a story about the tapes (which I am still working on), I also introduced him to the archivist at CPCC, who gladly accepted Bill's complete WTVI archives. After this was done, Bill also gifted me with mp3s of the After Dark shows.

Bill's home was crammed from moments from his whole life. The magazine he oversaw in the 1980s, that featured some of the only articles that my friend Maurice Williams ever wrote. Videos and props from every decade of Bill's career. Part of the joy for me in this project was getting to know someone whom I only known for years in passing, but now was getting to know as a peer and friend.

I had been meaning to call Bill for days, to update him about several things. As I was driving to open my show of photos at ArtPlus, I received a phone call telling me that Bill was gone. The thought of that time now being gone has yet to leave me. Much like all of our times and moments that suddenly fade, that feeling will be with me for a long time. Thankfully, the conversations, laughter and the things we create and share live on, far beyond this fleeting speck of time.

Windows are moments. All too quickly, the moments leaves our eyes never to return. All we can do is document the moment, and leave the story behind for others to share it further.

Thank you, Bill. See you in the stars.

-Daniel

September 23, 2025

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/charlotte/name/william-barnes-obituary?id=59491828&fbclid=IwY2xjawNYq-tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHs1EOIo_L9LUqOK9BVyPHtruLP0WRgFwrKsei5cKP8x-AI1ZMwWPlxwOEfow_aem_m07592BeOS-9Ea1eC8poTw

I Join In This Interview With Chris O'Dell

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZzclLoYB9Q

-Daniel

September 19, 2025

New Interview! Goldmine Interview With John DiNicola

https://www.goldminemag.com/interviews/dirty-dancing-songwriter-john-denicola-on-new-lp-and-hits/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNYqxVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFTV08yb0NScFlkZkxxUHJxAR5cBhyu1gT7GBLr-AQ9T86mOiyuV6kdTL_DVzhBpoibMnavXvWAxAvmdkUYMw_aem_sqZu_W3XpkT5ef6I2KRBlw

-Daniel

September 19, 2025

Fabfest 2025! Free Festival On October 4th!

We are just two weeks away from Fabfest! Come join Tosco Music for the annual Beatles tribute show at the Knight Theater on Friday, October 3rd, with numerous saluting the music of the Beatles.

On Saturday, October 4th, we return to the Parr Center at CPCC for this year's Fabfest. Guests include Ringo's drummer Gregg Bissonette, Ringo drum curator Gary Astridge, and lauded Beatles author Jerry Hammack. Music, special presentations, games for the kids, Beatles discussions, and much more. And the best part of all? The Saturday festival is FREE! That's right. Free to enjoy all of this, and the music of the Beatles.

Check out FabfestCharlotte.org, and Toscomusic.org for more info.

Spread the word. All you need is love.

-Daniel

September 18, 2025

A Story About The Strawberry Alarm Clock

 And now, another episode of the remarkable weirdness that is my life.

Like many fans of 1960s music, I am a longtime fan of the Strawberry Alarm Clock. From hearing "Incense & Peppermints on the radio", then finding their singles and albums at yard sales. I even remember having a conversation with my grandparents in the mid 1980s about the Alarm Clock and psychedelic Rock. Yes, they'd lived through that decade (unlike me), but their heart was always in the Big Band era. Still, they listened and understood, and I carry a love of music from both eras with me to this day.

A few months ago, after interviewing the Strawberry Alarm Clock's George Bunnell with Plastic EP, I pitched George on the idea of doing a separate interview for a print publication. During one of those conversations, George told me, "We've never had a good record deal. You know more about labels than we do. Maybe you can get us a record deal." Cue the sound of switching from my Writer brain, to my Producer brain. "Why yes", I said. "I think I know a label that might be interested."

The next morning, I introduced the band via email to Rex and Christina with Big Stir Records. By the end of the afternoon, Big Stir had verbally committed to signing the band. Job done, in less than a day. "This never happens," I later told George in an email, "but it just did". I was so happy for them, I totally forgot that ArtsPlus had given me the commitment for my current show that same afternoon.

The past several weeks have been a blur with the band. Helping them finalize their contract, and finalizing the artwork to their new single. Offering advice to finishing their album from across the country, and writing their new press bio. The new record and single sounds amazing, and I can't wait for you to experience it. And yes, I will hopefully be out there soon to take photos.

Congrats to the Strawberry Alarm Clock, and I look forward to witnessing and hearing your next chapters. The younger version of me, and this version is thrilled to be a part of it.

Preserve what you love, no matter when and where you find it. Some days. it's all that we have.

Spread the word, and see you on the road. Turn on, tune in, turn your eyes around.

-Daniel

September 15, 2025

https://bigstirrecords.com/strawberry-alarm-clock

Looking For Photos? Where To Find Me

Event photos-

danielcoston.photoreflect.com

Music photos -

danielcostonmusicphotos.com

Instagram - 

@danielcostonphotos

Email

danielcoston at aol dot com

-Daniel

September 14, 2025

Lynn & Ecki Benefit Show

My thanks to everyone that came out for the Lynn & Ecki benefit show at the , and who bought my photos to help a great cause.

Photos coming soon. Until then, spread the word about Lynn & Ecki, and see you on the road.

-Daniel

September 14, 2025

https://www.gofundme.com/f/czhn3-lynn-blakey-treatment-support?fbclid=IwY2xjawM0XVxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhBAvo7kxQSXmK-q7ao9Lk3vveLPqXEiH2hb78AhCp3dKhxhmap92KgQj7Uo_aem_DWtTavHR076t65ncm_G-tQ

RIP Bobby Hart

 RIP Bobby Hart. Thank you for all the music.

-Daniel

September 13, 2025

New Interview With Author Andrew Cook And Plastic EP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_8LRsYFrQw&t=418s

Interview done at 7am EST. It's always time for Plastic EP!

-Daniel

September 13, 2025

New Episode With The Avetts And Beyond

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEVa5jgXhnU

-Daniel

September 11, 2025

Anthology 4 Discussion With Ed Rising And Friends

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFpeQDZsI1E

-Daniel

September 10, 2025

September 5, 2025 Update

I will be back at my show at ArtsPlus this Saturday from 1 to 4pm, as part of their fall festival. Come by and say hello.

RIP Mark Volman. Safe travels, and see you on the road.

-Daniel

September 5, 2025

September 2nd Update

 Thank you to everyone that came out for my exhibit opening this past Friday. The show is at ArtsPlus for the next couple of weeks. Call or email me if you would like a tour, and the show will be a part of the ArtsPlus fall festival, which is taking place this Saturday, September 6th from 1 to 4pm.

And hello to everyone I saw at the Earl Scruggs Festival this past weekend! More photos from that coming soon over on my Instagram account, @danielcosotonphotos.

There's a lot going on. Love to all, see you soon, and see you on the road.

-Daniel

Sept. 2, 2025

Tonight! Music As An Image Exhibit Opening!

Friday night! August 29th! 6pm to 9pm! Please join me at ArtsPlus, located at 2304 The Plaza, near the intersection of Plaza and Parkwood Road. Please join me for the opening night celebration for my new exhibit, Music As An Image. And its free! I hope to see you there.

-Daniel

August 29, 2025

My New Show Of Photos, Opening This Week

Here's info on my new exhibit of photos, entitled, Music As An Image.

This is a collection of photos of musicians onstage over the last thirty years. Lots of traveling and living is documented in these photos. Some faces will you know immediately, and others you will know more about soon.

The show opens this Friday, August 29th, from 6pm to 9pm at ArtsPlus, located in the old church at 2304 The Plaza, near the intersection of Plaza and Parkwood Road. The show will then be on the walls for a few weeks, including during ArtsPlus' Fall Festival on Sept. 6th from 1 to 4pm.

I hope to see you this Friday, and sometime soon. See you in the galleries, and see you on the road.

-Daniel

August 26, 2025

Grip Weeds Interview!

 https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2025/08/the-grip-weeds-the-sound-curves-round.html

-Daniel

August 21, 2025

Spongetones Interview!

New interview! After photographing and following them for many years, I finally get to interview the ! Roll up for the Mystery Tour....

https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2025/08/the-spongetones-beats-rhymes-and-rhythms.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawMUEgdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHozu_tw6sUcSfcbA3M0yIwZJnHdXM2SGpIp4Yh19_Sv-LviTaC2tMV8QTz40_aem_WsNU9DFdwKABG41Z5EcljA

-Daniel

August 20, 2025

Back On The Road With Micky Dolenz And The Cyrkle

I'm back from Lima, Ohio, where I did photos with and the Cyrkle. So great to see both bands again. Visuals coming soon. See you on the road.

-Daniel

August 19, 2025

New Spongetones Record Out

August 15th is the release day of the new Spongetones album, covering their 40th anniversary show in 2021, along with a few new songs.

Today I celebrate Jamie, Pat, Steve and new kid Eric Willhelm on a great new album, and one that I'm proud to have two photos in. Congrats, guys. Here's to 45 years of awesomeness, and I look forward to what comes next.

Most of all, today I celebrate the life and work of Chris Garges. This show, and these recordings meant the world to him. From the day that I snuck into Chris' first show with the Spongetones, I knew that he was meant to be in this band. Through all of his health issues, he never lost the spark that made us all love him. Thankfully, through those that knew him, and these recordings, that spark lives forever. I miss you, Chris, but somewhere, I hope that you are taking a victory lap tonight, and saving up some Pink Floyd bootlegs for the next time I see you.

Spongetones, forever. Chris freaking Garges, forever.

Play them loud.

https://bigstirrecords.com/the-spongetones

-Daniel

August 15, 2025

New Exhibit, Opening August 29th, 6pm to 9pm For Opening Reception

Opening August 29th at ArtsPlus. Spread the word.

Music As An Image:

Photographs by Daniel Coston, 1995-2025.

Photographs of musicians and artists from the past thirty years, taken by someone that saw the world through the camera, while curating a life in Charlotte, North Carolina. These are photos of your friends, heroes, and others that spoke to us through music. The sound created the memory, and here are visuals that went with those moments.

-Daniel

Bruce Joyner Memorial Concert, Atlanta, August 9th

Hello all-

I went down to Atlanta recently and photographed a tribute concert for Bruce Joyner, whom I photographed several years. Look for the photos online, and an FB. I also hope to put them on my Photoreflect site soon. It was a wonderful evening, and I hope to see everyone there again soon.

-Daniel

August 21, 2025

New Interview with Me

 https://boldjourney.com/meet-daniel-coston/

-Daniel 

July 29, 2025

Upcoming Exhibitions

I'm happy to announce that you can see my photos this fall as part of two exhibitions.

In October, I will be part of an exhibit in Mebane, NC on the life and music of Joe Thompson. In 2008, I spent a few days photographing Joe recording and rehearsing with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, a series of moments that I will always cherish. The exhibit will open in Mebane on October 3rd, and be available to view for several weeks.

I also will be doing my first exhibition in Charlotte in some time, with a exhibit at ArtsPlus, on Plaza Road. This will feature my music and arts photography, with a mixture of onstage and portrait photos. This show will span work over the last thirty years, and will hopefully give you a sense of the times, people and places that informed these photos. The exhibit also open at ArtsPlus on August 29th, and will be there through mid-September.

More news coming soon about both shows. Thank you all for following these adventures. Trust me, there is much more to come.

See you all again soon, and see you on the road.

-Daniel

July 26, 2025

The Therapiggies Book Is Now At Park Road Books

My latest book, Therapiggies, is now available at Park Road Books. Pick up a copy of the book signed by yours truly, and Blinker. Hug your family and friends. The world moves too fast. More soon.

-Daniel 

July 24, 2025

Discussing Superman With Ed Rising And Friends

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0J_FRtQXAM

-Daniel

July 22, 2025

Events From The Past Week

 This week. Stand by.

Monday and Tuesday, finish work on books 11 and 12, archival work for another project, send off audio tapes to move a long running music project along, and photos of Mike Strauss, Justin Fedor, and Troy Conn at .

Wednesday, photos of a ReadCLT event, one Freedom School Partners event, a Ryan & Woody show at the Trail House, one Zoom call for work on a University archive donation, and an interview with a member of a 1960s band, where I said I would see if I could line up a label deal for their band.

Thursday, confirm my first photo exhibit in Charlotte in some time, opening at ArtsPlus on August 29th (more soon), line up a label deal for that 1960s band from Wednesday (Ta-da!), and photos of Charly Lowry at in Shelby, NC.

Friday, more archival work, driving to Lexington, NC to photograph Ken Knox and Chairmen Of The Board, then back to Charlotte for the Doubting Thomas/Shake The Dust show at the .

Saturday, drive to Chapel Hill to photograph recording their next next album, then back to Charlotte to photograph The Soul Of Philanthropy exhibit opening, and the Burnett Sisters at the gathering.

And still there'll be more....

Life is happening. Hang in there, create and love as much as you can through darkness and light, and Shine On, Brightly.

See you there, and see you on the road.

-Daniel

July 13, 2025

Roundtable Interview With Bruce Spizer And Ivor Davis

 So what does one do for July 4th? Talk with others about the Beatles. As you do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky9yRZ1k7pU

-Daniel

July 4, 2025