SINGING THE BLUES...

It's a matter of fact... Most popular American musical genres have their roots in the Blues. As roots are important, we remember and go that way sometimes...

Last weekend the Zoo Bar sponsored the 41st annual Zoofest on 14th between O and P streets in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was the biggest festival ever! Lots of fun was had by all. I toted my camera down to see what all the shouting was about and here's a little of what I came up with...

...good folks hanging out enjoying the tunes and each other

...and Blues Bands playing their hearts out

Carl Finch and the Brave Combo

Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers... Rod plays a mean blues harmonica while Miss Honey, his keyboard-playing wife, accompanies...

Henry Carvajal on lead guitar...

My favorite was Kelley Hunt who gets things all pumped up, pushing the limits with feeling and quality control to the end. She obviously loves to play and heartily loves the people along the way. It's a beautiful thing... Just remember, when she lets it fly, you better buckle up!








And here is John Jackson having the time of his life accompanying Kelley on lead guitar...



Headliner, Delbert McClinton is still going strong...

For whatever reason, Blues artists seem to genuinely love Lincoln and love playing at the Zoo Bar...seems they've got something to say and people around here know the language.

so, listen up...   :^) Tom

REAL NEBRASKA GIRL...

...this year's Flower Girl, Sydney Noonan

Like last year's Flower Girl, Molly Johnson http://tomtidball.blogspot.com/2013/05/good-golly-miss-molly.html Sydney has also been a student of mine, maybe a trend but not a requirement...

 Sydney is a real Nebraska girl alright! She's a matter of fact, straight shooter with robust Midwestern qualities finding expression in her way and her beauty...that includes adept football awareness, of course. Real Huskerheads will recognize the obvious influence in her name.

Sydney has a keen eye for beauty. She reads light well and has a genuine love and understanding for what goes into a great photograph.

Stick with it, Sydney...
and your camera will certainly take you on a big adventure.
And you go, real Nebraska girl...
Roots are important!
:^) Tom

IT'S PARTY TIME!!!

Exactly one year ago, we serendipitously found ourselves in the laid back seaside town of Lisbon, Portugal. During the day, it seemed pretty much business as usual...

Little did we know, it was the eve of June 13th!... the biggest of the Festas dos Santos Populares (Popular Saints Parties). This one annually commemorates Santo Antonio (Saint Anthony), the keeper of lost things, also known in Portugal and Brazil as the Marriage Saint.
I discovered that Fernando Martins de Bulhoes, later to become Saint Anthony, was a native son, born in Lisbon in 1195 to a wealthy family. In his day, he became highly praised for his sermons and teachings of the Gospel all throughout the Mediterranean.






This day, as the sun went down the city's entire population hit the streets!

Young and old
Food and drink
Music and dancing
Fireworks and friends...

All night long!

With all due respect for the Saints...

Party on, you Lisboans!!!

Tom  :^)

SHOWTIME!!!

I recently did a little shoot for the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, Nebraska. I told directors Bill Stephan and Ann Chang that their dance moves weren't being properly appreciated in the empty hall. They said, we just can't help it! We're so excited about this upcoming 25th year anniversary season!

Ok then, party on Bill and Ann...
Have a great season,
and break a leg while you're at it,
Tom

ON A ROLL!!!

It's so great to know people who are doing their passion, really adept at it and are fun to be around as an added bonus. 
I'm into horizontal acceleration lately, with a little help from my friends...

Meet Great Plains Noah Nielsen...

 Noah's a biker and the owner of Great Plains Cycle Supply on N. 27th St. near Cornhusker Hwy. He just finished bringing my 1968 Honda 350 back to life, putting his magic touch to good use. It's running like a dream now, just like the good ol' days. Isn't she a beauty?

And here's Polkadot Paul Knopp...

Paul is a connoisseur of quality and a one man band at his shop on South St. right next to the Dairy Queen. He sat me down and educated me as we ordered each component, part by part...then masterfully built me this brand spanking new bicycle from scratch...by far the coolest, smoothest and fastest ride ever for me. I feel like a kid again! 

So, strap it on...
Saddle up...
And let's ride!     
               :^)  Tom

THEY WENT AND DID IT!!!

 A couple of great friends became one yesterday. Tyler Thomas and Mandy Haase got married!... a real joyful event all around! Everyone whooped it up big time, then went jolly on their way! I remembered to take my trusty little pocket camera along for the ride and collected a few fun pics of the event...

Blessings for life, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas!
You make a great pair!
Tom

A SEAT WITH A VIEW...

down the 3rd base line, about twenty rows up...

Take me out to the ballgame...
KC Royals vs Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
It's still early, but the Royals have some work to do to meet everyone's high expectations this year.
They got schooled in this home stand...

 But, what a treat to watch Justin Verlander's mastery on the mound and Miguel Cabrera's presence at the plate. Considering the precision and control required to be consistently successful in this difficult game, they've certainly got it goin' on...

So, save me a seat & I'll see you there...

I don't care if we never get back...    :^)  Tom

SIMPLY THE BEST...

Happy Mother's Day, Sriyani...

Once again...to the best mom and love of my life.
                                                              One of a kind, 
                                                                               Tom