Zen Lens Photomedia

08/22/2025

Last Saturday night we caught Umphrey's McGee at the Historic Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, and the show was one for the books. The band's genre is kind of hard to define, they jam but aren't really a jam band. They rock, but they aren't just a progressive rock band and on this night they were as METAL as I've heard them be. It was cool seeing their newly permanent drummer, Scotty Zwang, really drive the set. He fits right in, and man, what a killer solo he unleashed on us!

The lighting was unreal. The entire room was glowing and breathed with the music; it gave the show a warm, psychedelic vibe and made the theatre feel alive.

The biggest moment for me was when they broke into a cover of Dire Straits’ “Sultans of Swing" at the end of the night... They crushed it. The solos, the energy, the crowd reaction… it was spectacular, and a finish like that demanded an encore!

Umphrey's McGee never disappoints, but this one felt extra special. This is a band that plays from Red Rocks to Bonnaroo, where I last saw them, and they brought that same energy to our little corner of the world. So glad we could be there!

08/19/2025

Thinking of Dan today on his birthday.

He was so many things to so many people... the unforgettable lead singer of the original Johnny Q. Public, a powerhouse in Machine Gun Symphony, co-host of Unsung Screamers Podcast and the proud owner of Marty's Sports Bar and Bugsy’s. And that was just the surface, Dan was so much more. A creative force, a passionate voice, a true original.

This is his first birthday since his tragic passing last September and the ache is still fresh. His absence is felt deeply, not just by those closest to him, but by the entire community he poured his heart into. Dan brought people together through music, laughter, stories, and soul.

Today, we’re holding his memory close and sending love to all who knew and loved him. Our hearts are with you.

Dan, you are missed. You are remembered. You are loved. ❤️‍🩹

08/19/2025

We had a blast at the Umphrey's McGee show Saturday night from the Historic Gillioz Theatre! It was great sharing the pit with this wonderful human being. Matt Loveland Photography thanks for the hospitality in your backyard brother. I hope we can do it again someday soon! Stay tuned for more Umphrey's shots.

08/19/2025

08/14/2025

Back in May, we photographed the 2025 Dance Recital at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts for Ann's Performing Arts Centre, the studio where our sweet Meadow attends. To say we had an incredibly busy summer is an understatement!

These young dancers blew me away... the seniors soared with grace and power any pro athlete would admire. Ann’s list of their accomplishments had me feeling so much hope for Meadow’s future.

From the littles to the bigs, talent, dedication and quality instruction were on full display. Congrats to all you seniors heading to college this fall, especially those bound for SEC schools (Woo Pig Sooie!😉).

Parents, over 600 high-res images are available as digital downloads at the link below for a modest fee. Prints are also available, and your support means the world to us.

https://www.zenlensphotomedia.com/p907042027

08/13/2025

Remembering Ron Hill , a fierce drummer, longtime bartender at Farmers Gastropub and a true heartbeat of our local music scene.

These photos are from the Sertoma Chili Cook Off, where Ron lit up the stage with his brothers in Hundred Dollar Hustle. His presence behind the kit was electric... full of soul, power, and joy.

To his bandmates, friends, family, and the Farmer’s crew, our hearts are with you. Ron, your rhythm lives on in every beat and every memory.

We are so grateful to have captured these moments. ❤ 💔

08/12/2025

As the crew prepared for Blues Traveler, a sudden burst of rain rolled in. For a few minutes, fans ducked under the Grandstand's giant awning or the nearest shelter they could find. But just as quickly as it came, the rain stopped, leaving a cooler breeze in its place. It was a welcome relief from the heat, especially for this old photographer.

Then it was time. John Popper walked on stage with his harmonicas, and from the first note, he owned the fairgrounds. His voice is still powerful, his harmonica work unmatched, and his joy in performing was evident. Blues Traveler played hit after hit, songs that have stood the test of time for more than three decades. Popper’s skill and energy have not faded, and the band played with the kind of chemistry that only comes from years of making music together.

From behind my camera, I could see it all, the crowd smiling, the nearly full Sturgeon moon rising over the fairgrounds then settling right behind Popper on stage for the start of the show, and the music carrying through the summer night. We danced, people sang, and I soaked in every moment.

It was well worth the two-hour drive each way from Springfield. Nights like this remind us why live music matters. The songs are mostly the same, but the experience is always new. I got to mark another favorite band off of my bucket list, maybe a little late in their careers but much like when I saw Fleetwood Mac in 2003, these guys still had the magic we go to concerts for.