Flying Balalaika Brothers

I was reading through one of my old journals and I was noticing a pattern. There’s been a pattern for quite sometime as to the decisions. Seems its been the same for many years. There’s one thing I didn’t notice until last Saturday. June 21, was the Summer Solstice and I went over to ZACH to photograph and listen to Flying Balalaika Brothers. I had actually forgotten what day it was. There were many musicians playing around Austin, but I didn’t get a chance to catch any of the other acts.

 (Sergey playing the small balalaika.)

After I had gotten home I realized, I’m always meeting musicians on the Summer Solstice. A few years ago I had gone to Audubon Park in New Orleans and a group of people showed up and invited me to be a part of their celebration. Luckily I had my camera and I proceeded to take some candid shots.

 (Dustin Russel taking it all in.)

Flying Balalaika Brothers which is named after one of the instruments is an eclectic band of sorts. They bill themselves as gypsies with the sounds of their motherland Russia, some jazz influence, little red grass (their version of blues) and some hip hop beats. Music just has a way of bringing people together and making us feel good. There’s even some humor in their songs.

 (Aaryn Russel, it shows that he enjoys what he does.)

Flying Balalaika Brothers consist of Zhenya Rock on the guitar and accordion, Sergey Vashehenke on the small balalaika, Dustin Russel on the drums and Aaryn Russel on Konta bass and the large balalaika.

(Aaryn Russel on the large Balalaika)

Check out their face book page or send them an email to find out where they’ll be playing next info@russiafbb.com.

 (Dustin Russel on drums)

I really enjoyed photographing them. It’s still a challenge as I don’t want to block the view of the patrons. I try to find the best spot and work with what I have using the natural light.

 (Zhenya Rock playing guitar in Zach's Z Lounge.)

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again to see where the journey leads.

Check out my other blogs for more insight.
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com
http://filmlover4pg.blogspot.com
http://artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com

Tim Curry and his band

(Tim Curry and the band in the Z Lounge/lobby)

Yesterday evening I had the opportunity to listen to Tim Curry and his band perform in the Z Lounge at the Zach Scott Theatre’s Topfer building. The pre performances are free and open to the public. There is a cash bar and free curb side parking. The pre performance begins at 6 PM and runs until 7:15 PM.

(Will Dunlap playing guitar)

Tim Curry’s band includes Will Dunlop playing guitar and vocals, Jorge A. De Armas playing percussion, and Melvin Willborn playing saxophone. There are many original songs by both Mr. Curry and Mr. Dunlop. They also put a jazz spin on a few classics by Steve Wonder, Smokey Robinson and they cover Grover Washington.

(Jorge A. De Armas)

Tim Curry is multi talented doing vocals, playing piano, flute and harmonica.

(Tim Curry playing the flute)

If you have an hour to spare, experience something new and check out the band. If you’ve got more time, purchase a ticket for Vanya and Sonya and Marsha and Spike which runs through June 22, 2014 at The Zach Scott Theatre.

(Melvin Willborn on sax)

Tim Curry and his band will play tonight and Sunday afternoon at 1 PM - 2:15 PM. Then again Wednesday June 18, 2014 through Friday June 20, 2014 6 PM - 7:15 PM.

(Jorge A. De Armas percussion and Melvin Willborn playing sax)

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back again to see where the journey leads.

Check out my other blogs for more insight.
http://dlonzo-OpenYourMind.blogspot.com
http://filmlover4pg.blogspot.com
http://artbyDlonzo.blogspot.com