Red Hot & Soul 2016 New York, New York

Red Hot & Soul 2016 New York, New York

(Before it all began, I had to work. This is me in my sometimes work spot at ZACH.)

 (The lobby taking shape for the evenings festivities.)

 (Talk about the Big Apple)

(There were apples everywhere.)

I wasn't sure how things would turn out for me this year. My supervisor was gone and a new person was taking over the reigns for putting the event together.

(Staff come together to put on some final tweeking to costumes and do a quick dress rehearsal.)

 (Chanel chats with one of her backup singers before rehearsing her song)

 I was also hoping to use my new camera, but I also brought the go to camera for back up. Since I was now working in the box office I wasn't sure what I would be required to do. In the past the box office staff worked registering in the Constituents and guests to the event. Handing out tickets, auction information and table assignments. I worked in the Box Office until about 4 PM and then I would return around 4:45 PM to get instructions for the remainder of the evening.

(Chanel working on her musical number)

(The registration tent. Guests signed in and got their packets for the auction and where they would be seated.)

(Staff prepare for their duties)

(Inside the tent on the Bobbi Topfer Pavillion)

(Monitors tower over guests to simulate images of New York like you would see in Times Square)

(Sound and tech guys wait for the show to begin)

 I had brought something to eat, but I made the mistake of sitting in my vehicle and it was extremely hot. Although it didn't take effect right away, I had become over heated and later in the evening I was feeling exhausted. I had something else to eat, drank some water and then I began to feel better. I could have also becomme over heated because I had gotten locked out on the small balcony over looking the entry way.

(A worker about to get dressed before the guests arrive.)

(The color of the evening was red.)

(Brittney Wooley making some final adjustments.)

(Chad Dike helping with final rehearsal preparations for the kids of the PPC program.)

(The Tent)

(The Big Apple)

(Scott Wooten preparing to take some pics.)

(Some of the items to be auctioned off.)

(Selfie time, Brittney Wooley, Cathleen Brendan and Abe Reybold)

(Taylor Novak and one of her workers cross the lobby after making some adjustments to items being auctioned off.)

(The Disco Ball)

(The DJ's section)

(Chad Dike, Cate Tucker and Blair Hurry take some time to chat in between set up.)

(More items that were being auctioned off.)

(Kim Stacy Lead Box Office Associate, actress and singer.)

(The Z Lounge)

 (The Topfer Lobby)

I did my usual set up shots. The decor being put together and the singers, actors and dancers going through a quick run through of their duties for the evening. It was going to be quite the night. I was excited and nervous at the same time. Of course I'm always nervous when I'm using new equipment. I was hoping the batteries would last on my go to camera. I had puchased new SD cards so that I could capture as much as the evening as possible. There are always people I would like to photograph, but I'm also looking to do something different. I am an artist after all and I hate looking at images where everyone is posed and in front of the same backdrop. I prefer variety. I also like the challenge to see what I can come up with.

Not only does ZACH amaze with it's performances, it also does the same when it throws a party. Each year has to be better than the last and this year was no exception. When I arrived, there was a giant apple at the entrance to signify the Big Apple. There were pedestals surrounded by real apples. Inside the tent was more welcoming the guests to the New York experience. The color of the night was red. Of course there were some stand out fashions in other colors as well.

The event was also to honor Mort Topfer who was celebrating his 80th birthday.

The event Co-Chairs were Bobbi Topfer, Will Coombes, Eric Copper, Richard Hartgrove, Gary Cooper, Dan Jackson, Jeremy Guiberteau, David Kurio, Lance Avery Morgan, Rob Giardinelli, Armando Zambrano and Bryan Gardner.

The images I am presenting here are to tell the story from start to finish. (Note: I am an artist that happens to take pictures) I believe in capturing an event in a way that those who were there can remember it and those who couldn't make it can see what it was like. Red Hot and Soul is the event of the year outside of the performances that ZACH puts on. It's purpose is to raise funds for the education programs. It also gives guests a chance to see what performances will be taking place for the remainder of the season and the new season. Martin Burke performed as his character from One Man Two Guvnors. This season will end with Mary Poppins on September 4, 2016.
Everything at ZACH is done by a team of talented individuals.


Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back as I will be posting more images from the event.

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Preview: Red Hot & Soul (2016) New York, New York

(It begins when you walk up. You have to be in Awe and wonder what else will peek your interest. A great event has many jaw dropping moments.)

(The registration area for the patrons to get their information to place their bids for the many items available for the auction. The Red Hot & Soul event is ZACH's biggest fund raising event.)

(An event is like a performance and it takes a lot to get it (The lobby in ZACH's Topfer theatre.)

together. Outside before you walk inside it all begins. Red Hot & Soul 2016 was a tribute to New York, New York.)


I know I've been mentioning images from Red Hot & Soul were coming, but it takes time to go through all of the images.

(Another shot of the lobby)

(Costumer designers do a run through with the performers to make sure  the costumes allow the performer to move properly.)

 Then I have to copy the images so that I have images without tagging on them.

(Stage manager Cate Tucker over sees the rehearsal)

(Images of New York come to life with Shemiah as Lady Liberty.)

(Chanel Haynes-Schwartz rehearses in the lobby as costumer supervisor Christine Montgomery looks on)

(Jesse Douglas makes sure things go according to plan during rehearsal)

Next, I have to write about the event so that it makes those that weren't at the event feel as if they could be there and imagine what they missed. For those that were there they get to relive it. I'll be without access to my laptop for a few weeks so I just wanted to get some images out there.

Thanks for stopping by; keep an open mind and do come back.

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Images from my phone

I need to clear off some images on my phone and I didn't want to have to email all of them to myself.

I had purchased a device to transfer them, but it didn't work.

I didn't want to spend a lot of money, so I took the cheap route. And it didn't work.

Thanks for stopping by; Keep an open mind and do come back again. Images from ZACH'S Red Hot and Soul 2016 coming soon.