Aptly named the “Rising Sun” dinner, it was going to be in Mike’s own words, “The Godzilla” of Blind Pig meals. To date, this is the biggest event that he’s had to tackle, with 94 guests and 12 courses it was going to be a complex event to plan and accomplish. But true to fashion, the event came off without a hitch.  The featured chefs were Drew Maycuth and Alex Bryanton both of the Admiral, and Brian Canipelli of Cucina 24. All three admitted to having a strong fascination and deep love for traditional Japanese fare, but also an admittance that to truly master the art of Washoku would take years and constant dedication. During an interview with Mountain Express food writer Mackensy Lunsford, Drew admitted, “we’re just three white kids, that love this food. We’re gonna use the ingredients we love and make it the best way we know how.”

Was food alone enough to wow the guests for the “Rising Sun” dinner? NO. Mike added to the mix the amazing custom made artworks by artist/musician Andy Herod and tuneage being spun by DJ- Rob Castillo. So what’d ya think?? Wanna see all this in action? Press play, and you’ll see why this made for such a great start to the 2012 Blind Pig season.

The proceeds form this dinner were to raise awareness and funds for ASAP- The Appalachian Sustainable Agricultural Project.

The amazing little diddy I happened upon that seemed to fit so well is “Hong Kong space invasion” by Bryyn.

Shooting locations were, The Admiral, Cucina 24, The Herod Studio and Gaining Ground Farm.

A few stills taken during filming-

Last fall I got a call from local Director, Cinematographer Paul Schattel with Harrow Beauty Films. Whom I had met earlier in the year while filming the Blind Pig “Fire and Chocolate” Dinner. Paul mentioned he had a shoot coming up that he could use my help on- a music video. Needless to say I was pretty excited.

The video was for Local band Underhill Rose who performed “Who Brought the Sun” for the video. On shoot day- Paul, myself, Eleanor, Molly and Salley all came together at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC. With the late afternoon sun and temps going down, we scrambled to get our shots. AND….. success!

The ladies were real troopers, Paul knew exactly what he wanted and everything came together. It was a great experience that I’m proud to have been a part of.

LAB hosted the video Release party and the ladies did a short set, they’re  truly talented musicians! If you get the chance to hear them, you’ll see what I mean.

Come along for a full sensory experience, blending flavors, smells, sights and sounds. This was a night none of us will forget!

If you ever get the chance to experience a “Blind Pig” evening, do it!

Music by:
Paco Santiago- pacosantiago.com
Bryyn- bryyn.com
Windom Earle- windomearle.com

Fortunately Asheville was on the list of South-Eastern cities scheduled to get a visit from Philadelphia band- “War on Drugs”. Fresh from the European leg of the tour, with a couple of US cities behind them, they wrestled with a reluctant tour-van transmission the day of the show, you’d think the guys would be worn out- maybe a little more mellow…. nope, they put on a very powerful show.

Recreating that velvet wall of sound-candy without a hitch. They even stepped back out for an encore. Impressive!

For a list of upcoming shows and info go here: thewarondrugs.net

If you get a chance, you should give them a listen.

In the meantime…. enjoy the show.

A

Thanks to:

Harvest Records- harvest-records.com

Grey Eagle- thegreyeagle.com

and

John Miller- camera assist.

I think the film speaks for itself…. 

It was a great day for a wedding, and I had a wonderful time shooting for Cindy and Troy at Castle Ladyhawke in NC. Friends and family had come from all over to celebrate their special day and it was a privilege to be invited to capture it on camera for the couple.

I hope you’ll enjoy a little peek into the fun we all had as we celebrating with them.

Soundtrack: “Brighter” written and performed by Jahzzar- betterwithmusic.com/

Location: Castle Ladyhawke- castleladyhawkeweddings.com/

This is the first of a new micro-project of Video-Studies.

Over the last few years I’ve had the chance to do some small trips while working and playing with my freinds and family. So… I’m gonna bring my camera and loosely document my experiences.

Come along for the ride if you’re so inclined….
Description:
Recently I accompanied my friend and fellow Photog Aaron Hogsed of aaronimaging.com/
We traveled to SurfSide Beach just above Murrell’s Inlet SC for a Photography assignment.

The weather was amazing! Clouds out of picture books, Rainbows, 3 weddings in the sand around the hotel, great food (wish I had filmed some of the Good Eats) and a really talented group of musicians from the Charleston area- myspace.com/crowfieldmusic. Even had the chance to meet a little green snake.
Need I say more…. It was a great weekend!!

A.M.
Music:
“Chilled Around for a Bit” by minusbaby (minusbaby.com/)
“MusicBox” by Niels Nielson

Wedding Film Teaser for Sharon & Paul-

It was a lovely September day for the wedding of Sharon and Paul.

With Castle Ladyhawke and the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop who could ask for more.

Wishing the couple many wonderful years to come!!

Aaron M.

Thanks to Adam Raimond for camera assist.

Venue- Castle LadyHawke

Photography- Visio Photography

Strings- Karen Rose

Wedding Planning/Cordination- Occasions by Emily

Make-up- Makeup at the Grove Arcade

Hair- Lola Salon

An Amazing Day!!

Check out the Video Teaser here- Kimberly & Rodney’s Very Scottish Wedding.