There are nights when everything falls perfectly into place. The weather cooperates, traffic is nonexistent, the bands deliver, and you walk away with some great photos and a story worth telling. Then there are nights when your body decides to file a formal complaint before you even leave the house.

This was one of those nights. And somehow, against all odds, it turned out to be a pretty damn good one.

I’ve spent a good portion of my career working around musicians, traveling to shows, and standing in photo pits. I’ve dealt with long days, late nights, questionable weather, and the occasional logistical nightmare. But for the first time in my career, I seriously considered calling it quits before a show even started.

A couple of days before Godsmack rolled into Cincinnati, I got sick. And I’m not talking about the kind of sick where you grab a couple of aspirin, drink some coffee, and get on with your day. I’m talking about being completely bedridden, unable to eat or drink, and wondering whether my body had finally decided it was time to collect on decades of abuse.

Not exactly ideal preparation for a rock concert.

But this wasn’t just another show on the calendar. Godsmack was coming to town, and as a guy originally from Boston, I was looking forward to photographing some fellow Massachusetts natives. There’s something about seeing a band from your old stomping grounds that makes the evening a little more personal.

So I waited. And waited. By show day, I was feeling better, although “better” was a pretty generous description. I knew I’d regret missing the concert. Of course, there was also a very real possibility I’d regret attending it.

As it turns out, both predictions were correct.

A Rough Start to a Beautiful Night

The evening itself couldn’t have been much better. Cincinnati was enjoying a beautiful 65-degree night, the kind of weather that makes an outdoor concert feel like a gift this late in October.

PNC Pavilion, nestled within the Riverbend Music Center complex, was the destination. With roughly 4,100 seats, the venue offers something that larger arenas often struggle to deliver: intimacy without sacrificing the energy of a major rock show.

The covered pavilion keeps the audience close to the action, while the open sides allow just enough fresh air to remind you that you’re not trapped inside an enormous concrete box. It’s a great setting for a band that knows how to command a stage.

The drive was surprisingly painless. No traffic, no unexpected delays, and no reason to complain. Which, considering how I was feeling, was probably a good thing.

I arrived just in time and headed through the media entrance to pick up my credentials. Unfortunately, the rest of the photography crew had already been escorted to the pit.

To their credit, the venue staff was kind enough to come back for me.

The downside? We had to jog to catch up.

Now, under normal circumstances, a quick jog wouldn’t be worth mentioning. But after spending the previous couple of days wondering whether I’d ever eat solid food again, running through a concert venue wasn’t exactly high on my list of recommended activities.

My body was less than impressed.

Still, I made it to the pit, camera in hand, hoping I could hold everything together long enough to get the shots.

Dorothy: The Perfect Opening Act

If Godsmack was looking for an opening act capable of setting the tone for the evening, they couldn’t have made a better choice than Dorothy.

Fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Dorothy Martin, the band delivered exactly what a rock audience wants: strong songs, exceptional musicianship, and a performance that doesn’t rely on gimmicks to make an impression.

Martin’s voice is the kind that immediately commands attention. Powerful, soulful, and packed with grit, it cuts through the instrumentation without ever feeling forced. There’s a raw quality to her delivery that feels authentic, something increasingly difficult to find in an industry where everything seems polished within an inch of its life.

But make no mistake, Dorothy is much more than a great voice.

The musicians behind her were equally impressive, delivering tight, well-crafted rock songs with the kind of chemistry that makes a band feel like a band rather than a collection of hired players.

As someone who has spent years on both sides of the recording console, I appreciate musicians who understand that playing well isn’t necessarily about playing more. It’s about knowing when to push, when to pull back, and how to serve the song.

Dorothy and her band clearly understand that distinction.

Their performance had the energy of a headliner, and by the time they wrapped up, I found myself feeling a little more like my usual self.

Whether that was the music working its magic or my body finally deciding to cooperate, I wasn’t about to question it.

Familiar Faces and a Little Breathing Room

Following Dorothy’s set, we made our way back to the VIP area to regroup before Godsmack took the stage.

One of the things I enjoy most about covering concerts is the people I’ve met along the way. After enough shows, you start recognizing familiar faces in the photo pits, backstage areas, and media sections. What begins as a collection of strangers eventually turns into a small community of people who share the same passion and, occasionally, the same questionable judgment.

Sitting around with friends, swapping stories, and laughing about the things we’ve experienced over the years was exactly what I needed.

For a little while, I forgot how lousy I’d been feeling.

And that’s one of the things I love about live music. Sometimes the experience extends well beyond what’s happening onstage.

Of course, we weren’t there just to socialize. There was still a little matter of a Boston rock band preparing to shake the place apart.

Godsmack: No Warm-Up Necessary

When it was time, we headed back to the photo pit and waited.

The anticipation was unmistakable.

Then the lights went down.

The crowd came to its feet.

And Godsmack hit the stage with all the subtlety of a freight train.

Some bands like to ease into a performance. They’ll open with something new, perhaps a deeper album cut, and gradually work their way toward the songs everyone came to hear.

Not Godsmack.

They came out swinging, delivering hit after hit with the confidence of a band that knows exactly what it has in its arsenal.

And why wouldn’t they?

Formed in Lawrence, Massachusetts, in 1995, Godsmack has spent three decades building one of the most recognizable catalogs in modern hard rock. With multiple chart-topping albums, a long list of rock radio hits, and years of relentless touring, they’ve earned the right to skip the introductions and get straight to business.

Led by Sully Erna, Godsmack has always occupied an interesting space in rock music. Their sound is heavy without becoming inaccessible, aggressive without sacrificing melody, and polished without losing its edge.

It’s a combination that has served them remarkably well.

Erna’s vocals have long been one of the band’s defining characteristics. There’s a commanding quality to his delivery, a blend of grit, control, and attitude that fits the music perfectly.

And the music itself?

It hits hard.

The guitars have weight, the low end provides plenty of muscle, and the arrangements leave enough room for each element to make its presence known. It’s the kind of sound that works particularly well in a live setting, where the physical impact of the music becomes part of the experience.

What impressed me most was the band’s approach to the performance. There was no sense that they needed to prove anything. No unnecessary theatrics designed to distract from the songs. Just a veteran rock act doing what it has spent decades learning to do exceptionally well.

Play the music. Deliver the hits. Give the audience what they came for.

It’s a simple formula, although plenty of bands seem determined to complicate it.

Godsmack clearly hasn’t forgotten what works.

A Photographer’s Perspective

From the photo pit, Godsmack was exactly the kind of band you hope to photograph.

There’s something special about capturing a veteran performer who understands how to work a stage. The movements are intentional, the energy feels natural, and the connection between the musicians and the audience creates those moments that make concert photography worthwhile.

For me, the challenge was a little different than usual.

I wasn’t just watching for the right lighting, the perfect expression, or that split second when everything comes together in the frame. I was also keeping a close eye on how much energy I had left.

Not exactly the creative challenge I was hoping for.

But once the music started, instinct took over.

Years of photographing concerts have taught me that you don’t always have time to think about what you’re doing. You anticipate, react, and trust your experience.

And despite everything leading up to the show, I managed to come away with some shots I’m genuinely happy with.

That’s the funny thing about this business. Sometimes the nights that require the most effort end up producing some of the most satisfying results.

Worth the Price of Admission, and Then Some

After finishing our time in the pit, we made our way back to the VIP area, gathered our belongings, and called it a night.

Under different circumstances, I might have stayed longer, enjoyed more of the show, and spent additional time catching up with friends.

But I knew my limits, and I’d already pushed them considerably further than planned.

The walk back to the car was a reminder that adrenaline is a wonderful thing, right up until it wears off.

By the time I headed home, I was exhausted.

And now, as I sit here putting these thoughts together, I’m definitely paying for the decision to go.

But would I do it again?

Probably.

Although I’d prefer to skip the whole being-sick-for-days part next time.

Dorothy delivered an outstanding opening performance, proving that great rock music still comes down to strong songwriting, exceptional musicianship, and a singer who knows how to command an audience.

Godsmack followed with a powerful, hit-filled performance that reminded everyone why they’ve remained a force in rock music for more than 30 years.

And PNC Pavilion provided the perfect setting for an evening that balanced the intimacy of a smaller venue with the impact of a major rock production.

As for me, I got to photograph some fellow Bostonians, spend time with good friends, and capture some great moments along the way.

Was it one of the most physically challenging nights I’ve had covering a concert? Absolutely.

Was it worth it?

Without question.

Because sometimes the show must go on. Even when your body would strongly prefer that it didn’t.

Links:

• Artist: https://www.godsmack.com/
• Photos: https://jayfranze.com/godsmack-pnc-pavilion-cincinnati-oh-10-21-26-photos/

Women Who Rock 2026: Big Voices, Bigger Hearts, and a Cause Worth Fighting For

An unforgettable afternoon of rock and roll at The Belle and The Bear brought together incredible musicians, familiar faces, and a community determined to make a difference.

There are concerts you attend for the music, concerts you attend for the experience, and then there are those rare events where the music is simply the vehicle for something much bigger. Women Who Rock 2026 was one of those events. On Sunday, October 18, The Belle and The Bear in Montgomery, Ohio, welcomed an extraordinary collection of musicians, music lovers, and community supporters for an afternoon and evening dedicated to raising awareness and funds for survivors of domestic violence.

And if you’re going to bring people together for a cause this important, you might as well turn the volume up to eleven.

I was invited by my good friend, incredible vocalist, and previous guest of The Jay Franze Show, Emily Schulte of Archers Gate. Having spent time getting to know Emily and her musical talents, supporting her involvement in such a meaningful event was an easy decision. Besides, when someone tells me there’s going to be an afternoon filled with exceptional musicians playing classic rock, they don’t exactly have to twist my arm.

Of course, getting there was another story.

It was a beautiful October afternoon, with temperatures hovering in the mid-60s, but life had other plans for my schedule. I found myself running later than anticipated, hoping that, like most good rock shows, things might be running a little behind. My biggest concern was missing Emily’s performance or catching only the tail end of Kieran Robertson, another talented musician and previous guest of the show.

Fortunately, luck was on my side.

After arriving, exchanging greetings with the familiar staff, and navigating my way through the crowd, I ran into Emily. She quickly brought me up to speed and assured me that I hadn’t missed what I’d come to see. Apparently, even my questionable time management couldn’t ruin this particular Sunday.

With that settled, I made my way toward the stage, caught up with a couple of fellow concert photographers, and settled into what would become one of the more memorable musical afternoons of the year.

A Small Room With an Enormous Sound

I’ve photographed performances at The Belle and The Bear before, so I knew exactly what to expect from the venue. What I hadn’t anticipated was just how perfectly the space would complement an event of this magnitude.

Was it crowded? Absolutely. Was maneuvering around with camera equipment occasionally an exercise in creative problem-solving? You bet. Would I have wanted this event anywhere else? Not a chance.

There’s something special about watching world-class musicians perform in a room where the distance between the audience and the stage is measured in feet rather than football fields. The atmosphere was intimate, personal, and wonderfully chaotic in all the right ways.

It felt like someone had invited an all-star rock band into their living room, plugged everything in, and decided to throw the world’s loudest house party.

The combination of indoor performances and outdoor activities gave everyone room to enjoy the afternoon, catch up with friends, and participate in the fundraising efforts. Despite the impressive turnout, the entire event maintained that comfortable, welcoming atmosphere that makes this venue such a favorite among Cincinnati-area musicians.

And from a production standpoint, I have to give credit where credit is due.

The house sound was excellent.

After spending decades behind recording consoles and mixing live performances, it’s difficult for me to attend a concert without listening critically to what’s coming through the speakers. It’s a blessing and a curse, depending on whom you ask. But on this particular afternoon, the sound was clear, balanced, and powerful without overwhelming the room.

With so many musicians sharing the stage throughout the day, maintaining that consistency is no small accomplishment. The production crew deserves recognition for keeping everything running smoothly and allowing the performers to do what they do best.

An All-Star Lineup With Something to Say

Women Who Rock 2026 wasn’t your typical concert featuring a couple of opening acts and a headliner. This was a revolving celebration of musical talent, bringing together more than 50 performers from the local and national music scenes.

The lineup included some impressive names, including Joel Hoekstra, whose résumé includes Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Cher, and Night Ranger; Britt Lightning of Vixen; Reb Beach of Winger and Whitesnake; and Tommy London of SiriusXM’s Hair Nation.

Add in performers like Melissa Singer-Reed of DV8, Emily Schulte of Archers Gate, Jacquelin Stevens of Miss Jacque, and a tremendous collection of regional bands and vocalists, and you have the ingredients for something pretty special.

What made the afternoon particularly entertaining was the collaborative nature of the performances. Special guests would take the stage, and one vocalist after another would step up to deliver familiar rock anthems alongside them.

It was a musician’s playground.

There were no elaborate production tricks or unnecessary distractions. Just talented performers sharing the stage, feeding off one another’s energy, and reminding everyone why live music remains such a powerful experience.

As a photographer, these are the moments I love capturing. The spontaneous interactions, the shared smiles, the concentration on a guitarist’s face, and those split-second exchanges between musicians who are completely locked into the same groove.

You can’t manufacture that kind of chemistry.

Emily Schulte Takes on Heart

After spending some time photographing the performances, I headed outside to catch up with a few friends before making my way backstage to visit with Emily.

We talked for a bit before she returned to the stage for what would become one of my personal highlights of the afternoon: a performance of Heart’s “Alone.”

Now, anyone familiar with that song knows it’s not exactly something you casually add to a setlist.

Originally made famous by Ann Wilson and Heart, “Alone” is a vocal powerhouse that demands incredible control, range, and emotional delivery. It’s the kind of song that can expose a singer’s limitations in a hurry.

Fortunately, Emily didn’t seem particularly concerned about any of that.

She absolutely knocked it out of the park.

From the quieter, more vulnerable opening passages to the soaring chorus, Emily delivered a performance that showcased both her technical ability and her command of the stage.

And that’s what separates a good vocalist from a great one. It’s not simply about hitting the notes. It’s about making the audience believe every word.

Emily accomplished exactly that.

Having followed her work with Archers Gate and spoken with her about her musical journey, I already knew she was an exceptional talent. Still, watching her take on a song of this caliber in such an intimate setting was a reminder of just how much ability exists within our regional music community.

It was one of those performances that makes you momentarily forget you’re supposed to be taking pictures.

And trust me, that’s saying something.

More Than Music

As impressive as the performances were, the real reason everyone gathered that Sunday afternoon extended far beyond the stage.

Women Who Rock 2026 was organized to support YWCA Greater Cincinnati’s Mission Forward campaign, an initiative dedicated to creating safe housing and essential resources for survivors of domestic violence, their children, and their pets.

That last part is particularly important.

For many survivors, leaving an abusive situation isn’t simply a matter of walking out the door. Concerns about housing, financial stability, children, and even the safety of beloved pets can create tremendous obstacles. Programs that address these challenges provide more than temporary assistance. They offer a path toward safety, independence, and a fresh start.

Throughout the event, attendees had opportunities to contribute through raffles, silent auctions, merchandise, and other fundraising activities. A special guitar auction, gift card tree, and raffle baskets added to the festivities while supporting the larger mission.

Making the effort even more meaningful was the generosity of the Barchetta Charitable Fund, which committed to matching donations dollar for dollar.

That meant every contribution had the potential to make twice the impact.

And perhaps that’s what impressed me most about the entire afternoon.

These musicians weren’t gathering for a paycheck, a chart position, or another line on their résumés. They were sharing their talents because they believed in something bigger than themselves.

For an industry that sometimes gets criticized for its egos, competition, and excess, it was refreshing to see so many talented people come together with a common purpose.

There was no shortage of star power in that room, but the cause remained the biggest star of the day.

The Perfect Way to Spend a Sunday

As the afternoon continued, I found myself completely at home.

Between the familiar faces, exceptional musicianship, impressive production, and relaxed atmosphere, Women Who Rock had just about everything I look for in a live music experience.

I could have easily stayed until the final note.

In fact, part of me wanted to.

But Sunday evenings are also family time, and I had two younger daughters waiting for me at home. Their older sister had to work, so I wanted to make the most of the time I could spend with the other two.

As much as I love live music, there are some things that will always take priority.

So I packed up my camera, said my goodbyes, and headed toward the door, leaving behind an event that was still going strong.

And while I didn’t stay for the entire evening, I saw more than enough to appreciate what the organizers, performers, volunteers, and supporters had accomplished.

Women Who Rock 2026 was a powerful reminder that music doesn’t always have to be about entertainment. Sometimes it can be about community. Sometimes it can be about healing. And sometimes it can give a voice to people who desperately need to be heard.

The Belle and The Bear provided the perfect home for that message, offering an intimate setting where the audience and performers felt like one extended family.

To Emily Schulte, thank you for the invitation and for another outstanding performance. To the musicians who donated their time and talent, the production team who made everyone sound fantastic, and the organizers who brought this remarkable event together, congratulations on creating something truly meaningful.

And to everyone who attended, donated, or helped spread awareness, remember that the impact of an event like this doesn’t end when the amplifiers are turned off.

Because at the end of the day, Women Who Rock wasn’t just about women who can command a stage.

It was about women finding the strength to reclaim their lives, a community willing to stand beside them, and the incredible power of music to bring people together.

Every show has a story. This one had a purpose.

For more information about supporting survivors of domestic violence and YWCA Greater Cincinnati’s Mission Forward campaign, visit YWCA Greater Cincinnati.

Links

• Photos: https://jayfranze.com/women-who-rock-the-belle-and-the-bear-cincinnati-oh-10-18-26-photos/

Some concerts are planned months in advance. Others come together at the last minute. And then there are those shows where you don’t know if you’re actually going to make it until you’re sitting in the car, heading down the road. This was definitely one of those nights.

On Sunday, October 11, 2026, country music legends Alabama and The Oak Ridge Boys brought their decades of hits to a sold-out Truist Arena in Highland Heights, Kentucky. Two iconic groups, one stage, and enough country music history to fill a small library. For me, however, this particular evening was about much more than the music.

I was fortunate enough to have friends in both camps. Tony Cottrill, Alabama’s Front of House Engineer, and Scotty Simpson, bass player for The Oak Ridge Boys, had both reached out and invited me to attend. Naturally, I accepted. After all, when friends invite you to photograph two legendary country music groups, you don’t exactly need much convincing.

What I hadn’t considered was that my wife would be out of town attending a conference, leaving me in charge of the kids. Now, I love my children, but trying to photograph a concert while keeping track of a 12-year-old and a 4-year-old is a little like trying to mix a live show while someone keeps unplugging the console.

Fortunately, thanks to the generosity of my friends, I had more than enough passes to bring everyone along. My oldest daughter, Bella, had to work, so that left Lucy and Valen. I also invited Ivey Leighton, an artist I manage, along with a friend of mine. Suddenly, what started as a concert assignment had turned into something resembling a family field trip. Camera equipment included.

With the gear packed and everyone accounted for, we headed out to pick up Ivey at her hotel. The weather couldn’t have been better. A beautiful 68 degrees, which, in my opinion, is perfect hoodie weather. Anyone who knows me knows that’s my favorite.

A Familiar Venue, Some Familiar Faces

Located on the campus of Northern Kentucky University, Truist Arena has been a fixture in the region’s entertainment scene since opening in 2008. With a capacity of approximately 9,400, the venue has hosted everything from college basketball and major touring productions to some of the biggest names in music.

Parking was surprisingly painless, which is always a welcome way to start an evening. We made our way to Will Call, collected our passes, and met up with Scotty Simpson.

It was great catching up with Scotty before he had to get ready for the show. From there, we headed over to Front of House to visit Tony. He was kind enough to introduce me to a couple of his other guests representing Real Roots Radio and the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame. Great people, great conversations, and, as it turns out, a couple of future guests for The Jay Franze Show.

Not a bad way to spend the time before the first note.

Eventually, it was time to get to work. I grabbed my cameras and made my way down to the photo pit, where I discovered something you don’t encounter very often at a sold-out arena show.

I had the entire pit to myself.

There was a house photographer working the event, and I even offered to share the space, but he chose to shoot elsewhere. So there I was, standing in front of an arena full of country music fans, with an unobstructed view of two legendary groups.

I’ve certainly had worse assignments.

The Oak Ridge Boys: Still Getting It Done

When The Oak Ridge Boys took the stage, it was like watching a living chapter of country music history unfold right in front of me.

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing these guys perform four or five times over the years, thanks in large part to Scotty. I’ve also gotten to know William Lee Golden, making these performances feel a little more personal than the typical concert experience.

But this night was different.

Most of my previous experiences watching The Oak Ridge Boys had been in theaters, where the atmosphere tends to be a little more intimate. Seeing them command a massive arena stage in front of a sold-out crowd was something else entirely.

And command it they did.

The Oak Ridge Boys have a history stretching back decades, with roots that reach well before their rise to country music superstardom. Their unmistakable harmonies helped define an era, and their influence on the genre is undeniable.

Of course, nobody is getting any younger. Some of these guys are well into their 80s, an age when most people would be perfectly content sitting on the porch and yelling at the neighbors to stay off the lawn.

Apparently, nobody told The Oak Ridge Boys.

They worked the stage with enthusiasm, delivered those signature harmonies, and carried themselves with the confidence of performers who have spent a lifetime doing exactly what they love. There was no sense that they were simply going through the motions. They were there to entertain, and that’s precisely what they did.

The backing band was equally impressive. Tight, polished, and completely locked in, they provided the kind of musical foundation that makes a veteran act sound effortless.

From my position in the pit, I had the opportunity to capture the expressions, interactions, and little moments that make concert photography so rewarding. There’s something special about photographing performers who have spent decades onstage. They understand the audience, they understand the music, and they know exactly how to deliver a show.

After my allotted three songs, I packed up and headed back to join my family.

That’s when the evening took a slight detour.

A Little Girl, a Big Arena, and an Unexpected Break

I returned to find my youngest daughter having a bit of a meltdown.

Valen was missing her mother, and no amount of legendary country music was going to change that. At four years old, a sold-out arena can be an overwhelming place, especially when Mom is out of town.

So, rather than subject everyone around us to an impromptu screaming solo, I decided to take her for a walk.

We wandered around, spent some time together, and eventually I let her take my picture. That seemed to do the trick. Sometimes the solution to a difficult situation is surprisingly simple.

Once things settled down, we made our way back to Front of House, where Tony graciously allowed us to set up a few chairs near his mixing position.

For anyone unfamiliar with live sound, Front of House is where the engineer controls what the audience hears. It’s generally one of the best listening positions in the building, and in this case, it also gave Valen some much-needed room to dance.

Suddenly, everyone was happy again.

And just in time for Alabama.

Alabama: Fifty Years of Hits and Still Going Strong

There are successful country bands, there are legendary country bands, and then there’s Alabama.

More than five decades ago, cousins Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, and the late Jeff Cook began a journey that would eventually reshape country music. From playing for tips at The Bowery in Myrtle Beach to selling more than 73 million albums, their story is the kind of thing aspiring musicians dream about.

Twenty-one consecutive No. 1 singles. Membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame. A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And a catalog of songs that has become part of the soundtrack of American life.

Alabama didn’t simply find success within country music. They helped change what a country band could be.

By combining traditional country storytelling with Southern rock energy, strong musicianship, and a willingness to push boundaries, they opened doors for countless bands that followed.

And on this particular Sunday night, they reminded everyone in Truist Arena why their legacy remains so important.

As the band prepared to take the stage, I gathered my cameras for another trip to the photo pit.

That’s when Lucy asked me a question I wasn’t expecting.

Could she photograph Alabama?

I’ve been teaching Lucy photography, and she’s been developing a real interest in it. The idea of her photographing her first concert, especially one featuring Alabama in a sold-out arena, was incredibly appealing.

But I also knew I had been given an extraordinary amount of access and hospitality already, and I wasn’t about to push my luck by bringing her into the pit.

Instead, we came up with a compromise.

I handed her one of my cameras and let her photograph the performance from Front of House while I returned to the pit for my three songs.

And just like that, we were both working the same show.

A Father-Daughter Moment Worth More Than the Photographs

As Alabama took the stage, I found myself doing what I’ve done countless times throughout my career: watching the lights, anticipating movements, adjusting settings, and trying to capture those split-second moments that tell the story of a performance.

But this time, I knew my daughter was doing the same thing from the other end of the arena.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about sharing your passion with your children. I’ve spent decades in recording studios, behind mixing consoles, and photographing performances, but watching Lucy begin to discover her own interest in this world added an entirely different dimension to the evening.

After my three songs were finished, I made my way back to Front of House, collected Lucy, and decided to take her up to the upper deck.

From there, we were able to capture some fantastic overhead perspectives of the stage and the crowd. It was a great opportunity to show her how changing your position can completely transform a photograph.

The lighting, the stage, the audience, and the overall scale of the production looked entirely different from above.

And there we were, father and daughter, cameras in hand, photographing one of the most influential bands in country music history.

I’ve had some remarkable experiences throughout my career, but that one will stay with me for a long time.

A Band That Knows Exactly Who It Is

Eventually, we returned to Front of House to enjoy the remainder of Alabama’s performance.

And I have to say, the longer the show went on, the more impressed I became.

Alabama has one of those catalogs where you almost forget just how many hits they have until you hear them one after another. Their music has been woven into country radio for decades, and the familiarity of those songs creates an immediate connection between the performers and the audience.

But a collection of great songs doesn’t automatically translate into a great live performance.

You still need musicians who can deliver.

Fortunately, Alabama has no shortage of those.

The band sounded fantastic. The arrangements were tight, the musicianship was first-rate, and the entire performance had the kind of confidence that comes from years of experience.

Behind the drums was Tommy Harden, someone I’ve had the pleasure of working with several times in the studio. Watching a familiar musician perform in a different environment is always enjoyable, especially when you already know what they’re capable of.

Tommy and the rest of the band delivered an outstanding performance, providing the rhythmic foundation and musical precision that allowed the songs to shine.

And from my position near Tony Cottrill at Front of House, I had an especially good opportunity to appreciate the sound.

Having spent much of my own career behind a mixing console, I know firsthand how much work goes into making an arena show sound the way it should. It’s a job that requires technical skill, musical instinct, and the ability to make a thousand decisions without anyone in the audience realizing you’re making them.

Tony had everything under control, and the result was a powerful, balanced performance that let the music speak for itself.

As the hits continued, the crowd responded with the kind of enthusiasm you would expect from an audience that had grown up with these songs.

There was something refreshing about watching a band whose reputation has already been cemented in music history simply go out and do what they do best.

No need to reinvent themselves. No need to chase whatever happens to be popular this week.

Just great songs, great musicians, and a connection with the audience that has taken decades to build.

The Perfect Ending to an Unplanned Night

Somewhere during Alabama’s set, Valen finally ran out of steam.

After all the excitement, the walking, the dancing, and the emotional roller coaster of missing her mother, she eventually fell asleep in my arms.

So there I was, standing near Front of House, listening to Alabama perform, holding my sleeping four-year-old daughter.

Not exactly how I pictured the evening when I first accepted the invitation, but I wouldn’t have changed it.

Once Alabama finished their performance and left the stage, Tony invited us backstage so I could take a few photographs of him and his guests.

It was a nice way to wrap up the night, catching up with friends and documenting a few final memories before heading home.

Looking back, what stands out most isn’t necessarily one particular song or photograph.

It’s the entire experience.

Seeing The Oak Ridge Boys perform with the same passion that has carried them through decades of country music history. Watching Alabama deliver a performance worthy of their legendary reputation. Spending time with Scotty, Tony, William Lee Golden, and Tommy Harden. Meeting new people who share the same appreciation for music.

And, perhaps most importantly, getting to share the experience with my daughters.

Lucy had the opportunity to photograph her first arena concert, and I had the opportunity to watch her take another step toward developing a skill and passion of her own. Valen got to dance, explore, take a few pictures, and eventually fall asleep listening to some of the most recognizable music in country history.

Not a bad Sunday night.

Final Thoughts

Alabama and The Oak Ridge Boys delivered exactly what a night featuring two legendary country music groups should deliver: exceptional musicianship, timeless songs, and a reminder of why these artists have remained relevant for so many decades.

The Oak Ridge Boys proved that age is little more than a number when you still have the passion to entertain. Alabama demonstrated that a great catalog, paired with outstanding musicianship, can still fill an arena and keep an audience engaged from beginning to end.

But for me, this concert will always be remembered for something beyond the stage.

It was a night of friendship, generosity, family, and the kind of unexpected moments that remind me why I still love doing this after all these years.

A special thank you to Tony Cottrill and Scotty Simpson for their friendship, hospitality, and generosity. Without them, none of this would have happened.

And to Lucy, I hope this is the first of many concerts we get to photograph together.

Funny how things work out.

I almost didn’t make it to this show.

Turns out, it was exactly where I needed to be.

Every Show Has a Story. This one just happened to be ours.

Links

• Artist: https://www.thealabamaband.com/
• Artist: https://oakridgeboys.com/
• Photos: https://jayfranze.com/alabama-truist-arena-highland-heights-ky-10-11-26-photos/
• Photos: https://jayfranze.com/the-oak-ridge-boys-truist-arena-highland-heights-ky-10-11-26-photos/