imagine.

I've been grateful for the opportunities to collaborate on a few projects involving kids from a lower income neighborhood in Salem in telling a story of the project & creating photographs with meaning and expression.

Along the way, I've received more than one request to photograph live event fundraisers directly benefiting these kids....and declined because photography for me is about storytelling and documenting and as an artist, I need those two elements to create.

And so I was asked last week if I'd be open to documenting a segment for a "Drums for Funds" event at the newly opened Ames Hall in Salem, I said why yes - telling a story of the project (kids making music) & creating photographs with meaning and expression (ones that show others what their funds benefit).

What I didn't plan on was being asked to photograph the actual event as they had a last minute cancel....and much to my surprise, I saw myself type "yes, if..." and made a few requests that will allow me to tell a story.

For the record, what I've now agreed to is photographing three of the world's top drummers..

As I am at home behind a camera and behind the scenes, I'm scared out of my mind. But I know too that the best work is that which terrifies you....and, I'm mindful of orienting my heart around the cause: all of the profits from the concert series will directly support the music program and Salem youth with free instruction on instruments and the opportunity to record in a state of the art recording studio.

As my photographs of the kids from Monday evening's session will be on display during the concert and after the event on Tuesday, I invite you to come and experience an evening of imaginative sound art.