Sometimes I sing.
I let my voice be heard.
I sing my song.

I had the pleasure of having this photo taken of me last year when my friend, Valerie Troutt, was doing a recording session at Studio 1510 in West Oakland. Big thanks to David Ewell for hamming it up on the bass.

Bluesman Alvon Johnson keeping it bluesy for Christmas at Yoshi’s Oakland.

José James – vocals
Kris Bowers – keyboards
Takuya Kuroda – trumpet
Solomon Dorsey – bass
Nate Smith – drums

Soulful crooner José James returned to the Bay Area for two nights in December. He and his band put on a spectacular show at The New Parish in Oakland. José performed his current hits and also new music from his upcoming album.

As 2011 comes to a close, I want wish everyone a happy holiday season and all the best for 2012. This has been an incredible year of photography for me and I am expecting good things in the coming year.

Dreamgirl Jennifer Holliday sang notes to the heavens at Oakland Pride this past Sunday.

I was coming home after a concert and spotted this classic gem on the street. It is a 1970 Olds Cutlass aka “’70 Cuddy.” I could not resist taking a few shots.

Grassroots Composers Ensemble Live at EastSide Arts Alliance – April 2011 – They play great jazz every first Friday of the month.

Trumpeter Khalil Shaheed – Yoshi’s Oakland – April 2010

I have very pleased to announce that my two photos above received Merit Awards in the Visit Oakland 2011 Photo Contest. This is my second year winning so I am very honored. There are 32 winning photos selected from over 600 photos entered. The winning photos will be used to promote Oakland. You can see all the photos I submitted for this year’s contest, here. Big thanks to Visit Oakland!!!

One more rose from the Marcom Rose Garden in Oakland. I was trying out the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 over the weekend. I am really enjoying the lens and want to try out the 85mm f/1.4 lens next.

Cadillac Eldorado – circa 1976 or 77

Another tribute to one of the great land yachts of our time. You were truly stylin’ back in the day if you drove an Eldorado. I had a “play aunt” when I was growing up in Chicago who got a new Caddy every couple of years. Her last one was a Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz, white on white with leather interior. It was a great car and she kept until it went onto car heaven.

I spotted this beauty near Lake Merritt looking weathered but still fighting the good fight.

1966 Plymouth Valiant – Long before there was Volare, there was Valiant!