natalie merchant–a benefit concert for wamc at the colonial theatre, pittsfield, ma (albany event photographer)
My blog posts up until now have featured our wedding photography, but this time, I’m heading in another direction entirely. In addition to weddings, I do quite a bit of public relations work with various organizations, and one that I’m really proud to be associated with is WAMC Northeast Public Radio. I’ve been an underwriter on the station for a while now, but more to the point, I really love the people there and what they do. I always say that I never turn on 90.3 without learning something new and interesting–whether the subject is news, politics, health, books, or whatever, they do a fantastic job and it’s an incredible source of information and entertainment.
But Tom, what about Natalie? She’s a longtime resident of the Hudson Valley, and loves the station, too. As part of the Fall 2011 fundraising effort, Natalie offered to do a benefit concert, with the proceeds going to the station. Very cool of her, to say the least! I’m not sure how the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, MA was chosen as the venue, but what a fabulous place it is for a show like this. I’ve loved Natalie’s music since her days with 10,000 Maniacs–she has a unique and beautiful voice, and she’s a great musician and lyricist. In addition to a lot of her classics, Natalie also sang some of her newer material, children’s poems that she has set to music…unusual, maybe, but they’re beautiful, and made for a nice juxtaposition with her more well-known work.
Opening the show were Elizabeth Mitchell and Daniel Littleton of the band Ida…check them out, too. Her voice, the harmonies and guitars…gorgeous! She even played a harmonium…bet you don’t know what that is!
Uh-oh…suffice it to say that I’m no music critic, so I won’t try to start now. For me, it was a great night–hope you enjoy the photos!