Monday, April 28, 2014

Butler Co. Bayou, Turtles, Tulips, Misc



 Along side the Hamilton-Fairfield Airport is Gilmore Ponds Metro Park. Lots of birds could be 'heard' but were hiding amongst the swamp trees and surrounding thicket.  Our first time there but nice trail. Better hurry.  From May to October it's easy to see why this swamp is a known major mosquito haven!






 *Click on any photo to enlarge them*


 Friend took the old Wiedemann trailer, abandoned in a lot, and the two turtle pics, and the fern.




Tulips and pansies from the home yard.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Sylvain Acher and Frenchaxe in Hamilton, Ohio

Sometimes, you read about a local band for a long time, but you don't get to see them perform.   For me, it's health/gravity issues that keep me home too much, so when I do venture out, I hope it's worth it.



Folks, I'm here to tell you that  French Axe was indeed, worth it as I was enchanted with their style.

   We first sat towards the back, but when people sat in front of us, we could not see and it was a really great turn out.   It wasn't until my friend and I stood up that we spotted the drummer!  We  knew we heard him but it was a mystery.  


Sylvain Acher and  French Axe were  fantastic! Sylvain was endearing with his accent and we enjoyed his brief stories, with hand gesturing, between songs, as well as his astute musicianship on the guitar and singing.  We wished we understood French--  as he sings in his home language, but good music always transcends the language.

Fellow accordionist and keyboard player Rob Allgeyer added to this quartet, as did stand up bass player Eric Sayer, and drummer/percussionist Mark Milliron.




**Click on any photo to enlarge it**

I took way too  many photos, as usual,  and it was easiest to see Sylvain. I got up and moved around the best I could without being annoying or distracting (I hope!) but I could’ve photographed these guys all night. I enjoyed watching the drummer (a fan of drum brushes)  the accordionist/keyboard player was fun to watch and an upright bass player? Well, that is always a treat.

 The music was at times, Parisian, Caribbean,  Brazilian....then other world flavors were mixed into this special musical recipe that is Frenchaxe




 


Visit their website for some biographies on the band, band contacts, CD and video information. Frenchaxe

Here is an interview online with Sylvain from last year at WVXU
 http://wvxu.org/post/sylvain-archer-shop-owner-and-musician

Here is a lovely video medley of some their songs. I LOVE This! Go to youtube if this doesn't work on your tablet!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFgzmhOn-Vs&noredirect=1




 If you do facebook here is  the link to Frenchaxe so go like their page. Right now!


Enjoy the pictures and feel free to leave a comment. *waves hello* ~~Sophia
P.S. I Moderate comments before they appear to control the riff raff.