It was a huge and magical night of music as some of the most talented and respected musicians on the planet gathered to celebrate the life, musical legacy (and what would have been the 40th birthday) of Prog rock drummer/percussionist extraordinaire Paul Kopecky, who was taken far too soon on June 22nd, 2009 by complications from Juvenile Diabetes.
What made the evening all the more special was that all proceeds went to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in an effort to help kick this diseases ass once and for all. The door, merch sales, raffles ... everything! If you'd like to help the cause just click on that JDRF link above.
Positively awesome sets were preformed by Lyden Moon, Fibonacci Sequence, SpiderXXX, Far Corner and Secret Society of Starfish before the highlight of the evening, a re-united Kopecky ... in varied and surprising forms!
First, brothers William and Joe performed three Kopecky songs with various guest musicians who had played earlier, namely Dan Jung (Lyden Moon), Craig Walkner (Far Corner) and Chris Vincent (Starfish) on drums along with Dan Maske and Angela Schmidt (also Far Corner) on keyboards and cello respectfully. Pretty cool, but they had only just begun!
For the next set of Kopecky songs, Paul's drum kit was brought center stage, a projection screen was dropped, Paul's drum tracks from past Kopecky recordings were fired up and — in spirit — Kopecky was together again for one last time.
Paul's birthday was toasted ... three fabulous Kopecky songs were played ... and Paul was there in spirit. He just was! It was perhaps the most touching, emotional and kick-ass 45 minutes of music I've ever had the pleasure to witness.
There are far too many people to thank for allowing me to be a small part of this special evening. I'd forget someone. You know who you are ... for your graciousness, kindness, support and most of all your art, I thank you.
R.I.P.: Paul Kopecky
To view full sized images from this fabulous show simply click on the slide show above or right here.
Slainte,
Gareth — The Celtic Camera Photography
3 comments:
Excellent images Gareth - must have been a special night! Great stuff!
I am BLOWN away Gareth! What a GREAT set of images here my friend, top drawer! You really managed to capture the essence of the concert and bring it to us for us all to enjoy. Absolutely fabulous work.
Love the shots with the blue light off to the right. Awesome stuff Gareth.
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