Friday, February 25, 2011

Elton John sings his hits to a happy sold out crowd on Maui

The new glass topped outdoorvenue at the MACC called the Yokouchi Pavilion was sold out for the first of two shows by Sir Elton John who christened the beautifully designed venue with a huge show full of lights, incredible music and anenthusiastic Maui crowd.The new venue glowed like a Christmas tree with all the new lights shining through the glass roof and stage lights flashing back on the crowd of well over 5,000 lucky ticket holders.Sir Elton made a grand entrance onto the stage and wowed the crowd with his first piano song "Funeral for a Friend" which lasted 11 minutes.
I was right down in front along with the other official professional photographer for the concert, Amanda Cowan, from the Maui News.
Amanda shot and scored with several images on the front page and section of the Maui News today. It's always a pleasure shooting with other photographers who know how to capture a show and Amanda is no exception!
Sir Elton played to the crowd who instantly stood and gave a warm Maui welcome for the returning musical icon. The crowd was actually on their feet every time Elton played a song, dancing and waving their arms and singing along to all of his hits.
The GA section in the bleachers was the best chorus!!Elton offset his high energy songs with a couple of ballads on the piano which just made the show by the super star even more endearing. Happy fans snapped up red flashing sunglasses and Elton John t shirts from every era of his career from the Merchandise tents.I think I found my true calling. I love shooting concerts and am a huge supporter of the arts and arts education on Maui.
The MACC asked me to start shooting concerts and events there 3 years ago and I am forever grateful for the chance to be part of a collective positive energy. The staff and volunteers at the MACC work harder than any team I have ever met, with long hours and high stress situations, they always handle everything in stride and with a smile. What a joy to work with such a great crew! I am truly blessed to be part of the MACC family. It's always fun to be part of something that brings positive energy, smile, laughter and dancing to our island community.
Thank you, Sir Elton John, Art Vento at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Tom Moffat Productions and the hard working staff, crew and volunteers at the MACC for bringing such incredible musical talent to our island. We truly appreciate it and look forward to the next show!

A hui hou,
Aubrey

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Sir Elton John shows begin tonight on Maui at the MACC

We are honored to have the esteemed and uber-talented Sir Elton John playing two shows on the island of Maui at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center starting tonight. Elton John will be christening the spectacular newest outdoor venue at the MACC called the Yokouchi Pavilion. I will be alongside my friend and fellow photographer, Amanda Cowan, from the Maui News, shooting the concert. For those of you lucky ticket holders, enjoy the show!!

Images coming soon....

A hui hou,
Aubrey

Sunday, February 20, 2011

DAUGHTRY Returns to Tour on Maui

The rock band DAUGHTRY came of a well-earned vacation to start their tour on Maui.
The band played at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center Friday, February 18th to a sold out audience at the Castle Theater.
Rocker Chris Daughtry is possibly best known for his fourth place in the fifth season of American Idol, and he can totally hold an audience with his strong vocal range and a group of bandmates who never quit.
His performance was non-stop energy and filled with hit songs like "Home" and the grammy nominated song" It's Not Over." Filling the Castle Theater with a huge fan base, DAUGHTRY had the audience on their feet singing along right off the bat and they didn't quit until after several encores.
What a show!
Welcome back to the road DAUGHTRY! Thanks for stopping by our little island.

A hui hou,
Aubrey
aubrey@aubreyhord.com
www.aubreyhord.com

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Maui Wedding Photographer - Romancing the island


Congratulations to Heather and Jason who tied the knot on the island with the ringing in of the new year!






The couple was married at the private wedding lawn oceanside at Kaanapali Beach Hotel and then headed out with us a few days later on an island wide photo session at some of the most scenic destinations for some fun romantic shots. We also were fortunate to have a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Anny Heid Flowers to brighten the shots and add to the romance.

Heather and Jason were seamless in their movements together and totally fun to be around. We had lots of laughter all afternoon moving from location to location and made it to the last location just before sunset. So congratulations and best wishes to a couple who makes my job easy! I love my clients!

A hui hou,
Aubrey

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Makana and Barry Flanagan highlight Solo Sessions at the MACC

One of the great venues at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center is the McCoy Theater located just off to the side of the MACC. It's a great intimate venue for enjoying music and small performances on the island. It's been a wonderful venue for Solo Sessions which features Hawaiian musicians on slack key guitar or ukulele and gives the audience a chance to interact with the musician, many of whom have become world famous but still come back to Hawaii to perform. It's a terrific way to just close your eyes and enjoy music up close and personal with the great acoustics of the theater too.
I had the opportunity to shoot two recent Solo Sessions at the MACC featuring the slack key music of Barry Flanagan and Makana.
Each brought up friends at one point during the session to join them onstage for a few songs which made it even more exciting.
The young 16 yr old Maui singer, Lily Meola, also joined in with Makana to sing the song "Hallelujah". The MACC has done a terrific job of pulling in the some of the top acoustic acts in the state to this tiny venue and allowing us, the audience, to interact with the musicians and then enjoy their music. It feels more like you are in the artist's living room instead of in a theater. More Solo Sessions to come- check the MACC website for updated event listings.

A hui hou,
Aubrey
www.aubreyhord.com