It’s that time of year again - time to sit down, reflect, and appreciate the journey that the last 365 days have presented…good and bad.

2019 was wild.

I accomplished some huge bucket list goals - like photographing Bob Weir at The Fillmore in New Orleans. I made some pretty incredible connections - spending some time out on the ranch in Luck with Willie Nelson. I spent the year experiencing new festivals I hadn’t attended before (Buku, Bunbury, Railbird, Hinterland, and Luck Reunion) which included wandering about towns I never would have stopped in otherwise. I saw the sun rise in the Great Smoky Mountains and the most beautiful autumn Michigan sunset.

Sound Bites has continued growing throughout the year and I couldn’t be more proud, humbled, and grateful for the team we have built and the opportunities we have been given.

Shit changed.

In June I packed up all my belongings and left Austin in my rear view - heading home to St. Louis.

I fell in love and I got my heart broken.

I didn’t hit my goals of how many festivals I wanted to cover, artists I wanted to interview, or shows I wanted to shoot.

2019 was tough - in the way that every year ends up being tough and LIFE ends up being tough - but it was also wonderful. Sometimes the good bits get lost hanging on to the glum.

This year I learned to take shit on the chin and just keep moving.

Sometimes you just have to let it ride.

So what’s next for 2020?

Next year I will be accomplishing my goals set for interviews, festivals, and shows. I will be more present in my community. I will push myself out of my comfort zone in as many facets as I can come up with. I will read that self-help book, start therapy, and really delve into making myself a better version OF myself.

Goals are only as good as the determination you have to accomplish them - anyone can make a list but to push through and check those boxes means putting in work - and I’m officially ready to make 2020 my b*tch.

 Yesterday, waking up a few hours before first light, my mom and brother loaded up their camper to head back to Alabama after spending the week in Pigeon Forge, TN. We had spent the previous day driving through Cades Cove and, though I’m not sure how it happened, I decided I was going to go up to Clingman’s Dome for sunrise.

Making my way up the mountains in the first hours of morning was intimidating. Listening to Otis Redding, Bill Withers, and Leon Bridges and letting myself become engulfed by this deep sense of peace and wonder. Every so often my stomach would drop when one of the sides of road would become an expanse of blackness, knowing there was nothing on the other side but the edge of the mountain.

I made it to the dome about an hour and a half before sunrise. I spent that time sitting quietly, listening to the wind blow through the highest point in the state of Tennessee, and watching clouds quickly sweep passed.

Making the hike up to the observation deck you could tell it was going to be a foggy morning with impaired views. I spent ten or fifteen minutes at the deck before deciding to pack it in and not waste the sunrise further down the mountain.

I could have sat and waited for the sky to clear - the forecast called for a break in the cloudy skies from 8:00AM to 9:00AM - but instead I headed back down the mountain and took in every moment of that beautiful pink sunrise I could. Sometimes our plans change and we have to decide to take a chance on another time.

  I woke up on Saturday morning with a pit in my stomach - anxiety and hesitation filling the space where excitement and butterflies should have been fluttering about - clouds were looming above spilling their contents, thunder roaring in applause at their efforts, and the threat of tornadoes lingering somewhere backstage. Despite my worries I laid out my clothes, took a long shower, and got ready. When you’re headed to a place called Luck you’re bound to have a twist of fate in your favor - and lucky is what we were when the storms passed quicker than the morning meteorologist report anticipated, the potential for tornadoes nothing more than a blustering wind.

I pulled up to the ranch gate, greeted by my check-in. “Have you been here before?” Yes. “So you know your way around?” A smile and a flicker of delight in my chest at my reply that yes, I did know my way around the ranch at Luck, TX.

I’d been invited to sit in on a taping of an exclusive SiriusXM special with Willie Nelson, his daughter Paula, and his friend and producer Buddy Cannon. We were being treated to a sneak preview of Willie’s new album Ride Me Back Home and an interview between Paula and, as she tenderly called her father, her “Papa Bear”.

The Chapel in Luck, TX is adorned on the outside with the beautiful weathering of time, ivy hugging her sides gently. The inside of the chapel, decorated with wheat stalk crosses, garland made of strips of fabric embellished with pendants lining the windows, pews that creak and moan with the stir of those inhabiting them, and a stage no bigger than the average area rug.  As the afternoon sun, our only source of light, shone through the open windows, it’s warm color causing everything to glow, you felt as though you were in the midst of something magical...and you were.

The room was full - I can’t recall my exact count but it was around 50 - bodies shoulder to shoulder inhabiting each of the twelve pews. Fifty people hanging on to each note played to us, each story told, not a single soul distracted or letting a moment pass without their undivided attention.

The following hour and a half the intimate crowd was treated to a sneak preview of some tracks from Nelson’s new album, Ride Me Back Home, with interview questions and anecdotes peppering the time in between.

Sonny Throckmorton, a legend in his own right who has had over 1,000 of his songs recorded by various country artists and the man behind the pen of the title track “Ride Me Back Home”, explained that Willie’s horses living on the ranch inspired the song. Throckmorton said having the title-track was a great honor and when Willie broke in saying they should do a full album he chuckled and responded, “Are we starting now?” Willie spoke lovingly of those rescue horses, 70 of which he saved from slaughter, which are hand-fed twice a day and were saved with the help of Habitat for Horses.

There are a couple of covers on the album including Guy Clark’s “Immigrant Eyes”. When asked about the song Willie said, “It’s a good song, appropriate for these times and the problems we’re having around the border. It explains it well.” Another is an adaptation of Billy Joel’s “Just The Way You Are” that was recorded for a Billy Joel tribute album that was never completed. Buddy Cannon mentioned that he’d received a note from Joel after he’d heard the recording thanking him for “breathing new life into the old song”. One of my favorite tracks on the record is a cover of Mac Davis’ “Hard to Be Humble” in collaboration with his sons Lukas and Micah - the trio performed the song at this years Luck Reunion. Willie led the chapel audience in a sing-a-long before concluding the interview.

Ride Me Back Home is due out in June of this year.

 Thursday I had the delight of going to Willie Nelson’s ranch to cover Luck Reunion. The event grounds is the set of his 1983 movie ‘The Red Headed Stranger’ and it was as surreal as it sounds. 

One of the artists I HAD to watch was Nathaniel Rateliff doing a solo set at the Chapel which holds about 40-50 people packed like sardines - and that number feels gracious. His set time was 8 so I headed to the press area at 7:30 to secure my spot. 

Unbeknownst to me the set time had been pushed up to 7-7:40 and had Nathaniel not been in the middle of performing “Three Fingers In” I might not have even realized. I tried making my way through the back staff entrance but was denied since the performance had started. I walked around to the front door and was greeted with “I’ve been waiting here two hours and I’m standing at the door, you’re not getting in.” So in a last ditch effort I kindly asked people if I could squeeze by to a window. I tried shooting between heads but it just wasn’t working. I noticed someone with a press badge standing inside within arms length so I removed my camera and tapped him on the leg a few times trying to get his attention and see if he would grab a couple quick shots for me. He didn’t notice. 

Then, in my first brush with luck, the gentleman I was reaching past offered me his hand and said he would help pull me up into the small space he created between himself and the window beside him - the woman behind him offered to hold my camera. I climbed through a window of Luck Chapel right before Nathaniel started the last song of his set. 

There was no time to check my settings - I relied on faith and the hope that I could correct any issues in post-editing. A few times during Nathaniel’s final song I had to stop, steady my breath, and wipe the tears from my face. A sentiment that was strong in the crowded room - even Rateliff himself was crying. 

When the performance was finished I thanked the people who had pulled me up from the window and gave each a hug - “You were crying as much as he was, it was so beautiful to see. I’m so glad we pulled you through that window.” 

Leaving the small chapel and stepping back into the warmth of the sunlight felt like a baptism. No matter what god you do or do not believe in, when you come to Willie’s place prepare to be taken to church.

 The weeks leading up to a new year are always pensive - a time to reflect on the things you did well and what you could have done better. But there’s a feeling of finality this year - like the closing of a chapter - and as I lay in my bed listening to a thunderstorm pass over Austin I can’t help but wonder what is to come. The promise of a fresh start lifting the fog that had clouded my mind and dampened my spirits.

This Will Be Our Year, a song by The Zombies on Spotify

This year has been one of the most difficult and most rewarding years of my life.

I accomplished more than I ever could have imagined - prepare for the braggadocio. In March I started Sound Bites Media LLC which has grown to include 27 contributors in four different countries. June brought Girls To The Photo Pit - a networking group for women and non-binary photographers in the concert photography world - which has grown to 334 members and has become such a welcoming and supportive environment. In my first full year as a photographer I captured over 100 artists. I covered Hangout Music Festival, Forecastle Festival, Float Fest, and Gulf Coast Jam. After many, many years I covered my first Warped Tour - which happened to be the final cross-country event. I accepted my first two weddings and got to document the marriage of some of my favorite people.

Let’s talk about 2019. In the new year I’m going to expand my brand and myself to include lifestyle and travel blogging. I will expand my photography to more portraiture, landscapes, weddings, and hopefully video. I will be more present on social media and look forward to mentoring when and where I can. I will read more books, work on my Italian, and focus on my mental health and work-life balance. I’m going to slow down and appreciate all these moments small and large that I am often moving too quickly to appreciate. The moments when you finally stop moving at a show and then the show moves you. When you become so overwhelmed by the magic that you get to be a part of that you can’t help but get choked up. 2019 is going to be incredible and I can’t wait to get it started with all of you.

I’ve added my 18 favorite photos - I think - from 2018 below. Hope you like them.

 There is something quite spectacular about Savannah. The oldest city in Georgia is quaint and modest even though it attracts millions of visitors each year. Home to cobblestone streets, parks, notable historic buildings, and a downtown area which is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the US Savannah, GA has something to appeal to every type of traveler.

We ended up seeing classic tourist spots like Wormsloe Plantation, Forsyth Park, Bonaventure Cemetery, and Cathedral of St. John the Baptiste. All of which were absolutely gorgeous and well worth the effort to see.

As fun as it was "playing tourist" we knew the real heart of Savannah would be found by hitting the streets. Over the course of the three day weekend we had a pretty solid list of Savannah bars under our belt.

Bay Street Blues is a dive. The low ceilings are covered with individually decorated tiles, the $1 jello shots were abundant, and the local band was up to snuff. 

Treylor Park had a pretty diverse beer menu, to my excitement there was more than one sour beer to choose from. The staff was knowledgeable and encouraged you to try new brews.

Abe's on Lincoln is an adorable, wait for it, Abe Lincoln themed bar with napkin drawings of my favorite President covering the front room. Be warned, the bartenders definitely favor their regulars and the music didn't fit the vibe of the bar.

The Rail Pub was a fun little spot with friendly bartenders and a lovely patio.

Churchill's Gastropub and Taphouse was gorgeous and the bites were delicious. If we'd gone earlier in our makeshift pub crawl it's likely I would have enjoyed myself more but this tipsy rock chick was not feeling the "suits" atmosphere. 

Kevin Barry's Irish Pub appeared like a mirage after stumbling about on the cobblestone street in the historic west end of River Street. This authentic pub has been featured on top 5 pubs to spend St. Paddy's Day lists and is listed as one of America's top 10 Irish pubs. Cozy up to a side of the warmly lit center bar and listen to live music every night.

My must eats list is short, because with a belly full of beer my appetite was puny, but important. I demand that you eat brunch at B. Matthew's Eatery, oysters at Sorry Charlie's, and pizza from Sweet Melissa's (because I didn't get to). Seriously, you will be back to thank me.

Savannah is one of those places that feels like home right when you get there, whether it's your first time or your hundredth. The city itself is full of beautiful old architecture, lush green parks, and arching live oaks shrouded by drapes of Spanish moss making it both charming and distinctive to the South.

 Chicago and I have a love affair. No matter how much time you spend in the city you can always stumble across something new. For me, every trip is entirely different from the last as I try to focus on a new neighborhood. This time we focused on the up-and-coming Wicker Park and knocked out some "touristy" spots that I had always been too stubborn to visit.

Holiday Jones is conveniently located on W. Division in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. When you step out of the front door you're within walking distance from live music and nightlife, amazing eats, and art. Whether you're looking for a latte and some tasty macarons (Alliance Bakery) or to dig through records (Reckless Records) this neighborhood has you covered. When you want to hop downtown to take care of some of the must-see tourist spots all you have to do is walk a block and hop on the "L". The hostel has an accompanying café and a guest lounge in the basement if you need to pass some time before check-in but you have the option of dropping off your luggage if you can't wait to explore. The staff were hip to the neighborhood and gave some awesome recommendations on where to go. This was my first stay at a hostel and I am definitely hooked.

If you're debating between the Skydeck and 360 Bar the views are both breathtaking but the glass boxes of Skydeck and their panoramic view of the city hold more appeal than 360's Tilt. The Bean and the sprawling Buckingham Fountain are both a visitor's "must-do" and are within walking distance of the Tower. Shedd Aquarium and Museum of Science and Industry are great family-friendly spots but are something I probably could have passed on. It is worth noting that the Museum of Science and Industry is located at one of the original sites of the Chicago World's Fair, something I was definitely interested in seeing after reading The Devil in the White City, but the interior of the building is completely modern.

It took three trips to Chicago for me to get inside Field Museum and after now I regret not stopping by every time I've been. Getting to see Sue alone makes the admission price worthwhile but there is certainly no shortage of things to see. The exhibits are captivating, informative, and appeal to all age groups. The temporary but extensive exhibit on tattoos was a personal favorite.

Chicago is home to some of the most talented street artists. JC Rivera, The Bear Champ, and Joseph "Sentrock" Perez were two that I discovered and fell in love with this trip. After oogling the painted walls make sure to pop by Galerie F on N. Milwaukee for a pint-sized piece or print to take home, wherever that may be.

Jeremy Piven once said "My heart beats differently when I'm in Chicago. It slows down and I feel more at ease." I think Jeremy nailed it.