Rolling Down The Backroads - Tour Photography with Ali McGuirk
Summertime rolling around means highways to be rolled down. There's nearly nothing I love more than backroads in May, just as flowers are in full bloom, trees are as green as they'll ever get, and nature and life are awakening.
The music feels a bit of the same, with an energy that strikes in the late spring/early summer that carries an air of optimism and hope.
Night 01: Troy, NY
With Beau Sasser on keys, Justin Henricks on guitar, and Brandon Mayes on drums.
I joined Ali McGuirk on the road during this time as tour manager and photographer for a run of shows from Troy, New York, to western Massachusetts, and finally culminated in a euphoric set at Boston Calling in Cambridge, Massachusetts. My responsibilities on the road were logistical and supportive while also having an air of artisanal. I'd plot the route through GPS, deciding bridges or ferries, back roads or highways, and jump in the driver’s seat while Ali rested up, recovering from feeling rough. Arriving at the shows, I dealt with scheduling, helping get the stage up and running with equipment, and figuring out things such as food, drinks, and where and when the backend management stuff was dealt with. Once the show began, I ran the merch table and snuck around to photograph some of the set when I got a chance. Some days were easier, such as with Troy, NY for example. I had it easy then.
Day 02: Strangecreek Music Festival
With Sebastian Falvo on guitar, Cilla Bonnie on bass, and Brandon Mayes on drums.
Greenfield, MA
When Sunday rolled around with Boston Calling, it was full-on management mode with a million beck-and-calls from all directions. From dealing with guest list issues to making sure our video team made it through the gates, to ensuring everyone had what they needed to perform their best, it was truly a wild ride.
What made it all worth it was jumping in that photo pit during Ali's set and just seeing the whole band absolutely light up that stage. The show was unmatched and the crowd's energy was unreal. Boston Calling really showed up.
Day 03: Boston Calling
With Sebastian Falvo on guitar, Cilla Bonnie on bass, and Brandon Mayes on drums. Dancing by Calvin Tsang, Chloe, Claire, and choreographed by Beth Marcia.
Cambridge, MA
Ali is an insane badass and I have so much endless respect for her. The whole week she was feeling rough, sleeping nearly every moment she wasn't on stage all Friday and Saturday. That didn't stop her though. She just got up right on stage when it was time to play, and in the case of Saturday, played a full 90-minute set in the dusty, blistering heat and delivered a wonderful performance. I know I couldn't do that, and I can't imagine many others who could.
Such an honor to hit the road for such a beautiful weekend, flex some management muscles, snap some photos, and meet some incredible people.
