Ryan Bingham at the Taft Theater
Back in action and feeling rejuvenated.
I must say it was nice taking a short break, but I was also extremely excited to capture the Ryan Bingham and Honeyhoney show at the Taft Theater in Cincinnati.
If I am being completely honest, I was more excited to photograph opening band Honeyhoney and to try to capture the sheer beauty of Suzanne Santo.
Upon seeing her in person, the pictures did not lie. She is gorgeous – and more importantly amazingly talented.
Suzanne Santo of Honeyhoney
The band — violinist, banjo player and vocalist Santo, and guitarist and drummer Ben Jaffe — played a selection of songs off their album Billy Jack and left the crowd wanting more. Their rockin-country-folk-Americana sound weaved slow melodic ballads in with hard-driving bluegrass-rock. They did not disappoint.
I also loved the fact that the band went out to the merch booth after their set to meet their fans. They were very down-to-earth and both seemed sincerely interested in their supporters. It definitely made me like them more. AND all of this was the opening act.
The headliner was Ryan Bingham who has taken his act on the road without his long-time backing band the Dead Horses.
Bingham always raises eyebrows from people who have never seen him live as he is very thin and sinewy, with a scruffy beard and a cowboy hat. Then he sings.
His voice is sandpaper rough and very strong. It definitely does not look like the voice that should come out of this person.
Bingham started quickly with Guess Who’s Knockin’? and did not let up for the entire set. The crowd was filled with obvious fans, and most were on their feet the entire time (despite the extremely intimate feel).
To be honest, I was surprised the show was not sold out, but I hope that doesn’t dissuade Bingham and Honeyhoney from coming back around to the area.
I know that I am definitely looking forward to seeing Bingham again soon at the Hangout Music Festival.
Rhythm of the Region 