I left the Sleeping People show feeling wide awake, but I knew I had to get up early-ish the next day to get to the Karl Strauss Headquarters so I didn't stay too long and chat. This would be only my second time shooting with a photo pass (thanks Sezio.org!), so I wanted to get there nice and early to beat any possible crowds. I ended up having a full hour to kill before the music started. At least there was good beer!

Delta Spirit was up first.





Not bad, but not really my thing.







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Local reggae heavyweights Stranger took the stage next, and they had the bass cranking.



Standing right in front of the subwoofers was fun, they almost took over my breathing.





The horn section was a great addition. They added color to the already energetic jams, as well as some on-stage fun.



By this time, my five shot-glass-size tasters had run out, and I had a very slight buzz on. Luckily, my all-access pass got me up on stage, and right by a VIP-only cooler with Tower 10 IPA and Amber Lager on tap. Self serve, all you can drink. Aww yeah.... too bad I had to drive.



I met the bass player, Tilly, later on. I didn't ask him why, but I think he wears gloves to get a bit less top end and a more rounded tone. Tilly, if you're reading this, try using La Bella Nylon wound strings. They're what I use for a deep tone with a less brittle high-end and no string noise. And they last for years.



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So by this point, I'd had a couple beers and was feeling fine, if not totally in tune with the music. I had some fish tacos, checked out some of the booths, shot some photos of cute girls with ugly tattoos, and wasn't really expecting much more in general. But then I saw Get Back Loretta's set.
 


This band is seriously good. Very Beatles-esque, which comes up in every review, but that's just because it really is that catchy.



Stephen's got a great voice, and it's all very upbeat, danceable music. I would go see these guys again, even Heather would like them.



They're all comfortable on stage and with each other, especially since the guitarist and drummer are brothers.





Yeah, I don't see the resemblance.



And then, my favorite shot of the day:



I think that captures their performance right there.

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Tapes n Tapes was the national act headlining, but I don't think they fully lived up to their predecessor's show.



The crowd liked them just fine, they're were just a bit more mainstream than my taste.











All in all, it was a fun afternoon. I was happy to shoot this show for Zack Nielsen at Sezio since I like what they're doing over there, and Heather and I had our wedding reception at the Karl Strauss in Sorrento Valley a couple years ago. That was the last time I had an open bar at Karl Strauss and couldn't fully enjoy it, just like this time. Who wants to be my DD next year?