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The
In My Backpack Photo Gallery was created so that I could
share some of my pictures. The simple reality is that I have always
considered myself a writer with a camera. Over time, while the
writing has remained the primary focus of my efforts, I've found
more and more often that having a camera with me on some projects...
and an ability to capture a moment or two... has served me well.
When people began asking to use some of my images, I was honored
by the requests. It soon became apparent that sharing a few pictures
on the web site might be a decent idea.
The
pictures in this gallery are all photographs that I have personally
taken.
Each
of the sections contains a bit of information... such as details
about the performer or event, when the pictures were taken, and
often links that may lead you to interviews I've conducted or
associated web sites. I hope you'll take a moment to find out
more about each of the fantastic people that are shown here, as
well as details about any special events or subjects that may
be included. These are amazingly talented individuals, and I know
that if you have a chance to see them perform you will be very
happy you took the time to attend the show.
***
Quick little note... All of the material presented on
this site, whether text or pictures, is the copyrighted property
of Bob Hocking, and may not be used for any purpose, in any
form, without the express written consent of Bob. That includes
all of the images in these galleries. Several
of the individuals that I will be including in this section,
as well as groups such as Legends
in Concert, have
been kind enough to use many of these photographs on their web
sites and in other places. For the sake of simplicity, all rights
are retained by me and use of these images without obtaining
permission should be considered denied. (Thank you for understanding.)
***
| Chris
VanDahl |
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An In My Backpack
interview participant |
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As a performer, Chris VanDahl is the complete package
-- he doesn't just take command of a stage... he grabs
it, fills it beyond capacity with thunder and electricity,
and thrives on delivering audiences to experiences beyond
their wildest expectations.
He has been compared to Steven Tyler throughout his
career, and he currently offers stunning efforts as
both Tyler and Aerosmith as a featured performer with
the casts of Legends in Concert and with his
efforts as a member of the world-class tribute band
Aeromyth.
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| Princess
Diana |
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A Wife, A Mother, A Princess, A Legend.
Those are the words used to sum up the
award-winning exhibition - Diana: A Celebration.
And, quite frankly, all four simple words... wife... mother...
princess... legend... are about as wonderfully descriptive
as you could ever select for capturing this fascinating
and beautiful woman that charmed the entire world. Millions
of words have been written about her... millions of people
have found her enchanting... and yet only a single word
needs to be mentioned to create chills and memories...
Diana
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The award-winning exhibition - Diana:
A Celebration - has concluded its run after more
than a decade of shows that involved stops around the
world.
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New
York State
Chinese Lantern Festival
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The New York State Chinese Lantern Festival
arrived on the New York State Fairgrounds in April 2017
for a run that lasted into late June.
Offering a stunning display of artistic
effort and craftsmanship along with some wonderful stage
performances, the festival was a fantastic way to spend
an evening.
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| Bruce
in the USA |
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Led by Matt Ryan, Bruce in the USA
features an incredible collection of top-notch musicians
that deliver emotional, powerful, and professional efforts
from the first note of a show through the last. Matt was
a regular with Legends in Concert when the idea
to create a full “Springsteen and E Street” experience
was being kicked around. Today, Bruce in the USA provides
the best tribute artist effort in recognition of Bruce
Springsteen and the E Street Band that you will ever see.
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| Brigitte
Valdez |
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Brigitte is an amazing performer...
a true powerhouse that electrifies audiences with an incredible
voice. She has been a member of Legends in Concert
since 2002, dropping jaws with her incredible tribute
to Celine Dion.
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| Brian
McCullough |
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Brian McCullough is known internationally
as one of the finest tribute artists in the world. For
almost two decades he has been a featured cast member
with Legends in Concert.
He has an incredible voice and a soft-spoken
charisma that immediately charms and connects with audiences.
While watching him on stage, you can't help but feel
he is exactly where he wants to be, is loving every
moment, and that your enjoyment of the show is the key
element in his enjoyment of performing. And when it
comes to performing, he is damn good.
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| Sara
Hickey |
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A wonderful singer and a beautiful
woman, Sara is working hard to establish herself in the
music business. Her efforts to date have been recognized
as a member of Legends in Concert, where she
has been on stage with a tribute for Carrie Underwood.
Not one to shy away from a challenge -- as a tribute artist
she has also performed songs by Dolly Parton and Patsy
Cline.
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| Kevin
Mills |
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Look over Kevin’s accomplishments and
it won’t take you very long to realize that he is one
of the very best in the world at what he does professionally…
and that is performing as an Elvis Presley tribute artist.
He has been recognized with accolades and awards pretty
much since the very first time he performed as Elvis,
and the applause has only grown louder… the praise has
only become stronger. Kevin is incredibly versatile with
his portrayal of the King, expertly covering the ground
from the Louisiana Hayride days and early Elvis
of the 50s, through the movie years and the Comeback
Special, and ultimately into the iconic jumpsuit
of Las Vegas and Aloha From Hawaii.
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| Art
Vargas |
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Vegas Cool. It’s a state of mind. An
image that transcends time. A powerful connection between
people and a laid back emotion. And let there be no
mistake… put Art Vargas on a stage, back him with The
Swank Set, and… yeah… Art is Vegas Cool.
Art has been knocking audiences for
loops... keeping fingers snappin', toes tappin', and
crowds swingin'... in the old school, vintage Vegas
way. In addition to performing with his band, The Swank
Set, he has been a cast member of Legends in Concert
-- delivering a widely acclaimed tribute to Bobby Darin.
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| Kelly
Smith |
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Kelly Smith has performed
across the country... and literally around the world...
entertaining people with an incredible stage presence
and a fabulous voice. She has delivered tribute performances
as Cher and Shania Twain, and provided the singing voice
of Cher for the movie And The Beat Goes On:
The Sonny and Cher Story.
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| Christina
Shaw |
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Christina is a talented woman that
currently performs professional tribute acts for a number
of singers, including Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears,
and Faith Hill. (And… she has recently begun to add Lady
Gaga to her resume.) Two things stand out from any performance…
her strong vocals and the undeniable enjoyment she takes
from being on stage. The pictures in Christina’s gallery
here were taken during performances with Legends in
Concert in August and September of 2010.
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| Tom
Sadge |
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I've had the chance to see Tom perform
twice to date, and the easiest description I can offer
is that the man has a fantastic voice. There is a depth
and power to it that makes him a natural, and he has worked
in radio on the air. Singing is a passion for him, and
he brings a great combination of energy, pride and showmanship
to the stage. His tribute for Neil Diamond is simply incredible.
You would be hard-pressed to find a nicer individual or
more professional entertainer.
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| Tommy
Emmanuel |
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Breathtaking... brilliant... outstanding...
dynamic... incredible... just a few of the words you could
use in describing Tommy, and those don't even begin to
provide the credit he deserves. Widely regarded as one
of the finest guitarists to ever play, he is a creative
and unique professional that excels whether you are listening
to a recording or watching him live... and understand,
a Tommy Emmanuel live show is simply beyond compare. It
is a rollicking, thrilling, emotional experience that
will have your heart pounding and leave all of your senses
dazzled. The pictures in this gallery were taken in September
of 2009.
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| Ines
Zak |
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Ines has performed around the world...
and left thrilled audiences at every show. The images
in this gallery were taken in July of 2010 while she delivered
a tribute as Shakira for Legends in Concert.
She is also widely recognized for her outstanding performance
as Gloria Estefan. In addition to these efforts, Ines
continues to tour with groups like Monroe Powell and The
Platters. Her smile, powerful singing voice, and overall
personality earn praise at every turn.
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