Coppess Audio ready to help

If you are in need of audio recording services, live sound production, still photography or video production, Coppess Audio in Minneapolis can help!

Several years of experience in recording and production, touring with live sound production for Cherry Gun, and photography and video of acts like Aerosmith, KISS, Hairball, Overstrike and more have honed Cody Coppess' skills. Check out his work at Coppess Audio.

Hairball, Mitchell, SD

On Saturday, April 13, 2013, the Mitchell Camera Club hosted the second annual South Dakota Camera Club Roundup. Photographers from across the state gathered to take pictures of a variety of topics, capped off with a concert by the 80s arena rock tribute band "Hairball."

I spent some time in the dressing room with the band, behind the stage, and even a brief moment ON the stage when Rockstar Bob said, "Come with me" during his Alice Cooper act.

 

You can find more Hairball photos scattered throughout this blog, or by clicking here.

Jim Curry tribute to John Denver, Pierre, SD

Jim Curry brought the "Music of John Denver" tribute show to the Riggs High School Auditorium on April 18, 2013. The physical resemblance and heartfelt singing make Jim the top John Denver tribute act in the world.

 

I saw Jim perform at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado in 2012 and wasn't going to miss another chance to hear his tribute.

 

Making the Pierre performance even more special was the addition of videos projected behind the band during "Matthew" and "Calypso" that were the same ones John Denver used in his concerts, including several televised specials back in the 1970s. I remember vividly the first time I saw John Denver on TV and that "Matthew" video plays in my head each time I hear the song.

 

For more information about the Jim Curry tribute show and a concert schedule, check out www.jimcurrymusic.com.

Hairball, South Dakota

After photographing "Hairball's" concert at the Ramkota Exhibit Hall in Sioux Falls, SD on January 19, 2013 there were definitely enough photos in my collection to put together this fun slide show of their amazing stage show.

If you have missed my earlier posts about "Hairball" you may not know that their brand of arena rock from the 1980s and 1990s features three lead singers in full costume rotating time on stage. They do great versions of KISS, Alice Cooper, Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, etc.

These photos are from the 2013 show, a 2012 show at the same venue and 2011 shows from Mitchell and Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Living Christmas Tree, Aberdeen, SD

Holiday programs don't usually make my concert blog, but the 25th Annual Living Christmas Tree concert in Aberdeen, South Dakota was definitely worthy. Great singing and musicians, plus an elaborate stage and light show were a highlight of my holiday photography so far this year.

Brule, Sioux Falls

Brule added both musicianship and tribal dance to the 2012 Festival of Cultures in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on June 16. Despite very hot temperatures, the festival was well-attended and provided a look at the cultural diversity making up South Dakota's largest city.

Brennan Rock & Roll Academy opening in Sioux Falls

If you are in the Sioux Falls area this afternoon, you've got a unique free opportunity to witness the beginning of a community-minded music school, see one of the region's most popular bands, and maybe mingle with rock and roll hall of famers.

The Brennan Rock & Roll Academy will hold it's "Ground Rocking" at 3:45 pm today at 900 West 11th Street in Sioux Falls.

Among the ceremonies are a mini-concert by Kory and the Fireflies and appearance by Alice Cooper and maybe more musical surprises.



Kory is the Rock & Roll Ambassador for this brand new venture and has been consulting and co-creating since it's inception. Former Sioux Falls resident Chuck Brennan thought up the idea and has donated the first $100,000 and committed $3,000,000 more to ensure the Academy will be running strong for the next 20 years.

The Academy will be available to kids from the Sioux Empire that are members of the Boys and Girls Club and provide lessons for guitar, bass, drums, keys and vocals and ultimately help them assemble in order to play together live in their own rock & roll bands!

Charlie Daniels Band/Doo Wah Riders, Mitchell, SD

You really can't ask much more out of an entertainer, especially a 76-year-old. Charlie Daniels and his band brought a ton of energy to the World's Only Corn Palace on August 23, 2012.

I've been a casual fan of the Charlie Daniels Band over the years, but hadn't followed his career enough to realize what an accomplished guitar picker he is along with his fiddle skills. Several long instrumental jams featuring the whole band had me wondering if I was watching Santana or Rush instead of a "good ole boys" country band. Also featured were some gospel with "How Great Thou Art" and a heartfelt Johnny Cash tribute. Not to worry though, the big hits were there too - "Legend of Wooley Swamp," "The South's Gonna Do It Again," "Long Haired Country Boy," and of course "The Devil Went Down to Georgia."

Opening act the Doo Wah Riders were good as well and had the audience well warmed up for the CDB.