Thank you to the man who let me and my friends use his house and backyard for some crazy sh*t. This weekend was the Bash the people of the Tradesman needed. Rob is the man who gave it to them. Want to see all the photos from the two-day Tradesman Bash: they are all here.

Thanks again, Rob.

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It’s not the same world. I have photographed each of the Tradesman Labor Day Bash events. Eight out of the last nine years, no 2020 bash due to C*VID. (Fyi, did you know that my posts get flagged if I mention the C word?) Anyway, last fall hurt, but we knew there would be 2021. There had to be. Those familiar with the story of the Tradesman know the story. The Tradesman burnt, gone, now an empty lot. Rob declared the Bash would go on, not only one but for two days! As we get closer to the two-day mega event – that variant thing keeps growing. I would be lying if I did not say there were times when I had decided not to go in the last week. I went, I had to, but I worked differently. Long lenses, only on the outskirts, but there to document. People I have not seen in years, the long-lost family of sorts. They needed this. We all did. And it is only halfway done as I write this. I am getting ready to head to day two. This one feels different, we do not know what the future will bring, but damn they will enjoy it while it is here. This year is not about one year, and it is about the musical legacy of the Tradesman. The people, not the building. It starts with Rob, but so many others made these scenes what it is/was. The staff, the incredible staff, the bands who have come across that stage, filled with some of the best people you could ever meet, Ray – the master of the music scene, Justin, Jay, JP, Tullio, Bill, Jeff, with Rando and Caleb on sound, and so many more over the years, and I include myself in that list. I am proud of my part in the history of the Tradesman. Long live the Tradesman. Stay safe, support local music.

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Want to see all the photos – with more to be added after day two: Click here and enjoy.

Carolyn came to the studio tonight for a session. We started with a blatant ad for our mutual friend Rob’s place – The Tradesman. A place Carolyn and her band the Rumors will be playing April 27th. Go see them.

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The Tradesman Local Music Social was last night. Steak and great music, come by next month and the first Monday of each month or you are missing out.

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Did I see you at the Bash? For the fifth year straight I spent the Sunday of Labor Day weekend documenting the celebration of local music at the temple of the Tradesman. The sun was out, the bands killed it, the people partied and the event was a huge success raising about $4000 for the Friends of Milford Special Olympics. Mark your calendars for next September 1st, 2019. It is not to be missed. And now the words stolen straight from the man behind the Tradesman, Rob DeDominic.

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“Well, well, well. Who to thank? Pretty much everyone, including Mother Nature. First of all thanks to all my incredible bartenders and bar backs, they worked and sweat their asses off yesterday and did phenomenal. Joselle Turner Stephanie Briere Chelsee O’Meara Chris DiGellonardo Liz Estabrooks Jamie Crivello Dawn Bailey Kelley Marie Kenneth Rushford William Griffin Gary Luther and No FB Rich all killed it! Thanks to my beautiful girl Kelsey Rutkowski for taking care of the very warm band members and selling Tshirts. Thanks to Milford Police Dept for keeping us safe and helping out with this little party, and the town for letting it happen. Thanks to Plains Auto and some of the neighbors who put up with the craziness for the day. Great job on the shuttle by Kathleen Vaughan Candelario. Thanks to all our sponsors Ted DePaolo Milford Hardwood Floors, Inc Kevin O’Donnell with an O, David Caruso, Level Nine Design who money in part went to Friends of Milford Special Olympics, who combined with their raffle took in near $4000! William James and Dan Rice for the stage crew, Christopher Rando for the awesome stage and sound, and Tim Rice for making us all even prettier. Jay Pillarella Justin Redden Chris Manoogian and Barbie Barbara Bain Rice, you all know what you did….:). All the bands for donating their pay to the Special Olympics fund: Ken DoRosario Chip Zale Unofficial: Gloomy Sunday If We Go At All Teter Todders Bad Marriage Charity Case We’re Going Streaking Karate Show Jeff Carcione and of course Ray Auger whose tireless work on the local music scene has resulted in me being fortunate enough to have the party of the year at The Tradesman. If I forgot anyone I’m sorry, got the Mad Cow. Hope to see you during the year, but at the least, see you next year!”

-Rob