Halsey kicks off her “For My Last Trick” Tour with a sold out show in Concord California

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Jonathanshensa

ALL PHOTOS: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Electropop and alternative rock singer Halsey, kicked off her 2025 “For My Last Trick” tour Saturday night at the Toyota Pavilion at Concord. The “I’m Not a Woman I’m a God”, singer’s tour is in support of 2024’ album “The Great Impersonator,” which hit the Billboard album charts at No. 2, the singer’s third consecutive release to do so. When Halsey made her tour announcement, she promised a career-spanning setlist. What the singer didn’t say, that this tour would be different than all of her previous ones.

Halsey literally has been to hell and back these last few years. Halsey was diagnosed with lupus in 2022. She also revealed in 2022, that she was diagnosed with a rare T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. She shared with the audience that it was national lupus day. Thankfully the say’s she now. has both things under control. Halsey had a child in 2021with ex partner with Alev Aydin.

“The Great Impersonator,” is Halsey’s most personal album. The song lyrics tell of her personal struggles with life and death. Musically, her music can fall into many categories, pop, folk, and subgenres rock. If you been to a Halsey, show in the past you know how much she loves and is loved back from her fans. I did meet a number of her fans in the Pit. The age range from the show looked very diverse ranging from 6-55. Normally during the show the crowd would we jumping around and yelling the words of her songs. The theme of this tour had a theatrical and circus-inspired theme. The tour, which supported her album “The Great Impersonator,” was designed to be a full-scale production with elaborate transformations, jaw-dropping illusions, and circus-inspired entertainment. Halsey also blended personal themes of resilience into the tour.

I wanna be big!” (video interlude)

The show started in a theatrical way with a curtain covering the stage. The intro music she had playing was the Jefferson Starships “White Rabbit”. The show started with a video of Halsey as Alice. After that the show open with a cartoon of her as Alice falling. Halsey was then seen dressed in white solo at a piano as she played :Darwinism”. She then picked up the pace with a great version of “Bad at Love”from “Hopeless Fountain Kingdom”. The next song was one of my favorites “Alone” also from Hopeless. The song was played for the first time since 2019.

Next up was the “Lucky”, then another Alice video called” “Alice feels too big”. Next up was “Dog Years” featuring Halsey in black, with a chain and dog collar as she acted with, some of the 5 female dancers. The next song can be called a female anthem “I am Not a Woman, I’m a God”. Halsey then went into “Control”like “Alone” had not been played since 2019. We then get another video with Alice “Alice feels too small”. Then it was back to the music. Some of the other songs sang in the first act were “Lilith”, “Angel on Fire”. During that song Halsey, played the electric guitar with fire burning in front of her. She then debuted “Arsonist”.

“Alice has had enough”

Halsey then played a crowd favorite “Panic Attack”, from the new album, with the crowd singing the chorus, “Is it love or a panic attack? “Is a heavy heart too much to hold? I don’t know, but it’s late, so I’m taking you home” The song did feel like a pop song but I really was glad she played it.

The dark song Graveyard was played with intensity. After that it was time for Halsey, to play an acoustic guitar. Halsey, appeared by herself and starting off with just her as she sang my favorite song, from the latest album, “Only Living Girl in LA”.

Act ii: the show

Lonely is the Muse was the first song of act 2 followed. Next was one of the crowds favorite “You Should Be Sad” another female empowerment song, as they sang along with Halsey. “Colors:, was the next song, then she played a cover of “Closer”(The Chainsmokers cover she sings with the band). Halsey had a surprised her audience by telling them “We are going to go way back”, before playing “Drive” (last played on her 2019 tour) Drive was followed by “Gasoline” and Alice of the Upper Class (live debut) closed out the set.

Encore

After the end of Alice of the Upper Class, Halsey left the stage. Her fans were eagerly waiting for the encore, as the house lights went on. Luckily, it was just one of her tricks. She came back with a red hot version of “Nightmare”, once again the front of the stage had fire as she played. She returned back to the stage and talked about her son, whose third birthday on the day or the show. She also told the audience this was his first Halsey show. She spoke to the crowd about the health problems she had and how much she missed her fans, telling them “there’s a lot to talk about saying to the crowd “I missed you.” She also joked that she hasn’t played a hit yet. She then went into a powerful “Without You”. The show closed with the “The Great Impersonator,”

The show was amazing. Halsey put her heart into every song. I was impressed by “The Warning”sister trio “The Warning”, who rocked house. Del Water Gap got the audience going early with their pop rock style.

I would defiantly recommend seeing the Halsey tour. You can see the full set list at the bottom of the page after the concert photos. Here is a link to buy tickets:

https://www.ticketmaster.com/halsey-tickets/artist/2028626 or https://formylasttrick.com/.

Thank you for checking out my Blog. Don’t forget to support Independent music and movie theaters in your town. For more celebrity blogs with photos and stories from the red carpet and beyond can be found here:https://theoutsidersguidetotheinsideofhollywood.com/

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ALL PHOTOS: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Photos all taken with Google Pixel 8a Phone


ALL PHOTOS: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Set List: Halsey at Toyota Pavilion at Concord, Concord, CA, USA

ALL PHOTOS: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

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My Val Kilmer Tribute and Experience

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Jonathanshensa

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography 

Greetings everyone and welcome to another edition of “The Outsiders Guide to the Inside of Hollywood”. Unfortunately this is another tribute to an amazing actor we lost. Last night I was on social media looking at all the fake April Fools Day posts, when I saw an article that I wish was fake showed up in my news feed. The headline read: “Top Gun’s Val Kilmer Dead at 65 “. Val Kilmer, passed. away after a long battle against caner, the actor died do to a lung infection and of pneumonia on April 1.


The Early Days

If I had to put together a list of my favorite films from the 90’s Val would appear multiple times. Val made his lead acting debut in”Top Secret”! a 1984 action comedy film written and directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker and Martyn Burke. The first time I saw Val was a year later in the classic 90’s film“Real Genius,” the film centers on Nerdy college students who are asked to develop  a laser by their professor, in their science lab at school. The kids do not realize at the time that they are building a war weapon. Kilmer who plays the one cool guy in the nerdy  group who, along with fellow students try and stop the professor from giving the government the weapon. 

It wasn’t till 1986 when Val played a cocky fighter pilot and Tom Crusies rival in Top Gun, where his acting career blasted off.

The Doors

As much as I’ve loved many of his films there are two that standout to me. I had already had been listening to The Doors since in High School. When I heard Val was going to play Jim Morrison in  Oliver Stone‘s “The Doors”, I was skeptical. I thought he was a strange choice since he wasn’t a singer. He also was know for comedy Morrison’s life was filled with drama. I saw the film and right away I was taken back to the magical world of that time period and what it would have been like to see life from inside their world. He looked and sounded like Jim Morrison. I have no idea of he didn’t win an Oscar for that role.

Tombstone

My other favorite film of his was another bio pic. This time he was not the star of the film, but he steals the film with his portrayal of Doc Holliday in George P. Cosmatos’s “Tombstone”. Once again I feel that Val should have won an Oscar. Who can forget the line “I’m Your Huckleberry.” Kilmer became Doc Holiday. It wasn’t just his words but everything about that character Val nailed.

The Fourth Dimension World Premiere

I did get the chance to photography Val in  2012 at the San Francisco International Film Festival for “The Fourth Dimension” World Premiere. The film was about is a collection of three standalone short films about parallel universes. Kilmer starred in Harmony Korine’s short “The Lotus Community Workshop.” He plays a version of himself from an alternate reality, a former actor-turned-self-help guru. Val to no surprise showed up late with Director’s Harmony Korine, Jan Kwiecinski and Aleksei Fedorchenko. Val entered wearing a black winter coat and a Top Hat. They were all is a good moon.  Val looked to be pretty high (intern was complaining about them smoking somewhere inside) when walking into the dark press line. Val gave us a smile while he was clowning around with his fellow filmmakers. After appearing for a few photos with the director he seemed to think that was the end of the carpet another wire service asked for singles, Val laughed and replied “Can’t you guys crop one?” We lost another iconic actor to Caner. One thing for sure is he will never be forgotten.

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography 

Thank you for taking your time to read my blog. For more celebrity pictures and stories checkout my social media links at the bottom. Don’t forget to support independent films, Music and Book stores in your city.    

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ALL PHOTOS: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography 

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography 

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Remembering Phil Lesh on His 85th Birthday

Posted on March 16, 2025 by Jonathanshensa

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

It’s a beautiful Spring day in Marin County. I’m sitting on a red, white and blue beach chair in the front row down by a small beach area, where a stage has sound people working to get ready. I’m surrounded by Deadheads old and young. People are talking to friends and comparing shows they were at. Finally the beach park gets packed and is ready for the show. There is a stage setup with water and sail boats in the back ground area. One ship had a steal your face flag another has it on the boat. You probably would think I’m at a Grateful Dead cover band show, but I’d never thought I’d see any Dead members in a small mellow venue. The day started with an announcement on Phil and the restaurant’s social media accounts. Suddenly Phil Lesh appears and is greeted by his fellow bay area musicians, whom he will be playing with. Phil grabs his Base and walks out on stage. As I saw Phil literally standing in front of me my mind flashed back to the first time I saw Phil in 1993 at Giant Stadium. 

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

My First Grateful Dead Concert

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

After sitting in traffic at the Holland Tunnel on the Jersey Turnpike in the rain, we finally got to Giant stadium. What I saw when we entered the parking lot was like nothing I have ever seen before. There was a community of people camped in the parking lot in various types of vehicles. Then what I could only describe as a Hippy Flea market, where everything from clothes, memorabilia, food, and drugs were sold. This area was referred to as Shakedown Street, the area in the parking lot where the vending takes place.  But the thing that was most interesting thing for me was just not just how friendly everyone one was but how they all seemed connected by the music. Older Deadheads would talk with younger ones and share memories. It didn’t matter what political party or how you dressed everyone one had something in common, the music.. That feeling is why I find myself 30 years, after Jerry Garcia’s passing, I still try to catch a the guys shows when in town.

My first show was at Giant Stadium in 1993. I attended the show with my sister and friends, who was a Deadhead. At the time as far as I knew I was there to see the opening act who was Sting. Before the show I listened to the American Beauty CD. I was hooked right away.The entire alum was packed with great songs, but my favorite at was called “Box of Rain”, a song by the Grateful Dead, from their 1970 album “American Beauty.” The song was composed by Phil and lyricist Robert Hunter, and sung by Lesh. That night it rained and pored during the show. We were halfway back in the upper level. Guess what was the encore that night? It was “Box of Rain.

When Jerry Garcia died in 1995 I thought it would be the end of the road for me. One of the things on my bucket list at the time was to see the band play in their home city San Francisco. I was lucky enough to be working with a non profit organization called Headcount (register people to vote at shows). It was so great to see Phil, Bobby, Mickey and Bill play together for the” Fare Thee Well” shows in a Football Stadium in Santa Clara, California in 2015. As much as I love shows it is so great and rare to see someone in a small venue I didn’t think that would happen.

The Birth of Terrapin Crossroads

All of the shows I attended were at filled arena’s and stadiums. The largest venue I saw them was at an old airfare base in a town called Highgate in Vermont in 1995. Then something happened that could only be called a Deadhead’s fantasy. On March 29, 2011, Phil Lesh posted a statement on the Furthur.net site community message board that he was planning to open a new live music venue in Marin County, north of San Francisco., “We’re taking the first steps to make a long time dream – a permanent musical home – come true. We are purchasing a building in Marin, and plan on remodeling it to feel .” The first place they wanted to have it didn’t work out. They were able to build it in San Rafael, California. They called it “Terrapin” Crossroads”. The restaurant just happen to be named after my favorite Dead song (Terrapin Station). It also was half the name of my favorite college bar called “Crossroads.”

 After the acquisition of the old Seafood Peddler Restaurant/ Palm Ballroom site along the San Rafael Creek, off Francisco Boulevard in San Rafael, California, Terrapin Crossroads was less than a mile from the Grateful Dead’s old studio and offices at 20 Front Street.There was an inside restaurant, outside was a backyard with sand in the back, along with things kids could play. With a multipurpose setup that included a local-sourced restaurant, adjoining small stage and bar with an always interesting mix of craft brews on tap, side room for kids and games, roomy outdoor patio, and large upstairs lounge, the site’s jewel was the so-called Grate Room, a 300 or so capacity square listening room and dance space that became a magnet for a host of local, regional, and national bands to perform, often with Phil Lesh part of the band, or as a drop-in guest who would play for a couple/few songs at times. You never knew who to expect. The craziest night was when Phish Bassist Mike Gordoen joined Phil. I have never seen the inside that packed checkout some of the video from there that I shot.

Going to Terrapin was like a dream. Phil started a series of free concerts in the backyard called “Songs To Fill The Air”.Sometimes the band played without a drummer. If you went on a slow night Phil could still play. Watching Phils face you can tell how much he loved playing no mater if it’s 50,000 or 50. My heart along with everyone else’s broke when they made the decision to close after 9 years. My greatest moment was on a night where his son Grahame Lesh (who is supper musician himself and a band called “Midnight North), were leaving I asked if it was OK to take a picture he replied “sure”.

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

The Day the Music Died in Marin

On October 25, 2024 we lost Phil. I have driven by the old TC sign and building always thinking how lucky I was to see him in all the aspects of his music. As the song says “The Music never Stopped.”

Thank you for taking your time to read my blog. For more celebrity pictures and stories checkout my social media links at the bottom. Don’t forget to support independent films, Music and Book stores in your city.    

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Santa Barbara International Film Festival Celebrates its 40th Birthday with Celebrity Tributes & Independent Films

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Jonathanshensa

Greetings everyone. Welcome to the reboot of my celebrity blog “The Outsiders Guide to the Inside of Hollywood”. Todays blog is my yearly coverage of the 40th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. SBIFF is always one of my favorite film festivals to cover. The festival is always the final festival before the Oscars. SBIFF, has had multiple tributes to actors and filmmakers who are nominated for Oscars. 2025, was no exception. For their 40th birthday celebration the festival added an extra day this year. SBIFF featured 33 world premieres and 74 United States premieres from 60 nations. 52% of the film directed by women were showcased.

Unfortunately like last year I was not given a pass so my coverage is very limited. I only attended 2 events that I had to pay for out of my own pocket. The upsetting things was almost all the tributes, I wanted to attend had many open seats. Passes were given out to people who didn’t use them or were using them to just take photos in the end. This blog is all about my personal experience with the event. Besides a photographer I also am an aspiring filmmaker. I also spent over a decade as an assistant in the entertainment industry. The worst thing you can have at a festival is open seats. My first year attending in 2010 the public relations company handed out free tickets to the fans who were waiting for the stars to sign autographs.

Maltin Modern Master Award Angelina Jolie

I started doing photography in 2009, when I was living in the Hollywood Hills. I first started out using a Cannon point and shoot camera. After a few premieres I finally got DSLR camera and signed up with a wire service. Since then I’ve done hundreds of celebrity Red Carpet events. There was a very short list of celebrities that I had not photographed. One of the festivals first announcements for the 2025 festival tibutes was one of my actresses I’ve been wanting to photography since I started in the business.

The 2025 recipient of the Maltin Modern Master Award, which is one of the festival’s most prestigious honor went to Angelina Jolie for her work in “Maria”. The film biopic Jolie played opera singer Maria Callas, and follows the seven days before her 1977 death in Paris, as she reflects on her life and career. For the role Angelina had to learn to sing Opera.

The Modern Master Award was created to honor filmmakers who have changed the movie industry through significant contributions and impact. The award was renamed the Maltin Modern Master Award in 2015 to honor long-time SBIFF moderator and film critic Leonard Maltin. I was a huge fan of Entertainment Tonight. Watching Leonard I always felt between him and Siskel and “Ebert At The Movies” reviews were the best in the business Leonard was the first one on the carpet. Leonard as he did brought his daughter and granddaughter. The toddler who seems to be getting more use to photographers stole the show.

Jolie arrived wearing Wearing a sleek ivory silk dress from Brunello Cucinelli’s Evening wear Capsule Collection. She then signed some autographs for fans, and posed for photographers and did a few interviews before the the tribute award ceremony.

Inside the theater Leonard, showed clips of some of Angelina past films. She spoke about her eldest child Maddox, who is not comfortable doing carpets and likes being behind the scenes. Last year People Magazine asked her about the kids. Angelina Jolie says she’d rather her kids be “out there trying and failing” or in the case of her 23-year-old son Maddox, piloting a plane than not taking “risks” at all. After the interview director and friend Ava Duvernay presented Jolie with the award. Angelina headed to the podium and thanked everyone. The most personal part of the evening was when Angelina broke d down in tears as she payed tribute to her late mother while accepting the Maltin Modern Master Award.

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Outstanding Performer of The Year Award Ralph Fiennes

My second carpet of the festival was honoring Ralph Fiennes for his amazing performance in the film “Conclave.”Ralph played Cardinal Lawrence. The films fictional but I have to admit for a short time I thought it was based on a true story. The film did a great job showing the selecting process of selecting a new Pope process. Cardinal Lawrence is faced with overseeing the conclave. As the world’s most powerful Catholic leaders gather, Lawrence uncovers secrets that could shake the foundations of the Church.

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 U.S. Premiere

My next Red Carpet was the second Installment of Kevin Costner’s Epic westernHorizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. The film was having its U.S. Premiere at the festival after the first film underperformed at the box office. I feel like that was a shame. The film was beautifully written and directed by Kevin Costner. The second chapter was even better than the first. I’m so glad I got the chance to see the film where it should be, on the big screen. Costner himself put $38 million of his own money into making the first two parts, which are estimated to cost a combined $100 million. Unfortunately the studio made the decision. to cancel the theatrical release.

Chapter 1 did become a hit on VOD and Netflix, this could lead to chapters 3&4 get made and released. Kevin Brought with him a large number of actors, producers and crew members from the film including Luke Wilson, Wase Chief, Maggie Grace, Jon Beavers, Shawn Patterson and Maria Bakalova. The acting was great. I did make a new discovery. One of the youngest actors in the film was teenager Georgia MacPhail. I definitely feel she is a star on the rise. I’m sure we will be seeing more of the model, actress and singer in the near future.

The carpet for the film was a as packed as a car on the 405 in LA at rush hour. It literally was body to body. Luckily I was able to some shots of Kevin, others but I was not so lucky. As the final guest left the carpet, I started to leave then just as I left I saw in the middle of the carpet traffic was director and friend of Costner, Quentin Tarantino. Quentin tried to make it through the carpet to where Kevin was. When he finally got there the two had a conversation laughing and posing for a few photos together. After that huge surprise it was time to head inside for the screening. As I stated before Costner’s western epic needs to be seen if possible on a big screen. After the film Kevin led a Q&A with the filmmakers. Kevin made sure he made the point that he loved seeing the theatre packed. If you get the chance you can stream the first film on Netflix.

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

The next event was one of the tributes that I was looking forward to the most. The Virtuosos award is given to multiple “up-and-coming” actors for achieving a breakthrough performance. The 2025 Recipients were:

Kieran Culkin [A REAL PAIN] (he cancelled), Harris Dickinson [BABYGIRL],, Selena Gomez [EMILIA PÉREZ], Ariana Grande [WICKED], Clarence Maclin [SING SING], Mikey Madison [ANORA], John Magaro [SEPTEMBER 5] Monica Barbaro [A COMPLETE UNKOWN].

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

40th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival: Outstanding 

Up next was directors night at the festival. For only the second time at SBIFF that all 5 Oscar nominated directors were being honored live in person. The directors waked the Red Carpet and were honored with a tribute to each director.

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

40th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival: Arlington Artist Of The Year Award Honoring Timothée Chalamet

Last year the festival debut a new award. Unfortunately the actress who was suppose to get the award Annette Bening, was sick and couldn’t attend. This year the award was give to ‘A Complete Unknown’ star Timothée Chalamet for his role as Bob Dylan. Not only did the actor do an amazing job acting like Dylan, he also did all of the singing.

When Tim (what his friends call him) finally arrived late he started by signing autographs and posing for photos with fans. As it got later and later Tim finally stoped for photos. Unfortunately he only gave Getty and some of the other wire services his attention. I was at one of the last spots at the end of the carpet. He literally walked past me and all I got was a shoot too close with him giving me the peace sign. That wasn’t the worst of it. Tim was receiving the award from his ‘Dune 2’ co star Josh Brolin. Josh tried to walk past me but I asked him to stop so I could get a clear Red Carpet shot. He then stuck out his tongue to me (appeared to have a mint). He didn’t only do it for 1 shot he did it for three. I use to love him as an actor but now I’ll be Boycotting all of his films.

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

40th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival: American Riviera Award Honoring Zoe Saldaña

After the pervious nights disaster carpet I needed a good night. Luckily I had recent experiences and a past good one with Zoe at the Mill Valley Film Festival. She always looks amazing and is a great role model for girls today. She knows how to give a great interview. Zoe received the American Riviera Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival for one of her most ambitious performances yet — “Emilia Pérez.” 

The American Riviera Award is given for “outstanding achievement in American film.” In “Emilia Pérez,” Saldaña plays a Mexican lawyer named Rita who is enlisted by a brutal cartel boss to help her transition to a woman. Zoe had to sing and act in two different languages. She just picked up her first Oscar win for her work in the film last weekend. The film is streaming on Netflix.

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

40th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival: 2025 Cinema Vanguard Award Honoring Adrien Brody And Guy Pearce

My final Red Carpet of the festival was 2025 Cinema Vanguard Award honoring Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce. The actors were honored for their work on ‘The Brutalist.’ This tribute was created to honor actors with the tenacity to forge new ground in their craft. The award was re-named in 2025 in honor of long-time SBIFF moderators Madelyn and Pete Hammond.

© Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

The festival closed after 12 days with the U.S. premiere of Missing Part’s. The Belgian-French drama was directed by Guillaume Senez. The film is in both French and Japanese, with English subtitles. After the festival the SBIFF announced their award winners https://variety.com/2025/film/news/film-news-in-brief-feb-10-2025-1236302545/.

For more information on the festival and all the year events they do can be found at SBIFF site at https://sbiff.org. You can also find my festival photos and a article written by Patch Media’s Beau Behan: 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/film-festivals/the-40th-santa-barbara-film-festival-shines-with-hollywood-stars/ar-AA1yRqfh

https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/the-40th-santa-barbara-film-fest-wraps-up-with-fun-glitz-and-glamour/ar-AA1zkJCH

Thank you for taking your time to read my blog. For more celebrity pictures and stories checkout my social media links at the bottom. Don’t forget to support independent films, Music and Book stores in your city.    

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Looking back at the 39th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (2025 Dates included)

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Jonathanshensa

Greetings everyone. Today’s blog is celebrating the announcement of the 40th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Here is a look back at highlights from February’s If you have read my blog in the past, you know SBIFF, is one of my favorite film festivals of the year. I have been attending and covering the festival since 2010. The SBIFF always is the final stop and final on the road to The Academy Awards. Each year SBIFF has a tremendos list of Celebrity Tributes (most are nominated for Oscars) to go along with a week and a half of independent films. This years line up cotinued the festivals tradition. The 39th Santa Barbara International Film Festival took place in person February 7 – February 17, 2024. Events included screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes. Some of the A list talent who appeared in 2024 was Oscar Nominees, Bradley Cooper, Robert Downey Junior, Mark Ruffalo, Jeffrey Wright, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, America Ferrera and singer Billie Eilish.

Some of my excitement took a serious blow when I was not given a Journalist pass, which meant I couldn’t attend any films or tributes. I was told if I wanted to attend I had to buy my own ticket. After 11 days in a hotel I barley could afford food. So there really isn’t much to write about this one, just some things that took place on the carpet.

The festival, featured 19 world premieres, 56 U.S. premieres from 48 countries along with panels, tributes and educational programs. The 2024 festival kicked off with Disney’s documentary “Madu,” a directed by Matthew Ogens and Joel ‘Kachi Benson. The film told the story of Anthony Madu, a Nigerian teen who became an overnight sensation in 2020 after a video showed him dancing ballet barefoot on a rainy street outside Lagos.

Outstanding Performer of the Year Award
 Honoring
 Bradley Cooper-

The second night was one of the biggest of the festival. SBIFF was honoring Bradley for his work as director, actor and producer of “Maestro”. The film that is based on the relationship between American composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre. It was directed by Bradley Cooper, from a screenplay he wrote with Josh Singer. It was produced by Cooper, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, The film stars Carey Mulligan as Montealegre. The carpet opened with an appearance by former “X-File’s” star, Actor David Duchovny who was at the festival for the World Premiere of “Veselka”, Directed by Michael Fiore. Finally, it came the time for Bradley’s arrival. Bradley was not alone on the Red Carpet with him was his co-star and Best Actress nominee Carey Mulligan. The two posed for photos together and by them selves before heading into the Arlington theatre for the tribute.

All Photos: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Maltin Modern Master Award
honoring
 Robert Downey Jr.

The weekend kicked off with another major tribute Maltin Modern Master Award
 honoring
 Robert Downey Jr. for his performance in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer”
 and his entire career. This was going to be my first time photographing Robert for a non “Avengers”/”Iron Man” film. Robert arrived with a couple of guests. The tributes all had friends or co-workers give the recipient before accepting their awards. Robert chose friend Rob Lowe. Lowe was not alone with him was his son actor John Owen Lowe. Father and son can be seen together on the Netflix show “Unstable”. Robert had another surprise guest, “Oppenheimer”
 star Academy Award Winner Cillian Murphy. By the time Robert got to the carpet it was almost show time. So I knew it would be a quick shoot. Downy and friends were chatting with Roberts back to the press line. he ended up walking past my spot and Getty’s spot. The only shots were could get were candids. One of the frustrated photographers was pushing to get into a spot he could get shots. This caused an almost accident and Robert going from a joker to a concerned person. That was the only way to get photos. After the press line Robert and company headed into the theatre for the tribute without talking to any of the video people.

All Photos: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Virtuosos Award

Next up was the Virtuosos Award. The award is a Partner nominated award given to someone whose performance on a specific project has exceeded expectations and has demonstrated great results. The 2024 recipients were America Ferrera (BARBIE)
Lily Gladstone (THE KILLERS OF FLOWER MOON)
Greta Lee (PAST LIVES)
Charles Melton (MAY DECEMBER)
Da’Vine Joy Randolph (THE HOLDOVERS)
Andrew Scott (ALL OF US STRANGERS)

All Photos: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Variety Artisans Award

Supper Bowl Sunday started with, The Variety Artisans Award honors those nominated for an Academy Award in below-the-line categories, this year’s Artisans Awards highlights those essential to the filmmaking process and who have exhibited the most exciting and innovative work in their respective fields. Nomonally this is a nighttime event but the festival wanted to acommidate Oscar Winner 2x pop star Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas who were nominated for “What Was I Made For”? The duo showed up on time at 11am. When one of the photographers asked her to smile she said “I’m usally going to bed at the time I left LA for Santa Barbara. The others being honored were:Stephane Ceretti – VFX – “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
Ludwig Göransson – Composer – “Oppenheimer”
Sarah Greenwood/Katie Spencer – Production Designer – “Barbie”
Kazu Hiro- Hairstyling/Makeup – “Maestro”
Jennifer Lame – Editor – “Oppenheimer”
Rodrigo Prieto – Cinematography- “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Michael Semanick – Re-recording Mixer – “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
Holly Waddington – Costume Designer – “Poor Things”

All Photos: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

American Riviera Award
 honoring 
Mark Ruffalo

As Sunday evening approached I watched the Super Bowl on my phone, while waiting for Mark to arrive. One of the only complaints for the festival were a lack of women being honored. After watching my home town team loose on the last play of the game all the sudden what did I see but Emma Stone who was nominated for and won Best Actress for her work in “Poor Things”. Emma ended up walking the carpet after signing autographs and celebrating the Cheifs win with fans. Mark arrived and workrd the press line.

All Photos: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Cinema Vanguard Award
honoring Paul Giamatti

The Cinema Vanguard Award recognizes actors who have forged their own path, taking artistic risks and making a significant and unique contribution to film. The reciprent of the award(my choice for Best Actor 2024) Paul Giamatti, who was being honored for his work in “The Holdovers”. Paul was joined by former castmate from “Sideways”, Virginia Madsen. The two posed for photos seperatly and together.

All Photos: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

All Photos: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Montecito Award honoring Jeffrey Wright

The Montecito Award 
Given to a person in the entertainment industry who has made a great contribution to film. The 2024 Recipient was
 Jeffrey Wright who was being honored for his amazing work in “American Fiction”. Jeffrey, was very acomidating letting everyone get their photos. He then headed into the Arlington for his tribute.

All Photos: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Closing Night Film
 World Premiere of “Chosen Family”

The festival ended with the closing night film by Actress and First time director Heather Graham and stars Graham and Julia Stiles. The film is about Yoga teacher Ann is trying to find inner peace despite having a manic family, a miserable dating life, and an inability to say no that keeps her busy trying to fix everyone else’s problems.

All Photos: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

All Photos: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Once again SBIFF had another amazing festival. I just wish I could have seen any of the films and tributes. I suggest if you are a filmmaker submit to their festival.The SBIFF, has announced that the 40th annual festival will take place in Santa Barbara, California, from February 4 through February 15.In honor of its 40th year, the festival will run for 12 days to celebrate the landmark moment. 

“As we embark on our 40th year, we are proud of what we’ve accomplished and exhilarated for what is ahead of us.  We will be announcing a few surprises in the next few months.  Onward and upwards” said Roger Durling, SBIFF’s executive director.

Thank you for taking your time to read my blog. For more celebrity pictures and stories checkout my social media links at the bottom. Don’t forget to support independent films, Music and Book stores in your city.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.comJonathanScottShensaPhotography

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanshensa

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Jonathanshensa

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-shensa-77162126

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Matthew McConaughey Packs the Bookpassage Ferry Building with Fans for a Rare Meet & Greet

Posted on September 26, 2023 by Jonathanshensa

All Photos © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Greetings and welcome to my latest blog. As many of you know, the entertainment industry is currently shutdown due to The WGA (Writers Guild of America) and the SAG (Screen Actors Guild of America) strikes. During the current strike stopping all work on camera and behind the scenes, actors are prohibited from promoting projects they’ve already filmed, in the form of interviews, premieres, fan expos, press junkets, festivals, and podcast appearances, among other types of publicity. SAG members are also banned from promoting their projects via social media. Celebrities now have something they never have, free time. Many have focused their time to their families. Others have chosen to use the time to devote to other inserts like writing books.

Matthew McConaughey “Just Because” In-Person Photo Opp Book Passage (SF Ferry Building)

One of my favorite things to photograph are book signings. I love seeing the fans faces when they get the chance to meet their favorite celebrities. Due to COVID, most of the book events the last 3 years, were forced to be done virtually instead of in-person. A week and a half ago I was in Hawaii, checking my favorite Bay Area Independent bookstore Bookpassage’s site (https://www.bookpassage.com). I saw that the store was having a Children’s Book event with Academy Award-winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey. Matthew was already in the Bay Area for last weeks Dreamforce convention (an annual event that brings together the global Salesforce community for learning, fun, community building, and philanthropy). The book event was to celebrate the release of his debut picture book (for kids) “JUST BECAUSE” with a photo-op for fans with the actor.

Some might be confused why Matthew chose a children’s book for his follow up to “Greenlights”, his #1 New York Times bestselling autobiography. The 53-year old actor is a father of three (ages 15,13, and 10). “So we’ve had some cool conversations about these about different couplets in our family. I’m finding that after I’m having conversations with my kids about this book, I’m still continuing conversations with myself, conversations with my wife, conversations with other people about some of these couplets.” 

The book event was 16 hours after I returned from vacation. In the past I’ve had a great time photographing many celebrities at the Bookpassage stores, in San Francisco and Corte Madera locations. I know that Matthew is a very private person and it definitely seemed like a fan event. I applied for credentials thinking it would be a long shot. I decided to purchase a very affordable pre-signed copy of the book. I have a small collection of signed books by my favorite actors and actresses. I figured worst case scenario, I could always use just the photo-op photo for my blog. Matthew is one of my favorite actors, so I had no problem supporting the bookstore and the book. To my surprise Bookpassage’s, Karen West, emailed me back letting me know that his management, and they will allow me to capture photos of Matthew signing at the very beginning of the event for 2 minutes.

I arrived at the Book store in the Ferry Building early to find parking and to check out the scene. I was coming from Marin County (North of the Golden Gate Bridge) so I arrived very early. For starters, I found a parking space across the street from the Ferry Building. I entered the store to find out check in information. There was a stack of books that were pre signed by the register. Matthew wrote the children’s book with illustrations by Renée Kurilla. Since I was early I decided to get in line outside the bookstore to get my ticket for the book. The line was long and got longer with every minute. I spent time on line talking with Matthew’s fans. Everyone was so excited for the opportunity to meet McConaughey. One woman told me “If this was a Comic Con or another fan event convention fans could play anywhere from 100-$500 for the opportunity.” Matthew who was already in San Francisco to give a speech at the Dreamforce convention (an annual event that brings together the global Salesforce community for learning, fun, community building, and philanthropy). The Oscar winning actor added this special meet and greet to his schedule. His current book tour only had a hand full of event dates, starting in Austin and ending with 2 LA events the Saturday, after the San Francisco Bookpassage event.

Matthew arrived on time. The store had a step and repeat banner that had the name of the book on it. To my surprise, Matthew came out without the book and started taking photos with his photographer with the fans. Sadly, even though I had permission from the store and management the photographer made me go all the way to the left, when he was shooting to the right. I was told that I couldn’t talk or call over to Matthew. At this point I knew I was fucked. Obviously the rude hired photographer(shot all the book tour photos) had no experience shooting professional entertainment events with other photographers. Having a great relationship with the store I didn’t want to upset Matthew or the store, so I ended up using a longer lens to at least get some shots. Normally I’d be upset and would be looking for a publicist (who didn’t seem to be around) to complain. The outlets I worked with need at least a couple eye contact shots. Which was hard to do when you can’t call out to the subject you are photographing and the talent never looked my way. However, I knew coming into this event that it was geared as it should be to the fans. 

Luckily, I happen to fall into that category with Matthew. I had pre purchased a book that came with a photo op. I was put inline by the store and didn’t have to go to the back of the line. According to the store they had sold 1,000 books. When I reached my place in the Matthew turned to me and said “Cool shirt, man (I was wearing a Stevie Ray Vaughn shirt).” I then posed for a photo with him before heading out of the store. Outside it was a rare warmer day on the bay. I asked some people who had their books to pose with them. After that I had the difficulty of somehow editing the images with low lighting. After lots of time spent editing I at least had something to present to my outlets. Unfortunately, without having a photo of him holding the book or any eye contact shots, I knew this would be hard to get them to post it. I figured this would be a blog post. The store as always, put on a great event. If you are in San Francisco or Marin County you have to check the stores out.

All Photos © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

One of the reasons I wanted to get promotion for the store was, like the independent photographer, independent book stores have the daily fight to stay in business. With sites like Amazon and people using  Kindle’s, many book stores including major chains like the Barnes& Noble near me have been forced to close. My dad spent five decades working in the book publishing business, including a number of years working at Random House, the publisher of “Just Because”. 

“Just Because” was released by Penguin Random House on September 12th. The book just reached the #1 spot over the weekend on the New York Times, children’s book list. The actor and writers sons Levi, 15, Livingston, 10, and wife Camila Alves, threw him a surprise party to celebrate.

All Photos © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Thank you for taking your time to read my blog. For more celebrity pictures and stories checkout my social media links at the bottom. Don’t forget to support independent films and books in your city.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.comJonathanScottShensaPhotography

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanshensa

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Jonathanshensa

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-shensa-77162126

Blog: https://theoutsidersguidetotheinsideofhollywood.com

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Dead and Company – The Final Ride on the Grateful Dead Roller Coaster

Posted on September 19, 2023 by Jonathanshensa

All Photos © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

The Birth of Dead and Company

Last July, I closed a 30 year musical adventure in my life. If you know me you know that I’m a huge Deadhead. This is actually my fourth blog about the Grateful Dead. In 2015, I celebrated what I thought would be my last Grateful Dead shows in San Francisco (Fare Thee Well shows in Santa Clara, California). At the time I would have thought that it was my last show with multiple members of the Dead performing together. To my surprise just a year later, Dead and Company was formed with John Mayer taking over to try and not fill but play tribute to Jerry Garcia. Mayer, who never was a Deadhead growing up in Fairfield, Connecticut, one day while listening to Pandora, a subscription-based music streaming service owned by Sirius XM Holdings based in Oakland, California, came across Grateful Dead’s song “Althea” on Neil Young’s Pandora Channel. “When you’re listening to music on Pandora, there’s this inherent sense of ‘these are all songs you know but forgot that you wanted to hear. Mayer became obsessed with the Dead’s music. So much that he started playing a couple of songs at his solo shows in 2012. It wasn’t till John did a fill in for the late night talk show Late Night in 2015. That night was the first time John and Bob met and played with each other. Bob was plugging the upcoming Grateful Dead final shows in California and Chicago. John interviewed Bob before the two ending up jamming on a few Dead tunes together. The two had an amazing time playing with each other, so much that Weir wanted Mayer to join his new band Dead and Company. The band featured . The super group would be formed under the name Dead and Company. The band would consist of 3/4 of the core 4. Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann. The guys would be joined by John Mayer, on guitar, Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers Band) on bass and keyboard player Jeff Chimenti (Furthur/Ratdog).

Dead and Company: The Early Years

Before the first tour started many deadheads were surprised and critical of Mayer playing in the Dead. What many Deadheads did not understand is that Mayer treasures the Grateful Dead in the same way that they do. “I listen to this music every day,” he explains. “I listen to it in the car wherever I go. It’s playing like nature sounds, the way you would hear a babbling brook. The band initially announced one concert for October 31 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Following the pre-sale  for that show they announced another show at Madison Square Garden for the following night. On August 24 a full ten date tour was announced. The band performed a total of 22 concerts in sixteen different cities. My first show was 12/27/2015 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. The show was amazing and I grew a new respect for John Mayer as did most Deadheads. I must say it was weird at first hearing a guitar solo in the middle of a Grateful Dead song. My second show was, 8/29/2016, at Toyota Amphitheater near Sacramento. That night I got to experience something I never did before watch a show from the front of the house in the pit. Not only was it a great musical experience I was able to use my point and shoot camera to take some great photos. Everyone thought this band would be a short experience since John had a career as being on solo artist and the Dead members had different bands they played with. Nobody ever though it would last as long as it did (8years with tours every year with the exception of the 2020 tour which was cancelled due to COVID).

All Photos: © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Dead and Company: The Final Tour

All good things must come to an end. The band announced that the Summer 2023 tour would be the last one together. The tour was called Dead and Company The Final Tour. “As we put the finishing touches on booking venues, and understanding that word travels fast, we wanted to be the first to let you know that Dead & Company will be hitting the road next summer for what will be our final tour,” Mayer wrote. “Stay tuned for a full list of dates for what will surely be an exciting, celebratory, and heartfelt last run of shows. With love and appreciation, Dead & Company.” Bob Weir posted this message on social media. Well it looks like that’s it for this outfit; but don’t worry we will all be out there in one form or another until we drop.

To nobody’s surprise the shows were instant sell outs in most markets. According to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore, the Dead & Company Summer Tour 2023 grossed a new high of $114.7 million and sold 845,000 tickets across 28 shows. Dead and Company closed out the tour with three sold-out concerts at Oracle Park in San Francisco in front of 120,000 fans. This was the most successful tour in the band’s eight-year history, drawing over 840,000 fans. I was lucky enough to be at the first and third night of the final shows.

After attempting to get tickets through pre sales then sales I was shut out due to Ticketmaster and scalpers on Stub Hub and other ticket agencies. Tickets that were $75 when ticket sales started were re listed in minutes for thousands of dollars for seats not in the upper level.. Thinking I was going to have to pay a scalpers price when the show came closer to happening. Lucky for me I had been a volunteer for a non profit called Headcount. HeadCount is a non-partisan organization that uses the power of music to register voters and promote participation in democracy. They reach young people and music fans where they already are – at concerts and online to inform and empower. I have been a Headcount volunteer since 2008 and had registered voters at Furthur, Bob Weir, Grateful Dead, Ratdog and Dead and Company shows.

The first show ticked off on 7/14/2023 at Oracle Park in San Francisco. The Dead non profits that have volunteers in each of the cities were joined by team leaders who traveled with the band from city to city. Headcount and Reverb was part of what is called participation row. Participation Row featured host non-profit organizations Headcount, REVERB, Wharffrats along with other non profits. The Dead & Company Participation Row was produced by HeadCount in partnership with REVERB, an environmental non-profit organization with a long history of running non-profit villages at live music events. If you have interest in volunteering for events with all kinds of music check out the information at the end of this Blog.

The first show on Friday started with “Not Fade Away” the band did not finish the song instead went into Shakedown St. followed by John Mayer singing “Cold Rain and Snow”. Highlight’s of Night 1 were Ramble On Rose, Brown-Eyed Women, Scarlet Begonias, Casey Jones, US Blues and the final song, a cover of Bob Dylan’s Knocking on Heaven’s Door. The song featured a montage of all of the members of the Dead who died. Of course the longest ovation came when Jerry Garcia’s image was on the big screen.

Shakedown St.

Next up was the third and final show of the tour and the band. Anticipation was high as everyone knew this was going to be a special night. I started the day arriving early so I could make it to Shakedown St. Just in case you aren’t a Deadhead (not sure if people would read this if not into the band) “Shakedown Street” is both the name of a 1978 Grateful Dead song, album and a descriptor for the chaotic vending areas where Deadheads and concertgoers mingle and sell anything and everything outside the concert venue. It’s amazing how technology has changed from Grateful Dead shows. Everyone took credit cards and there were actually food trucks from Southern California. I even saw Venice Beaches Harry Perry the Kama Kosmic Krusader (from the movie “Fletch”, rollerskating around selling his merchandise.

The Final Show

After volunteering with Headcount was stoked for the second and final set. Unlike the Friday show (obstructive view) the tickets were much better. I got to see a former team leader who I hadn’t seen in years. The show started with Bertha followed by Good Lovin’. Other highlights were Althea, Dear Mr. Fantasy (last time I heard that song was in 94 Jerry came out to play guitar with opening act Traffic at Giants Stadium). The set closed out with Bird Song. I finally made it to my seat to watch an incredible set 2. John Mayer started the set with the live favorite Help on the Way, Franklin’s Tower, Eyes of the World, Sugar Magnolia. The band came back with Truckin with the audience singing along to “What a Long Strange Trip its Been.” The band then went on with an emotional Brokendown Palace before ending with finishing off Not Fade Away (with the crowd singing “You Know Our Love Will Not Fadeaway). Instead of shooting off fireworks the band gave the fans a second (Colorado) drone show with the steal your face and skeleton tipping his hat to the fans.

What’s Next

I’m sure this won’t be the last time I see the guys play solo or together in some form, but I feel that it won’t be the same. The Dead are one of the few bands I had no problems seeing in a stadium. Deadheads are like family members. The more the better. A dead show is not just a concert its an experience. Walking down Shakedown St. you would see people of all ages, races and colors. Just last week in Hawaii a few occasions a complete stranger came up to me seeing my dead & Co. shirt and started talking to me about the show/band. Even online for a Matthew McConaughey meet and greet in San Fransisco this week I spent more times talking to Deadheads than speaking to Matthew’s fans.

After the tour concluded John Mayer wrote this on his social media sites Dead and Company is still a band – we just don’t know what the next show will be. I speak for us all when I say that I look forward to being shown the next shaft of light… I know we will all move towards it together.” Just last week we learned of what’s next for some of the members. A new destination concert called Dead Ahead Festival

The all-inclusive concert vacation, set to take place at Moon Palace Resort in Riviera Cancún, Mexico from January 12th–15th, will celebrate the Grateful Dead songbook with two nights of curated collaboration featuring Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Don Was, Jeff Chimenti, Oteil Burbridge, and Jay Lane featuring Tedeschi Trucks Band’s Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, Goose’s Rick Mitarotonda, Margo Price, and “very special guest” Sturgill Simpson. One thing is for sure, the music will never stop.

Thank you for reading my blog. More of my blog’s can be found here:

https://theoutsidersguidetotheinsideofhollywood.com

All Photos © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

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38th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival Celebrates Diversity

Posted on March 6, 2023 by Jonathanshensa

This gallery contains 22 photos.

Greetings everyone. Welcome back to another trip inside the red carpet and into some of entertainment’s coolest events. If you’ve never read my blog before, it’s different from other entertainment blogs you may have read. I’ve literally spent most of … Continue reading →

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The Who Hits Back with an Orchestra in San Jose

Posted on October 28, 2022 by Jonathanshensa

All Photos © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Monday night The Who brought their latest tour “The Who Hits Back” to the Sap Center in San Jose. Unlike their last tour, The Who Moving On 2 years ago they didn’t have a new album to support. Instead of doing a greatest hits only tour they decided to take a chance by playing with a local orchestra in each of the cities The current U.S. tour kicked off in Hollywood Florida back in April and is ending in Las Vegas in November. The band is made up of original members Roger Daltrey, Pete Townsend, guitarist/backing singer Simon Townshend, drummer Zak Starkey (Ringo Star’s son), keyboardists Loren Gold and Emily Marshall, bassist Jon Button, and backing vocalist and Billy Nicholls. The Who also were accompanied by a 48-piece orchestra, complete with cellos and French horns.

Driving from Sausalito, to San Jose I kept thinking about how I’ve seen the band in 5 decades. My two favorite The Who memories were seeing the band do their rock opera “Tommy” in 1989. Another show was in 1996 when the band played the entire Quadrophenia album from start to finish at Madison Square Garden. Sadly the show that had the most impact on me was their show at the Hollywood Bowl in 2002. This was their first show together after the untimely passing of John Entwistle. I even attended the VH1 Honors The Who Show in at UCLA in Westwood, California.

I decided to try and save some money by driving down to San Jose to buy a ticket from the Box Office like I’ve done in the past. When I got there they Box Office was closed with a sign saying buy tickets at ticketmaster.com. I walked around the outside of the building looking for someone who worked there. I finally saw a person inside the venue and I found an open door and entered the Arena as the band was sound checking Baba O’Riley. The friendly security guard explained that the venue Box Office only opens 2 hours before door. Thankfully the guard told me of an area near by to get something to eat.

I made it inside the venue in time to see Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers guitarist) play a short set. It was great to see Mike on the stage killing it once again on guitar. He wore a yellow suit that could have come out of the closet of Elton John. The band hit the stage at 7:30. The bands set list was a mix of of songs from their two albums and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers songs. The band opened with a rocking song called Mike went deep into the Heartbreakers catalog for the second song of the evening a song called “Fault Lines”. My favorite song of the evening was Mike playing the Heartbreakers classics, Refuge and “Runnin’ Down A Dream”. The band actually played a headline show at the Fillmore Tuesday night.

All Photos © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

30 minutes after Mike left the stage the lights went off and the band and the orchestra launched into the opening of the Overture from The Who’s Rock Opera “Tommy”, The songs played included “1921”, “It’s a Boy”, “Amazing Journey”, “Sparks”. The “Tommy” Tribute ended with two of my favorite Who songs, “Pinball Wizard” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It”. The crowd of all ages sang along to the “See Me Feel Me Listening to You” part. Following “Tommy”, the orchestra stayed on stage for “Eminence Front” and “Ball and Chain”.

With the orchestra taking a break it was time for the second part/act. Next up was another classic”You Better You Bet”. The next song was “The Seeker”, which had one of my favorite lyrics, “I asked Bobby Dylan, I asked The Beatles, I asked Timothy Leary, But he couldn’t help me either.” The Seeker was followed by “Naked Eye”, and “Another Tricky Day. Next up were two of the bands biggest hits, the classic anthem “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and the power ballad “Behind Blue Eyes” (with violin, cello, contrabass).

The third and final part of the show saw the Orchestra return for”Quadrophenia’s”, Bad boy anthem “The Real Me”, I’m the One, “5:15”, “The Rock and “Love, Reign O’er Me”. The final song of the evening was another Who classic, “Baba O’Riley” with the Katie Jacoby (electric and acoustic violinist), stepping up to the front of the stage jamming with the band taking it to another level.

The band did an amazing job and sounded great. The band was set up like an opening band or a small club, where the members are almost on top of each other (the orchestra was on the stage in the back). So we didn’t get to see the band jumping around. Roger did throw around his microphone and Pete did his windmill swing (no jumping). After over 50 years together one thing you can be sure of “The Kids are Alright”. For all things The Who, checkout their website at https://www.thewho.com

All Photos © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

All Photos © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

Posted in Concert Review, Concerts, Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography, SAP Center San Jose, Shenza's Reviews, The Who, The Who Hits Back San Jose Review, The Who Hits Back Tour 2022, The Who Live, The Who photos, The Who Review, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Falling for Anne Heche

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Jonathanshensa

Greetings everyone. Welcome back to “The Outsiders Guide to the Inside of Hollywood”. My entertainment blog is not only just about the events I that I covered as a photographer, its about how artist had an affect on my life. Sadly today’s blog is about losing another celebrity too soon.

On August 5, 2022, Anne Heche was involved in a sequence of three motor vehicle collisions in the neighborhood of Mar Vista in Los Angeles. The accident left Anne with a severe anoxic brain injury. Just before the first accident Anne’s car was caught on a video speeding through the suburban neighborhood. Thankfully she didn’t kill or seriously hurt someone. The LAPD said that a preliminary blood analysis confirmed the presence of both cocaine and narcotics, including Fentanyl, her system. Anne was paced on life support so that she could be an organ donator as she wished. Anne was taken off life support (Anne was brain dead on the 12th) on August 14, it was announced that organ recipients had been found and that her body would undergo the organ donation procedure that day.

Anne first got her big acting break on the CBS Soap Opera “Another World”. My first time seeing Anne was on a 1991 episode of “Murphy Brown”. In 2001 Anne guest stared in 7 episodes of “Ally McBeal”. Some my favorite films of her were “Donnie Brasco”, “I Know What You Did Last Summer”, “Wag the Dog”, “and Six Days, Seven Nights”.

Anne was always about taking chances in her career and in life. In 1998, she decided to take on the role of one of the greatest female horror characters of all time actresses by playing Marion Crane in Gus Van Sant’s “Psycho” remake. The film was not revived well by critics or the public.

Anne began dating Ellen DeGeneres in 1997, when both were at career high points. They took a lot of heat for their relationship. The relationship lasted till 2000. The couple came out as dating when Anne invited DeGeneres, as her date to the 1997 premiere of “Volcano.” Anne claimed she was cancelled in Hollywood because of her relationship with Ellen.

I only had the chance to photograph Anne twice in 2011. On Valentines day actor Alec Baldwin, was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I attended the ceremony and noticed Anne in the crowd in the crowed watching the ceremony. I tried to get some candid shots but failed due to the amount of fans at the ceremony. After the ceremony was over there was a lunch at Beso Restaurant, in Hollywood. I decided to try and get some photos of the celebrities entering the Restaurant. After watching a number of guests attending the lunch I noticed that Anne was walking towards the Restaurant. I was across the street trying to get a clear shot. I called her name and she turned around. At that point I slipped on a wet pavement and fell. Anne started to run towards me and asked as I hit the pavement. Luckily I held onto my camera like a football player. I got up and told her I was OK. I then asked her if I could get a photo of her. She laughed and said “of course you can.”

Later that year in June I had Red Carpet credentials for the Jim Carey film “Mr. Popper’s Penguins”. Anne attended the premiere with her boyfriend James Tupper and son Homer Lafoon . She looked so happy. I was hoping that she finally defeated her demons. Homer released a statement earlier in the day, stating he was “left with a deep, wordless sadness” following her death.

Sadly Anne could not control her drinking and drug use. The actress had a Podcast called “Better Together w/ Anne Heche and Heather Duffy” on Apple Podcasts. “We celebrate friendship, and we believe that we can create more joy in the world by sharing our stories, stumbles, and triumphs.” Just a week before her accident she was clearly drunk during the Podcast. I wish she could have gotten the help she needed. If you need help don’t be afraid to ask someone for help and remember you are not alone.

All photos © Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography

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