Performance photography has since become an essential part of my skillset and professional growth. I owe it in large part to Boulevardia. We're sad to see it end, but we're honored to have been there for so many amazing moments.
Thanks for everything, Boulevardia.
Music is love.
💕EFG
The culture and energy of Boulevardia was invaluable for learning how to capture a fleeting moment. It was the source of many firsts: my first real photo pit, my first VIP credentials, my first gig at a festival.
We've been fortunate to have spent the past three summers documenting and celebrating our community at Boulevardia.
“When I speak about making our city more affordable, my vision is not limited to the homes that we live in or the child care that we’re making universal — it’s also a vision where we make it possible for working people to afford lives of joy, of art, of rest, of expression.”
No one:
Performers when they spot the EFG camera in the photo pit: 🫵
Beyond activism and culture, Black radio serves as a community hub, connecting listeners to local events, resources, and news that mainstream outlets might overlook.
The vibraphonist, composer and jazz-funk pioneer helped inspire the neo-soul movement, and his best-known song was sampled over 100 times.
Support the arts outchea! Fuck them guidelines.
Since Mardi Gras 2023, I’ve built relationships like this with a bunch of other performing artists and organizations too. I can’t wait to see what the rest of this year brings.
Music is love.
-EFG
We've grown together over the past two years, through lineup changes, good and bad (and terrible!) stage lighting, and other ups and downs. We’ve grown in this industry, in this community. Together.
That night at The Ship was the start of my concert photography career. That event inspired me to add photography to my business, which is now one of the most popular services I offer.
Last week I joined them again at the same event, this time with new camera lenses and two more years of experience.
Two years ago, I kind of accidentally photographed my first concert. I joined Back Alley Brass Band at their Mardi Gras show to photograph the T-shirt I designed for them. At some point, I ended up turning my camera towards them and shooting their whole set.
We're not going to "stick to design" either.
Art in all its forms is resistance. That's the business we're in and we're 10 toes down.
🤷🏽♀️
Keep making art, my friends. Creation and imagination are acts of defiance when the status quo is conformity and destruction.
As a graphic design & photography business owned by a musician, we see a clear need for these resources in our community and we're helping in the way that we can with the strengths & insights we have to offer. It takes genuine connection and cooperation to put KC back on the map.
This is exactly why @efg.xyz exists in the performing arts sector the way we do (with a crowdfunded assistance program to make our services affordable for artists and nonprofits).
This is what we mean when we say our ultimate goal is to sustain our performing arts community. We're proud to be a part of this movement.
vinestbrewing.com/blog/3akc
Music is food for the heart and soul
The arts redeem humanity.
Thank a musician today. They make the world a better place.
//Real talk, being a musician is exhausting. No one knows how much work goes into it until you do it. If you care about a band or artist, buy their music. Buy their merch. Tell them that you appreciate them. Support your local scene.
the fact that i have to spend my money on rent instead of band merch makes me sick
New sticker day! 🎶
If you see this, post a concert pic you took.
[Sunu (a Kansas City Afrobeats band) at Mardi Gras 2023. Local talent, local venue, local love 💕]
Sousaphone player Rosie O'Brien holding a megaphone, with her instrument dressed up like some sort of creature. The band is gearing up to start a parade for the Crewe de Cryptid, a Mardi Gras parade in Kansas City, MO.
Afrobeats group Sunu featuring special guest Babara Bangoura. Everyone pictured is playing a percussion instrument, with the two djembes most prominent at the front of the stage.
Front and back images of a blue windbreaker jacket featuring a bright blue top half, navy blue bottom half, and light blue, yellow, orange, and red colored stripes dividing them. The front features the name "Social Symphony of Kansas City" on the chest, both "Social Symphony" and "Drunk Orchestra" logos on the inside flaps behind the zipper, and prominently shows the Kansas City, Missouri skyline on the back.
Big Freedia. Queen Diva. Wearing a rainbow-colored top. Photo shot on a telephoto lens from the crowd (blurry hands are visible on the edges of the shot).
A black-and-white photo of singer-songwriter Eric Stuart at a microphone with his eyes closed. A guitar strap can be seen on his shoulder but the instrument is cropped out of the shot to focus on his facial expression and relationship with the microphone.
Charcoal-gray T-shirt with a subtle swirly black pattern printed on it. Printed on top of the pattern is the name "Back Alley Brass Band" in a New Orleans inspired font in Mardi Gras colors. The shirt is framed by several strands of gold, green, and purple beads to match the shirt's typography.
I'm gonna make an effort to not just lurk on here like I do everywhere else. Y'all can't get to know me if I'm invisible.
So here's a few more photos I've taken & merch I've designed. I owe a lot in my career to these particular people giving me a chance. @efg.xyz wouldn't exist without them.
For my new followers, I'm a concert photographer, graphic designer, and musician in a community orchestra. Art and music are my heart and soul.
I own @efg.xyz, where I do graphic design and photography for performing arts. I mostly stay in Kansas City, but I've worked with clients all over.
