karli+caleb wed

ben blood — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 09:21:46 +0000

Spokane, Washington

Sometimes your close friends live far away and you wished
they lived nearby so that you could become even closer friends.
This is Karli and Caleb.

Karli and Caleb, you both have such generous and calm hearts.
I was fortunate to be at your wedding, let alone document it.
Being there and seeing how truly happy you were was enriching.

Thank you.

// Take a peak at Karli and Caleb’s engagement photos.

deanna + jaron

ben blood — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:45:16 +0000

Grouse Creek in Spokane, WA

emily+mark married

ben blood — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:16:30 +0000

Emily and Mark! Your wedding was beautiful and
I have really enjoyed getting to know you both.
Even though your wedding was one of the warmest
I have documented (and no one fainted, including me. ha),
I really enjoyed being around each of you and the
people at your wedding.
Thank You.

Spokane, WA

Tour (191 photos)

ben blood — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:05:40 +0000

Here is a photographic journey of my adventures traveling with Garage Voice, Noah Gundersen and his sister Abby. We had about 26 shows in 29 days throughout the west coast.

This tour was quite adventurous compared to the others we have been on. We were stuck in the snow in a ditch in central Oregon, ate waaaaaay too much Mexican food, slept in the van zero times (yes!), saw the Redwoods, Red Rocks, and Redlands, ate too much Subway (once), drank more coffee than ever before (me), realized that Utah is actually beautiful, met wonderful people, bought a cowboy hat, and became family with everyone in the van.

Bellingham, WA

The two shows in Bellingham were great. One at Western and one at Three Trees downtown. Friday night we had an intimate round of music including local musician, Seth Martin at friends’ house. You can see some photos from that in a previous blog post.

Santa Lucia – Centrelia, WA

Q Cafe – Seattle, WA

Garage Voice celebrated their album release (Let Us Reconcile) show at Q Cafe at the beginning of the tour. Over 120 people came to the show that night.

Tacoma Mall – Tacoma, WA

No, no. We didn’t play a show at the Tacoma Mall. Noah and Abby’s friend Alana works for Nordstrom and wanted to give Abby a facial. She offered to take care of the guys too – only Bruce was brave enough :P

Camelia Lounge – Pearl District, Portland, OR

Ah, it was refreshing to be in Portland. After touring a week of Western Washington, it actually felt like we were on tour now. Our good friends Breanna Paletta and Justin Bennett stopped by and guest appeared on one of Noah’s songs.

The Hanger – Sisters, OR

The drive to Sisters was one of the most beautiful of the tour. Snow covered mountains filled with Evergreens, roads curving along the river, foggy lakes filled with nothing but tree stumps. It was very surreal. We listened to Steven Delopolus for the perfect soundtrack to the scenery.

(House Show) – Eugene, OR

The smallest venue / house.

HWY 101 – Crescent City, CA

This was David’s first time (since he was two or three, which doesn’t really count) seeing and swimming in the Pacific Ocean. Yes, he went and dove and rolled around in the waters of the Pacific at dusk. First day of the tour not having a show. Thank goodness – we drove 10hrs+ this day from Eugene, OR to Ukiah, CA where we stayed with our good friend Doug. Thanks for making us feel at home Doug!

Pacific Union College – Angwin, CA

After the main show, we were invited to play another private show in the girls dorm chapel. First night of tour sleeping in a bed. Yesssssss!

San Francisco!

I have been to San Francisco twice on tour – it’s been wonderful, but I still feel like I have never been there. Both times we’ve had only a few short hours to be immersed in the city. If you ever visit (or live in) SF, you must eat at The House of Nanking. You HAVE to. The best Chinese food I have ever eaten. You will feel like you’ve been deceived all along eating Chinese food that is actually American.
The Best Chinese Food Ever – 919 Kearny St, San Francisco

Modesto, CA

Mexicoke (Coke made in Mexico with pure sugar, not unhealthy corn syrup.) was a favorite of the tour. I also enjoyed chocolate milkshakes. I may have had five of them.

The Denouement – Erwindale, CA

The Denouement. These guys are EPIC! I’m always amazed by their shows. We’re trying to bribe them to go on tour with us – we promise lots of milkshakes =) You may have seen these people here.

Loma Linda, CA

California was beautiful this time of year. Think about walking out of your house and still thinking you were inside because the temperature didn’t change. Walking in orange groves. Saturday afternoon lunch. Amazing. Hats off to our friend Mdot of Le Grand Cru for helping promote this show =) Thanks roomie!

Phoenix, AZ

I’m really glad that Chevy decided to show up at our show.

Sedona, AZ

I was asked by Karli Fairbanks of Crunk Roost (an independent Spokane music publication) what are the three most important things about going on tour. I could name a number: wi-fi, good rest, a GPS, having a good sound guy, …, the list could go on. However, being in the van with seven people for thirty days can really affect your mood. It did mine. To keep everyone happy, Noah pointed out that it’s important to change the day-to-day routine up. For example, climb the Red Rocks while driving through northern Arizona. We did.

Our Hotel – Flagstaff, AZ

Southern Utah

Another long drive. In lieu of visiting the Grand Canyon we chose to arrive at our destination (Provo, UT) at a decent hour of midnight – instead of 3am. Our second day off. Much needed.

Provo, UT

Provo and it’s people were very friendly to us. Thank you. No thank you to your residential parking enforcement and it’s tickets.

Cedar City, UT

Another 10 hours in the van

We reached Nampa, Idaho after driving all through the night after the Cedar City show. Oh sweet goodness how I’m thankful for floors to sleep on. To Bruce’s parents: Thank you so much for taking such good care of us. And your food was amazing!

Flying M – Nampa, ID

Lincoln School – Walla Walla, WA

I was tired of taking pictures at this point in the tour. Thanks to everyone for encouraging me to push forward.

Merchants Ltd. – Walla Walla, WA

One of my lunch favorites.

House Show – Spokane, WA

I can’t say enough how good it was to be back in Spokane. It almost felt like being home. A big thank you to the 5 ladies who let us invade their home. Thank you. Kelly, your guacamole recipe has been a big hit here at home :)

Caterina Winery – Spokane, WA

The last show of the tour. Bittersweet. Throughout the tour, the bands had been learning each others’ songs and played almost two full sets together as one band. Epic.

Bruce’s Haircut

David’s sister DeAnna is an excellent hair stylist. Goodbye to Bruce’s two year old hair.

As we drove across I-90 and Seattle peaked out of the west tunnel of Lake Washington, I smelled the aroma of coffee. No joke. I really did. Bruce was sitting behind me drinking a Frappacino.

It was soo gooood to be back in Seattle. Home.

ben blood - documentary photographer » spokane