March 21, 2022

Finally catching up with all the bands I photographed at Summerfest last September!

This is the band Rise Against, who I must say is the LOUDEST band I've heard in a long time and I've been doing this for over 50 years! Maybe they are the loudest ever as my body shook to the core at this show!

The punk rock band was formed in 1999 by bassist Joe Principe and has had a few versions through the years.

Joe recruited Tim Mcllrath and they were the band for years. The present band also includes Brandon Barnes on drums and Zach Blair on the second lead guitar.

Tim Mcllrath does the main vocals and lead guitar and powers up the band.

The stage setup was very interesting and a bit tough as a photographer to shoot. The guys had monitors that lit up with graphics in the very front of the stage. Plus, they had huge speakers in the photo pit to maneuver around.

Doesn't matter though because I always try to get'er done somehow even with only two songs to shoot!

Enjoy a look at the band. It's only 91 days until Summerfest gets going again!!

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

February 7, 2022

Every once in a while an old photo job comes to mind.

This was one of those fun jobs at Ed Debevic's restaurant here in Milwaukee on September 18,1996. Some of the cast from "Happy Days" came to help promote being rebroadcast on the cable channel Nick at Night.

Marion Ross who played Mrs. Cunningham or Mrs. C came was so much fun that night.  She said several times to me that she was my real mother once I introduced myself to her.  I became Richie Cunningham for a few hours, not Rich Zimmermann!

Tom Bosley who played Mr. C, Erin Moran who played Joanie Cunningham and Pat Morita who played Arnold the chef also showed up for fun and celebration.

Pat Morita was the nicest guy and is a great comedian! He flipped some burgers that night as he did on "Happy Days" and interacted with everybody.

A good friend of mine and I were hired for the event.  Tom Bosley after posing with about 30 couples said he was done!  Guess I was done too.

Marion Ross is 93 years old now and unfortunately the rest have passed on. Ed Debevic's closed years ago in Milwaukee but the Chicago location is still thriving.

Enjoy a look at the cast in 1996 at Ed Debevic's.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

January 10, 2022

Happy New Year to all and best wishes for a great ahead!  I hope you like this blog on the Shinyribs! If you've never heard of them listen to them on iTunes, Spotify or something else. You won't regret it!

The Shinyribs are from Austin, Texas and are led by Kevin Russell who is a show in himself. He is the leader for sure and has a lot of fun with his large band and multiple singers.

My Rich Zimmermann Photography calendar for 2022 has the Shinyribs on the cover. Hope you got one of my calendars!

The show on September 4, 2021 at Summerfest was so good, I stayed for the whole thing.

Try to see Kevin and his band the Shinyribs whenever you can.  It's a fun show and you will enjoy it.

Here are some photos from that night.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

December 13, 2021

On September 9, 2021 George Thorogood and the Destroyers played at Summerfest. It was one of the many shows I photographed at Summerfest for Milwaukeeindependent.com this past summer and fall.

George has been playing a long time and still sounds great. He moved the house! Our local musician,Jon Paris, (now living in NYC), played with George years ago.  Jon also played with Link Wray and Johnny Winter but that's another story.

The band now has Jeff Simon on drums, Bill Blough on bass, Buddy Leah on sax and Jim Suhler trying to keep up with George!!

They all did a great job and the lighting was fun to photograph.  The other show I did that night for two songs only, was practically in the dark.  George lit it up and lit up the crowd with a lot of energy!

Enjoy a look at September 9th fun.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

George Thorogood and the Destroyers rocking the house at Summerfest on September 9, 2021!

November 30, 2021

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving with family and friends. Running a day late on our blog here because of the holiday.

We are taking a look at Terri Nunn and John Crawford's band Berlin, seen here at Summerfest on September 3, 2021.

Berlin became famous for their number one hit "Take My Breath Away" in 1986. You might remember that song from being in the movie Top Gun.

The band has been around since the 1970's with multiple musicians but Terri Nunn has been the constant member and lead vocalist.

Enjoy a look at the band from a nice summer night at Summerfest.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

Terri Nunn and her band Berlin at Summerfest on September 3, 2021.

Jerry Garcia and his Legion of Mary at the Oriental Theater on April 19, 1975.

The Grateful Dead performing during a two night stand at the beautiful Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.

The Grateful Dead playing the Dane County Coliseum in Madison, Wisconsin on February 15, 1973.