» Editorial</h1> <article> <h1>Blue World: Blue Man Group at Blufeld event SF</h1> <p>Gregory — Fri, 14 May 2010 06:35:04 +0000</p> <p>There is always a little something special planned when a new wine hits the market.</p> <p>Bluefeld is a German riesling that has made it’s way to our shores. They definitely know how to throw a soiree!</p> <p>They even had the Blue Man Group perform and take pictures with the attendees.</p> <p>That’s where we came in, to capture a little of the humor, fun and cool moments with images.</p> <p>We hope the photos bring as big a grin to your face as they did to ours in creating them!</p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> </article> <article> <h1>FM2009: Frankie Manning at Ashkenaz</h1> <p>Dave Wong — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:02:06 +0000</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.ncls.com/">NCLS</a>, a volunteer organization of which we’ve been part of for many years, brought out the ambassador of Lindy Hop, Frankie Manning, back to the Bay Area this past weekend.</p> <p>We were on hand to cover Frankie’s Friday Night Talk at the Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center in Berkeley, CA.</p> <p>Even though we’ve done this numerous times, it’s always a tremendous pleasure to listen to his stories (while getting some great shots) — the room is always filled with laughter as Frankie’s quite the storyteller and has a great sense of humor.</p> <p>Of note was that this year, Frankie’s son, Chazz Young, was on hand (as he was here to teach for his dad, who’s still recovering from hip surgery). It was heartwarming to also hear Chazz laugh at all his father’s stories as well.</p> <p>It’s hard to believe the man is going to be 95 this May — that’s right, NINETY-FIVE.</p> <p>After the talk, there was dancing to the lovely Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers.<br /> It was great to see some old friends, and make some new ones, too.</p> <p>Enjoy!</p> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning (r) with his son Chazz Young</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> <div class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 650px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Frankie Manning's Friday Night Talk at Ashkenaz</p></div> </article> <article> <h1>DooF-a-Palooza 2008</h1> <p>Dave Wong — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:43:06 +0000</p> <p></p> <p>Dave was on hand to cover this year’s DooF-a-Palooza event over at Google headquarters in Mountain View.</p> <p>What’s DooF-a-Palooza?</p> <p>It’s a fundraising event for the upcoming DooF tv show — a food show for kids that’s designed to teach youngsters the origin of food, health, cooking and all that good stuff, in an effort to combat and prevent obesity and other health issues.</p> <p>It was a really well-attended event, full of parents and kids eager to try out the various foods available (all free after admission), as well as the food-related activities:</p> <ul> <li>making your own pizza</li> <li>coffee grounds finger-painting</li> <li>petting zoo</li> <li>being in a video’ed “Kitchen Sink Cook Off” with celebrity chef Joey Altman</li> </ul> <p>to name a few.</p> <p>Really a worthwhile event.</p> <p>You can see teaser photos on the DooF blog at:</p> <p><a title="DooF Teaser Photos" href="http://www.foodbackwards.com/doofblog/2008/07/15/doof-a-palooza-2008-teaser-photos/">www.foodbackwards.com</a></p> <p>and the entire gallery at:</p> <p><a title="DooF-a-Palooza Event Photos" href="http://www.foodbackwards.com/photos/">www.foodbackwards.com/photos/</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Robert Strong at Apple WWDC 08</h1> <p>Dave Wong — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:15:52 +0000</p> <p>Dave was on hand to document San Francisco comedy-magician <a title="Robert Strong - Comedy Magician" href="http://www.strongentertainment.com">Robert Strong</a> doing a video shoot meant to demonstrate the technology from <a href="http://www.nuance.com">Nuance</a>.</p> <p>Doing the video work was a friend of Dave’s, Josh from <a href="http://www.blanktapeproductions.com">Blank Tape Productions</a>.</p> <p>The following is a short selection of some of the behind-the-scenes work.</p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> Robert rehearsing his lines while Josh checks his camera settings.<br /> <br /> The iPhone is truly hands-free, at least “in” the hands of Robert.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Robert Strong wowing passers-by.<br /> <br /> Robert demonstrating “hands-tied” technology (yes, he did get out of the strait jacket!)</p> </article> <article> <h1>Arbor Day at Strybing Arboretum</h1> <p>Dave Wong — Wed, 07 May 2008 04:58:39 +0000</p> <p>A couple of weeks ago, we were on hand to cover a special presentation for a group of elementary schoolchildren.</p> <p>These kids got to see what an arborist actually do — the real fun was when they got to see arborist Jesse scale what must have been a 100 foot tall conifer.</p> <p>At the top, he demonstrated how arborists trim off dead limbs and branches that might otherwise fall off on unsuspecting people.</p> <p>After the mucho impressive spectacle the kids split up into groups for some fun activities, including helping to plant a tree, and coming up with creative hats!</p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> </article> <article> <h1>George Gee and the Jump, Jiven’ Wailers at the 920 Special</h1> <p>Dave Wong — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 05:14:39 +0000</p> <p>Last week, my honey and I headed out the <a href="http://www.920special.com/">920 Special</a> for a special evening of dancing to the live music of <a href="http://www.georgegee.com/">George Gee’s Jump, Jiven’ Wailers</a>.</p> <p>It was a night I won’t soon forget. The band was really, really tight, playing many familiar favorites from the swingin’ Big Band era.</p> <p>George is full of enthusiasm as the band leader, and although he doesn’t play any instruments, he is totally into the music, enjoying every riff, every high note.</p> <p>The evening also featured a superb vocalist by the name of John Dokes. His smooth, emotive voice really provided an extra punch.</p> <p>It was a great evening.</p> <p>Here are some favorites:</p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <p>For the full gallery, please visit <a title="San Francisco Wedding and Event Photographer Dave Wong" href="http://www.davewongphotography.com/photos/events/2008/george-gee-920special/">DaveWongPhotography</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>SF Flower and Garden Show 2008</h1> <p>Dave Wong — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:35:33 +0000</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.gardenshow.com/">Flower and Garden Show</a> was an even bigger success this year. We had the delight of seeing so many wonderful creations.</p> <p>The theme was gardening and health and there was also an emphasis on sustainable gardening.</p> <p>There were some amazing gardens and we’re sure that attendees got some great ideas for their own backyard, front yard or anywhere they like to garden.</p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Frankie Manning Workshop Weekend 2008</h1> <p>Dave Wong — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:24:13 +0000</p> <p>Last weekend saw the return of legendary Lindy Hopper Frankie Manning to the Bay Area for his once-a-year swing dance workshop, put on by the <a href="http://www.ncls.com" title="The Northern California Lindy Society">Northern California Lindy Society</a>.</p> <p>The event began Friday night at <a href="http://www.ashkenaz.com/" title="Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center">Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center</a>, where the 94(!) year-old Frankie gave another of his signature telling of stories from his youth.</p> <p>Saturday and Sunday featured the Lindy Hop Workshop with Frankie, as well as optional “elective” classes taught by a whole lotta local swing dance instructors. Saturday night also featured the 6th Annual Shiny Stockings Ball, with the <a href="http://www.rsjo.com" title="The Royal Society Jazz Orchestra">Royal Society Jazz Orchestra</a>.</p> <p>The NCLS also presented its first ever Distinguished Community Service award to Chad Kubo, one of the long-time pillars of the San Francisco Bay Area Lindy Hop scene (<a href="http://www.sweetsmile.com/2006/01/16/chad-kubo-advertisement/">bus ad</a> notwithstanding).</p> <p>Sunday night’s closing dance featured the <a href="http://www.myspace.com/tipsygypsytrio" title="The Tipsy Gypsy Trio">Tipsy Gypsy Trio</a>.</p> <p>Here are some image from the weekend. Enjoy!</p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Chris Horton – Olympic Hopeful</h1> <p>Dave Wong — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:33:12 +0000</p> <h3>A different kind of Super Bowl Party</h3> <p>This past Super Bowl Sunday was a little different. It was a special event sponsoring Chris Horton Olympic challenge and the Hume Center. Even a few Raiderettes were on hand to help get everyone in the Super Bowl spirit!</p> <p>It was held at the <a href="http://www.chardonnaygolfclub.com/" title="Chardonnay Golf Club">Chardonnay Golf Club</a> in Napa. The sun was out as well, what more could we ask for!</p> <h3>Olympic Dreams</h3> <p>Chris hopes to compete in the Summer Olympics this year AND in the Winter Olympics in 2010 — the first athlete to compete in both!</p> <p>We wish him much success in the Summer Trials in Eugene, OR and look forward to seeing him in the 2008 Summer Olympics, 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2012 Summer Olympics where he hopes to compete in the 400-800-1500 sprints. We get tired just thinking about it, but will be cheering him on from a comfortable arm chair.</p> <p>Notes:</p> <ul> <li>the large group portrait is some of the Hume Center staff</li> <li>the medals are all Chris’</li> </ul> <p>For more information, check out:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.chrishortononline.com/" target="_blank">www.ChrisHortonOnline<wbr></wbr>.com</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.humecenter.org/" target="_blank">www.HumeCenter.org</a></li> </ul> <p>For another perspective, check out <a href="http://www.sfgallery143.com/blog/2008/02/03/super-bowl-benefit-for-chris-horton-olympic-hopeful-hume-center/">Jessa’s blog</a>.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Live Music at the 920 Special</h1> <p>Dave Wong — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 08:36:41 +0000</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.920special.com/" title="The 920 Special">920 Special</a>, a San Francisco swing dance venue, had a special night of dancing to the live music of two bands — <a href="http://www.medicineballband.com/" title="San Francisco Medicine Ball Band">The San Francisco Medicine Ball Band</a> (what a name, huh?) and <a href="http://www.cornerpocketswingband.com/" title="Corner Pocket Swing Band">Corner Pocket</a> — and I was there with my honey for a little bit of dancing, and a little bit (more) of photo-taking.</p> <p>I used to be a regular when I started learning Lindy Hop, but now with running the photography business, leisure activities like this is often more rare.</p> <p>It definitely was nice to to be back.</p> <p>Here’s the scene at the front door.</p> <p></p> <p>The main crew out front: Mark, Nicole, and Jeff <br /> Here’s a view of the San Francisco Medicine Ball Band<br /> </p> <p>Corner Pocket from backstage.<br /> </p> <p>Usually between Christmas and New Year’s, the dance venues have light turnouts — but not Thursday — pretty nice numbers.</p> <p></p> <p>MC Manu doin’ his thing.<br /> <br /> </p> </article> </main></body></html>