Lethbridge Portrait & Wedding Photography & Design by Tanya Plonka

This was a show I had been looking forward to for a LONG time. I can’t remember when I was first shown Awolnation’s music (maybe a year ago already?), but his first full length CD is by far my favorite release this year. I have been obsessed with that album, and with him not being a big name yet, a Canadian tour wasn’t looking promising. I checked the Facebook page constantly for concert updates, and I finally I saw that he was coming to Alberta. However, it was in Edmonton… so what did I do? Buy tickets the moment they came out, and drive the 6+ hours to see him, of course!

The show ended up selling out a month before because he’s really blown up lately, so I’m very thankful I plan everything far in advance. He performed with his band at the Starlite Room, and holy crap, they were fantastic – he needs to keep them on as his regular band because they are so tight together. Not knowing the venue, I didn’t want to take any expensive gear so I went equipped with only my old Rebel XT and my 50mm lens. It was a challenge, especially since most of his lighting was that gross purple-red that destroys skin tones and any facial contrast, and we were packed in so tightly, but I managed to dodge all the arms flying up around me to get some shots. The only issue is that sometimes we were too close and I couldn’t fit him in the frame… but I’m not complaining, being in the front is the best :) (more…)

On Canada Day, just after my dance performance with Ammena Dance Company at Henderson Lake, I had a chance to check out Orbital Flame, Lethbridge’s fire spinning group. I’ve only ever watched the fire spinners do free styling on their Saturday night get togethers, so it was so fun to watch them with a routine choreographed to music! It’s too bad that they weren’t scheduled when it was a little darker out, but the lighting was still nice for seeing their personalities a little better :) (more…)

Last month Maria in the Shower returned to Lethbridge for yet another amazing show. These guys are definitely one of my favorite bands to see live. Even though the bar wasn’t very full, by the second set they managed to get everyone to the front dancing. The band plays with so much passion and they do such a unique thing, I just can’t recommend them enough :) (more…)

This past Friday, the recently reopened Tongue N Groove was host to an amazing band, Dr. Zoo. The members come from all parts of the world – everywhere from Lethbridge to the Sudan! Their music was an eclectic mix of African, Reggae, and Celtic, and it works suprisingly well together. The dance floor was full all night, and their were cries of sorrow when they were done playing. (more…)

Each time I go to Disneyland, I intend to blog my favorite photos but never get around to it… well, no more! This time around it was a challenge to find photos of things I have never taken there before, and with a few new Christmas elements and special touches around the park (along with some inclement weather), the task was much easier than I expected! Even though it rained quite a bit, it was nice to get away from the snow for a week and have a break :) (more…)

After opening for Grady, The Motorleague came back into Lethbridge a few days later for a show at the Slice. That afternoon we got together to take some new promo photos now that they have a new bassist. (more…)