Muscadine Bloodline: Cain’s Ballroom
If you know anything at all about me, you know that Muscadine Bloodline is my favorite band. In the 5 years that I’ve been following them, I have seen them in every form of venue from dive bar to amphitheater and though the size of the crowds have changed, their genuine characters have not.
The first time I met the boys was in November 2019 at Tumbleweed in Stillwater, OK. It was the first show that I went to after a very rough break up, and it was so healing for me in a lot of ways. During that relationship, I lost a lot of myself and began to change who I was, and not in a positive way. A big part of my character is my love for music and even that was something I ignored. For an entire year I didn’t go to any shows, so this was my first shot at finding myself again. They were so welcoming and put on such a great show - it was everything I needed.
Over the years I have seen them 17 times in 8 different states (will be adding show 18 on February 28th!) Through that time, every highlight, milestone, or goal that I hit for my healing and personal growth seemed to align with a show that they had or album release. So not only did I relate to their lyrics, but I felt a deeper connection to their journey as well. As they were finding themselves, I was doing the same.
For my birthday in July 2022, a couple friends and I traveled out to Chattanooga, TN for a Muscadine show and a week in Nashville. Though I had seen the boys several times over the years, it was my first meet and greet I’d gotten to participate in since the show in Monroe, LA in February 2020 due to the Covid regulations that followed immediately after. To my surprise, they remembered my name and where they met me. They treated me like an old friend and that’s not a feeling you come by often in this industry. After the show, they gave me a set list and both came down to give me a hug and tell me happy birthday. I sent a text to my parents and told them how special they had made me feel. My dad knew how important MB’s music is to me and how much their kindness meant to me and sent me back a text saying “Wow that’s too cool!” I had no idea this would be our last conversation, and that the next day I would receive the most dreadful phone call. Yet again, a major life event rooted my connection to their music further.
That year for Father’s Day, I had bought my dad tickets to see the boys at Cain’s Ballroom in October. He had never been there and was just starting to finally listen to me about their music, realizing I’d been right all along and that it was right up his alley. Unfortunately, this was an experience we never got to have.
Fast forward to August 2024. The boys were making their way back to Cain’s and I was hitting the year mark of concert photography. I debated for a long time about reaching out for an opportunity to take photos of them, but didn’t want to overstep. Often times, I stand in my own way when it comes to opportunities because I have a hard time asking for them.
But I took the leap. And they said yes.
At the beginning of the year, I had on my bucket list that I wanted to shoot at Cain’s. And now here I am, getting to document a show from my favorite band in my favorite venue. It also felt like a full circle moment, getting to do the thing my dad had encouraged me to do in a space that he once was supposed to experience with me.
As the show began, I was surprised to see Ben Chapman as the opener. I had misread previously and was expecting another artist. But when I realized it was him, I could feel the tears starting to build up. Ben was also the opener at the show in Chattanooga. So even more so, the circle was complete.
My heart felt so full that night I thought it would burst. The music, the venue, the lineup, the dream coming to fruition. I could feel my dad right alongside me the whole time.
At one point during Muscadine’s set, I made my way back to the merch booth to take a moment to let it all sink in. Bradley saw me and smiled so big, and stepped away from the long line that had formed to come say hello. Then he looked me straight in the eye and said something that meant more to me than I think he even realized.
“You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.”
Those words have played over and over a million times. It was the confirmation that I needed that this was the path I’m meant to be on, and somehow felt like it was coming from my dad in a way.
To others, these are just concert photos. But to me, it’s proof that dreams do come true.
A RedBird is Hatched: BTS of Our First Show
Picture it - Tulsa, 2023.
I’d been wrestling with the idea of concert photography for a little of a year and just past the one year anniversary of losing my dad. I had his words playing over and over in my head - “You never know where it could take you.”
So I made the leap.
At this point, I’d built a friendship with Casey West through a summer of Tuesday night open mics. When he had a show come up opening for Dax Perrier at The Vanguard, something told me that this was the opportunity I’d been waiting for. I reached out to Casey and let him know that I was interested in taking pictures for him and despite being a photographer for over 10 years, I had zero experience in this realm. Without hesitation, he told me to come on out and bring the camera with me.
Casey took a chance on me that night and it’s something that I will forever be grateful for. It not only initiated the beginning days of RedBird, but it also was the true beginning of a great friendship. I think it’s safe to say that Casey isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. He can be a bit direct (understatement) and isn’t afraid to speak his mind, even if his opinion isn’t going to be liked. But those that are drawing conclusions about him from that alone are missing out on one of the most genuine humans I’ve ever met. Over the years, I have seen him go out of his way to support not only me in my career goals but several local artists get their starts as well. He has spent several nights encouraging, coaching, and empowering those who were nervous but eager to learn and grow with no personal gain. This industry is tough, and he’s the kind of people that are hard to come by.
Enough about him though, let’s get back to the real star - me.
I’d tried my hand at several form of photography over the years, but this night was something different. It came so naturally to me and the only word I can think of to describe it is home.
“You never know where it could take you.”
The words played over and over. I knew then that my dad was right (imagine that) and I’d been delaying for far too long.
This is what I was meant to do. This is the art I was meant to create. These are the stories I was meant to tell.
Ever since I was a kid, I have felt that there is something magical about live music. The energy of the crowd, the way the ground shakes when everyone stomps their feet, the sound of a chorus of strangers singing along to the same words and — even just for a moment — connecting on a deeper level than they ever would in a normal encounter. You know that part of the Grinch when his heart grows 3 sizes too big? That’s how my heart feels at a show.
Even in this I’m struggling to describe it in a way that does that feeling justice. So finally, FINALLY, I’ve found a compromise. Why tell people how I see live music when I can show it?
Through RedBird, I’ve been able to connect with a part of myself that I never dreamed I could, which has given me the space to bare my soul to the world. It’s scary at times, but it has been so rewarding because I’ve now been given the opportunity to grow my circle with people just like me.
And to think, it all started one night in Tulsa.
RedBird Media Co.: Welcome to the Nest
For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Shelbe’ Hollingshad and I am the HeadBird behind RedBird Media Co. Whether you are a small business owner, musician, artist, realator, or someone who is just curious - we welcome you!