PHOTOS/VIDEO: RACES @ Cafe du Nord – April 1, 2012

(Back Row From Left) Devon Lee - percussion/vocals, Lucas Ventura - drums/percussion, Garth Herberg - guitar, Oliver Hild - bass/moog and Breanna Wood - piano/vocalist pose behind Wade Ryff - guitar/vocals, during the photo shoot of their band RACES at Cafe du Nord. They recently released their new album "Year of the Witch" and have been receiving airplay from various Los Angeles radio stations. Photos by Gil Riego Jr.

April Fool’s Day usually allows me to my own brand of random dickatry to the world.

I usually think of ways to prank friends, family and what not.

This year I decided to be “grown up” and not do any of that.

After a fun jaunt around Alameda with my friend, I rushed over to Cafe du Nord to attend the San Francisco leg of RACES’ album release tour.

SHAMELESS PLUG: Macword iWorld 2012 for the SF Weekly

This past weekend I had the great pleasure of attending Macworld’s iWorld convention. Not so much as a participant, but to photographically cover it.

It was certainly one of the more enjoyable conventions I’ve been to, and least aggravating as well.

The Moscone center floor was covered with drool from all the iFanboys looking over the new gadgets and gizmos they could trick out their iDevices with, and I wasn’t an exception to that rule.

There were so many things I wish I could have obtained, but alas, the world of a poor college student prevents goodies like these to come into my posession.

But on the upside, there were things for the monetarily challenged, like a viewing of the uncut South Park pilot for Comedy Central followed by a Q&A with one of the long-time writers.

There was an incredible viewing of the iFilm Festival, which had free food, drinks and ice cream. So I couldn’t complain about any of that.

But I think what made the entire time worth it was getting to see Atomic Tom perform live, with both their iPhone and actual instruments.

While I’m going to only post up a couple photos from this weekend, you should all check out the rest at the SF Weekly. Which can easily be found by clicking any of the photos below.

PHOTOS: RAW Artists 2011 Awards Show

Earlier this year, I attended the RAW Artists 2011 awards show at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

I’ve been to a few RAW Artists events in the past, but I haven’t been to one of this magnitude.

To show my support for my friends, Black Party Politics, I decided to buy myself a VIP pass and put it under their name.

It was an insane event full of art, music, fashion and most importantly, alcohol.

Instead of being my standard photographer self, taking snapshots of the events, I tried to give myself an experiment for the night— just to see how well I could shoot.

My goal was to shoot everything on bulb, hand-held while using my flash as my shutter.

In my head, this prevented me from shooting artworks on the wall or what not, though I could have probably done that if I thought harder.

Some results were awesome. some were mediocre. But all were fun and entertaining throughout the night.

I also find it amusing seeing people look at me funny when they see how I work. Or when they just look at me funny in general.

RAWawards 2011 @ Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

Tonight was the RAWawards show at Grauman’s.

I don’t have much to say mostly because I’m still reeling from the entire night.

But I do have some photos I’d like to share, which you should all check out.

I tried something different, and attempted to shoot as much of the show in Bulb with my flash. I enjoy making multiple/long exposures.

#PHOTOS: Rain or shine, Folsom Street Fair 2011 booms

Sunday brought cloudy skies and some rain, but that didn’t stop hundreds upon hundreds of scantily clad (if dressed at all) men and women from swarming the half-mile block of Folsom Street between 7th and 12th streets for the 28th annual Folsom Street Fair.

View of the Folsom Street Fair from 8th Street. Photo: Gil Riego Jr.

#PHOTOS #VIDEO Tour de Fat at Golden Gate Park

This weekend was a busy one for the Bay Area. With LovEvolution in Oakland, Polk Street Festival, Folsom Street Fair and countless other events, it only seems right for bicyclist have their own event in the form of the New Belgium sponsored Tour de Fat in Lindley Meadow of Golden Gate Park.

Oh snap! Watch out! It's a carny with a car door! Photo: Gil Riego Jr.

#PHOTOS: @Keshasuxx and @LMFAO at the Fox

Last week I freelanced for the SF Weekly and covered the relocated Ke$ha and LMFAO show. I had mixed feelings about it going in, one major concern was the time I’d finish for my class the next day— but beyond that my next concern was… where the hell was I supposed to shoot?

Pit?

Soundboard?

It didn’t seem as though some of the security didn’t know either. Eventually I learned that since this show was scheduled at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, this show would also be shot from the soundboard (oddly enough known as the “Front of House” when it’s really closer to the back). Luckily for me I brought a long-ish lens, anticipating Ke$ha’s desire to not being photographed within 5 feet of her actual being.

Oh $hit! Ke$ha is emerging from the Phantom Zone! Photo: Gil Riego Jr. / SF Weekly

PHOTOS: A photo a day keeps dullness away

Since Jan. 1, 2010 I made it a point to expand my photographic creativity by taking a photo every single day for one year. Nine months after i said I’d stop, I’m still doing it. 616 photos so far and it won’t look like I’ll stop until I at least hit 730.

Photo of the day for September 4, 2011. "Depth Charges" Photo: Gil Riego Photography

[PHOTOS/VIDEO] Black Party Politics: A photographer’s retrospective

Since 2007, I’ve been following a small Los Angeles band, named Black Party Politics. Their keyboardist referred to themselves as “If Earth, Wind and Fire had a rock band.” They’ve had tons of highs and lows over the past few years, including quitting of a number of drummers and bassists, relationship within the band and the subsequent break-up, performances in legendary Hollywood venues like the Roxy, Key Club, House of Blues and featured band at a RAW: Artists LA event early summer.

The most recent incarnation of Black Party Politics (From Left: Chris Ramirez - Drums, Miles Safford - Lead Guitar, Ralston Edward Henry - Vocals, Bonnie McIntosh - Keyboard) Photo: Gil Riego Photography

[Photos] Covering Outside Lands for the Bay Citizen: The photographer’s perspective.

Four stages of intense musical diversity in San Francisco’s personal Coachella called “Outside Lands” fulfilled many Bay Area residents’ wishes to see their favorite artists ranging from Arcade Fire, Muse, John Fogerty, Deadmau5, The Roots and more.

Fans swarming around the Lands End stage on the second day of Outside Lands. Photo: Gil Riego Jr. / Bay Citizen