LOS ANGELES, CA — The Annenberg Space for Photography today announced Photosynthesis, a free, day-long photo and music festival taking place on Saturday, August 9, 2014. The event will take place at Century Park in Century City, on the lawn adjacent to the Annenberg Space for Photography.
On the same stage where noted country musicians will be performing as part of the Photography Space and KCRW’s Country in the City concert series, photographers will take their place in the spotlight.
Three renowned photographers will share the stories behind the images, with their work displayed on two 15’ x 15’ LED video walls.
- Amelia Davis (speaking about the Jim Marshall Archive) – Davis is an accomplished, award-winning photographer who has published three books of her own work and been included in numerous exhibitions. She was also famed photographer Jim Marshall’s assistant for his last thirteen years and is now the sole owner and manager of Jim Marshall Photography LLC. Davis will be presenting a slide presentation of Marshall’s extraordinary life’s work.
- Ethan Russell – Russell, a multi-Grammy nominated photographer, director and the only photographer to shoot album covers of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who, will present excerpts from his theatrical performance The Best Seat in the House, an evening of stories and photographs from music’s greatest era based on his book American Story. Russell will be showing his photographs of Jim Morrison, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Linda Ronstadt, Janis Joplin and many others.
- Mark Seliger – Seliger started shooting assignments for Rolling Stone in 1987, and became their Chief Photographer in 1992. In 2002, Seliger moved to Condé Nast, where he is currently under contract. He shoots frequently for Vanity Fair, Italian Vogue, L’Uomo Vogue and German Vogue. Seliger’s photographs have been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide, including the Annenberg Space for Photography. He has published numerous books and won countless awards.
Between lectures, country and blues musicians will entertain the crowd.
- The Murphy Family Band – Based in Culver City, the Murphy Family Band plays an exciting mix of traditional and original bluegrass music.
- Run Boy Run – Run Boy Run’s all-acoustic format blends bluegrass, folk and the old timey American vernacular with touches of classical and jazz.
- The James Harman Band – A California-based singer, harmonica player, songwriter, bandleader, and veteran of the blues roadhouse circuit, James Harman has led various combinations of his James Harman Band over the years. With roots in the deepest of blues harmonica sources, Harman scores consistently with his original material as well.
- Rusty Truck – In addition to being a world-renowned editorial photographer, Mark Seliger is the front man for the band Rusty Truck, which he founded in 2003. The band includes drummer Joey Peters (Grant Lee Buffalo), guitarist Michael Duff (Chalk Farm) and vocalist Kristin Mooney. In 2013, Rusty Truck released their second album of country music, Kicker Town.The final song of Rusty Truck’s set will feature a crowd-sourced music video featuring video and images taken throughout the day’s festivities and photos submitted via social media by audience members.Lectures, performances and raffles on the main stage will be emceed by Jeff Dunas, who developed the programming for Photosynthesis. Dunas is the founder and director of the Palm Springs Photo Festival. Joining him as emcee will be National Geographic photographer Vincent J. Musi.
Photosynthesis will also feature the following family-friendly activities:
- Exhibit booths by Bel Air Camera, Fujifilm, The Impossible Project, the Palm Springs Photo Festival,Samy’s Camera and others will provide opportunities to experience the latest photographic equipment and techniques.
- A custom slideshow produced by Framework, the photography and video blog of the Los Angeles Times, featuring the works of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers and award-winning photojournalists will be shown in Skylight Studios.
- Complimentary photo booths will allow visitors to capture the day’s fun and share it with their friends via their Facebook and Twitter accounts.
- Food and refreshments will be made available for purchase from a wide variety of cafes and food trucks. There will also be beer gardens for those 21 and over to enjoy.
- A limited number of portfolio reviews will be conducted at Annenberg Space for Photography Skylight Studios by photographers, editors and industry insiders. Separate registration is required for portfolio reviews.
Additionally, Photosynthesis attendees can experience the Country: Portraits of an American Sound exhibit at the Annenberg Space for Photography. Co-curated by the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, the exhibit offers over 100 prints of the pioneers, poets and icons of country music. Guests can also view exclusive short-form documentary films, archival artifacts, stage costumes and much more.
Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Doors open at 2 pm.
