MUSIC PLAYER INFO: the song California Woman is by an Early 70's Band "Spiritual Concept" and was Posted by the person listed.
It's w Sadness I announce the Passing of
Hoover Dog on July 5th 2009. A Loyal Friend,
Companion & Mascot of SLAT Designs
Had the Op. & Pleasure of Taking Photos for LRB @ this Show. This is (1) fm the Evening of the Band on Stage.
Sept 19th 2009 @ the Cats Cradle in
Carrboro, N.C.
arrogance members ( Past & Present) on stage after the 40th B-Day Show,
40th Anniversary Show @ Amos'
in Charlotte, N.C.
Water-Graph Poster of an Iris after the Rain & Lit by a Hand Held Flash Light.
Below you will find a few Different Shows that are of Interest to Me & Wanted to Help get the Word out on these shows to Others.....Just Doing My Part to Aid the Cause!!
MORE TO BE ADDED SOON!!!!
Concert & Other Photography / Computer Design
Space YK1...another Rainy Day / Stuck in the house Design
BANNERS BY SLAT DESIGNS:
In this Area are Various Banner designs we've created for Different Clients.
a "NEW" Banner design for my Good Friend "DD" @ DeaconLight Radio...She Rocks!!!
We just completed the design for the Arrogance WMK ( Web Media Kit), which is an on-line Promo Packet created by SLAT Designs for Bands to Promote themselves to Venues / Promoters.
To Learn more about WMK's please view my past Blog posting about on this Topic & if Interetsed in a WMK for your band...Please feel free to Contact us.
A Few Banner designs to help Promote the band Arrogance's NEW MS Page & Website.
To add this Banner to your Page...Just
Copy and Paste the Code below:
an Honor on this End when contacted by Lynn, who manages the T.R. Myspace site, about doing a Banner Design for the ARENA CD release. As a Long Time Todd Fan this is the Mack-Daddy of Request & was more than Happy to Volunteer my Services to assist her with this project.
Music
my Taste in Music has been influenced by:
in the 60's growing up as a child I spent time in Leaksville, N.C. visiting my Aunt Abbie & Grandparents...In the evenings the neighbors gathered on the Royer's front porch w. their instruments & Picked / Played all the Bluegrass tunage you could imagine & for self taught musicians some pretty amazing music.
my Father who introduced me to Jazz, all the Classical / Masters music he could and the Swing / Big Bands too...Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington & Count Basie to name a few.
my mother went to the other extreme in her musical taste, as she introduced my to Boots Randolph, Al Hirt, Tom Jones and being a pianist she was always playing all the old-time gospel favorites. oh and a Dolly Parton fan she was too.
growing up in Mt. Airy, N.C. (Mayberry) we only had AM Radio back then so you listened to what they played Old school Country & Western, Bluegrass and the daily AG Report for all the area farmers.....
my next to oldest brother who turned me on to the Beatles, Early BeeGees & Beach Boys,the Rasberries & especially YES, Vaniila Fudge & other 70's Music.
the Early 70's...FM radio stations were beginning to pop up on the radio dial & all that music at your finger tips was amazing....WFDD, the local Wake Forest Uni. campus Radio station had a late night show where the students played what they wanted / Liked & wasn't main stream by any means. WAAA at the time was the only station in the area that played mainly Black musicians music and from them got to hear alot of Soul, R&B & introduced to Funk music. They had a late night DJ and his tagline was...WAAA the Black Spot on your Radio Dial said in a Deep soulful voice.
Early TV shows.....Lawrence Welk Show, Hullabaloo, Hee-Haw, Soul Train, Midnight Special, the Monkees, Partridge Family, Grand Ole Opry Show & Johnny Carson too. (sure I've forgotten a few)
so thru Time I have acquired a pretty varied taste in what I like musically & continues to grow to this day....
Thanks to all my Family & Friends who thru time have introduced me to some very amazing musical talent & to All bands of All Genres for the Many musical memories.
Movies
OTHER DESIGNS:
Who knows what may be Found in this Area Eventually....
Television
VARIOUS MERCH MIKE PHOTOS
a Few Different photos of Me and w. Some friends too!!!
Roger Dean & myself w. a Merch Mike Original Water-Graph I did fm the Photo on MS Page & presented to Roger @ his 09-22-08 M&G/Lecture
Roger Dean (Legendary Rock Artist), Merch Girl & Myself @ RnR Hall of Fame Concert.
Me @ NE Gate of Base on Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. This is the gate that leads out to Cuba proper. Was there w Mother's Finest as Guest of US Govt. on Memorial Day Weekend 2007..
Me & Marty fm Preacher Stone:
Me & Jimmy Haun fm CIRCA:
Me & Mike Sherwood fm CIRCA:
Mother's Finest crew w Mo & Kerry on Atlanta's Fox 5 morning show Stage.
Me, Barney & Gomer @ NC Show FEST Convention
A 1st & maybe a last?...me in a shirt/tie & NO hat. Pictured are Myself, Don Dixon & Jim Chatman..Yes it's a Marvin the Martian Xmas tie I'm wearing.
Working Merch for the Nantucket Boys
Books
A Few Photos of the Other Peformers @ the RnR Hall of Fame Concert in Cary N.C. Sept 20th 2008
Heroes
POSTERS / OTHER DESIGNS
This Area is set aside for Some of My Different Posters & Other Designs that my Mind might capture. I will try to Add / Change out designs from Time to Time to Keep things Fresh.
Just happen to snap this Photo of the Berkeley Cafe Snd mans Reflection in Jim's Bass drum while he was setting up drum mics.
Mr. Don Dixon Rockin' the HandleBar
P-51-D Mustang Poster Design w Specs.
B&W of "Quick Silver" on Static Display @ the 2008 W-S Airshow..the sound of this Bad Girl in Flight is Music of the RPM kind and what a beautiful tune she carries...
Butterfly Feeding Close-Up Water-Graph Poster
Took this Photo of an Old Studebaker Pick-Up fm the Car Show...Added a few Different Effects & the Resulting Poster above
Live Show Photography.Promo Photography & Promo Design too.
"Merch" Mike Now the Barometric Pressure is back to Normal the Migraines are gone until the Next Storm Breezes into Town.... Posted at 6:47 AM Dec 15 view more
Thank you goes out to Everyone who's taken the Time to View my page & All the comments received. I try to add / change things up from time to time to Keep things Interesting for your viewing Pleasure.
..
This was a New Years wish I received from the Artist Ed Unitsky. Such Nice Thoughts & Words shouldn't go Unshared so I took a B&W poster I had...added his words so that I could post it for All my Friends here on Myspace...I couldn't have said it any Better & Thank you Ed for those Wishes.
Took this photo right after a Fan handed Baby Jean this Rose...
the Flash Banner below designed by SLAT Designs for the NEW Arrogance Music Download page from ComboLand.
If you're a National Act or Other Band Touring in the area & want or don't mind having some photos taken Please feel free to contact me as glad to Barter a CD of edited photos for admission & autographs ;-) anytime.
Photo Policy:
For those of you who've asked and / or emailed me in regards of how to purchase concert photos & to future bands interested in my services...as part of my agreement w Bands to be allowed to take photos at these shows I DO NOT sell the Photos. I provide the band w. a CD of edited photos & have the option of creating a poster(s) from any of them. I provide the band a copy of any Poster produced also.
Any National / Regional / N.C. acts needing an Experienced Merch person for short term touring or just for when in the area Please contact me as Available on Semi-Short notice in Most cases. Do have a pass port so can travel overseas if needed.
Roger Dean, artist/designer, The man behind ALL the "YES" album cover artwork. An amazingily talented Human being....Thank you for the Designs that Sparked my Imagination / Creativity & Made me Think outside the box.
Just received word on 09-26-08 that Roger Dean is Interested in Using this photo in some of his Press materials....Definitely a Honor on this end & said YES ASAP to the Request.
Photo of mine taken @ the Cruisn' for Christ Car Show outside W-S, N.C. If you're the owner of a Hot Rod / Classic Auto and would like a custom designed Print from a photo of your Ride like the (1) above Please feel free to contact me. Framed makes a nice addition for displaying along w. your ride @ Car Shows...Be the Envy of All & who knows maybe Help get you a few Brownie Points during Judging.
NEWS/UPDATES:
December 8th 2009
Well Turkey-Day has passed us by, and Hope everyone had a Happy one, Now the Countdown is on till Christmas & New Years. Have a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year too!!! Beginning in 2010 I will move All the Yearly Re-Caps into a Seperate Blog so not to take up as much space on my page.
November was another slow month Photo wise, we continued to maintain the Various Web, Myspace sites and get CD's of Photos out to the Various Bands.
During November I had the Good Fortune to take Photos for:
Little River Band @ the High Point Theatre. (2nd Show Photographed)
Maurice Williams 50th Anniversary in Music @ the Newberry Opera House.
November 4th 2009
Hope everyone had a Good Halloween & Now to Start planning for T-Day...October wasn't too busy a month here & Luckily so as it gave me some time to catch up on some of the backlog of Photos needing Editing...Still some to Go.
Continued working / maintaining the Various Myspace & Websites we've designed, as well as, working w. Andrews Aviation Academy. Designed / Editing the Newsletter that the Academy will be using this Academic year. Have been asked & Accepted an Invitation to Assist in Design Work for the 2010 W-S Air Show...My way to Help such a Great event to the Community.
During October had the Op. to See & Do Photos for:
Don Dixon & Marti Jones @ the Garage in W-S
Mitch Easter Band @ the Garage
Heart Drive CD Release @ the Garage
Little River Band @ Newberry Opera Hse.
Don Dixon & Marti Jones In-Store Appearance
Continue to Add some Photo Albums of the Newest Photos taken.
October 12th 2009
Yes a bit Late on Posting the Update fm. Sept. but have been Busy Bustin' Butt to edit All the photos that were taken last Month & so can Start on Some fm. this month too.
this past Month was Air Show W/E & Spent (2) Days over @ the airport taking a few Hundred Photos, Enjoying All the Flying aircraft Demos & the Perfect Weather we had.
During September had the Op. to get out to do some band photos too:
arrogance@40 B-Day Bash @ the Cat's Cradle w. Present & Past members in Concert.
Mother's Finest came to N.C. so was able to combine taking Photos & Visiting w. My Old Crew / Band Mates. Always Good to see them when in the area so can Catch up on What's Happenin' w Everyone & get my Going Home Hug fm. Baby Jean. No Better way to End a Night ;-)
the 2009 Charlotte Pop Fest a (3) Day event held @ Dana Auditorium and Some of the Bands photographed Include.
Bleu
Mike Viola
the Posies
Glen Burtnik
Jill Sobule
the Spongetones
the Singles
Mike Dees
the Shazam
the Smithereens
Parallax Project
along w. Many other Area / Regional Bands
Continued to Maintain the Various Web / Myspace sites, as well as working on Editing & Posting photos into Albums for your Viewing Pleasure.
September 1st 2009
another Month Bites the Dust...Had the Good Fortune of doing Photos for the Cosmopolitans Reunion show @ the Cat's Cradle along w. their Special Guest for the evening, Don Dixon(Solo) & the Mitch Easter Band. A very Fun & Entertaining show to say the Least. Continued working w. the W-S Air Show finalizing a few designs & working on any Last Minute ones that are needed also. Have to say though the Highlight of the month was Finally getting the Op. to take a flight in a WWII T-6 Texan Trainer. Even though it was only a 20 minute or so flight...those minutes will last a Lifetime. Now on to September & a Very Busy month for me show / photo wise.
August 4th 2009
Well the month of July has Come & Gone...One that I will remember for many Yrs to come w the Passing of Hoover Dog. Wasn't a very Busy month here as maintained the various Myspace / Web Pages, did Merch @ a couple of Nantucket shows & some Design work for the W-S Air Show as time is getting closer for the Event.
July 1st 2009
WOW...Hard to believe that this Year is Half over. The month of June was a bit busy for Us here. Besides Our usual Upkeep on Website & My Space pages had the Op to do photos for:
Rebecca Rippy & the 12 Tribes Band @ the Sylvia Theatre in York, S.C.
Don Dixon Music Showcase @ the Sylvia Theatre in York, S.C.
Don Dixon & the Jump Rabbits Final Show @ Papa Mojo's in Durham, N.C.
Vinyl Underground @ Big Shotz in W-S, N.C.
June 3rd 2009
a Couple days late on Posting the News/Updates for last month as have been working on getting Photos edited.During the past month continued our Website/Myspace Maintaince, hit the Road to Work a Few shows for Mother's Finest & Nantucket and had the Op to do Photos for:
2009 Revolve Film & Music Festival.
Little Feat @ Amos' in Charlotte,N.C.
May 1st 2009
Well the Showers have Definitely brought to life the May flowers and everything here in the South is Looking & Smelling Good..Azeleas in Full Bloom and the Iris' are beginning to bloom this week also...Have to snap a few Photos and post...well on to the News!
April and All her showers were a Good thing as kept me in the house as continued to work on Various Design Projects:
Newsletter design for Andrews Aviation Academy.
a Round & Square Bumper Logo Sticker for A.A.A.
Show flyer for Nantucket show in S.C.
Continued our Maintaince of the Various Web & MySpace sites we've Deisgned.
Was able to do Photography for the Benefit 4 Hunger concert this month...Bands performing included
Don Dixon & the Jump Rabbits
Lenny Federal Band
Rebecca Rippy w the 12 Tribes Band
April 2nd 2009
Well Spring has Sprung & starting off the month w April Showers here in N.C....Looking forward to the May Flowers!!
The month of March here @ SLAT Designs was sorta laid back as continued to work on Various Designs for the W-S Air Show Committee, as well as the Andrews Aviation Academy. Some AAA completed designs Include:
8.5x11 Flyers
8x5 Post Card
Emailable Word Document Flyers
During the month of March was able to do photography for:
Arrogance@40 Concert & Guest Musicians:
Arrogance
Arrogance w Original Members:
1):Robert Kirkland
2):Don Dixon
3):Mike Greer
4):Jimmy Glasgow
Dave Adams
Parthenon Huxley
Mitch Easter & Band
Debra DeMilo
Peter Holsapple
Chris Stamey
March 1st 2009
Starting of the Month here w. a nice Snow Storm this Evening in N.C. ...the More the Merrier!!!
Feb. was a bit of a busy Month here as far as Design Time I'm providing to the W-S Air Show Committee: Designs I've Completed for the Event Include:
16"x24" Air Show Poster
4"x9" Air Show Info Rack Card
8.5"x11" Air Show Flyer
Sponsorship Info Booklet
Souvenir Program Cover
Event E-Tix
B&W Print Ads
Had the Op during the past Month to do Photos for:
Preacher Stone
Nigel Dupree Band
Jackyl
Clef Pallette
Febuary 1st 2009
Well the Month of January was brought in with me in the Hospital, due to a Flare-Up of my Rare Liver Disease...But had it's bright spot as got to spend My B-Day weekend celebrating it with my good friends in Mother's Finest. I was doing Merch for (3) shows that the band had scheduled in the Area.
I also was contacted by the Director of the W-S Air Show about doing some Various Poster Designs / Editing for the 2009 Air Show. I gladly accepted the Offer to work w this Fine Organization, as Always been a Jet Head here ;-) and Couldn't think of a better group to work with so far.
Janurary 9th 2009
Well December workwise a slow, Not Complaining, Month here. Had the Good fortune to do photos for the Zolly Christmas party again this year. Always enjoy doing photos for them & alot nice friends they have also.
December saw SLAT Designs continuing Our maintance of Myspace / Websites we've Designed, as well as a Few banner designs created.
Had the Op in December to do Photos for:
The Therma Tones. A Blues band from Mooresville, N.C. area. My 1st Op. to work with them and to hear their Lead Guitarist, an 18 yr old, who's Not to Bad. The bands Lead Vocalist, Michael Berrier, is Good Friends w the Boys fm Nantucket so have seen him at shows from time to time. This was also my 1st Op. to hear him sing, the boy can sing the Blues.
2008 RECAPPED:
During the past year had the Op. to continue touring with Nantucket & Arrogance doing Merch Sales & Photos. Had the Op. to do Photos for a few Local bands and continued working w Mr Don Dixon and his various projects.
The highlight of 2008 Hands Down would have to be having Roger Dean select (1) of my photos to use for his New PR materials. Being an Idol of mine how could I refuse such a Request. Just meeting him made my Year that was the Cream to top it off
1. the Summer Concert Series. Committee asked us to design an Event Poster for their Fund Raising concert.
2. Had the Op during the past year to do Photography for a variety of Bands:
Arrogance Show and Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Appearance
Todd Rundgren (2 Shows)
CIRCA: (Former YES Members)
Don Dixon & the Jump Rabbits (3-4 Shows)
Mitch Easter's Gravel Truck (3-4 Shows)
the Spongetones
Mother's Finest
Nantucket (5-6 Shows)
Jeffery Dean Foster (4-5 Shows)
Saving Graces
Down-n-Dirty (4-5 Shows)
Pylon
Other Photogrpahy:
Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame Concert
Charlotte Music Awards Ceremony 2008
Charlotte Pop Fest Offical Photog
Revolve Music & Film Fest
Festival Convention in W-S
W-S Airshow
Monroe NC Airshow
RJR HS 20th Class Reunion
Photographer Zolly Christmas Party
3. Website / Myspace Designs:
Arrogance Official website
Arrogance Official Myspace Page
Arrogance Official Street Team Myspace page
4. Web Media Kit (WMK) Designs:
(2) bands are currently using our prototype design. They are Arrogance & Jason Coley. Eack band is using the Customized version of the WMK.
5. Banner Designs
Todd Rundgren "ARENA" Release Date
Various other TR related Banner
Various Arrogance Designs
DeaconLight Radio
2007 RECAPPED:
During the past year had the Op. to continue touring with Mother's Finest & Nantucket doing Merch Sales & Designs. Joined in a Collaborative effort with the Wyzard Network to assist with Various Design and Photo projects as needed.
The highlight of 2007 would have to be the trip to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba back in May with Mother's Finest & the other bands to entertain the Families & Troops stationed there. The Tour of the base before we left to fly back home & even enjoyed the trip down on the C-130 Hercules ;-)
1. the Spittoono Fest. Committee selected the below poster design to sale for their Fund Raising efforts at their Music Festival.
2. Had the Op during the past year to do Photography for a variety of Bands:
Arrogance Reunion Show
Atlanta Rhythm Section (2 Shows)
Don Dixon Solo (Multiple Shows)
Don Dixon & the Jump Rabbits (3-4 Shows)
Don Dixon & the Costal Co-Horts
Mitch Easter's CD Release
Little Texas
Frank Marino
Mother's Finest
Nantucket
Sister Hazel (2 Shows)
Swampdawamp (3-4 Shows)
Paul Thorn
Other Photogrpahy:
Photographer Carroboro Arts Center
Don Dixon & the Costal Co-Horts show
Photographer for the Spongetone Tribute
The Spongetones
Mitch Easter Band
Don Dixon
Bill Lloyd
Cruis-o-Matic
Crisis
Big Bus Dream
Bryan Shumate
Carl Rosen
Deanna Lynn
Cool King Chris
Leisure McCorkle
Michael Slawter & The Saving Graces
James Deem
Ed James & the Rebers
The Sammies
Mego Dirge
Photographer Columbia College Yearbook Staff
Don Dixon & Sister Hazel Concert
Photgrapher for the 12 Bands of Christmas
Playback "The Band" w. TuTu D'Vyne
John Kruegar
Tara Scheyer & Mud Puppies
Pat Blanchard & Shawn Mullins
Wycliffe Gordon
Shaun Piazza
Everything After
Edison Project w Don Dixon
Hello Lefty
Veara
Will McCrannie
Matthew Buzzell & Night People
Photographer for Shalom Benefit
Don Dixon & Jeffery Dean Foster Band
Photographer Zolly Christmas Party
w Special Guest Don Dixon
3. Website Designs:
Moses Mo's Official Website
Merch Mike Originals
Nantucket Merch Site
The Wyzard Network
KickStand Cowboy
4. Web Media Kit (WMK) Designs:
(2) bands are currently help test the prototype design. They are CIRCA: & Swampdawamp. The CIRCA: WMK uses the Basic Design, while the Swampdawamp WMK is a Customized version.
2005-2006 RECAPPED:
S.L.A.T. DESIGNS came about after working w. a Local band to North Carolina, Lab Ratz. I was doing Show/Promo Photography, as well as, other Various Design Work such as, CD Covers, Venue Posters and Promo packet. I saw there was a Need by Bands for to have access to Economical Photography & Design Services....so in Mid 2005 S.L.A.T. DESIGNS was born.
Since that time I've had the opportunity to Photograph many bands fm the N.C./S.C./GA. as well as a few National Acts....Mother's Finest, John Hayes Project, Fusebox & Nantucket.
Why / How SLAT Designs came to Be:
In late 2000 after being Daignosed w. an extremely rare liver disaese I lost a $45K+ year job & was placed on disability. It was in 2004-2005 time frame I had the Op to work w the above mentioned band the Lab Ratz.
So thought I'd take my Love of Photography & Design to provide these services to bands, etc as a small way to help supplement my Diability payments. From this I've had the Op to Tour w. Mother's Finest & Nantucket doing Merch Sales & Designs / Photography.
Who I'd like to meet: Neil Armstrong, Astronaut...Always been a Space Junkie here & even accused of being a Space cadet once or twice, but another story there LOL
Anyone who's had an Op to travel in space...the amazing stories they can tell & admit Definitely envious of the fact he's been there...A Lifelong Dream of Mine....If anyone happens to know Mr. Armstrong & Can arrange a future Meeting...Shout at ME!! Never hurts to ask...Correct?
Ed Unitsky....Another Artist whose work I Greatly admire & One very Talented individual too...if you're not familiar with his work, but a Roger Dean Fan then by All means Checkout this man's work & you'll instantly become a Fan like myself. You can check Ed out as in my TOP Friends on MS page or via the link below:
http://www.edunitsky.net/
Todd Rundgren is another Musical Legend I'd like to meet.
A few members of "YES" that I still hope to get an Op to meet personally sometime....Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire & of Course Mr. Wakeman
Had the Op to Meet Roger Dean @ the RnR Hall of Fame concert & have my Photo taken with so was able to mark him off my list of People I'd like to meet.
Thanks for adding all those great shots from the Little River Band concert! The entire staff had a great time with that show- thanks for being a part of it!
Howdy stranger-stopped in to say hi and I LOVE the new slat designs logo=sweet/ Hope you are well-but if you get sick do it in Tampa General and I will take care of you.
Hey Mike! How ya feelin? Hooked up to Facebook yet? Give me a link if so. Someone passed this vid over there and I loved it! Sure you've heard it but if not, here ya go... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGmJ4E2tUJ8
Great pic of Baby Jean!! Wouldn't expect anything less from such a kick ass photographer tho!! I happen to be the proud owner of........well, let's just say - I have a true original and somebody can have it when they pry it from my cold, dead fingers. Now....if I can get it signed. Yeah babeeeeee!! Thanx for all you do, Mike!
Mike, I just heard about Hoover. I am so very sorry that you have lost your friend. I know the feeling well. I lost my little Angel girl in October of last year after a long fight with cancer. I know she's in a better place now, but it doesn't make it any easier..... I know these little kittens don't take Hoover's place, but will make you happy knowing you are taking care of them when maybe nobody else would. I want to let you know that I understand how hard it is. But you know you gave him all the best, just as he gave all his best to you.
AHHH thank you for CLEAR pictures of Mojos!!! Everyone is talking about the show but my phone camera takes nothing but fuzz . . . couldn't possibly be the operator :-)
Thanks - I got a chance to look through your flower photos. They are beautiful! I haven't had the chance to download the photos from Thurs. night. Can't wait to see them! Peace... RR
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