Photography by Richard Min
Location Session @ Porter Ridge Park, Porter Ranch, CA
8/25/2009
8/15/2009
Tony Boyd & TrueSchool All Stars
Photography by Richard Min
Tony Boyd & TrueSchool All Stars @ the Baked Potato, Studio City, CA
Tony Boyd & TrueSchool All Stars rocked the house on last thursday (8/13) at the Baked Potato in Studio City. The band's energy, vibe and soul trembling sound were unbelievable! My friend, S.Y. who is an avid guitarist, first introduced me to this small & cozy live music place: the Baked Potato. A lot of really famous musicians once played or still plays here. It was my first "Funk" concert and just fell in love with this classic but new sound. My shoulders and feet were jiggling and wabbling constantly to the rhythm. It was unstoppable. I had this urge to get up from the chair and dance insanely! The deep emotions stirred by the band's sound was amazing. It was like each band member's soul, body, mind and their specialized musical instruments were becoming ONE. Also, all six band members transforming into ONE body as a perfect unity and unison when they were playing together. It was a spiritual experience. While I was watching them, this vivid picture came to my mind and it was an image of myself singing and praising to GOD like Tony Boyd... Our Father in heaven deserves to be praised. With all our hearts, with all our souls, with all our minds and with all our strengths. Tony was the true inspiration for me. I wish all the best for Tony and his band. They are extremely talented musicians. Just like myself, many people will be inspired and touched by Tony Boyd & TrueSchool All Stars' performance. May HE be glorified!
8/10/2009
The First Ever Korean BBQ Cook-off in L.A.
Photography by Richard Min
The First Ever Korean BBQ Cook-off in L.A. was hosted by Korean Coalition and Yelp. I was surprised to see many people showed up for this event. When I first came to the States in 1990 ( I was 11 years old back then), Korean food like Burgoghi and Garbi were only known to Koreans. But now, they became International food. Everyone loves Korean BBQ. Dinning out with friends at the AYCE Korean BBQ restaurants is like one of those hippest and trendy social activities these days. I don't know how long this trend will last, but certainly it will continue on as long as people crave for that marinated meat. The long line to get the food wasn't so pleasing to everyone. Hopefully there will be lots of improvements next year.
8/06/2009
Shrimp
Photography by Richard Min
Shrimp @ DiPiazzas, Long Beach, CA
Shrimp sounds very unique and original! I would compare Shrimp's music to Bach or Beethoven's music arrangements. Brilliant, clever and exquisitely arranged. The tempo of their music suddenly changes and switches back and forth from slow to fast and then sometimes real fast to medium speed and so on. But most of the time, the songs are very fast and speedy. It's one of the common characteristics of Hardcore Metal genre. Each stage in a song provokes different and variety of feelings. Bradley-Guitar, Dustin-Drums, Brad-Bass, Chris-Vocals : They are all talented and skillful musicians. I witnessed the great gifts in each of the Shrimp's members. I was in awe during the whole time of their performance. Bradley and Brad's fingers were moving effortlessly and so fast around their guitars' necks. Dustin, the drummer was making sure every beat of the drum sounds sharp and clean. There was no clatter whatsoever. Chris was just screaming his hearts out. All the special effect sounds were done and controlled by Chris from his mixer board. One of the purpose in my life is to bless everyone and whoever I meet in my life time. The members of the Shrimp were no exception. I blessed each one of the members in the name of Jesus Christ and prayed that one day, they would praise and glorify our Creator with their musical talents and gifts. Such beautiful and genuine souls they are. Keep rocking guys!
8/05/2009
Look What I Did
Photography by Richard Min
Look What I Did @ DiPiazzas, Long Beach, CA
The progressive punk band, "Look What I Did" came all the way from Nashville, Tennessee to perform in front of the fans in Long Beach, California. David Choi, the producer at Originology Records initially hired me to cover Shrimp's performance. However, the band's energy attracted me and had to get really close to the stage and listen to what the lead vocalist, Barry Donegan had to say... He had issues. Screaming and singing his guts out translated into his frustrations and anger about something. I wish I had a written words to his songs in my hand. All the screaming, roaring and shouting couldn't help me to understand a word. Perhaps English being my second language was the reason why I couldn't understand. Between each songs, Barry was explaining about what the song is about and meant. One of the songs struck me. Suddenly I saw a bright flashing light in the total darkness. The issue he was pointing out was this: "Why you got an ATM machine in the house of the Lord?" (Mega churches in this case.) He was right. Why? I came to think and look back on what I was doing wrong and what other fellow Christians were doing. We were so focused in our own intentions and profits. We don't think about what our GOD wants and his intentions and purposes in this world. Barry's remark was like a wake-up call for me. The spirit of repentance rushed into my heart. I prayed for the forgiveness if I mislead anyone and troubled their hearts.
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