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Photographer Dan Aliotti | Dan’s View of Music Legends

September 28, 2024 @ Carmel Valley Art Association:

  • Newly restored, never-before-seen concert photos featuring 30 images of 20 different bands from the mid-70s to early 80’s.
  • Available for purchase: framed/matted photos 11”x14” and 8”x10”; larger can be ordered
  • Music streamed from artists represented
  • Donations to ALS would be appreciated

Fine Art Prints will be exhibited on September 28, 2024. These photographs are featured exclusively at Carmel Valley Art Association and will be a permanent exhibit.

The musical artists represented include:

Pat Benatar
Jimmy Buffet
Bob Dylan
The Eagles
Fleetwood Mac
Peter Frampton
Hall & Oates
Heart
Kenny Loggins
Bob Marley
Dolly Parton
Tom Petty
Santana
Bruce Springsteen
Rod Stewart
Rolling Stones
Bonnie Raitt
Linda Ronstandt
The Who
Frank Zappa

All photographs were curated and digitally restored by Jason Resig.

Update: Pictures from the event

Artist Statement by Photographer Dan Aliotti

I am Dan Aliotti, hailing from Monterey, California, where I was born at the tail end of the ‘50s, and into a period I regard as the pinnacle of music and entertainment.

As both a photography hobbyist and a passionate music aficionado, it was only natural to merge these interests. I graduated in 1977, at a time when remarkable music resonated through not just the mid-’70s, but the early ’70s as well.

I have a deep appreciation for musicianship, particularly an affinity for guitar players, who I see as the virtuosos of the musical realm. This led me to focus my lens on my favorite guitarists, musicians, and touring bands. That era was a magical time for both large and intimate concert venues, and I embraced the opportunities to attend as many as I could afford. My photographic pursuits were driven by personal enjoyment, often shared with a friend who also reveled in this hobby — we were companions in the artistic exploration of these musical havens.

An infamous, yet true, tale from my past involves circumventing the strict no-camera policies of some venues. My dedication to capturing the live music experience led me to creatively disguise my camera lens in a hollowed-out piece of French bread, tucked in with lettuce and onions to slip past restrictions — illustrating my determination to document the live essence of these performances.

I deeply believe in the magic of live music; it was transformative then, and it remains exceptional today. As a high school student, my peers and I were profoundly connected to the music, recognizing the shared moment between us and the artists. I urge enthusiasts to witness their favorite musicians live, to frequently support and uphold their artistry. While technology has made everything a click away, the authentic experience of live performance and the skill of musicians cannot be replicated through digital screens. It is a personal connection to the music and the era.

I discovered a profound joy in unveiling old boxes of slides and musician photos from my past, preparing for this exhibition. Witnessing the excitement they stirred in my brother, family, and nephew, is very satisfying, reflecting the thrill I experienced while capturing those moments during my early years.

10% of all purchases are dedicated to Dan Aliotti, contributing to the ALS fund.