frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Most of June is being occupied by an ongoing festival of music and arts. There is a large bandshell in Kongresni Trg (Congress Square) with reserved seats for ticket holders as well as plenty of standing room without much of a view but good amplification of the music. Wandered down there the other night and well as through the immediate area along the river. Took advantage of the opportunity to get some "backstage" shots of the orchestra and some of the soloists who were waiting to go on stage. The overall theme was jazz. I hung around with the camera for at least 45 minutes listening to some very good music.

All of the shots were taken with an Olympus E-5 using a Zuiko 2.8-4.0 12-60 mm (equivalent 24-120) at iso 1000-1200.

A small table at the entrance to a cafe. As is typical, a few fresh flowers add to the atmosphere.

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Singer waiting to go on. The lighting changed color.

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Security and some of the orchestra.

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Touching up the make-up before the next number.

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After the make-up repair waiting for the second number. Played around with this one. Like the graphic arts effect.

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The 'Optika' directly across from the back of the stage.

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Flowers on a step. A real challenge getting up from the position I was in to get this perspective.

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The popular 'Lolita' cafe and bakery. It was getting near closing.

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Vodnikov Hram restaurant. A few blocks from the community. Have shot this place multiple times. One of the advantages of living so close to the center.

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Matt Quinn Loc: Marriottsville, MD, Brewster, Cape Cod

SPLENdid. Wonderful series; joyful night. What's the latest on the "retreat" in the US? Matt

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

I will let you know about retreat. Would certainly announce it on this site. I did the one here when the man who was originally scheduled had to go to Italy, i.e. the next town over. It went well. Some very good photographers who responded to the lectio (psalm 104). One young man, a dentist and a semi-professional photographer who shoots weddings (!) did some magnificent work and wrote a rave of the concept on his blog. I can't make any plans until the end of July when I get home and speak with the provincial. Two options, returning here in January for an open-ended assignment or staying in Boston. Then have to check with the retreat houses; we have two, one in Weston, five miles from Walden Pond, and one newly reopened one right on the the water in Gloucester, to see if a retreat can be scheduled more or less at the last minute. Weston would probably be more flexible but Gloucester would mostly obviate the need for a car.

Thanks for the comments.

Matt Quinn Loc: Marriottsville, MD, Brewster, Cape Cod

Thanks. I vote for Gloucester, for whatever that's worth. Matt

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Gloucester would be my first choice as well.

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

Very nice, colorfull set.
I'm curious, how does one pronounce Ljubljana?

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thanks for the comment. Ljubljana is pronounced, "Lee you blee yanna" with a soft accent on the blee. Slovenian is pronounced the way it is spelled. Slovenian has a very complicated grammar.

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

All are beautiful and well done photos, frjack! You're a good photographer!

frjack Loc: Boston, MA

Thank you for that kind compliment. Part of good photographer is good material. LJ is full of extraordinary material.