Press & Media Credentials

Jason Kalish

A camera in hand since 8th grade - a hobby that grew over the years into shooting sports, special events, and lifestyle work. The turning point came at Farm Aid 30 in Chicago, when I was handed my first chance to shoot from the pit. Covering Dave Matthews, the opening notes hit and I felt the energy of the crowd at my back - I turned around to the emotion on every face, then turned back to find myself standing just feet from the artist. Right then, I knew this was exactly where I needed to be.

Soon after, that first night turned into a standing residence at Joe's on Weed St. and its affiliated venues and events - among them Joe's Live, the Windy City Smokeout, Carol's Pub, Bub City, the Lone Star Smokeout, and Joe's Concerts. Since then: 800+ artists photographed across 2,250+ live shows and sets at more than 100 venues and festivals. From Wrigley Field and the United Center to Lower Broadway and Nissan Stadium in Nashville, all the way to the beach in Ft. Lauderdale. The approach hasn't changed since that first night in the pit: bold, tight, almost surprisingly candid live portraits, the scale of a packed room, and frames that put you right there - close, loud, and alive.