The Stellar Estelle

January 2009 was a whirlwind of a month! The Superbowl brought all kinds of celebrity parties and musicians to town. In the course of one week, Tampa Bay hosted performances by 3 Doors Down, Snoop Dogg, The Eagles, John Legend, Rihanna, Fall Out Boy, and a at least a dozen more major artists!

Opening for John Legend this month is Grammy winning British singer Estelle.

This was my first time shooting Estelle - and my first time seeing her sing! I had become a fan just several months before, finding out about her through John Legend's Homeschool Records, who signed her on not all that long ago.

Estelle's performances were a bit different than the usual experience one would have at an R&B/pop/soul show in a sit-down performing arts center. Estelle, her band, and her dancers turned the place into a lively party by the second song! The John Carr Performing Arts Center was full of people dancing, clapping, smiling, and having a great time! This isn't to say John Legend did not engage the crowd - John truly rocked our socks - but it was a surprise to see the crowds so quickly break from the formality of such a venue and bring the party!

The full archives can be found here:
http://willhawkinsphotography.com/Estelle-28JAN09 - Orlando, FL
http://willhawkinsphotography.com/Estelle-29JAN09 - Clearwater, FL


Here are some shots from Estelle's performances in Orlando, FL and Clearwater, FL:

Estelle


Estelle


Estelle's Drummer


Estelle


Estelle