Blush Goes Out … with Star Anna

I woke up this morning to a huge mess. The pull-out coach was wearing a polka-dot sheet set, empty beer cans lay like carcases on the kitchen counter and floor, my studio lighting set-up is still standing tall–cords and camera parts found in random places. As I type, two musicians, Star Anna and Shane Tutmarc, are awake lightly strumming the guitar. A third musician (and my boyfriend) Kyle Hawkins made everyone breakfast, which is still warm inside our tummys as the smell of coffee helps our hangovers.

Star asks me if she can take a shower. The memory of a stylish hairdo is staring back at me. The girl looks darling. I want to keep her in my pocket and be best friends forever. Star is a unique lady with so much talent. I feel excitement for her and her music career here in Seattle and points beyond.

I had the pleasure of meeting Star last week at Greg Vandy’s Roadhouse set at Re-Bar, where we decided to continue the party at the Blush Photo loft with Shane and Kyle, who performs as Ghost of Kyle Bradford [ed. note: Kyle Hawkins is more than the photographer’s boyfriend. He is a great talent. Check him out]. That night, and for the next two nights to follow, we would all get to know each other over many empty beer cans, a booth seat at MOE Bar, and, of course, late night jam sessions, similar to what you might see at the Round at the Fremont Abbey Arts Center on the first Tuesday of every month, where both Star Anna and Shane Tutmarc played with Eric Howk just last month. The comfort of our city view, candle lights and friendly smiling faces gave me an overwhelming joyous feeling. There was something very special unraveling right before my eyes.

When it was time for Star to head back home to Ellensburg, I was already thinking of ways to get her to come back … and soon! Shane, Kyle and I all agreed we weren’t done with all the fun yet! So I, of course, recommended she come up early for her Comet Tavern show, so we could do it all again, and this time get some photo documentation. I scooped her up at the Greyhound Station last night and headed over to stylist Tiffany Lowry’s home in Ballard where Star received the rock star hair and makeup treatment. We began shooting rather late, and with the taunting of Shane in the background, Star and I took about 40 minutes to capture the images. It could have been captured in less time, but we were surely in no hurry.

It was a perfect evening, followed by a perfect morning. Or should I say afternoon?

Shane Tutmarc, Star Anna and Kyle Hawkins

Listen to Star Anna here. Listen to Shane Tutmarc and the Traveling Mercies here. Listen to the Ghost of Kyle Bradford here.