The recent debut of Elijah Rock at the Knitting Factory—a packed benefit for the Greater Idaho Alzheimer’s Foundation, introduced a major talent to the Treasure Valley. Also present at the show was photographer Chris Wethered, whose photos The Boise Beat is pleased to present along with some words about the show by editor Ed Simon. Elijah Rock’s performance at the Knitting Factory with a nine-piece band filled the room with many who enjoyed listening to Elijah, singing his renditions of many of the popular tunes from the Great American Songbook. This was the era of music that included many hits by writers and composers such as the Gershwins, Irving Berlin and many others from the 1920s to the 1960s. The era also included many of the top movie songs from the era, as well as songs from several Broadway musicals. The Great American Songbook also gained popularity from performers such as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole; and even new singers such as Rod Stewart and Linda Ronstadt. Finally, new and old combined to present many tunes with the duo of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga.
Elijah Rock sang to a diverse audience, from millennials to seniors. All seemed thrilled by Elijah’s smooth-as-silk voice. With the Great American Songbook, the trick is to create your own version of these classic songs, while still paying homage to those who have not only performed them before, but turned them into the Standards we enjoy today. Elijah proved that he understood that, bringing his own touch to these songs without destroying the feeling that others have brought to them. For that alone, he is worth a listen. Like many of the true singers before him, Elijah’s talent includes the ability to pick just the right songs to suit his outstanding voice.
Photo Gallery follows story. All photos courtesy of Chris Wethered.
Elijah Rock will bring his band to the Sapphire Room in the Riverside Hotel on December 3rd. The debut show, an evening entitled Home For The Holidays, should be another excellent performance. Elijah’s popularity has resulted in the Sapphire Room being already sold out, but there are still opportunities to see Elijah Rock online through many YouTube videos as well as through his website. Elijah’s show at the Knitting Factory showed his range of tunes that he performs; and the audience in the packed Knitting Factory concert hall was won over by his tasteful interpretations of many classic tunes. Home For The Holidays should bring many beloved holiday tunes to the upcoming show, and bring many new fans to Elijah Rock’s performances. Elijah Rock has been getting some excellent press, about his new hit single, If I Ruled The World, and articles for the LA Jazz Scene, EJazzNews.com; and author Scott Yanow.
For an upcoming event, Elijah will be Headlining the Boise Epilepsy Foundation Gala on Friday, November 11th, 2022. For info: EFI Annual Gala 2022 | Auction Frogs
Chris Wethered brought his photographic talents to the Knitting Factory on that magical night too, shooting not only some wonderful concert shots, but a collection of “Red Carpet” photos of the audience, who wore some amazing formal outfits to the event. The Boise Beat is proud to present a selection of Chris’ photos from the Knitting Factory show for everyone to see. Chris can also be seen behind his camera, at various local events (Goathead Festival, Art in the Park, a Spartan Run and several Spirit of Boise Balloon Challenges). He has manned photo booths for a Discovery Center Fund Raiser, a Children’s Museum Gala and the recent Elijah Rock-Alzheimer’s fund raiser at the Knitting Factory. He has also captured casual and posed images for several local marathon / half-marathon events.
Chris has a selection of his fine art images at his website, photosbychris.pingbot.com. The galleries on his website include a wide variety of images based on his observations of the world around us. They will be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates the artistic details of the world around us.
A particular seasonal event, which Chris greatly enjoys, is Halloween on Harrison Boulevard. With his white handlebar moustache, he dresses as the Monopoly Millionaire. In addition to taking photographs of costumed families, he collects their email addresses. He then emails their processed images to them at no cost. It’s his Halloween gift to the community. Last Halloween, one family noted, “We’ve been watching for you! You have photographed us on three Halloweens (different costumes each year). We love your photos and use them for our Facebook page.”
The Boise Beat is proud to present a photo gallery of Chris’ work at the recent Elijah Rock benefit show for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of Greater Idaho. Enjoy it, and get ready to see one of Elijah rock’s shows next time he plays in Boise. You’ll be glad you did!
What a show this was! Smiling faces at the tables, excellent band members; and the Red Carpet too!
All photos courtesy of Chris Wethered. His fine art images can be seen at his website: photosbychris.pingbot.com
Elijah Rock website: www.elijahrock.com
