GreazeFest - behind the lens with Pete Walker

I've been fortunate enough to have attended and been involved in every GreazeFest, from it's humble beginnings back in 2000 to the festival it has become today. At the first festival in 2000, I used a film camera to take photos of the event and took a total of 8 shots! 12 years on and in the digital age, the number of shots I took at this year's Greazefest totalled well over 1200!

Along with the photos, I would like to share some words with you on how I enjoyed this year's GreazeFest. I really love the anticipation that Friday night holds. The queue of rockers waiting for the gate to open, their ears taunted by the slap of a double-bass during the sound check. Once the doors open, the whole room is a-buzz, friends who may have not seen each other since the last GreazeFest are soon catching up over a few drinks and the stories start to flow. I spend my time moving around the venue, stopping to take photos of people enjoying themselves and to have a quick chat. I was surprised to learn of the number of first-timers there were at this year's event.

First up, Miss Teresa and Her Rhythmaires had the dancers up on their feet and the crowd showed their appreciation with rounds of applause. This is where I spend a great deal of time, taking shots of the different performers, waiting for the right move or for the light to look good.

Luckily I have a long association with most of the band members and they work with me to give me the shot I'm looking for. (Thanks Jon!)  Before you know it the last band for the night is on and tonight it was the Blazin' Entrails. I saw psychobilly fan Chucky leap high into the air, lifting his legs straight out in front of him and landing back on his feet!

Saturday night is traditionally the show when everyone goes all out and dresses up to the max, and this year was no exception. All the gals looked absolutely beautiful, with their hair and makeup done to perfection, while the men complimented them in sharp suits or classic jeans and jackets.

I set up a photo booth inside the venue and was able to do portrait shots of people picked out randomly out near the dance floor. This worked well, but I also had to take photos of the various bands that were playing up a storm. So it was take some shots of the band, then grab some people do some portrait photos, and then take some shots of the band and so on. No wonder I didn't get to have a drink all night!

By the time James Intveld came on the place was really jumping. I made my way to the back of the stage and climbed up on to the rigging. Looking out across the top of James as he played, you could see the whole crowed had moved forward on the dance floor and up to the stage, swinging and singing along. Now that's a way to end a Saturday night!

After a few hours sleep it was time to face the big day - GREAZEFEST SUNDAY! This year the hot rod show held a special significance for me as I arrived in my brother's (Rob Walker) 46 Ford Coupe. Rob had bought the car from out Dad who passed away late last year, when it was in a million bits. Three months out from GreazeFest, Rob said "Let's get it to the Greazer". And the rest is history. For those of you who followed it on Facebook know what we went through to get it here.

The GreazeFest Art Show has been a part of the event since it began 12 years ago it continues to grow each year. It has become a showcase for the many talented artists who are in the scene. From oil paintings, photos, pin stripping to carvings or forms of the medium are there.

As for the cars there are so many wonderful rides to photograph. Every car has a story to tell and I try to bring it out by the angle of the shot. Hopefully there is a beautiful gal around who can add some spice to that story as well.

I would like to say a big thank you Lori Lee for putting on such a fantastic event; I know that a lot of hard work goes into making it happen. Special thank you to all the pinup girls for making my photos look good too. But most of all thank you to all the people who come along and make up the spirit that is GreazeFest!

'Pix by Pete' Walker