The Revolution at First Avenue — A Media Experience
This picture copyright 2012, By Phoenix Memories — do not use in any way without permission.
This photo copyright 2012, by Phoenix Memories — do not use without permission
Our PM Team had the great honor of covering the REVOLUTION Concert at First Avenue, (booked through Maverick Entertainment, Ulysses Awsumb, and benefitting the American Heart Association) and it was quite an experience. We had FULL ACCESS as Photographers and Videographers to just about anywhere we wanted to film, but having received that privilege, we never took it for granted. Media Photogs can get pretty pushy and sneaky to get the perfect shots, but because we are a company that holds to a strict standard of respect and professionalism, we found ourselves in some pretty vicarious situations, which we had to respond with patience. Kelly was the only female Photographer in the media pit (as we call it) — where all of the photographers convene on the side of the stage to post themselves to get the best shots. It was a pretty cramped situation with well over 20 photogs clammering shoulder to shoulder and elbowing one another out of frames. She stood back and waited patiently as several big guys dominated, but then found favor with one of the stagehands who saw she was getting trampled, and he gave her center stage! WOW, talk about patience paying off.
The Revolution rose to international fame in the mid 1980s with Purple Rain, selling over 16 million albums in the United States alone, and won three Grammy awards. The band officially disbanded in 1986 after their Hit and Run Parade Tour, which supported the soundtrack for Under The Cherry Moon. This band was a joy to work with and everyone was so kind. We wanted to give a great big shout out to Dez Dickerson, Guitarist and Vocalist, who gave Kelly a stellar shot (above). His spunk, charisma and timing was impeccable. Also to Bobby Z, Wendy, Lisa, Dr. Fink and the rest of the band. You gave a kick-butt performance, that had the crowd reeling. We are so glad to have you back where it all began, at First Avenue.
This photo copyright 2012, by Phoenix Memories — do not use without permission
This photo copyright 2012, by Phoenix Memories — do not use without permission
This photo copyright 2012, by Phoenix Memories — do not use without permission
This photo copyright 2012, by Phoenix Memories — do not use without permission
This photo copyright 2012, by Phoenix Memories — do not use without permission
CHRISSY JO CRADICK (Makeup Artist/Actress/Model)
Chrissy Jo Cradick (Makeup Artist/Model/Actress) - Photo by Tim Ho
The PM Team first laid eyes on Chrissy jo Cradick at the 2011 Crypticon Film Convention, in Edina, MN. This happy-go-lucky, bubbily, pint-sized cuteness was almost surreal, wearing Minnie Mouse ears and donning a cheerleader-esque personality. we weren’t sure whether to run away, or swoop her up into our arms and hug her to death. It’s not everyday you come across someone so positive, helpful, cheery and full of smiles. It can have a dual effect, as either one will be extremely annoyed, intrigued, or a little bit of both. We began running into Chrissy at film events and sets, and each time we saw a pattern of genuine positivity coming from her — not superficial at all, but very real and passionate about life. At the time we were contemplating bringing an MUA (Makeup Artist) onto our team, but it was imperative that this artist be certified, reliable, personable and able to work with mutiple clients of varying personalities, as well as two bosses with very different personalities. We threw a few names into the hat, and then MJ brought up Chrissy, and we knew she would be a good fit. Her first photoshoot with us was at the Landmark Center, in St. Paul — a glorious historical goldmine, filled with many levels of beautiful architecture, and varying themes. Chrissy had three models to work with and a strict time limit to get their hair/makeup ready. There were a few challenges along the way, as several of the models had to change looks mid-stream (going from GQ style to dark Goth, within minutes). She flawlessly pulled this off, and even stayed for the entire 4 hours just to be sure the models were always primped and taken care of. Not once did we have to call for her to check on a model, as she was always THERE ready to touch them up, and vigilant to fulfill her duties. She also donned a top-notch makeup kit with all of the best products and kept everything neat and organized while on set. All we know is that we are extremely blessed to have found Chrissy when we did. Her positivity and team spirit is exactly what we needed, and she keeps us all in a great mood, even during high-stress times. Check out some of her work with us at the Phoenix Memories FB site. And NO, you can’t have her — sorry she’s ours for the keeping 
Chrissy working on PM Model Luciana at a photoshoot - Photo by Kelly Barry-Miller
CHAD BUBLITZ (Model/Actor)
Chad Bublitz (Model/Actor)
We had the extreme pleasure of creatively developing, from start to finish, Model/Actor Chad Bublitz’s modeling portfolio, in January of this year. Kelly (PM Photographer and Event Planner) was first introduced to Chad through a mutual friend, who asked if she could meet with him and share any advice on getting started in the biz. As fellow TC Actors/Filmmakers, we get requests from time to time, to meet with new talent, and we always say the same thing – because time is precious – “We will only meet with them if they are SERIOUS about working hard and doing what it takes to make it in this very competitive industry. It is not for hobby-dwellers, but only the ones with tenacity, and extreme perseverance, who know they are going to spend every waking moment fighting for work.”
Chad is definitely one of those fighters! In more ways than one. From the first day of meeting at a local coffee shop, he had his pen and paper in hand, ready to tackle the initiatives, listen closely to counsel and ideas, and was motivated to take action. He knew he had to set up Headshots/Modeling sessions so he would have a portfolio to show Agencies. Kelly recommended our services of photography, but also added that if he wanted to shoot with other companies in town, that she would give him a list to choose from. Right away Chad signed on to shoot with Phoenix Memories. We were delighted, but knew we had to come up with a kick-butt series of photoshoots, which would best represent Chad’s diverse looks and interests.
One of the things we love to do at PM is really get to know our clients — their likes and dislikes, hobbies, interests — so we can incorporate them into each photoshoot. We found out that Chad was an MMA fighter/trainer, handgun expert, wilderness trekker, owned his own businesses, and yet contained a very humble family-based side, which intrigued us. Always smiling, and a joy to be around, one would think that Chad had it all. Good looks, a true gentleman, hard worker, yet with a gritty fighter side. But the side that really touched our hearts, was finding out that behind the scenes, Chad also takes time out each week to care for a family member who is dealing with a terminal disease. He is committed to seeing that others are truly loved and cared for, and this side of his personality let us know he was truly someone we needed to work with, and do all we could to see him successful with this new endeavor into the acting/modeling world.
We set up three photoshoots, one at MMA Ambition Gym, In Eagan, MN; another at a Park Reserve, and then finally the big’un at the Landmark Center. Here are some of the photos from these photoshoots. A special thank you to Mark Dale and Mike Reilly of MMA Ambition, and our two beautiful female models: Dani Palmer and Luciana Vredeveled. Keep an eye out for Chad Bublitz, as he is a force to be reckoned with (the camera LOVED him), as well as a man of integrity. Anyone who has the pleasure of working with this talented man will be BLESSED!! I know we are 
To see more photos from this series, please go to our Phoenix Memories fan page on facebook(link attached to name)
"Modern Gatsby" Chad Bublitz with models Luciana Vredeveled and Dani Palmer
CALLAN KORPI (Actress/Singer/Model)
Callan Korpi (aka: CaLeKo)
We first met Callan Korpi (aka: Caleko) while doing the Film Premiere Photography/Videography for Elliot Diviney’s POTPOURRI movie. This beautiful girl, who stepped out of the limousine, with a bright smile and vibrant personality, made her way into our hearts from day 1. We kept running into her time and time again at different film premieres and events, and each time we got the chance to get to know her in a better way. We found out that there is more to this beautiful girl than meets the eye. Miss Korpi also surprised us with her ability to RAP! It’s not everyday you see a white girl that can pull off the stylization and attitude which is required for rapping, but she handles it masterfully, and isn’t afraid to pull out a performance wherever she is. While at a music video shoot, the cast/crew were taking a break and someone yelled out, “Hey Callan let’s see if the white girl can RAP?” She never missed a beat and came right out of the gate, donning the right attitude, body language, and let it loose, right there in front of us all. She has no fear with this, because she is confident with this talent. However confident, Callan is not snobby or arrogant in any way. In fact, during our photoshoot with her she was actually quite shy and humble; very willing to take direction. She met with us at our Minneapolis studio, and went right into makeup with our MUA Chrissy Jo Cradick. The two of them worked so well together, and Callan was open to any style or look that Chrissy decided to do. Of course we couldn’t resist adding a “smokey eye” to her look. She has incredible features, and strong cheekbones, along with golden locks to her shoulders. Since Callan is a rapper/actress and model, we wanted to incorporate some high class looks along with a few gritty, harder scenes to demonstrate the soft feminine side, as well as the tough girl rapper. It is so cool when someone can pull off those contrasting looks, and Miss Korpi definitely showed us she could do it. You can find her on IMDB (Internet Movie Database) as she has appeared in the films POTPOURRI, IN HARM’S WAY, NECROSTALGIC, *67, and the upcoming STEELE VENGEANCE. Keep a look out for her as she is a rising star! To see more pictures from our photoshoot with her, please JOIN our Phoenix Memories FB page.
Callan Korpi (aka: CaLeKo)
