Posts Tagged ‘AJ Smith’

AJ Smith and the Apollo

Jammin’ Java

AJ Smith and the Apollo at Jammin Java
AJ Smith and the Apollo at Jammin Java ©TimeLine Media

Last summer was the first year for the Fresh Artists Summer Concert Series at Tysons Corner Center. This collection of musicians was put together by 94.7 Fresh FM . Overall it really helped to kick off all the festivities at the new elevated Plaza. Each performance was an exciting display of talent from the musicians. The crowds really responded by attending and enthusiastically participating in the performances. One of the most energetic acts from last year was AJ Smith who opened of Lindsey Sterling in one of the most attended performances of the whole series. There is no doubt that he introduced himself to a LOT of new fans that day.

Vienna, Virginia

I was really happy when he contacted me about the photos that I made of him and his bandmates that day. It turns out that like me, he is from the DC area, and would be coming back into town to perform at Jammin’ Java, one of the best local venues for live music. I offered to come out to get more photos of the band as they played for friends, and played some new compositions from this talented songwriter. Because I did not want to get in the way of the crowd during the performance, I came during their sound check earlier in the day, and was able to get some awesome photos of AJ and his band!

AJ Smith and the Apollo at Jammin Java
Soundcheck with AJ Smith at Jammin Java ©TimeLine Media
AJ Smith at Jammin Java
Performing in front of a video screen ©TimeLine Media
AJ Smith and the Apollo at Jammin Java
 AJ Smith and the Apollo at Jammin Java ©TimeLine Media
AJ Smith and the Apollo at Jammin Java
Band photo of AJ Smith and the Apollo ©TimeLine Media

They worked really well together in just getting all their settings right for the show. The band sounded great, and the lighting/video backdrop that they had on stage really showed their professionalism. It was inspiring to see the effort and teamwork they put into their music, and I am sure grew their fan base even more after this night. I hope to get the chance to photograph them again!

AJ Smith at Jammin Java
AJ Smith at Jammin Java
AJ Smith at Jammin Java
Soundcheck with AJ Smith at Jammin Java ©TimeLine Media

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

AJ Smith Performs at Tysons Corner Center | Music Photographer

The Fresh Artists Concert Series at Tysons Corner Center is really heating up! Although all the concerts are free, there is a limited amount of people that can be on the plaza at one time, so you need to get wristbands to assure entrance to the area. Last Friday’s concert was out of wristbands an hour after the mall opened, so you need to get there early! There were two performers on the marquee that night, AJ Smith & the Apollo as well as Lindsey Stirling.

The Plaza

94.7 Fresh Artists Concert Series At Tysons Corner Center - ©TimeLine Media
94.7 Fresh Artists Concert Series At Tysons Corner Center – ©TimeLine Media
94.7 Fresh Artists Concert Series At Tysons Corner Center - ©TimeLine Media
94.7 Fresh Artists Concert Series At Tysons Corner Center – ©TimeLine Media


AJ and his band really got the excitement level up early! He is a very talented musician providing the lead vocals for all the songs while playing the keyboards, guitar, or violin depending on the song. Singing his original compositions with so much energy really brought the crowd into the performance. His songwriting skill was on display giving us songs that are easy on the ear, but not so repetitive that they sound like they were spit out of a sequencer. There were changes in tempo, in counts, and they had nice vocal or instrumental pieces that kept your interest as the songs progressed.

AJ_Smith-performs-at-Tysons-Corner-©TimeLine-Media
AJ_Smith-performs-at-Tysons-Corner-©TimeLine-Media
Concert-at-Tysons-Corner-©TimeLine-Media
Concert-at-Tysons-Corner-©TimeLine-Media
Concert-at-Tysons-Corner-©TimeLine-Media
Performers-at-Tysons-Corner-©TimeLine-Media
Concert-at-Tysons-Corner-©TimeLine-Media
Concert-at-Tysons-Corner-©TimeLine-Media


His band also matched his effort with their energy and talent. It can be tough to really keep that level up for an entire set, but this band did it so well. The response from the crowd was amazing! The crowded plaza was clapping, dancing, and singing along by the end of their set. “Dragons in the Sky” has a singable vocal line that everyone was singing by the end! It was a great way to spend a beautiful Friday evening. There will be another concert this Friday, so check the Tysons Corner Center website for details!

AJ_Smith-performs-at-Tysons-Corner-©TimeLine-Media
AJ_Smith-performs-at-Tysons-Corner-©TimeLine-Media

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208