Photographer John Rowlands presents his body of work on November 21, 2009

World renowned photographer – shows slides on the big screen

COTTONWOOD, AZ (November 13, 2009) - On Saturday, November 21^st at 7:00 PM the Old Town Center for the Arts will present the first in a new series of events entitled “Spice of Life.” This series is dedicated to engaging evenings with a wide range of people, organizations and topics.  Beyond performance and art this series will provide a wide open forum, including a look into individuals whose life, work, and ideas offer rich opportunities for learning, inspiration, and interest.  Some events will be presentations; others will include a dialogue and communication with the audience; all will be devoted to bringing a diversity of art, occupation, every-day life and story to this special series format. 

The kickoff event in the “Spice of Life” series will feature world famous photographer John Rowlands.  John is well known for taking pictures of Elvis, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and, well, just about every major rock and pop icon or group you can think of.  When you review the list of John’s photos you’ll wonder if there is any celebrity he has not photographed.  But what’s more interesting is the stories that go along with spending time with George, John, Paul, Ringo, Elvis, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Bob Hope, Tiger Woods, Sting, Red Skelton, Mick Jagger, Jimi Hendrix, and a list that goes on and on. 

This event will be the first time that John has presented a retrospective look at his life’s work.   From thousands of photos, he’ll select some of his best to broadcast on the theater’s large screen, providing a glimpse into his art form, and the fascinating lives of artists and stars that have influenced our world.  This event will precede the December 10^th release of John’s Limited Edition book “rock & rowlands FLASHBACK”, a follow up to his SPOTLIGHT HEROES book. 

Mr. Rowlands has been photographing music and movie celebrities since 1960, and was one of the very first dedicated music photographers in a blooming record industry.  John's first paid job was with Brenda Lee and after looking at his prints her management sent him his first check for $35. The Brenda Lee work led to shoots with Sam Cooke, Bobby Vee, Duane Eddy and then the British Invasion with acts like Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Dave Clark Five, The Rolling Stones and in 1965 and 1966, The Beatles.

His work was noticed by record companies, management firms, magazines, newspapers and the artists themselves and by the late 60’s he was shooting several jobs a week and starting to travel the world with and for these icons of musical youth.

His 50 years in the business has taken him around the world, allowing him to work with almost everyone of note in pop/rock music through five decades, resulting in thousands of photos and 110 Album/CD covers. Worldwide magazines and trade papers have featured his work from London to Hong Kong, and from highway billboards to point of sale posters, his work has stayed in the public eye to this day.

Here is your chance to meet one of the most prolific photographers of the past 50 years, who now lives in the Verde Valley.  There will be time for questions from the audience.  Spread the word about this unique event, and the first “Spice of Life” event at OTCA.

Admission to “An Evening with John Rowlands” is $8 in advance, $10 at the door and $8 for seniors.  Tickets for the event are available at La Bella Café (right next to OTCA), Jerona Java Café, and Desert Dancer in Cottonwood, and Golden Word and Crystal Magic in Sedona, or online at www.showtix4u.com.