Jackson Dean

Saturday night, 9/19/26, at Kegs Canal Side was another night of live music, great performances, and one story that reminded me why music can mean so much more than what happens on a stage.

Zach Meadows opened the night and was a great fit to get things rolling. Touring solo acoustically with Jackson Dean, Meadows brought his guitar and harmonica and made the most of every moment on stage. Sometimes it doesn't take a full band, lights, and a huge production to grab a crowd's attention. A talented musician, a guitar, and a harmonica can be more than enough—and Zach proved that.

Then came Jackson Dean.

This wasn't Dean's first trip to Kegs. He had been there once before, and just like that first appearance, he walked onto the stage and gave the fans everything he had. That's what stands out about Jackson Dean. Whether he's performing in front of a packed venue or a smaller crowd, he doesn't seem to hold anything back. He brings the energy, the emotion, and the kind of performance that makes you want to keep watching. For me, it was another opportunity to do what I love—stand in front of the stage with my camera and capture those moments that disappear as soon as the lights go down.

I made it home after the show, went back to my desk, and that's when something happened that had nothing to do with my camera. I received a message from one of Jackson's fans. And honestly, this is the kind of story that makes being around live music even more special. She told me about Jackson's song “Heavens to Betsy” and the incredibly personal connection she has with it. She explained that her father came to her during meditation and let her know that he was her guide and would always be by her side, helping guide her through life. She told me she talks to him frequently through meditation.

Then came the moment that gave the song an entirely different meaning. While she was cutting her grass and listening to music, she had recently met a painter who also sings. She found herself thinking about how much she wished she had someone who had written a song about her. There aren't many songs with Betsy in the title.

Then “Heavens to Betsy” started playing.

She said she actually had to shut off her lawnmower because she thought she was hearing things. As the song continued, she realized what she believed was happening. To her, it was a message from her dad.

She wrote:

“I had to shut off my lawnmower because I thought I was hearing things. And as the song progressed, I realized it was from my dad!!! I love that Jackson Dean didn't know the meaning of that saying. So magical.” And that's the part of live music that you can't photograph.

You can capture a guitar solo. You can capture the lights. You can capture the artist's expression when they hit that perfect note. But you can't always capture what is happening inside the person standing in the crowd. A song might just be another song to one person. To someone else, it might be a memory. It might remind them of someone they lost.

It might bring back a moment from years ago. Or, sometimes, it might arrive at exactly the right moment and feel like a message meant just for them. That's the magic of music. And that's also one of the reasons I love what I do with I Rock Shots. I'm not just trying to take pictures of people on stage. I'm trying to capture the moments, the energy, and the stories that surround live music.

And sometimes, those stories find their way back to me after the show. I also captured a photo of Betsy holding a sign in the crowd that read, "I'm Betsy. My dad passed in 2019"

The fan who shared this story with me also had a few kind words about I Rock Shots:

“I love your site. I’m following it now. I’m a huge music fan and always looking for more events. And great pictures!”

That meant a lot to me. Because at the end of the day, that's what this is all about—music, photography, artists, fans, and the stories that connect all of them.

Zach Meadows got the night started with his acoustic guitar and harmonica.

Jackson Dean followed, once again giving the Kegs crowd everything he had. Signing things for people within arm's reach, sharing a "heart with his hands to Betsy" as well.

And somewhere in between the music and the photographs, a song called “Heavens to Betsy” became something much more personal to one fan. I went to Kegs Saturday night to photograph another Jackson Dean show.

I came home with photographs, and it ended with another story.

And that's why I love what I do.

I Rock Shots. I capture the music. You bring the memories.