Here we are again! Thanksgiving 2021, y’all! which means we’re celebrating 16 years of Twangville’s existence. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been writing a Thanksgiving toast each year to thank our contributors, our community, and the artists who give us something to listen to and write about. Without someone to make the music, we’d have nothing to share. Without you gracious readers, we’d have no one to share music discovery with. All to say, thank you a hundred times over for being a part of this community.
Last year, we continued the Twangville Thanksgiving (aka Twangsgiving) tradition by letting you get to know one of our contributors a little better by toasting the incomparable, Bill Wilcox.
Suzanne McMahon
This Thanksgiving, let’s raise a glass to Suzanne McMahon. If you’ve seen Twangville post photos from festivals or concerts often referred to as Photos That Rock — they really do — then you’ve seen Suzanne’s work. Our amazing coverage of Newport Folk Festival is the efforts of Suzanne and her other half, Jeff. She’s not shy about the artists that she adores (see below) and we love that about her. Behind the scenes we know Suzanne for her unabashed encouragement and enthusiasm to the Twangville folks to get out there and enjoy some live music. We’ve learned that the McMahon’s are raising their kids to start their music alphabet with the letter “B” for Beatles and there’s no judgement here for that — only a hearty “heck yeah”. Suzanne has been contributing to Twangville since 2009 and it’s been so much better ever since. Here’s to you, Suzanne — cheers!
Interview with Suzanne McMahon
[Twangville] What’s your first music memory?
[Suzanne] Dancing around my house listening to New Kids on the Block on my walkman. I also had NKOTB sheets! Memories 🙂
What’s the first music you ever purchased? What format was it (vinyl, cassette, CD, MP3)?
Spin Doctors “Two Princes” single cassette, 4th grade
First concert?
Rusted Root in New York City at Irving Plaza, 8th grade
Which artist did you photograph first?
Josh Ritter and Ben Kweller at Mass MoCA festival in 2009!
Do you have a favorite artist to photograph?
Josh Ritter is a joy to photograph and I’m lucky that I’ve been able to do it many times now. He has the brightest and happiest stage presence, is always smiling. Also just a seriously sweet and wonderful person when I’ve met him a few times. I also love photographing Amanda Shires because she’s a badass.
Any funny stories about concert photography?
Well… those know who me know that I’ve been a pretty crazy Ryan Adams fan for the past 18 or so years. Like super fan. I finally had the opportunity to photograph Ryan at the Newport Folk Festival in 2014. I was in the photo pit, directly in front of him, and was also 5 months pregnant at the time. I just stood there, dumbfounded, crying like an idiot, totally overwhelmed with emotion. It was so embarrassing. Luckily I was able to get myself together enough to get a few good shots!
What do people generally not know about the photographing concerts that they should?
Hmmm. Probably that you have to take tons and tons of pictures just to come out with a few good ones. Also, concert lighting is really difficult! It’s also really important to be respectful of the band and the audience, I try to make myself unnoticeable.
What artist would you want to put into the Twangville Hall of Fame?
Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit. Absolutely love them, have been following Isbell since his Drive-By Truckers days. Was lucky enough to see him play with them a million years ago and have photographed a bunch of his solo shows.
What artist would you consider a guilty pleasure?
I mean at this point, Ryan Adams is a guilty pleasure. I had a really hard time when the New York Times article came out about him in 2019 because loving his music so much is a big part of my identity and I’m known for it. I really had to reconcile what my relationship to his songs would be to me now and it took a while to accept that they can still be important.
What five songs (or albums) would be on your desert island mix tape?
- Whiskeytown- Strangers Almanac
- Beatles- Let it Be
- Stones- Exile on Main Street
- Ryan Adams- Gold
- Counting Crows- August & Everything After
What’s the best American city to see music in?
I haven’t seen music in too many cities, unfortunately. I lived in DC for a few years and had a blast seeing and photographing concerts there. So many amazing venues!
Any local bands from that city (or your own) should people see?
Ward Hayden & The Outliers! I took photos for one of their albums a few years ago and am still so proud to this day!
What’s the best way to support musicians?
Buy records, buy concert tickets, buy merch!
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dessert?
My mom’s pistachio chocolate cake. Mmmm….
Best way to cook a turkey?
I can barely make mac & cheese from a box. I have no idea how to cook a turkey!
Anything you’re thankful for this year?
My family, health, seeing live music again.
Suggestions for uncomfortable or controversial Thanksgiving dinner topics?
Anything Trump related. No thank you.
Best album (or concert) of 2021 so far?
Natalie Hemby, Pins & Needles!
What’s your favorite holiday song or album?
The Muppets: A Green and Red Christmas!
What would you like people to know that they might not know about you?
Hmm… I’m also a clinical Social Worker/ therapist!
Thank you, Suzanne! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
About the author: Washington, D.C. area creative by day. Music is my muse. I host Twangville’s weekly Readers‘ Pick.