As a photographer, I often have the opportunity to meet and connect with people that inspire me and amaze me more than I can explain. This is the reason I love my work so much. I had this exact kind of experience this week sitting down with the six members of the musical group, Lottie and the Manatee. 

I met Lottie Prevenost for the first time when I photographed last year's Chelsea High School CoC concert. She was part of a fabulous musical performance. I couldn't have been more impressed with the quality of the concert and her solo work.

When I saw that she is part of a band and that they are having a CD release concert at one of my favorite restaurants, Back to the Roots, right here in Chelsea, Michigan, I knew that I wanted to get to know this group better. I had a feeling that I was going to fall in love with everything they were doing. I was right.

I loved getting to know Lottie and the Manatee. I loved how excited they were when they talked about music. I loved listening to their plans to take the band on tour across the US. I loved how easy it was to get to know them. Perhaps most of all, I loved how willing they are to go after their dreams.  

Though the band members are at different schools and collages, they keep in touch (mostly by facebook) when they are apart and each person continues to grow and develop his and her own unique musicial stlye. When they come together, the work they create is a one of a kind synthesis of all of their individual talent. They described their sound as classical, meets jazz, meets chill (I would add "meets amazing"). Find them on iTunes, CD Baby and even on Amazon.

Their album, In the Morning, is the launching point for their professional career as musicians. Everything they make from the sale of this album will support their dreams of touring together next summer.

I love it that this group has its root in Chelsea. When I asked them about the types of opportunities that Chelsea has provided, they talked about everything from concerts at Zou Zou's and The Tree of Life to Sounds and Sights performances and even performances with some of their high school teachers. Chelsea has certainly given them a great start, but it was clear to me that this dynamic group of musicians took each opportunity, made the most of it, and reached for even more. 

They are having a CD Release Concert at Back to the Roots this Friday, December 28, at 7:00pm. 

I plan to be there with my family. I would love my children to see this group reaching for their dreams. Most of all, I would love to introduce my children to Lottie and the Manatee because I know that as they reach for more, they are a paving the way and our children will be the ones to follow in their footsteps.

I hope that Chelsea turns out in huge numbers to support this amazing group.