Nashville Notables
Nashville Author Craig Shelburn, along with Nashville Photographer Jeff Fasano, will be at GMAEC Friday June 6th for a Reception & Book Signing
Craig Shelburne
The Grand Ole Opry features today’s country music stars, superstars, and rising stars all on one stage, every week in Nashville, Tennessee—Music City, USA. Their world-famous show is where aspiring stars dream of playing and music lovers connect with their favorite artists up close at the Opry House. From the radio show that made it famous in 1925 to the cultural landmark and global phenomenon it is today, the Opry is the country's biggest stage.
Craig Shelburne grew up in rural Nebraska watching the Grand Ole Opry on TNN. He moved to Nashville in 1994 and earned a journalism degree from Belmont University. He has written for the Bluegrass Situation, CMT.com, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Folk Alliance International, International Bluegrass Music Association, MusicRow magazine, and many other outlets. In addition, he has produced three AMERICANAFEST music festivals for the Americana Music Association. This is his first book.
Jeff Fasano
Jeff Fasano is a photographer based in Nashville Tennessee
Here’s a little bit about me:
One night when I was leaving my corporate job in New York City it hit me like a slap across the face, I realized that I was not enjoying my life. So when I got home, I sat down with one of those yellow legal pads, picked up and pen and wrote at the top of the page, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” I began to write down what I “liked” doing and it was when I realized that I “loved” taking pictures I found my passion. I knew it deep in my soul.
It all began when I turned 40 and left that job and a world that no longer resonated for me. My intention was to create a new life that was fulfilling and enjoyable. Not only have I created this life I am “living” it and it sure has been quite a journey.
On my path I have had the great fortune to meet, photograph and build relationships with notable artists from around the world. Many who you can see on this site. Through the love of my craft doors have opened and I have connected with so many interesting people who are creating their life, their creative expression, and expressing it to the world. I get the chance with my talents and gifts as a photographer to support them in doing this.
I love to collaborate. For me it is all about the connection, and when that happens “we” create everything together. The essence of the person is what I intend to capture and through my images that essence is revealed to the world. What lies beneath the surface is the beauty and elegance of the soul and the heart, it is real and authentic and that is what comes through in my work.
Photography has been a doorway to so much in my life and on April of 2023 my very first photography book AMERICANA PORTRAIT SESSIONS was published by Vanderbilt University Press.
I share this story because it is my intention to inspire others to shift and change their life as I did. I undertook the project of creating my first photography book to bring to the world my art yes, but also to show everyone that you too can live your dream.
I listened to my heart when it asked me to, I found my passion. I found a vehicle for my self-expression, a deep love for creating it and thus have been able to receive what has appeared on my path because I made a commitment to my dream and me. I am living that dream and you can too!
Peace Jeff