Waiting, backstage at The Amp

This post is a continuation in my Backstage @ Chautauqua series, where I describe what I found when I dug a little deeper photographically during our recent vacation at the Chautauqua Institution.

The amphitheater (commonly referred to as simply “The Amp”) is a central feature of the Chautauqua Institution. There are multiple events every day at The Amp, and its open air nature makes it nearly impossible to hide what’s going on in the preparation or clean up for events. In fact, they don’t even typically try–its common for the gates to be open during a sound check, warm up or rehearsal, and there are typically a handful of people watching what’s going on. Or maybe just one curious photographer, getting on stage with you…

Piano tuner at The Amp

Adjusting the lights

It also can be used as a background for photos with fans.

The Army band, like many of its size, came into Chautauqua in three large tour buses. While the band was playing, I got curious as to what the insides of their tour buses looked like, so I asked the driver of one if I could step inside for a moment.

Clearly they were playing in a hot-weather, open-air amphitheater, hence the jackets left behind.

Finally, a common sight, just outside The Amp: dogs waiting patiently as their owners enjoy whatever event is on stage.