NC music book preview and photo exhibit Friday

Of all the concerts I've attended in Charlotte over the past 17 years there is one person I've run into more often than anyone else - sometimes two or three times in one night at different venues. That person is photographer and videographer Daniel Coston. Coston has photographed countless live performances, as well as many bands for their cds and press photos. His photos have been published by national music magazines as well as local publications. This winter "People Magazine" and several others published photos of Paula Broadwell that Coston took just days before her scandal broke.

Regardless of his other successful endeavors, music has always been at the heart of his work. Friday he'll preview his upcoming book "North Carolina Musicians: Photographs and Conversations" with a photo exhibit at Charles Holloman Productions in Southend (2301 Distribution St.). The above photograph of Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs at Merlefest 2006 is one of 140 featured in the book. Coston reports that the book, which is due out on NC-based McFarland Publishing in May, also features interviews with NC musicians and covers all genres.

Coston, who co-authored a book about the Double Door Inn a few years back, has another project in the works for a Spring release. "There Was a Time: Rock & Roll In The 1960s In Charlotte, And North Carolina" will focus on the 1960's rock scene and is co-authored by Jake Berger. A chapter will be included in an upcoming issue of "Ugly Things Magazine."

Friday's event begins at 6 p.m. C.R. Rollyson, bassist for Charlotte rock band the Sammies, reports that he and his band mates as well as other Charlotte musicians will be in attendance, so the likelihood of spontaneous live music is certain. To find out more about the event click here. To find out more about Coston's work, check out www.danielcostonphotography.com.