Pat Greene is Bungalower Media’s first sponsored resident writer. Greene will be joining our team as our Arts and Culture Correspondent for the next quarter, supported by the efforts of Interstruct Design + Build, an award-winning Orlando-based design and build firm.
When Jim Leatherman’s (Website) name is brought up, it’s often in the context of his remarkable talent. His kind and gentle nature is also a common topic of conversation. Leatherman has been crafting his unique visual narratives of the Orlando music scene since the mid-80s, a testament to his individuality and dedication.
Jim Leatherman’s lens has captured the essence of a myriad of bands, each bringing their unique sound to the Orlando music scene, a testament to his versatility and broad appeal.
This Friday night, an exhibition of Leatherman’s photography will open at Lil’ Indies in Mills 50. I think it’s a must-see event for all local music and photography enthusiasts.
I talked to Jim, and he said he is doing the show as a favor for Orlando legend and Will’s and Lil’ Indies owner Will Walker, in time for Will’s 29th anniversary this same weekend. Leatherman is honoring the anniversary by showing 29 shots of shows and musicians he has taken at the Wills compound over the years, including their original location closer to Loch Haven Park.
A grand opening for the show is scheduled for 6-10 p.m. Friday, September 13th. Heidi Kneisl, another unsung Orlando scene hero, curated the show (RSVP).
This week I had a chance to meet with another local legend, Jim Faherty. Since the early 80s, Faherty has been one of the leading forces in bringing interesting music to the area, and for the past two years, Faherty’s former label, Figurehead, has had an exhibit at the Orange County Regional History Center; Music & Mayhem In Orlando’s Underground.
During our chat, Faherty was telling me how indebted he is to Leatherman as he took all of the photos in the exhibit, which covers the mid-80s until 2001. It is a very beautiful and informative exhibition, and I have witnessed much of it. Orlando might be known for theme parks, but it has had an underground culture for years.
During those years, Leatherman shot pictures of touring bands like Sonic Youth, Black Flag, Jonathan Richman, and many others, along with locals on the Figurehead label like Braille Closet, Target Earth, Green Day, Romney Buzley, Genitorturers, Naomi’s Hair, and others.
Faherty shared with me that the Genitorturers release with Figurehead led to their connection with Marilyn Manson.
This show makes Orlando look like its scene could rival New York’s. It’s also a great way to see how talented Jim Leatherman is and the scope of his experience as a photographer and music fan. By the way, he also did some time as Braille Closet’s bass player.
Stop by Lil’ Indies Friday night from 6-10 p.m. and buy prints from Jim. Please support this pillar of Orlando’s Underground. Music & Mayhem in Orlando’s Underground at the Orange County Regional History Center will be displayed until February 1. Do yourself a favor and visit soon.
Leatherman’s Lil’ Indies show will be up for the month of September.
Lil Indies is located at 1036 N. Mills Avenue [GMap].
