You're Invited!...
- Cheryl Alterman | The Music Soup Editor
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
The Alterman Images music photography exhibit opened on the 8th of August. Opening day was a smashing success, thanks to all the people who showed up to support the project. Now the public is invited to come and check it out! On weekdays, ask at Doobie Nights for Damon to see the exhibit, and he will point you upstairs to check it out. Or even better, come on Saturdays between noon and 3pm. The gallery door, next to Cycle Gear, will be open, and I will be there, and would love to show you around. At 3011 Santa Rosa Ave.
The North Bays' only music photography gallery is open! For anyone who simply loves music, it is an easy way to connect with the energy of live performance without needing a ticket, a wristband, or a late night out. For longtime concertgoers, it is a chance to see moments that may feel familiar. (You may have even been at the concert you see on the wall in the photo!) And for musicians, it is a reminder of how powerful performance can look from the other side of the stage.
This is a brand new dedicated music photography gallery that feels different from a general art wall or framed prints in a venue hallway. Live music is built on moments that do not repeat. And these photos capture those moments. It's a space for the moments that usually vanish when the music stops. Those special moments we remember when a singer steps away from the microphone and lets the crowd carry the chorus. A bassist closes their eyes during a solo. And when a drummer lifts both sticks before the final hit. These moments are frozen in time and now hang on the wall in Santa Rosa.
Sharing my photography in real life and off the screens, is positively exhilarating! The Grand Opening (pictured in the photos), was filled with nearly a hundred musicians and music lovers from all over the Bay Area.
It made me so happy to see so many wonderful folks came to check it out and support this project of mine that is so very close to my heart. Before this gallery display, my photography was something that was only seen in The Music Soup, (my online music magazine) and once the story is read...it kinda vanishes into the vaults of the publication. My photos are also used in various artists' promo images on socials of all platforms. But never in one large space in a physical, not a digital setting. So, sharing these physical images with the public in person, in a gallery setting feels right. It gives me satistfaction to be able to share this space with the public.
The gallery displays about 100 framed 8 x 10 prints hung, all for sale and a few larger pieces, some nearly life size that give the room a definitive music theme. Complete with a disco ball hanging from the middle of the ceiling!
This music photo gallery lives permanently in the events center above Doobie Nights Dispensary and soon to be the space that will be, 'Dobe Coffee Shop' at 3011 Santa Rosa Avenue. It is an hour north of San Francisco in Santa Rosa. The exhibit is located in a rentable event center. It's a large space of more than 2000 square feet. The display consists of about 100+ framed prints as well as larger pieces. Some of the prints are indeed larger than life, and are apparently now a favorite place for a selfie backdrops!
The first two hours of the opening day, from 3-5 was a closed, invite only portion, where my
invited guests were able to view the work before the exhibit was open to the public at 5. It was
a smashing success. 'Twas lovely to see my music friends able to meet and chat and connect with one another surrounded by my work.
There were refreshments, music and even some a cappella singing going on by two tribute band members (from different bands) that were in attendance. It made my heart happy seeing everyone have such a nice time, surrounded by my photos on the walls.
The exhibit begins with a memorial to beloved Irish singer songwriter, Glen Hansard who passed away recently on July 29.
As you make your way around the exhibit, you can see photos of Tom Petty, Billie Joe Armstrong, Elton John, BB King, P!NK, KISS, Stanley Clarke, Metalicca, Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, Blondie, Mana, Foo Fighters...lotsa Foo/Dave Grohl, Dave Matthews, Ed Sheeran and many more. I've even installed what I call my drummers wall, displaying a large Taylor Hawkins shot in the center with Simon Phillips, Clem Burke, Tre Cool, Cindy Blackman, Jason Bonham, Eric Singer, Tommy Lee and more superb drummers, surrounding the late Foo Fighters drummer.
If you'd like to purchase any prints, you can either purchase there at the gallery, downstairs at Doobie Nights with a cashier (PayPal / Venmo) - or feel free to inquire via email at: TheMusicSoupinfo@gmail.com.
You can also check out TheMusicSoup.com - my online music magazine and find an image you'd like, and I can make it into a framed or unframed print for you. Contact me via the email address: TheMusicSoupInfo@gmail.com, and I'd be happy to fill the order for you of the artist(s) of your choice, usually ready for pick up within 48-72 hours.
If you're a music fan, or simply love photography please check out the exhibit! Currently there are no permanent, dedicated music photography galleries in the North Bay - including Marin, Napa and Sonoma counties! There is nothing else like it!
As always....Remember that life is short and gets shorter every day. Please, be kind to each other. Greet each day with love in your heart. Never regret anything that made you smile. Make amends to those we hurt along the way. As we all know-life can end at any moment and missing that chance to connect may be lost forever.
And turn up the music and see art!
With loads of love and gratitude,
Cheryl, at The Music Soup ❤️✌🏻🎵
Need of a photographer?...Contact me: AltermanImages@gmail.com
If you enjoy The Music Soup, and want to help keep us going, please consider donating any amount to help us continue bringing you live music highlights (and a few other topics).
Check out my You Tube channel! Photo dump from the night, thanks to David Gross, Thea Daniels, Glenn Herring, John Springer, Stefanie Garzoli, Drew Harrison, Celia Peterson and anyone else that contributed. And, ©Cheryl Alterman Photography 2026
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