Ice Cream Crew
Ice Cream Man, Matt Allen
Founder
Matt started his first adventure right out of high school, when he decided to drive around the country riding as many roller coasters as possible. Many journeys have passed since then, and as Ice Cream Man, Matt is still making adventure a way of life. When not on the road with Bessie, he works nonstop behind the scenes to take our operations to the next level. By now, Matt has seen over 1,000 live music performances, given away over 125,000 free ice creams, and made an innumerable number of friends along the way... and there's nowhere to go but up.
Dave Gooch, Operations Director
Jukebox Hero
Dave Gooch has been helping out Ice Cream Man for quite a while now, making silly drawings that somehow find their way onto t-shirts and such. Now he helps full time filtering some of the scatterbrainedness of Ice Cream Man and sorting it into his own brand of scatterbrainedness. That's a word, look it up. In addition, Gooch serves as the managing content editor of IceCreamMan.com.
Gooch has a career passer rating of 91.3
James Boo, Outreach Director
Oooh, floor pie!
James joined the Ice Cream Crew in early 2007, weeks after he had returned from studies in the Russian Federation (ask him to tell you about the wonder of factory-produced Russian ice cream cones). He now directs Ice Cream Man's outreach efforts and manages our intern staff. When he's not juggling dry ice, James works as a tutor and writer in Orange County, California.
Dr. Knife, Patron Saint
PhD in Awesomology
Although not actually a doctor, Dr. Knife is pursuing a PhD in Mathematics at Oregon State University under the alias Daniel Rockwell. Originally Dr. Knife was born in Alaska. He has been a music lover ever since he was a little kid. He was cursed/blessed with spending a childhood in Alaska. Absolutely NO good bands come to Alaska. Thus for his formative years Dan lived off of CDs and vinyl. Dan started collecting vinyl at the age of 13. He has quite a collection of records now! He drove 56 hours straight from Alaska to Oregon, no sleep! Dan drove The Ice Cream Man to pick up The Ice Cream Truck. He likes to play Bocce Ball on the lawn in the afternoon. His favorite ice cream is Cherry Garcia or a Big ED.
Jeremiah Garcia, Art Director
Festival King
Growing up in intense heat has its way of instilling a passion for all things cold. As a child dwelling in Tucson’s blistering heat, what better way to escape than in the many wonders of ice cream? I was born and raised in the desert and, as most kids in Tucson, found salvation in a cold quick fix. Ice cream was the rule of the land and this soon landed me at my first job in the local ice cream parlor. This particular shop featured homemade ice cream and toppings hand mixed into the ice cream. The laborious task taught me both a love, as well as a healthy respect for the power of the cream.
Having mastered the craft of creating beautiful and bizarre flavors and combinations, I found my next obsession in the world of music. The pursuit of higher education lead me to Pepperdine in Malibu, CA. Being in the Los Angeles area proved to be a much more fruitful arena for exposure to new music than Tucson had been (although it’s now beginning to catch up). My eye’s were jolted open; living in LA, I realized that it is entirely possible to go to a show every single night of the week. What does one do with such a thirst for cold treats and live music? You turn to the one man that can get you that fix. Thus, I turned to The Ice Cream Man.
Kate Schruth, Writer
NYC representer
Kate Schruth would like you to know that she writes show reviews for the Ice Cream Man in New York City. She loves music in most all of its glorious forms, but knows its best form is always live.
Kate appreciates what you're saying but when she plays a song for you in her car, she'd like it if you would please be quiet and listen.
Among her many accolades, Kate was the proud recipient of the "Honorary Participant Ribbon" for the annual Todd's Point Sandcastle Contest '97, and was a highly decorated Brownie (Troop 702) including - but not limited to - the Manners Patch, the Campfire patch, and the Friendship Patch.
Danielle Kelly, News Desk Editor
Firecracker
Danielle and the Ice Cream Man Crew met in 2007 at a Jens Lekman show, and they have been inseparable since. With an insatiable love for concerts, events, new friends, and frozen treats, Danielle and the Ice Cream Man have developed a glorious union of slinging cream and documenting their adventures.
Brigid McGuire, Publications Intern
Brigy!
Brigid joined our intern staff in Fall 2008 to help out with the written word and other projects at Ice Cream Man. Like many of the crew, this girl loves to travel the country and the world, and is ready for the next adventure. She loves to meet new people and has a fearless attitude.
Rachel Ballard, Arts Intern
Lovely Assistant
Rachel has been Ice Cream Man's arts intern since early 2007, maintaining relationships with bands and connecting Ice Cream Man to the entertainment scene wherever we go. An aspiring actress and rock star aficionado, she's no stranger to the world of entertainment and is always down to tell us a thing our two about the joy of song. She'll only give you an ice cream if you're nice to her, so be on your best behavior.
Phil Acosta, Hired Gun
Ice Cream Mercenary
Phil keeps his feelers out in the world for potential partners and sponsors for Ice Cream Man. He also helps out at events whenever he can and has become a key contributor in spreading the ice cream love. Ask him about his X-Men tattoo if you see him at Comic-Con.
Steph Sanchez, Intern Emeritus
Lovely Assistant
Raised by a father that would randomly quiz her about music, it's no wonder that when it comes to classic Motown and rock and roll Steph knows her stuff. Born in San Antonio (the Heavy Metal Capital of the World if you let her tell it), Steph moved to Los Angeles from Austin, Texas in 2006 to study fashion and footwear design at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. When she's not cobbling in her room while listening to Stereolab, this University of Texas business school grad likes to attend concerts and outdoor festivals in brain-melting heat. Her love for road trips and ice cream (her favorite: strawberry shortcake) led her to join the Ice Cream Crew in early 2007.
Steph has since graduated from FIDM and is now a veritable shoe master in New York City. She will always have a place in our hearts!
CraSH, Concert Staff Director
Make sure you "Triple-Dog-Dare" him!
Craig has been on board with Ice Cream Man since early 2006. No matter how many times he mutters to himself about miserable red and yellow gels in dimly lit hole-in-the-wall clubs, he continually subjects himself to F2.8 and ISO 3200 to capture fleeting moments of up-and-coming bands.
A glutton for punishment... bordering on sado-masochism... when CraSH gets a chance to hang around Bessie... He will go into a re-enactment of the the flag pole scene from "A Christmas Story".
In addition to shooting a never ending list of performances, Craig now coordinates our imaging projects and works with our concert staff at large, making sure that Ice Cream Man's music coverage is the best in the world.
Matthias Ingimarsson, Photographer/Videographer
Iceland's best
A recent addition to the immigrant flourish of Ventura County, Matthias moved to California from his home country of Iceland to study at the Brooks Institute of Photography. He met Matt at an after party at the Hollywood Bowl, where his countrymen Sigur Rós had just played a packed show, and soon became a core member of the Ice Cream Crew. Matthias has been shooting concerts and music related events ever since he picked up his first film camera six years ago, and if not for LA traffic, he would never leave his post at the venues.
As every one in this field Matthias has a web site, always under development , like every thing else in life. And, by all means, feel free to email him if you want any info on bands from Iceland. or find them at myspace.com .
"Island Best I Heimi"
"Iceland the best in the world"
(pretty cocky for a population of 300.000!!!!)
Abbey Braden, Photographer
NYC punk
The photographic half of the NYC crew duo, Abbey takes photos of almost every rock star that sets foot in the five boroughs.
Timothy Norris, Photographer
Los Angeles
Southern California native Timothy Norris has been studying photography for more than 20 years. On an early trip to the Grand Canyon National Park he began to understand the concept of film sensitivity and how to capture lightning with a “still” camera. Soon after this trip he enrolled in the 8th grade photo class and continued studying through high school and into College. It was during high school that his love and understanding of music would take hold in his life. As a bass player he played in two bands for about ten years with the high point being around the time he played with Big Violin opening for the Hoodoo Gurus at the Palace (now the Avalon) in Hollywood, CA.
These days Timothy spends most of his time working on a variety of photographic projects including artist documentary, fashion, travel and music. It was in September 2005 while shooting a show at the Roxy that he had his first meeting with the Ice Cream Man. Since that time it’s been a sweet ride dishing out ice cream, checking out shows and meeting many wonderful folks along the way.
To see more of Timothy’s work check out his website. He swears there’ll be a new site soon, so keep posted. Until then, he’ll see you at the show.
Mathew Wenthe, Photographer
Camino
Hailing from the Sin City, Mathew has been making the festival rounds for Ice Cream Man since the summer of 2007. As our main photog in Las Vegas, he keeps plenty busy.
Gregor AKA "12-596" , Photographer
Weirdo
When it comes to meeting new people, Gregor is hands down the most socially awkward person ever. He’s obsessed with Joy Division, and eating Gummie Bears. He also tried to run away from home and join the French Foreign Legion when he was in the 5th grade. When people ask him what his major is he replies “capturing light” instead of film/photography. And for some strange reason he spells his name “12-596”. Even though he may be a weirdo you should check out his site.
Email Gregg and tell him how swell he is!
Jackie Canchola, Photographer
Alien
I am an only child with a cat for a mom and a dog of a dad. This is tough sometimes, but with the fierce cat and the loyal dog- I think I came out alright. I'm in peoples faces yelling and laughing but constantly concerned with the person as a whole. I want to see and experience as much as I can, yet, be as thankful to those that helped me see it all. Thank you. Always say 'thank you.'
I go to school in Seattle. I'm a 2nd year photography/business major with a minor in journalism. I'm a disc jockey on KSUB; Seattle Univeristy's radio station (ksubseattle.org every Monday night from 9-11), photo editor at SU's newpaper The Spectator, and soon to be SOMETHING of our own magazine Stick Figure Magazine.
Favorite perfection in the world: music festivals.
Top 10 bands: XTC, Oingo Boingo, Flaming Lips, Talking Heads, Mr. Bungle, Depeche Mode, Gogol Bordello, Arcade Fire, Tears for Fears, Scarlet Symphony
Open your heart
Branden Eastwood, Photographer
Mystery Man
The story of Branden Eastwood is one hidden in shadow and darkness. Nobody quite knows where he came from or why he came from whatever it was that he did come from. While many stories circulate the concert photography circuit Branden tries to down play rumors of being the “Kaiser Soze” of photography.
Pat Kauchick, Photographer
New Mexican
Music fan since 1970. Saw Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead and Led Zepplin in 1977. Attended every Stones tour since 1972 except 1997 and 1994. Worked with Haight Asbury Clinics Rock Medicine for Bill Grahams concerts in early 80's including the 1981 Us Festival. Began concert photography in New Orleans at Tipitinas and at Jazz Fest late 80's. Published in Offbeat, Pulse, Musician, Performance, Times Picayune, Rock and Folk, Max, Canal, Le Observatuer many others. Album credits for Vanguard Records compilation, Rievers, Cowboy Mouth, Subdudes, John Mooney and Little Milton. My two favorite photos: The Stooges at Coachella 2003 and Earl King at Tipitinas. Frequent attendee of SxSw.... and all around good guy (icm).
Contact Pat at pat@icecreamman.com.
Mary Denton, Photographer
Jeremiah's mom
Mary Denton is fascinated with music, art of any kind, travel, the outdoors and helping people heal. It is most important to her to keep learning and contributing to a society of increasing compassion. She prioritizes activities, those that are pushing creativity are of greater importance. Promoting alternative viewpoints for any situation is considered a gift (that’s why she loves playing with the camera, she is more interested in getting the artistic viewpoint than the conventional, highly perfected, viewpoint).
Favorite song is still John Lennon’s Imagine.
Favorite current band is My Morning Jacket.
David Thornton, Photographer
Hank Jr.
Despite the heat & crowds of people, I love festivals like Coachella because you never know what's going to happen. I went to Lollapaloza in Atlanta in '95 & I saw Courtney Love get hit in the face with a Coke bottle. It was awesome! Man was she pissed! Earlier that day, the audience started a giant food fight during the Cypress Hill performance. Looking back at the lawn area, the sky was literally brown with food. It looked like a storm of locusts. Madness, total madness. If crazy stuff like that goes down at Coachella, you can bet I'm getting pictures of it. I'm also going to take 100's of photos of the bands in action & they're going to blow your mind (I hope). Anyway, about me: I'm a part-time photo nerd & a full-time music geek (or is that vice-versa?). I love Yoo-hoo, Rootbeer, Belgian Ales & Thai food. I collect vintage movie posters & I'm obsessed with playing trivia at happy hour. I enjoy travelling & white water rafting. I can't stand Licorice.
Contact DT mojave77@yahoo.com
Paul Bachmann, ROCKographer
NYC
'ROCKographer' Paul Bachmann is a 3x Emmy Award winning cinematographer, photographer and visual effects expert. His images and visuals are featured in the international print, web and broadcast media.
Paul spent a decade working with visionary Oscar/Emmy/MTV award winning director Zbig Rybczynski and another shooting for NBC Universal. His expertise spans the music video, HDTV, broadcast and web arenas. He regularly serves on blue ribbon panels for the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in special effects and cinematography categories.
From Bowie to JellyNYC, Bachmann works with artists of international stature as well as local bands and promoters.
If it Grooves, shoot it!
Nicolas Bates, Photographer
Alien life form who happens to like ice cream
Originally an alien being, Nick now resides in the body of a human being. He may not have liked it much in the past, but has learned to love it and has made the best of it. You can usually find Nick working on music, or taking photos at hardcore shows while evading kicks to his head and equipment. He enjoys repealable decals and psychology, southern California summers and anything that will “open his mind.”
His works range from fashion photography and event photography to music and auto racing events. His work can be seen at: www.batesimaging.com (coming soon!)
Drop him a line, he loves that.
Carie Burchfield-Thompson, Photographer
Tennessee
With a click of her shutter she can turn a simple gesture at a wedding rehearsal into a moment forever framed over a fireplace. And despite the blare of music and stages lights, she’s able to capture a musician’s glance and reveal to all the tortured soul of an artist. … Her images are often displayed in black and white, but when she looks through her view finder Carie Burchfield-Thompson never fails to find a colorful character.
Vanessa Herzog, Writer
Partier
Vanessa didn’t start her musical love off very strong. She was raised on a steady diet of Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, and show tunes as a very young girl, thanks to her mother. Yuck! It was no surprise that she gravitated to cheesy teen pop (i.e. Tiffany, even worse!) before getting her musical taste chops in order. It started off a bit shaky, with a love for heavy metal (Metallica, Guns and Roses, etc.), before she gravitated towards rock and roll with the likes of Pavement, Beck, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, The Pixies, and Sonic Youth (some of her old faves). Now she’s a full-fledged musicologist with an almost encyclopedic knowledge.
Therefore, it’s really no wonder the Ice Cream Man and Vanessa eventually met up. With her love for music, ice cream, and review writing, and with him being the Ice Cream Man, well it just makes sense. That, and the fact that they crossed paths in their previous third-wave ska lifetimes (she was a rudegirl for a spell) many times before at shows and didn’t even know it. It just seemed that they were meant to meet up sooner or later.
When Vanessa’s not studying legal texts or riding horses, she’s going to shows and turning out reviews for the Ice Cream Man. She loves music, writing, and seemingly useless factoids, which always seem to come in handy and impress some people. Eskimo Pies are her favorite type of ice cream, thanks to her grandmother who would get them for her as a child whenever she came to visit. Vanessa always looks forward to putting pen to paper for her next review and hopes that you enjoy reading them.
Contact Vanessa and tell her how great she is at vanessa@icecreamman.com
Jason Ricks, Writer
Jam Band Fan
Jason's music tastes have been influenced by a long history of diverse listening habits, starting with his parents' 1950s Sock-Hop albums, through the latest (or vintage) jazz, soul, funk, jam, electronic, blues, indie, bluegrass, and rock and roll offerings; oh yeah, and Irish drinking songs. And did we mention 1980s modern rock? Like most people, Jason's gone through various phases of fan-dom and genre chasing (yes, there was a "classic rock" phase) and has ended up with a fine appreciation for anything moving or interesting. A reclusive figure, when asked once in a rare interview if he had anything to share with his fans, Jason invoked his favorite philosopher saying, "Suckers walk, money talks, but it can't touch my three lock box!" But seriously, if it can't be learned from Rufus Thomas, Phish, John Lee Hooker, or Kermit Ruffins, it's probably not worth learning.
Alex Roman, Writer
That Guy
My childhood was spent sipping orange juice and 7-up "cocktails" at my parents parties while the DJ spun classic Motown, Atlantic and Stax records mixed with the music of the day...DISCO! But those wild times had to end. My parents went to great lengths to cut sugar out of my diet, since it was probably sugar that kept me up at those parties dancing (in my butterfly collars and Toughskins) even later than their guests. Depressed and slowly becoming less hyper, my sugar oppressed, disco loving world came to an end when my friends older brother started playing punk rock. I still remember it to this day, that sweet staccato sound of the drums, the whaling caterwaul of guitars and of course the unintelligible words. I didn't know what the hell they were talking about, but man did Keith Morris and Darby Crash ....excite me! And incite me! I was no longer a sugar-deprived disso freak, i was a little punk kid who needed a slap! My first record i bought, with my own money was the Clash's "Black Market Clash." If only i knew then that my love of music now would cost me so much money maybe i would have made another decision. Then again, i've spent the last seven years listening, writing about and interviewing musicians for various magazines and newspapers-- I even started my own digital DIY zine in the late 90s,-- so my choice this far hasn't proven to be too bad.
Julie Ingram, Writer
Los Angeles
Julie met Matt at a car wash in Long Beach, CA when she was 12 years old. His shared knowledge of cars impressed her so much that she asked her parents for a vintage Karmann Ghia the following year. She never got the Karmann Ghia but she did get to be Matt's friend, which means that every once in a while she gets wrapped up doing really cool things for him, such as meeting Sam of Austin's Sam's BBQ and interviewing the amazing person/artist Casey O'Connell. Let the adventures continue!
