Episode 29

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Published on:

20th Dec 2024

The Weekend Pour: Mark Lage on Photographing Iowa’s Soundtrack

In this special edition of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, “The Weekend Pour,” Maxwell dives deep into the fascinating world of Iowa’s music and concert photography with the legendary Mark Lage. Known for his uncanny ability to capture the raw emotion and energy of live performances, Mark’s work has graced local publications, magazines, and album covers, creating a visual legacy of Iowa’s vibrant music scene.

With a career spanning decades, Mark recounts his journey from acing a single college photography class at Grand View to amassing over 144,000 photos in the last six years alone. He shares how his dual passion for beauty and design, honed during a career as a hairstylist, naturally extended into photography. His unique approach—waiting for the perfect moment and understanding the rhythm of music—sets his images apart, capturing the soul of performers and their craft.

Mark also discusses the challenges of shooting in live settings, from battling obstructive microphones to navigating crowded pits at major festivals like Hinterland. He reminisces about working with local bands like Flipside, as well as his collaborations with cherished Iowa musicians, including The Nadas and Ducharme-Jones Band.

A highlight of the conversation is Mark’s stunning coffee table book, a 302-page masterpiece featuring over 1,000 photos from five years of Iowa music history. He credits international artist and mentor Oyoram and designer Lindsay Murray for inspiring and shaping the project, which captures iconic moments from events like PorchFest and Monday Night Live at xBk.

Available at MarkLagePhoto.com, the book serves as both a tribute to Iowa’s thriving music community and a nostalgic keepsake for fans. With plans to chronicle an entire decade of Iowa music, Mark remains a cornerstone of the state’s artistic culture in his retirement.

This heartfelt episode celebrates the artistry, dedication, and community that make Iowa’s music scene unforgettable.

A special thanks to WELLABE for helping to support these podcasts!

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About the Podcast

Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast
Maxwell's Fresh Brewed Conversations with Iowans
Ready to listen in to a great conversation over a delicious cup of coffee? Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast offers an engaging blend of candid interviews, commentary, and humor, providing listeners with fresh insight and perspective into the lives of fellow Iowans who have interesting stories to tell. Maxwell is a decades-long Iowa broadcaster and his easygoing and relatable hosting style, combined with the genuine and heartfelt nature of the conversations, creates a welcoming atmosphere for listeners and his guests. The podcast not only entertains but also provides valuable insights and reflections on personal and professional growth and the importance of staying true to one's values. And there is always a special focus on Iowan's who contribute to arts and culture in their communities. Listeners can expect the Iowa CoffeeCast to continue exploring diverse topics, featuring a range of guests who bring their unique perspectives and experiences. Whether discussing industry trends, personal stories, or broader societal issues, the podcast aims to foster meaningful dialogue and connect with its audience on a deeper level. Maxwell's commitment to authenticity and community shines through, making it a must-listen for those seeking thoughtful and engaging content.

About your host

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Maxwell Schaeffer

Maxwell Schaeffer is a 40+ year broadcast veteran and Iowa media influencer. Over his decades on the radio he has interviewed world famous entertainers, successful business leaders, Governors, Presidents and influential political figures. Above all - he prefers to interview Iowa friends and neighbors who have compelling personal stories of accomplishments, struggles and triumphs of the human spirit. In addition to being an inductee into the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame (for his radio work) he is also an award winning theatrical director, actor, voiceover artist and producer.