Manwolves trumpet player practicing before the performance photograph by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabtawi — MANWOLVES

2016

Photograph of the Outside of the Chicago Actor Studio by Chicago photographer Rashad Anabtawi

The Manwolves are a local Chicago band that plays and mixes a variety of genre music, their style includes RnB, rock, hip hop, and some soul jazz. Their genre mixing style has been refreshing in the Chicago music scene. The band consists of childhood friends: Jamie McNear (vocals), Eli Cohen (guitar), Henry Wolf (bass), Julian Freeman (drums), Ari Garfin (keys), and Michael Werner (trumpet).

Image of the Outside of the Chicago Actor Studio venue by Chicago photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Image of the audience members Outside of the Chicago Actor Studio venue by Chicago photographer Rashad Anabtawi

CHICAGO MUSIC SCENE

Black and Whire Photograph of a Chicago musician by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Photograph of Local Chicago trumpet player by Chicago photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Photograph of Local Chicago Musician by Chicago photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Photograph of a Chicago Rapper by Chicago photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Photograph of Local Chicago Rapper by Chicago photographer Rashad Anabtawi

The Chicago music scene is beautifully saturated with a diverse symphony of various genres. Whatever the heart’s desire can be found within the walls of the city. Bars and theaters offer a multitude of opportunities for the preforming arts, as many venues host open mic nights for stand-up comedy and musical performances alike.

While at the Chicago Actor Studio venue a plethora of musicians graced the stages with a variety of genres ranging from hip hop to country rock. Truly a highlight of Chicago's overwhelmingly talented people.

The low light situation was definitely a challenge as there was hardly any light in the location, and in order to be as ergonomic as possible I didn't bring a flash with me, as undoubtedly the competition of flash and strobe lights was enough to cause disruption and discomfort.

Local Chicago Musician Preforming at the Chicago Actor Studio Photograph by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabtawi

MANWOLVES

Behind the Scene Photograph of Manwolves Trumpet player by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Behind the Scene Photograph of Manwolves guitarist by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Silhouette Photograph of The Chicago band Manwolves preforming at the Chicago Actor Studio photograph by Chicago photographer Rashad Anabtawi

In 2017, the band called the Manwolves reached to the #4 spot on the Viral U.S Spotify Chart. Along the way, the group has amassed more than 15 million streams on Spotify with one of their biggest track. As of 2018 the genre blending band has cumulative over 3.4 million streams and that number is still growing.

Photograph by photographer Rashad Anabtawi of the Chicago band Manwolves preforming at the Chicago Actor Studio Image by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabtawi

The Chicago band Manwolves preforming at the Chicago Actor Studio photograph by Chicago photographer Rashad Anabtawi

The Manwolves originated in the northern suburbs of Chicago, in Evanston Illinois, yet that hasn't stopped their music from reaching the ears of many Chicagoans and US citizens alike. Their music has continually grown since their conception back in early 2017.

Photograph of the trumpet player Practicing before the preformance at the Chicago Actor Studio by Chicago photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Photograph of the Lead singer from the Chicago band Manwolves image by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Photograph by Chicago photographer Rashad Anabtawi of the Chicago band Manwolves preforming at the Chicago Actor Studio

The Manwolves were the headliners for that evening and the crowd went wild. The vibes of their resonant piano keys, drum hits, and trumpet horns reverberated throughout the venue taking shape between the bodies of the bouncing audience members.

Image by Chicago photographer Rashad Anabtawi of the Chicago band Manwolves preforming at the Chicago Actor Studio

Audience Members at the Chicago Actor Studio Listening to the Chicago band Manwolves preforming photograph by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Audience Memberes at the Chicago Actor Studio Listening to the Chicago band Manwolves preforming Image by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Photograph by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabatwi of the Bassist for the Manwolves preforming at the Chicago Actor Studio

Photograph of the Lead singer from the Chicago band Manwolves photograph by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Photograph of the keyboard player from the Chicago band Manwolves photograph by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Photograph of the Bass player from the Chicago band Manwolves photograph by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Photograph of the drummer from the Chicago band Manwolves photograph by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Photograph of the trumpet player from the Chicago band Manwolves photograph by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabtawi

Photograph by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabatwi of the guitarist for the Manwolves preforming at the Chicago Actor Studio

Photograph by Chicago Photographer Rashad Anabatwi of the trumpet player for the Manwolves preforming at the Chicago Actor Studio

Photographing the band was indeed a pleasure, watching them preform was like watching the chaotic energies of the universe flow freely from every one of the performers interconnecting into harmonious vibes of music.