THIS WOMAN’S WORK
A Celebration of Women in Music
Part Two

I love music . I’ve always loved music. It gives us life. It comforts us in our time of need. Music has always had a huge presence in my life, my mom sang me Beatles songs and my grandmother sang me folk songs. My first concert was at the age of 4. The radio in our house was always on, playing anything from jazz, blues, country, to folk and rock n’ roll.  I spent my childhood listening for my favorite songs to come on so I could record them.

Most of what I heard came from men, not all, but most. I collected records, went to hundreds of concerts, and eventually began to photograph them. My love for music continued to grow but something was missing. Where was my voice?  My perspective?  There has to be more women.  I began my search and discovered that they were there, I just had to dig a little.   

When I think of a lineup at a music festival, or a club’s listing of performances, they are filled with remarkable talent, but it’s unbalanced.  Where are the women?  I know they are out there, because I’ve seen them, heard them, and bought their music.

As I looked through my catalog of photographs, I realized I had so many images of prolific women; they had always been there. That’s why I began this project, to shine a light on women. This is one of what will be a three to four part series of photographs taken over the years of inspiring women working in the music business.  This second part focuses on women in music.  There are so many stories to tell.  I want to hear more.  I can only hope that this inspires you to seek out their voices.  

This project is dedicated to my mother who first introduced me to the joy of music.
Candace Gallagher 1948 - 2021

KYRA KVERNO

Kyra Kverno is a New York City based photographer who is widely known for her music and portrait work.

Kyra was born and raised in California.  As a young girl, she spent a lot of time with her grandmother, who would become the first person to ignite her passion for photography.  One summer her grandmother had gifted her a camera she had found at a rummage sale, a film camera, and so began the love affair with photography - most especially black and white.  Primarily self taught, her career began shooting friend’s bands, stills for independent movies, and anything else she could find to hone her skills.

Kyra has a keen eye for capturing those tiny and precious moments that happen so fast, most of us miss them.  Because of the astute observer that she is, and her love and respect for her subjects, she is able to truly embody the essence of each person within her images.

She has spent the last 20 years traveling all over, from New Orleans to Iceland, shooting incredible artists, some who are internationally recognized, and some just making a name for themselves, in several of the most renowned clubs and music festivals.  She has covered the Siren Music Festival, Outside Lands, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans Voodoo Fest, Newport Jazz Festival, Newport Folk Festival, Brooklyn’s Afropunk Festival, MerleFest and Iceland Airwaves.  Her work has been featured in Jazz Times, Uncut, Q, CNN, Guitar Player magazine to name a few.  Her years of experience and unique style continue to attract some of today’s most accomplished musicians.

Kyra lives in Brooklyn with her dog Dinah. 

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