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It’s an exhibit and sale of photos featuring famous blues, rock and heavy metal stars for a very good cause. Taffy’s Coffee Company, of Eaton, Ohio has teamed up with rock ‘n’ roll writer and photographer Chris A. to host “The Rock ‘n’ Roll Photo Show”, a benefit photo exhibit from June 18th through the 28th. Over that 10-day period, 19 original photos taken by Dayton, Ohio’s most respected rock photographer, will be on display. Many of the photos have been autographed by the artists depicted. The photos will then be sold via on-line auction to benefit the Anthony Bray College Fund.

When asked by Manfred Schreyer, owner of Taffy’s, if he’d display some of his music photos at the world famous Eaton, Ohio coffeehouse, Chris A., (whose real name is Chris Armold,) enthusiastically agreed. It soon transitioned into a benefit exhibit. “I saw this exhibit as an opportunity to raise some money for the Anthony Bray College Fund, a cause that’s very near and dear to me.” Remarked Armold.

A writer as well as a photographer, Armold’s third book, “A Vulgar Display of Power: Courage and Carnage at the Alrosa Villa” was published in April 2007. The book tells the story of the men who died trying to save the life of heavy metal guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott. A gun-wielding paranoid schizophrenic murdered Abbott, along with Erin Halk, Jeff Thompson and Nathan Bray on stage during a rock concert at the Alrosa Villa nightclub in Columbus, Ohio. Bray was the only victim who was married with a child so portions of the book’s proceeds benefited five-year-old Anthony’s college fund. “I think helping Anthony is a fitting memorial to not only Nate Bray but also Erin, Jeff and Darrell.” commented Chris A. “This Rock ‘n’ Roll Photo Show provides another opportunity to help Anthony’s college fund and I hope people support it.”

Armold’s been a photographer for nearly 30 years photographing Presidents, royalty, professional athletes and of course rock stars. “I think the exhibit photos are musically very diverse. They include blues, rock, acoustic and heavy metal musicians. There really should be something for everyone who likes modern music."

Most of the photos were taken at local venues including The Fraze Pavilion, Verizon Amphitheater, The Alrosa Villa and other Ohio and Indiana venues. Many of the photos are autographed. “Obviously, having the photos autographed by the artists really enhances their value and I’m hoping music fans will step up and bid on these photos. Fans can visit www.chrisa.us/benefit.html to see the photos and get information on how to bid.” stated the photographer. "I've also got to say thanks to the musician's who have stepped forward to offer autographs and support. It started with Ted Nugent and Zakk Wylde, two great guitarists who I dig for their talent and their big hearts. I'm proud to call them my friends."

Manfred Schreyer is equally enthusiastic about the exhibit. “A week or so after Chris and I discussed the exhibit he dropped by with a few of the photos. I was awestruck by the detail and the depth of the pictures. Chris’ ability to really capture the essence of the performers he’s photographed is uncanny.”

At present the exhibit will include photos of:

-Ted Nugent (two photos, both autographed)

-Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne/Black Label Society, two photos, both autographed)

-Robin Trower (Includes autographed ticket from show where photo was taken)

-Frank Hannon (Tesla, autographed)

-Joe Bonamassa (autographed)

-Lacey Mosely (Flyleaf, autographed)

-Eric Loy (autographed)

-Brian Fair (Shadows Fall autographed)

-Johnny A. (autographed)

-Otep (autographed)

-BB King

-ZZ Top

-Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots)

-Vince Neal (Motley Crue)

-Joe Elliott (Def Leppard)

-Vinnie Paul Abbott, (Hellyeah)

-Alice Cooper

(There is a possibility that several of the currently unsigned photos will be signed.)

From June 18th through the 28th, the photos will hang at Taffy’s in Eaton, Ohio. At the same time people will be able to bid on the photos via Ebay. “I have no idea what the sale of these photos will produce but some fortunate fans will get a great deal on a autographed photos and help a good cause!” remarked Chris A. All proceeds of the sale will go to the Anthony Bray College Fund. To view the photos and for information on how to bid on these photos visit www.chrisa.us/benefit.html

For more information contact Chris A. at [email protected] or contact Taffy's: [email protected]

Read Rocket's acclaimed 2007 Interview With Chris A. HERE!