Behind the Lens

Every concert has those moments you wish you could hold onto a little longer. Our photographers are there to catch them, whether it’s an artist in the middle of a great moment, an incredible crowd reaction, or something unexpected that happens onstage. This time around, we’re getting to know Ty Helbach and Melissa Miller and taking a look at some of their favorite photos from Pabst Theater Group shows. Here’s a look at the moments that stood out to them and the stories behind the shots.

Meet Ty Helbach 

I have been doing music and concert photography for over 9 years as a full time job.  Before that it was part time since the early 2000s. I started working with Pabst Theater Group in 2024.  I absolutely love what I get to do for a living.  From shows at Pabst Theater Group to tours with bands it's always something new and challenging and I love it.  Bonus is I get to see a ton of amazing shows and discover new artists.  The best part of the job is that you get to be in a room for shows of anywhere from 100-15000 people who are all there for the same common purpose and for those few hours are all getting along and forgetting their troubles. It is truly a beautiful thing.  

Ringo Starr - Miller High Life Theatre - September 12, 2025

Ringo! I mean what can you say.  It's a good day when you get to photograph a Beatle.  Peace and love! 

See more photos from the show. 

The Swell Season - Riverside Theater - July 15, 2025

Swell Season. Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard.  This was a bucket list show to see for a very long time.  I have always admired Glen's songwriting and performances. His ability to hold an audience with nothing but his voice and a guitar on a street corner or in a theater is truly amazing.  And the Swell Season as a whole is such a good band.  Since the movie Once came out in 2007 I have hoped to catch their show.  Luckily I got to see it and photograph it in 2025.  This photo takes on a different meaning now after the tragic death of Glen earlier this year in a motorcycle crash.  He was by all accounts a good man and had a true passion for music and those who wrote and played it.  He was full of joy and would at the drop of a hat pick up a guitar and sing a tune.  This will always be a top show of mine forever.  It was a night of pure magic.  

Check out the other photos from the show here. 

OK Go - Turner Hall Ballroom - April 24, 2025

I have never been to a show that used more confetti than this one. Literally every other song.   A night of pure fun and joy from this band.  I mean infectious fun.  Absolute joy throughout Turner Hall that night.  I have been a fan for a long time and to see the crowd and band having so much fun feeding off each other.  It is shows like this that remind me why live shows and music in general is so important and wonderful.  Again..Magic! 

Want to see more photos? See them here! 

Meet Melissa Miller

I've been photographing shows with the Pabst Theater Group since 2011. One of the more memorable concerts I've shot there was B.B. King in 2013. I grew up listening to his music, so photographing him felt like a full-circle moment. It felt surreal being so close to one of the most influential blues artists of all time, especially at the beginning of my concert photography career. He would shift from being playful to focused, holding the audience's (and my) full attention. I felt lucky to document a legend!

BB King - Riverside Theater - May 13, 2013

See more photos from the show here. 

A big thank you to Ty and Melissa for sharing their photos and the stories behind them. We’re lucky to have photographers like them who can capture the little moments that make each show feel unique and give us a way to remember them long after the night is over. Stay tuned for more Behind the Lens features, highlighting the people behind the camera and the moments they’ve captured along the way.