This past weekend, the NYC-based band Black Taxi played the Bayside Bowl venue in Portland.

Having only heard of the band through friends, but not being thoroughly acquainted with them, I showed up open-minded and excited to hear their sound. Going to live bands is usually pretty fun, most of them time not knowing their songs is fine if you enjoy the vibe they put out. Black Taxi was no exception. The lead singer rocks the stage switching between keyboard, trumpet, to cowbell (yes, I did yell “more cowbell, please!”).  His energy is palpable throughout the room. Behind him every step of the way is his rocking band keeping the momentum going.

I was having an off day, okay, not going to lie, an off weekend, and there are not too many things that can get me out of a funk in an hour in time for a social get together like a live band. Well, there is one thing – my camera. Yes, as cheesy as it sounds, and I’m aware it borderlines velveeta, when I have my camera in my hands sometimes the world disappears and I just focus on what I love. Capturing the shot in challenging low-light conditions with red/blue/yellow spotlights hitting at weird angles. Maintaining a high enough shutter speed to capture the movement of the guys bouncing around the stage, but yet low enough to capture enough light to make it pop. Dropping down to get the shots from the bottom of the stage and then changing lenses to get a wide of the crowd cheering on the band. Ah, heaven.

Despite the fact they only played one set, I was left wanting more, which I suppose means they achieved their goal. Great show, Black Taxi, I’ll be on the lookout for you the next time you are in town. Check out more of the photos from the evening at my facebook page: HAL Photography – Black Taxi.