(Under the PDX Apple Tree)
“I imagined each experience going on in that city, the world that was taking up my chest and throat, and I wanted to experience all of them… ….every adrenalin shot of stepping on a stage or movie set, every hand and breath casting music into the night, every kiss that felt like the first, every breath stealing glance, every dance, every burst of camera light, everything – I wanted to do it all. I was a moment chaser.” ― Jackie Haze, Borderless.
I’m waking up feeling pretty grateful for all the lovely moments that my flute jives and vibes have given me over the years, from road life all over the country to all the late night after hours jam sessions & garage hangs back in Denver & Boulder. Most recently while still in the Portland on photos shoots, Stelth Ulvang‘s new crew ‘The Secret Pluto Band’ passed by a couple places where I was staying with friends that just happened to be hosting a couple small socially distant backyard shows.
I was mostly helping set the events up and naturally playing the roll of live music & event photographer. Somewhere in between the arrival of the band and their second to last tune, Stelth being Stelth, somehow gathered that I had my flute on me and in the middle of photographing the last bit of the set, he invited me up to join them for the encore. We had never played together before, but somehow it all magically worked out.
It is true, I am a moment chaser, and I love that about me! Thanks to both Greg, Garrett & their sis Brianne for hosting night one, and to thanks to one of the most beautiful partnerships I know in PDX, Jenna Bowers & Matthew Weatherman for hosting night two…and for the fire pit “Ain’t No Sunshine” grooves and laughs. Thanks to both parties for keeping us all safe and giving us all a moment to enjoy support live music! It was so good to have a few moments with Max & Aviva le Fey, what a dream it was ride the musical blue waves and stand under the red velvet curtain with the 3 of you.
Thanks again Stelth for the on the fly invite and sharing of the moment! When music starts up again full time, check out The Secret Pluto Band, they truly are something special. Stelth plays in another band called The Lumineers, you should check them out too if you haven’t already.
Photo with me flute vibing by Brianne Hiatt