It was a cold, dark, and windy night. There had been a huge power outage a few days before, and I hadn’t been sure if this gig was even going to happen. Well, it was happening, so like a true ex-Chicagoan polar bear, I donned my black peacoat and headed out into the freezing abyss. Also, like a true transplant-Seattleite, this was the first time I got a Seattle parking ticket because heaven-forbid, I should find a legal place to park amongst all the condensation, but that’s not part of the main story. Bitter? No, no. I was simply annoyed. That aside, once I had found my destination by pacing aimlessly up and down the street, peering bitterly into the darkness like a true jaded individual, and then realizing what I had sought was right in front of me all along, I entered what I can only describe as a portal of warmth and color. Was this love? No, this was Conor Byrne Pub.
As with most of my musical adventures so far, I was there to support a band I had already known and, like a tiny but stable support tree, there to branch out and meet new buds. All shameless, forehead-smacking puns aside, I recall meandering over to the bar and ordering a traditional old-fashioned. I ended up talking the possibly new bartender through it, but he did such a good job, I went back for seconds. While ‘warming up’, I sat and talked with the members of Timberfoot, the band I had been there to see. I cannot express how amazing these guys are. Even the word ‘amazing’ seems incredibly lackluster in the vibrancy of their personalities and talent. At one point, bassist Trevor and guitarist Jon both started singing in what I turned into my own personal serenade while Joe, their lead singer joined in. I feel as though I must emphasize just how strong and versatile the voices of Trevor and Jon are, but I also recommend you hear it for yourselves. Add Joe to the mix, and together, the three of them are a force to be reckoned with. After the serenade, Joe told me to check out one of the bands. “Stick around! One of my favorite Seattle bands is playing tonight. They’re a band called Colorworks. I think you’re gonna like them”, he said. Well, you don’t have to tell me twice, sir.
The first band of the night was a folk-indie duo called The Portsiders. Long time friends, Alex and Andrew, transported the whole pub into a different time, a different place, where life is so much simpler, where there are rolling green hills as far as the eye can see, and where the wind doesn’t just pierce your soul but reminds you that there is freedom in its wings. The heart-wrenching cries of “Mama I Tried” with Alex on vocals while Andrew calmly but passionately played guitar in his chair had me rooted to the floor. “Tell mama I tried! That the world refused me! It beat and abused me! But mama, how I tried!” sang Alex, his voice like a fist shaking obstinately at the sky. Later that night, Alex and Andrew openly invited me to come photograph them practice some time, something I have yet to do, but would be more than happy to oblige in. Like I’ve said in my previous article, “watching and documenting the creative process of other artists is a privilege.” I will stand by those words.
“Long time friends, Alex and Andrew, transported the whole pub into a different time, a different place, where life is so much simpler, where there are rolling green hills as far as the eye can see, and where the wind doesn’t just pierce your soul but reminds you that there is freedom in its wings.”
Next to hit the stage was Colorworks. If I told you Colorworks was your typical happy go lucky indie rock band, I’d be lying. With lightly underlying melancholic tones of heavy heartbreaks and the adventures of having hope overlaid with the upbeat shifting, trippy tones of 70’s rock bands, Colorworks holds nothing back all the while letting you know that despite your heavy laden heart, you have good memories to share and hold dear. Things will be alright. The words may speak of sadder times, but the notes themselves speak of sunnier days, of sitting at your bedroom window reminiscing on the past but appreciating the present and finding hope in the future. Take it as you will. Colorworks is the kind of journey you take before you go fully down the psychedelic rabbit hole, encouraging you to get your stresses out before enabling you to have a good time. Bret’s voice will send you across the universe and back on memories of yesterdays and hopes for today. Kailen’s groovy sunglasses will probably help with that as his shifty riffs glide you into a phantasmic state of mind. Deno’s dreamy drum fills will have your feet hitting the pavement and sprinting into some unseen horizon all the while taking in the scenery. Asher’s prismatic keyboard artistry succeeds in tying the band together to complete this kaleidoscopic package.
Prior to photographing them, I was pulled to the side by Asher’s sister who requested that I make sure to get his photograph. I spent so much time trying to get the “cool” angles on him as well as the rest of the band that somehow running in circles around the crowd that had gathered while they played their well known song “Circles” seemed so fitting. They knew how to bring a fun but laid back kind of energy that suits them all too well.
“Colorworks is the kind of journey you take before you go fully down the psychedelic rabbit hole, encouraging you to get your stresses out before enabling you to have a good time.”
Last, but certainly not least we have Timberfoot. From the moment Joe, the lead singer, ascends the stage and takes off his shoes, you know something good is about to go down, musically, that is. Timberfoot is that sociably interactive guy at the party that you know you want to be friends with because you know there are no expectations but to have a good time. If you aren’t having a good time, maybe they’ll serenade you. Maybe they’ll just serenade you anyways because that’s what they’ve gathered there to do. Either way, they make sure you are having a swinging good time. At one point, Joe did a sort of “cool guy” pose on his back that was undeniably one of the more fun, least orchestrated moments I’ve photographed so far in live music only to be topped by the stage dive of guitarist, Josh, into a teeming crowd of riled up but welcoming fans.
“Timberfoot is that sociably interactive guy at the party that you know you want to be friends with because you know there are no expectations but to have a good time.”
No doubt, I am still accumulating a list of venues I will gladly return to both as a photographer and just to enjoy the ambience. While this list is steadily increasing, Conor Byrne, is definitely on this list. Every venue isn’t without it’s lighting challenges, and Conor Byrne is no exception. However, the dim lighting gives it a sense of warm ambiance, a place to convene amongst friends without trepidation or judgement. There’s a sense of nostalgia to the place that I can’t quite put my finger on, and also with the help of what I now call Chanty the Chandelier hanging above the stage, the place is not without its quirks and personality. So drop by, if you will, for a swinging good time and a pint. I guarantee you won’t regret it.