Marcy Playground at The Canyon

I love music from the 90's and early 00's. I will never apologize for that. It's the music that narrated my life while I figured out who I am and who I want to be.  Marcy Playground was on heavy rotation in my playlist (ok, I didn't have "playlists" back then,  I had like a hundred burned CDs that only fit like 12 songs) during these very important years.  So, when I found out that they were playing at The Canyon, only a couple of minutes from my house, I jumped at the chance to photograph them just because I love them.

 I remembered to eat this time! I know this area like the back of my hand. I live here. I work here. I run my errands around here. I know exactly what is around this venue as I have been in that center a hundred times. I knew that there was a little sushi restaurant across the street from the venue and that would fill my belly just enough to allow me to shoot without suffering...again. 

I walked into the venue and took my place next to the stage while waiting for the band to go on. I watched as John Wozniak walked out onto the floor to have a friendly chat with someone he knew at one of the tables placed in front of the stage. It was somehow comforting and made me feel relaxed to know that the lead singer was just casually walking around the venue as if he were at an intimate party where he didn't have to feel guarded. The other people in the audience respected him enough to allow him the space and freedom to do so, which added to the comfortable, laid back experience we all shared. 

The challenged I faced on this night was very similar to my challenge shooting Paula Cole. The floor was occupied by tables for the super fancy folk who wanted to enjoy dinner while Marcy Playground serenaded them. Everyone was seated, and even though I was not specifically told to not block their view, manners absolutely matter. Always. I knew that one of the tables was occupied by record executive type people, people who could potentially have a huge problem with me being in their way, so I avoided being in anyone's way by staying low-which, as we all know, is where I live anyway. 

The show was amazing. Simple, beautiful music for a calm and enjoyable night. They played all their hits, including their most famous single, Sex and Candy. I hope I get the chance to photograph them again.