By Brent Michael. Rock At Night Tampa Correspondent
Venue: The Orpheum, Tampa–March 30, 2017
Plaid Brixx started gaining fans 21 years ago! I’m going to let the lead guitarist and singer’s former teacher, Patti Preves, start this off:
Chris Duggan of Plaid Brixx was in my first grade class in Wayzata, Minnesota. He and his parents were an absolute joy to have in my first grade family—-caring, supportive, funny, smart, talented and so full of joy. After first grade, they moved to Ohio. Over the years we have continued to exchange Christmas cards with little notes updating what’s been going on during the year. About a month ago I got a letter from Chris’ dad inviting me to last night’s concert. I live a little over an hour away so I gladly accepted the invitation. I was totally blown away by Chris and Plaid Brixx—so much energy, great lyrics and instrumentals. Of course, for me, it was marvelous to see Chris all grown up and witness his passion and talent for music. I was proud of him all those years ago and continue to be proud of him today.
And how did I end up talking to Patti and her friend Debbie? I made a mistake, I assumed the were “band moms” because they were taking photos before the band started playing! But it just goes to show that the band really started 21 years ago, when Patti also a flutist recognized and encouraged talent.
Of course, Chris along with bandmates Mark LeRose (Drums) and Jared Sawaya (Keys) has gathered many more fans since then, as was amply demonstrated by the large crowd that cheered, screamed, and loved them, as Chris jumped, ran, lay down, and even did a handstand. I have only two complaints about their set: 1. It was too short, a sentiment shared by the crowd, and 2. It’s very hard to get photographs without blur when the lights are low and the subjects are so energetic!
Plaid Brixx is touring with their good friends We the Kings, along with Brightside and Cute Is What We Aim For, and if you have the chance, they are all worth seeing!
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When not in custody, I've been involved with music, photography, and writing my entire life. Ever since I was a young boy and played those silver tunes, I've had the beat, but being a drummer didn't suit me so I became a lead singer, which lasted a few years. Settling down, sort of, I translated my knowledge of audio and glib tongue into mobile emcee work, and my training as a photographer and videographer into a living in the wedding, party, bar/bat mitzvah, and entertainment industry. During this time I also managed to bamboozle my way into a master's degree in writing, worked for a couple of magazines (yes, I took photos for a nudist magazine!), have photographed hotels, done commercial work (shot the cover of Tablet and Capsule magazine), published a few articles, hosted some public access shows (a couple times in drag, but that's another story), and generally made a nuisance of myself until I landed here.
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