Countdown in Photos #9: Rhett Miller

Over the month of December I am planning to delight you with tales of my adventures as a concert photographer in 2011. They may be the best shots I took, or the best moments I experienced. Either way, it would be a shame for those to fall by the wayside and be left sitting dormant in my feeble mind. Keep coming back, there'll be a new one each day.

Check out yesterday's post with U2.

Rhett Miller of the Old 97s at Mississippi Studios at Musicfest Northwest

I have been a casual fan of the Old 97s for a while. They have some super catchy tunes and put on a really fun live show. Though I'd never seen their lead vocalist, Rhett Miller, perform solo before.

Truly, I couldn't help but be entranced by that smile of his. His laid-back nature and ease on the stage had everyone drawn in. Probably didn't hurt that I came into Mississippi Studios that night to find the crowd singing along to the last song in Dan Mangan's set, "Robots," at the top of their lungs. That put me in a great mood and ready to get into any music thrown my way.

Truthfully, I didn't need that extra push from Mangan. Rhett Miller is a great performer and knows how to connect with his audience. It was the perfect way to end an exhausting third day in Portland at MFNW.