Xavier is a passionate performer, constantly moving around the stage and interacting with the audience. I walked into the crowd to show Xavier and his performance style.
The Independent 9/11/15
This was Xavier's first time performing at Outside Lands, though his second attempt. Even though it was one of the first shows of the day, he rocked the crowd awake with a lively performance.
Outside Lands Festival 8/6/16
After Xavier's Twin Peaks performance, he had another small show in the Stub Hub tent.
Xavier grabbing his 1/4 inch cable for his guitar as the band plays his intro.
Outside Lands 8/6/16
Between sound check, dinner and the actual show, there is always a bunch of down time. X never eats before shows, and instead harmonizes and sing catchy tunes to warm up and pass the time.
Paramount Theater 11/21/16
When I got backstage at Bottle Rock Festival in Napa, and was finally able to meet up with Xavier, I immediately sensed something off with X. More nervous than usual, I wanted to show that uncertainty and self-doubt that passes through everyone's mind before a big event.
Bottle Rock 5/27/16
The Paramount Theater in Seattle was the last stop on the Temple of the Dog Tour. The theater has a storied tradition and is home to the Temple of the Dog, so I was anticipating a big turn out for the night. Therefore, I wanted to show the space empty before it filled with people.
Paramount Theater 11/20/16
Before the last San Francisco show on tour, X mentioned that he wanted to capture a wide angle of him and the crowd. As soon as the last song was ending, I ran on to the stage, made eye contact with X, and he turned spread his arms for this shot.
Bill Graham 11/12/16
I got a call in the afternoon about a "private" show Xavier was playing in the Mission that night. I scrambled to get my gear ready and met the team at the location. The stage was located in a basement of a retail store. Everyone who made it to the show lucked out. Small venues are the best way to get up close and personal with the artist. I wanted to accentuate that feeling of intimacy.
Basement Show 2/11/16
X was casually warming up in a building guarded by the Secret Service before the Bernie Sanders Rally. The rally was held on the last day of the National Democratic Election, people were excited and feeling the Bern! While preparing for his performance with his usual tunes and harmonies, Cornell West walked in and proceeded to dance and sing along.
Bernie Sanders Rally - Chrissy Fileds 6/6/16
For an older guy, Xavier is surprisingly athletic and still has some killer moves. During sound check and performances Xavier is always dancing around stage, bringing an amazing amount of energy and enthusiasm every night.
Bill Graham 11/11/16
This was the first show I photographed for Xavier, I didn't really know what to expect shooting backstage. I tried my best not to be intrusive. Here I got the first glimpse of X's pre-stage jitters and nerves.
New Parish 4/17/15
This was one of the bigger shows I photographed for Xavier. After the show, we hustled around to different tents to shake hands, conduct interviews and network. Following his final interview, Xavier finally had some down time. I noticed the awesome backlighting taking place and directed him for this portrait.
Bottle Rock 5/27/16
When I first arrived at the Twin Peaks Stage, I walked in behind the stage and noticed three huge walls made of screens that were going to be used for Zedd later that night. Inspired by the aesthetic, I felt like it would make a great background, so I directed Xavier and the band to stand in front of it.
Outside Lands 8/6/16
When I walked into the Paramount in Seattle, I noticed the astounding architecture on the celling and walls. During sound check, X makes sure the band is playing on tempo and sounding sharp and after almost two months on the road for the Temple of The Dog Tour, everyone had it dialed in.
Paramount Theater 11/21/16
This was a big turning point in the project. X was playing a free show at the Independent in San Francisco, a month after he was unable to perform at Outside Lands in 2015. I spent about 30 minutes in the green room with X chatting, where I felt like we really got to know each other on a genuine level. After the opener went on, it was Fantastic Negrito's turn and he blew away the crowd. It was that performance when I knew he had to be the main subject of my thesis project.
The Independent 9/11/15
This Show was held in the basement of a clothing store in the San Francisco neighborhood, the Mission. With low ceilings and about 60 people, the venue got hot and stuffy quickly. I like this moment, because it shows the effort and dedication X puts into his craft.
Private Show 2/11/16
Xaviers performance this night was top notch. He proved to everyone who came out and waited that he the man can play and was well worth the wait.
The Independent 9/11/15
