The Nasty Habits Packed the Pier Again

Wednesday night did what July on the peninsula occasionally remembers to do — stayed out of the way. Comfortable temperatures, no rain, the kind of evening that makes you feel like you're exactly where you're supposed to be.

The pier filled up fast, people packed into just about every open spot by the time the set got going.

The Nasty Habits have been playing this stage since 2004, the year after they formed in Seattle, and Port Angeles has stayed one of their regular stops ever since. They play 80s and 90s glam, new wave, punk, and pop covers with real attitude, and they're historically known as Seattle's premier transgender rock band - Sophie on vocals, Rachel on guitar, Ginger on keys, Veronica on bass, Pedro on drums. Two decades in, they clearly still know how to work this particular crowd.

And work it they did. Band shirts were everywhere — people who've clearly been coming back for this band specifically, year after year. The dancing didn't let up the whole set.

The guy who paints while he dances was back too - same as last time, moving through his own routine right up front, brush going the whole set, completely unbothered by anyone watching. He's becoming a fixture of these nights in his own right.

There was also a big white dog tethered near the stage the whole night, clearly with the band. Blocky head, built like an American Bulldog - someone told me his name is Major and that he's deaf. Another night, with less going on around me, I would have parked myself next to him for an hour of scritches. He deserved better than a passing hello.

Good night for running into people, too - caught up with friends in the crowd and said hello to a couple of local photographers whose work I really admire. That's the other thing Wednesdays on the pier are good for.

If you're a local event organizer, venue, or festival that wants professional event photography on the Olympic Peninsula, get in touch. This is the kind of work I love doing.