A Newly Polished Taxi

Take a look at that trimmed up Vince Herman. Never a bad time to polish up a taxi.The last time Great American Taxi played Bend, it was a warm summer Sunday afternoon at the Les Schwab Amphitheater. Now, almost two years later, the electrified Americana band, fronted by Leftover Salmon guitar hero Vince Herman, is returning to town - and you're likely to notice a few changes.

First off, this time around the band is playing in a brewpub rather than an amphitheater and secondly, there's been some personnel changes. While the band's founders remain (Herman and keyboardist Chad Staehley), the band has added a new guitarist, drummer and bassist. The look is different, but from a sampling of the band's soon-to-be released record, Reckless Habits, it sounds like the Taxi that fans have come to love is still rolling.

Great American Taxi is Americana music in the truest sense of the word, but it's Americana with plenty of power to kick your ass into dancing gear with styles ranging from bluegrass to classic rock to Texas swing. While Taxi is a perfect summer festival vehicle, don't fret about seeing them indoors - these guys are a good bar band, too.

Great American Taxi
7pm Wednesday, April 29. Silver Moon 24 NW Greenwood Ave. $10.