Brad Paisley and Dierks Bentley

Thousands of riled up country music fans packed Rose Garden arena in Portland, Oregon Friday night for some boot-stompin' beer-drinkin' fun when Brad Paisley rolled into town with Dierks Bentley as part of the 2009 "Paisley Party Tour".

WWE Smackdown

You could cut the tension in the air with a butter knife the night the WWE rolled into town. It was a dark and chilly Friday, and it was time for some Smackdown at Rose Garden arena in Portland.

Jimmy Wang Yang sails high off the top ropes onto his defenseless opponent below.

Edge flaunts his newly claimed World Heavyweight Champion title belt as he enters the ring to confront Jeff hardy.

Michelle McCool delivers a brutal flying kick to the torso of Maria as she hangs from the top rope, unable to defend herself.

Divas Champion Maryse slams Maria to the canvas face first.

MVP flips Chavo Guerrero up and over his back.

United States Champion Shelton Benjamin delivers a series of crushing backslams to MVP.

Sign-waving snapshot-taking fans go crazy as Umaga enters the arena.

Umaga delivers a crushing forearm blow to his opponent.

Umaga bellows intimidatingly after rendering his opponent defenseless.

Umaga gloats to the throngs of fans after having brutally defeated his opponent during a WWE Smackdown event at Rose Garden arena in Portland.

Radio Room

I've driven past Radio Room on NE Alberta (at 11th) many times, each time saying to myself "I've gotta check that place out". An old gas station made-over with funky modern architecture and hip style. Hang-out areas are varied and attracting. Inside; slick pleather booths, an old school lounge area, and a killer bar. Outside; a second floor open-air balcony with a sweet view of NoPo, especially at sunset, and a cool patio scene below with a giant concrete cube fire pit. My experience with the food was fantastic, though since they know I'm coming they always present their best. I loved the Seared Ahi Tacos, lots of flavor, and the colors were so vibrant. The Radio Cakes, a rich and creamy polenta cake, was wonderful. Pan fried crispy with a smooth, flavorful inside. The Chicken and Dumplings were a big hit as well, knock-out comfort food. The photos were shot for a review by Liz Crain for Willamette Week.

House marinated beets topped with horseradish cream, fresh mixed greens, goat cheese crumbles, and garnished with parsnip chips.

Seared ahi tacos served with marinated cabbage, chipotle creme fraiche and cojita cheese on lightly fried corn tortillas.

Creamy, mascarpone polenta fried crispy with rice flour and drizzled with smoked paprika cream.

Old fashioned, all-day chicken stock with carrots, onions, spices and plenty of chicken poured over handmade dumplings with lightly sauteed green beans and butternut squash.

Creamy, mascarpone polenta fried crispy with rice flour and drizzled with smoked paprika cream, served fireside at one of Radio Room's outside areas.

Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Sevenfold

You can always feel the energy resonating off the crowd in the moments before a show starts. All these kids in one place, all here for the same thing, to absolutely let loose. As the lights finally go down, your physically moved by the roar that swells from the fans. This is my final queue to get into position, and since I've done this so many times now I'm always the first photog to make their way through the darkness (and sometimes smoke) to the front of the stage. I see the band sneak into their spots in front of me. Dramatic lights explode with color and intensity and the music hits me in the chest like a wall of thunder. Another day at the office... Tonight it was Papa Roach, Buckcherry, and Avenged Sevenfold.

Headshots

A few cute headshots from sessions in and out of the studio this week...

Morgan

Amber, formerly with Q6 and now starting up with Sports Unlimited.