Brooklyn Band Black Taxi Playing 8th Avenue Pub Sunday

Those of us who live here know Safety Harbor is a special place.

But it’s always nice to hear outsiders say positive things about the community, especially musicians who have played in cities and venues all over the country.

That’s the case with Brooklyn-based Black Taxi, a modern rock band that is capping off a weeklong Florida tour with a concert at the 8^th Avenue Pub on Sunday evening. 

“What I really like about this place is you can come and hang out and chill out and then go and play,” bassist Krisana Soponpong said. “It’s very neighborly.” 

“It’s like the best kept little secret here.”

Drummer Jason Holmes agreed with his bandmate.

“Safety Harbor has been really nice. There’s a lot of creative and artistic energy happening here,” he said. 

The band formed six years ago as the four members — Holmes, Soponpong plus lead singer Ezra Huleatt and lead guitarist Bill Mayo — migrated to Brooklyn from various areas of the Northeast.

After playing local venues for years they started to branch out, travelling to Texas and California and making connections along the way.

One such contact was a Safety Harbor resident with ties to local artists Kiaralinda and Todd Ramquist. After seeing the band at the big South By Southwest show in Austin, TX, they extended them an invitation to stay — and play — in Safety Harbor. 

“Todd told us about SHAMc, and we thought what they’re doing was really cool, so we said we’d love to do something when we’re in town,” Holmes said. 

So while the band is in the midst of a hectic road trip — they played in Austin, New Orleans and Brooksville last week and head to Orlando, Miami and Punta Gorda before ending with the set at the Pub on Sunday - they are staying, and playing, in Safety Harbor.

And they’re thankful they’ve been able to enjoy a little R&R in the Florida sunshine while they’ve been here, including visiting Clearwater Beach, walking along Bayshore Boulevard and enjoying a few pints at Copperheads Tap House.

From the sound of it, they definitely plan to make Safety Harbor one of their permanent tour stops, even after they hit the big time. 

“Florida in general has been insanely good to us,” Huleatt said. “We’ve been here two or three times and the response has been phenomenal.”

“It’s cool because all walks of life can be here and be totally comfortable,” Holmes added. “It’s really refreshing. Safety Harbor is a special place.”

Info:

What: Black Taxi Concert at 8th Avenue Pub

When: 5 p.m. Sunday, March 10

Where: 8th Avenue Pub 103 8th Ave. N., Safety Harbor

Details: The Brooklyn based band will perform outside of the popular downtown bar; the section of 8th Avenue in front of the pub will be blocked off. The music is fun, energetic, guitar-heavy performance rock. 

Cost: $10 cover charge at the door; no advance ticket sales

Contact: visit the event Facebook page or call 727-725-4018

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