Monday, October 29, 2007

Proposed OLCC under-21 rules for music venues

Finally . . . a proposal to move towards a more sensible way for all ages to attend music events around Portland. The OLCC is currently taking comments on it's proposed rule changes that will allow liquor-serving music venues to admit people who are under 21. I would encourage you (of any age) to write in support of these rule changes - it's good for venues, good for musicians, and particularly good for our minors (my youngest included) who find themselves continually frustrated at not being able participate in the wonderful music scene here in Portland. Almost all other states have had this figured out for a while -- mostly by the use of wristbands and monitoring. It's time to make sense here in Oregon too . . .

Check out the rules changes (there's a nice summary on the PDX Pop Now! site) and support the OLCC's rule changes. There's a public hearing on Oct 30, and public comments will be accepted until Tuesday, Nov. 13. You can submit your comments via email to jennifer.huntsman@state.or.us. The PDX Pop Now! site even has a template email you can use.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Pluck 'em and pick 'em

What picks have I plucked from the many choices in front of us? Read on, read on . . . .

Tonight (Thursday)
Always a good no-cover locals music night with Lewi Longmire at the Laurelthirst (6 PM), Lauren Sheehan at the Muddy Rudder, Terry Robb at Halibuts, and Lloyd Jones & Band at the Tillicum. Just remember to feed the tip jar!

Bigger shows tonight are Junior Brown at the Aladdin and Brandi Carlile (sold out) at the Crystal Ballroom.

Friday
A fine show that includes some of our best local musicians is at the Aladdin with the Portland Cello Project. A night to sate all your cello desires . . . . 15 cellists, lots of guests, music from J.S. Bach, Astor Piazzolla, Giacomo Puccini, Heitor Villa-Lobos . . . sounds good to me.

Before getting your cello fix, check out some fine finger-picking from guitarist Jamie Stillway at a Laurelthirst happy hour show (6 PM, no cover).

And for later, head over to Duff's Garage for traditional rockabilly by The Roy Kay Trio. This outfit from Seattle will go on around 10:30. Opening the show will be DK4 featuring D.K. Stewart and Peter Dammann. Closing the show will be The Verbtones doing instrumental surf music right out of 1965. $10

Saturday
Last chance for a James Low Band happy hour at the Laurelthirst (6 PM) . . .

Monday
Yo La Tengo (unplugged and with guests) at the Aladdin on Monday, October 29th (8 PM, $20) . . . one of the best bands few really know, but those that do know that this one shouldn't be missed.

Next Thursday
Kelly Willis will be at the Mission Theater (9 PM, $16) - it's been too long since she's brought her wonderful voice to Portland (busy having and raising kids in Austin, so we can forgive her for not having time to tour). She has a new CD, Translated From Love, too . . . Good to see her back recording and touring.

And, in conjunction with the Folk Alliance Annual Far-West Conference taking place across the river in Vancouver, there's an evening folk festival hosted by the Portland FolkMusic Society taking place at the Moriarty Fine Arts Center at Portland Community College (705 N. Killingsworth) . . . 7 PM, $15. Check it out.

Not too many picks this week, but it is the week of the World Series and I'm going to try to catch as much as possible (thank goodness for digital video recorders). So go RockSox . . . guess I'm not rooting for either, just for good baseball!

Something other than music: Political BS

Saw this very funny piece on The Onion and thought I'd share it . . .


Poll: Bullshit Is Most Important Issue For 2008 Voters

see . . . something other than music . . . .

Friday, October 19, 2007

Music picks for Oct 19 . . .

Gotta be brief, but here's what I'd recommend for the upcoming weekend . . .

Friday
Iris Dement at the Aladdin (8 pm, $25) . . . Iris hasn't released a recording of new material in almost 10 years. Word is that she's writing again and it's pretty strong stuff . . . and that's really good news. She's a direct, honest and captivating performer.

Norfolk and Western and John Weinland are at the Mission Theater (9 pm, $10) Two very fine local bands worth checking out.

Saturday
Paula Sinclair at Vino Vixens Wine Bar (8 pm, $5). Paula celebrates the release of her CD, The Good Horse. This recording is
a collection of poems by five Oregon poets (with a heavy dose of the great William Stafford) which Paula has turned into songs. I know this has been a labor of love for Paula, and I really like the way it turned out - words, music and voice are all quite compelling. There's an excellent review in today's Oregonian A&E. This is definitely a show to check out. BTW, Vino Vixens is at 2929 SE Powell Blvd.

Matt the Electrician is up from Austin and playing at the Alberta Street Pub (9:30 pm, ) . . . another one of those very fine Austin-based songwriter/performers. Portland-Austin . . . think we should just start a regular music exchange program.

LiveWire Radio show recording at the Aladdin (8 pm, $15). Looks like a great show with guests including the very entertaining B-movie actor and author, Bruce Campbell, and musical guests Loch Lomond and Viva Voce. Always a fun evening!

James Low continues his October happy hour shows at the Laurelthirst (6 pm) -- and the band keeps sounding better and better . . . it's next to last show before the happy hour run ends next week.

Monday
Finally, it's Neil Young on Monday at the Keller Auditorium (8 pm, $ lots). Tickets are ridiculously expensive and the show is sold out. After-market ticket services and private parties via Craigslist, etc are commanding $300-400 per ticket (bastards! - okay you had to be at the amazing Tom Russell show last night at Mississippi Studios to get that one . . . but I digress)
. . . all of this strikes me as madness. Okay, it's Neil, but give me a break -- is a couple of hours of music, even with one of the icons of rock and songwriting, worth $400! Sorry, for me, the value equation doesn't compute . . . . but I know there are those who will beg to differ.

Guess that last one was a commentary, not exactly a show recommendation.

And be sure to tune into Mississippi West on KMHD (89.1) - every Saturday from 3-6 PM . . . for roots, blues, americana, local music, interviews, and whatever else we can intelligently throw at ya . . .

See you at a show!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Shows in PDX . . . the horizon edition and one I missed for tonight

First tonight . . . .

There's a benefit tonight at the Mission Theater:
DOUBLE VISION: A Benefit for Artists without Health Insurance with the NW Country All Stars (led by Lewi Longmire), The Joe McMurrian Quartet, Fernando, Little Sue, The Yellers w/ David Lipkind, The Foghorn Stringhorn Band, Jackstraw . . . 6 p.m. | $12
Great music from some of our best local roots and Americana artists for a great cause. Ask yourself how many musicians do you know with health insurance? How many benefits have you attended to raise money for artist who have taken ill?

Okay, that's tonight . . . now for gazing ahead . . .

. . . I spy . . . shows to definitely get on your radar and a few to get tickets now, 'cause they will sell out.

Yo La Tengo (unplugged and with guests) at the Aladdin on Monday, October 29th (8 PM, $20) . . . one of the best bands few really know, but those that do know that this one shouldn't be missed.

Kelly Willis at the Mission Theater on Thursday, November 1st (9 PM, $16) - it's been too long since she's brought her wonderful voice to Portland (busy having and raising kids in Austin, so we can forgive her for not having time to tour).

Suzanne Vega at the Aladdin on Thursday, November 8th (8 PM, $32.50) Supporting her critically acclaimed new CD, she'll be landing in Portland for the 2nd time since September. Fine performer with an outstanding band.

And finally, Sonny Landreth at Mississippi Studios on Saturday, November 10th (10 PM). Yes! One of the best guitar players on the planet will be doing an intimate show for 85 lucky people who get tickets in a hurry. Best $35 dollars you will spend this fall. Wow!! This was made possible due to the unfortunate closing of Lefty's in Salem, where Sonny was to play that night. You will stay up late, but go to bed happy.

Here's Sonny opening up Eric Clapton's 2007 Crossroads Guitar Festival.

But wait, there's more! (this is the bonus section) . . .
Alejandro Escovedo at the Aladdin on Sunday, November 18th (8 PM, $18.50) . . . it may be a month away, but time flies fast this time of year. An absolute favorite of mine, I've been out of town the last two times he's been through Portland. I will not miss this one, and neither should you.

More later today or tomorrow with a few recommendation for the weekend and near future.

Get out to see some live music!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Quick ones for Wednesday

Just wanted to mention a couple of shows -

Tom Russell will be Mississippi Studios tonight at 7:30 - there a tickets left, so show up at the door around 6:45 if you want to go (doors open at 7 PM) or call Mississippi Studios before 6 to charge by phone - 503-288-3895. This is going to be a great show - don't miss one of the best songwriters around. Maybe see you there.

Last week I asked you all for some recommendations on folks I may have missed and we should be checking out . . .

Got a recommendation (thanks Donaleen!) for an artist that appears every Wednesday at Halibuts on NE Alberta Street. Thad Beckman is a acoustic blues player who has been appearing around town and definitely seems like someone to check out. I hadn't heard of Thad, but am planning to catch him soon . . . and it's another example of free music around town. Halibuts has some great folks playing almost every night - Lloyd Jones, Jon Koonce, Janice Scroggins & Linda Hornbuckle. And tasty fish 'n chips to boot.

And another recommendation (thanks Rob!) is for a show tomorrow night at the Goodfoot Lounge (SE 28th & Stark) on Thursday night - Moonalice - check out the lineup -- G.E. Smith (Sat. Night Live Band, Bob Dylan), Barry Sless (Phil Lesh, David Nelson Band), Pete Sears (Jefferson Starship, Hot Tuna), Ann & Roger McNamee (Flying Other Brothers), Jimmy Sanchez (Bonnie Raitt, Boz Scaggs) . . . . and Jack Casady (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) . . . wow.

. . . . more tomorrow . . .

Friday, October 12, 2007

Music picks for Oct 12 . . .

Hey all . . .

If you didn't catch it, I posted my recommendations on weekly free music to check out on Wednesday . . .

here's my recommendations for the next week . . . .

Saturday
Greg Brown is at the Aladdin (Greg seems to come round at least once, if not twice a year), but it's a sold out show.

A fine local blues band, The Troublemakers is at Duff's Garage. I like these guys, mostly because of their fine lead singer/harmonica player Rich Layton . . . check 'em out. (9:30 PM, probably $5)

Over at the Roseland will be the first annual induction ceremony and show for the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. Looks to be one of those Portland music events where we get to recognize and congratulate each other on what a fine scene it has been over the years . . . and raise money for music education too. Performers will include Mark Lindsay, Everclear, The Kingsmen, Mason Williams, Jon Koonce, and Billy Rancher’s Unreal Gods . . . plus there'll be an allstar blues jam (wouldn't be complete without one) thrown in. (7:30 PM, $25)

Sunday
Michelle Shocked at Berbati's . . . Michelle is a really intense and joyful performer -- in concert she'll knock you out . . . really. Should be a great show. (9:30 PM, $25)

Monday
The Stolen Sweets at the Alberta Street Pub (6:30, FREE) . . . it may be free, but all of the tips generously offered to the tip jar will help send the Sweets to New Orleans . . . . creatively meeting the expense of putting six people with a musical story to tell on the road!

Lilly Wilde's 17 Piece Swing Band at Duff's Garage (8 PM, $5) . . . the only question I have is how they fit 17 pieces at Duffs! But definitely put on your dancing shoes . . . and the music will be smokin' but not the audience (it's a no-smoking show at Duff's)

Next week . . .

Here's my pick show of the week . . .

Wednesday and Thursday - Tom Russell at Mississippi Studios (8 PM, $20) . . .
“Tom Russell is Johnny Cash, Jim Harrison, and Charles Bukowski all rolled into one. I feel a great affinity with Tom Russell’s songs, for he is writing from the wounded heart of America." --Lawrence Ferlinghetti
Musican, writer, storyteller, artist and astute commentator on life in America, particularly that place we refer to as "the West," Tom Russell is a performer not to be missed . . . particularly in the intimate confines of Mississippi Studios. The Wednesday show was added because Thursday is just about sold out.
"One day the greatness of Tom Russell will surely be fully recognized and if the big names populating this powerhouse collection help make it come sooner, then we should all celebrate." (Colin Irwin -Mojo, October 2007 - referring to Tom's latest CD, Wounded Heart of America)

Here's Tom performing on David Letterman . . .

Tom Russell


Also on Thursday at the Aladdin is a rare opportunity to catch The Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans. Unless you're headed to the French Quarter, this is your chance to see a group that helps keep alive some of the earliest and distinctive forms of jazz. (8 PM, $25)

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

One I missed . . .

Also free music the next two weekends at an event I've enjoyed a lot over the years - Portland Nursery's 20th Annual Apple Tasting. Some fine music (from 10 am - 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday) to go along with 40 varieties of apples to taste! Check it out.

Free music this week and free music every week . . .

Well, none of you caught Fred Eaglesmith on Monday (I was checking), so I hope some (or even one) of you made it to Nick Lowe's show at the Aladdin. Would love to hear some feedback on it.

I'll post my concert choices for the next week in another post later today or tomorrow along with a couple of shows to keep on the radar for later in the month and early November.

In this post I'd like to highlight music that's FREE. Yes, we don't have to spend a fortune on tickets to hear some great music in this town on virtually any night.

There are two notable opportunities to see touring acts for free at Music Millennium this week - tonight (Wednesday) at 6 PM the Everybodyfields (who are also playing tomorrow night at Mississippi Studios) and Marc Cohn tomorrow at 6. Mark will be back for a full show at the Aladdin at the end of November, but this is a cool opportunity for a free preview. He hasn't put out a recording for almost 10 years, but Join the Parade was released yesterday and sounds like it could be quite good. I saw him last time through at the zoo (summer 2005) and was impressed.

The following are reminders of local music you can hear free every week . . . most of them are early too, so they work well for us old farts (you know who you are) . . .

. . . and this is only the tip of the iceberg . . . let me know if you have some favorites that aren't on my list.
So hopefully when you need a shot of some live music and don't know what to do, you'll remember some of these choices and head on out!

Oh . . . but do remember to feed the tip jar!

Oregon Employment Department vs Mississippi Studios

You might have seen this story in the Oregonian or Willamette Week today and wondered just what the hell the folks at the Employment Department are thinking. They are going after Mississippi Studios to get what they think is owed to the state in back employment taxes by contending that by existing law any musicians that perform at a venue are "employed" by the venue . . . unless a signed contract explicitly states that the musician is hired as an independent contractor. This, simply, is a totally ridiculous application of the law and, if the state wins on this, threatens to put music venues (particularly small ones) out of business.

A good summary letter of the situation from Jim Brunberg's lawyer was posted last week on Dave Allen's Pampelmoose site. If you are so inclined to write to the state to provide your opinion on this situation, please don't hesitate to use the addresses at the bottom of the post. Or here . . .

Oregon Employment Department – Tax Section
Attn: Dennis Seibel
875 Union Street NE, Room 107
Salem, OR 97311-0030

Oregon Department of Justice
Hardy Myers
1162 Court St. NE
Salem, OR 97301


Thanks.

Thursday, October 4, 2007

It's October with rain and music in the air

Who threw the rain switch? The outdoor shows are over . . . but lots of great indoor music coming up.

I'm a little busy and behind this week . . . but a quick look at the next couple of days brings these thoughts on shows . . . .

Tonight

The very fine chamber folk outfit, Loch Lomond, is doing two shows at Mississippi Studios tonight to celebrate the release of a new CD, Paper the Walls. . . . 7 and 10 PM, $8

James Low is back for happy hour at the Laurelthirst for Saturdays in October.

Sunday

If you're looking for Sunday brunch with side of some outstanding music . . . Rebecca Kilgore and David Frishberg will be at Pine Street Bistro (formerly Abou Karim) in downtown Portland. noon-3:00pm 221 SW Pine Street . . . New place and it looks like Rebecca and David will be regulars there.

Sunday night at the Crystal Ballroom will be the return to Portland of M. Ward. Great songwriter, singer and guitar player, Matt and his band toured all summer as the opener for Nora Jones - great exposure for a really creative artist. Definitely a show to check out. 9 PM, $15

If you're looking for something less cerebral, the rhythmic body shot of reggae legend Toots and the Maytals will be at Berbati's. Choices, choices. 9 PM, $24


Monday

Nick Lowe at Aladdin. 8 PM $25 . . . . a rocker, a balladeer, a producer (Elvis Costello, among others), a songwriter (What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding - one of my favorite songs in a huge catalog), bass player, . . . and even a former son-in-law to Johnny Cash, Lowe has been making great music for 35 years and still going strong. This is one of those infrequent chances to catch one of my favorite British exports.

But I am so conflicted because . . . .

Fred Eaglesmith will be at the Fez Ballroom . . . 7:30pm, $22/$20 advance @ brownpapertickets.com
I don't know how I missed this on the radar, but this is my pick of the week. Eaglesmith writes "songs that rattle around in your head like empty beer bottles in the back of a pickup," as one critic puts it. An amazing talent - not just as a songwriter, but as one of the most engaging performers anywhere. He is an iconoclastic Canadian - one part redneck farmer, the other a Buddhist intellectual (really!). Fred is a uniquely talented guy who you shouldn't miss. Attending his shows always results in turning what were perfectly sensible people into Fredheads (and not the Fred Thompson ilk who have hijacked the moniker). This is billed as an "intimate evening" with Fred, so he may be doing this solo. Here's a good capsule review of Fred and his last CD, Milly's Cafe. One of the funniest and most socially/politically astute performers I've ever seen - but you really have to experience a Fred show to understand. Hope to see you there!

All I have time for at the moment . . . . more next week . . . . lot's coming . . . .