Fine, fine music . . . part 2

One more for tonight (Friday) -
From Luciana Lopez's blog was a reminder that tonight "the Portland Jazz Orchestra tonight celebrates the life and music of saxophone giant John Coltrane, whose birthday was on Sept. 23." This is the opening concert for the 08-09 season for the ensemble and will be held at the Winningstad Theater in the Performing Arts Center. 7:30 PM, $25

Saturday
A multiple choice music test for Saturday.

Question: What show will I enjoy the most if I go?

A) My Morning Jacket finishes up the outdoor concerts at Edgefield. They are one of the current bands on the national scene with the biggest buzz. Deserving too. See what Jim James and the band are about. 6:30 PM (gates at 5), $30 advance/$35 door

B) Richard Shindell at the Alberta Street Pub. Both a fine songwriter and interpreter of others' work, Richard performed one of the best solo shows of 2007 at Mississippi Studios. Highly recommended! 7 PM, $18.50 advance, $22 door

C) McMenamins Oktoberfest at the Grand Lodge - lots of music all afternoon and evening, including headliner Fernando at 7 PM. (. . . and continues with a full day of music at the Edgefield on Sunday, along with a golf tournament and a plant sale). Free

D) The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue at the Aladdin with Tommy Castro, Magic Dick, Deanna Bogart, and Kenny Neal. The Aladdin will be rockin' with the tight blues and r&b of four powerful performers. Too much fun! 8 PM, $22

E) Calexico at the Crystal Ballroom. I've been wanting to see this band for a while. A band that incorporates the sounds and feel of the desert southwest in their music (they are from Tucson), they are touring to support their new and critically acclaimed release, Carried to Dust. 9 PM, $16

And the answer is . . . . . there is no wrong answer - just get to one of them!
(Bonus points for getting to more than one . . . )

Plus a few more to throw in the mix are Los Cowtones at Duff's Garage, Sneakin' Out at the Laurelthirst, and Dan Faelnle at Jimmy Maks.

Calexico's Two Silver Trees, from Carried to Dust:



Sunday
As mentioned above, the McMenamins Oktoberfest at the Edgefield - including Jackstraw, Hillstomp, Mary Flower, Kerosene Dream, The Strange Tones, and Fernando.

And two excellent evening shows -
The Duhks at the Aladdin. A recently revamped lineup and a new CD brings this Canadian band's compelling fusion of bluegrass, folk, cajun, and jazz to town. Should be fun. Chris Robley opens. 8 PM, $15

Rosie Flores and James Intveld will be at Duff's Garage. It's been too long since this country/rockabilly performer from Austin has passed through Portland. The double bill with Intveld should make for a great roots rock evening at Duff's. 9 PM, $10 (?)

And, more stuff (free mostly!) to do this weekend at Around the Sun.

Next week has some big shows coming through town . . . will have more on them soon.