Friday, November 21, 2008

Picks for November 21/22

Pretty much all locals on the radar for this weekend . . . but all great choices . . .

Friday

The Portland FolkMusic Society presents a special acoustic evening with the Brothers of the Baladi at Carvlin Hall (SE 17th & Division). 7:30 PM, $12

The Thad Beckman Trio is at Halibuts. Excellent blues-based singer/songwriter in the small, but tasty fish 'n chips bar on NE Alberta St. 8 PM, Free

The Troublemakers and the Terry Robb Band are at the Trails End Saloon in Oregon City. . . . If you missed this double bill at Kelly's last Sunday (like virtually all of the know universe), I can guarantee this will be a roadhouse rockin' good time. Blast away the week past and dive headlong into your weekend. 9 PM, $??

My pick for the night is the Portland allstar Willie Nelson Tribute at the Wonder Ballroom with a rotating cast of great singers including Fernando, Caleb Klauder, Little Sue, Casey Neill, Al James (from Dolorean), Kate Power, Steve Einhorn, and Michael Jodell celebrating the career of Nelson, with members of Jackstraw and Lewi Longmire as backing band. . . . 9 PM, $12

Saturday
It's a CD release party overdose evening!
I count three of Portland's best songwriters and any/all are worth spending time with . . . . plus they've each got great acts supporting them for their shows. Can't go wrong with any of these. I'll let you decide which you might take in.

1) James Low's CD release show at the Laurelthirst with Adam Shearer (of Weinland) and Mike Coykendall & the Golden Shag. The new five song EP, The Blackguard's Waltz, is generating a lot of positive press . . . here's the story from this week's A&E. . . . 9 PM, $8

2) Little Sue's CD release show at the Mission Theater with From Words to Blows (the new band of Amelia's Jesse Emerson) and Casey Neill & the Norway Rats. Here's an article about the show and new CD, Baby Knows Better, in this week's WW, and this from the A&E. 8 PM, $12

3) Kate Mann's CD release show at the White Eagle with Michael Dean Dameron & Thee Loyal Bastards. Kate's new release is Things Look Different When The Sun Goes Down. 9:30 PM, $6

Dave Frishberg & Rebecca Kilgore at Rafati's . . . Recognized by many (and should be by more) as one of our greatest living songwriters, Frishberg lives and performs in Portland where he is too easily taken for granted. Paired with the lovely vocals of Kilgore, you have a sublime evening of literate, sophisticated and beautiful music. It's the Great American Songbook at its finest. 7:30 PM, Free

Oh yeah . . . The Hold Steady and the Drive By Truckers will be at the Crystal Ballroom. Big show, lots of people, loud satisfying music. If there weren't so much great local shows going on, I'd be there. 9 PM, $22

Make your choices and enjoy your evenings!

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