Monday, January 21, 2008

Show I missed this coming Friday

Failed to list this one, but you should know about it for this coming Friday - acoustic blues duo Steve James and Del Rey will play at the Community Music Center at 3350 SE Francis on Friday, January 25 at 8 PM. It is put on by the Portland Ukulele Assn. Go to www.pdxuke.org and click on Local Events for more info. I got a chance to see Del and Steve at the Waterfront Blues Festival last summer, where they did a wonderful set. $15 - available at the door, or in advance from www.brownpapertickets.com

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Checking in and heading out

So my temporarily very busy and distracted life has me neglecting my music recommendations . . . but once the next couple of weeks are over, I should get back to more regular postings and recommendations for live music around town. So, a few things of note . . .

This coming week has two shows that I'm going to try to check out - the Decemberists will be a the Crystal Ballroom on both Tuesday and Wednesday night - tickets may be sold out, but (as I always contend) it can't hurt to show up on the night of the concert and you'll probably be able to pick up a ticket. The other show I hope to get to is BeauSoleil at the Aladdin on Wednesday (7:30 pm, $22)

Then it's off to San Diego on Friday for a music vacation. Many of you know that a regular part of my life since 2001 has been Delbert McClinton's Sandy Beaches Cruise. Now in it's 14th year, it's an opportunity to spend a wonderful week with great music, musicians, and friends. Portland's own Lloyd Jones and his band will be one of the acts this year (his 4th or 5th appearance on the cruise). I missed last year and am really looking forward to being back. I also never forget how lucky I am to be able to do this.

Though I won't be around to get to this one, it looks like a great world music show at the Aladdin on Friday with famed kora player Toumani Diabate. The kora is a 21-stringed West African harp of which Diabate is an acknowledged master. Take a chance on this one as it looks like a great opportunity for something different.

Speaking of the Aladdin, there's some great shows coming up in the first part of February -
Todd Snider on Tuesday the 5th, Roger McGuinn on the 8th, David Lindley on the 9th, and New Orleans' Porter-Batiste-Stoltz with Henry Butler on the 10th. Quite the week.

That week also brings Mary Gauthier and Mark Olson to Lola's Room on the 6th and the always entertaining Robbie Fulks to Mississippi Studios on Saturday the 9th. If you've never seen Robbie, you really should come out to this one.

Mississippi Studios also has some great shows over the next two weeks, including Mary Flower and Reggie Houston this coming Saturday, Tim Finn on the 30th, Adrian Legg on the 31st, and Steve Poltz on Friday, Feb 1st.

Also of note on Sunday the 27th is the
Crystal Ballroom's 94th Birthday, with The Long Winters, Bobby Bare Jr., Langhorne Slim, The Builders and the Butchers, and Renegade Saints, Marimba Bands. Music begins at 1 PM and its FREE!

Oh, and one more thing . . . if you're in the market for a massage therapist, my music connections brought me to Jenni Jo McLaughlin of Mana Massage. You might have seen the article on her last summer that told the story of how she became Faith Hill's personal tour massage therapist after being hired to provide one to Faith when she and Tim McGraw played Portland. Anyway if you're looking for a GREAT massage, check out her site and make an appointment. And if you're a musician, check out Jenni Jo's services specifically for performers - Mana Rocks.

There's lots more on the local scene and touring music over the next few weeks, so check out the listings in the paper, online or however you find out (besides my biased and narrow thoughts) . . .
Maybe I'll write a little about the cruise when I get back . . . but I'll definitely get back to some recommendations.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Article on Alejandro Escovedo

Worth a read is an article I found on Escovedo's website from Harp Magazine . . . definitely worth a read - the author and subject cruise used record stores and discuss influences . . .

Friday, January 4, 2008

2008's First Weekend of Music

So tonight, as I forwarded to most of you yesterday, is a great local triple bill at the Doug Fir Lounge - Mike Coykendall, James Low Band and Weinland. 9 PM, $7

A busy night of fine music continues with the start of the three day RiverCity Bluegrass Festival . . . held for the fourth year at the Convention Center (better venue that it sounds), there are bluegrass and Americana acts both national and local. Check out the lineup and spend either the weekend, a day or just an evening. Highlights include Del McCoury, the Flatlanders, Marty Stuart (with an absolutely killer band), Tony Furdado, Rhonda Vincent . . . lots of jamming opportunities for locals with instruments at the Convention Center and hotels . . . so check it out -- could be the best way to spend a rainy Portland weekend. And it's a benefit for Ethos Music Center.

At the Aladdin tonight is The Devil Makes 3 and Hillstomp . . . . 8 PM, $12

Mississippi Studios has Leviethan and Richie Young (of Loch Lomond) for an evening of eclectic chamber folk. 10 PM , FREE

Saturday night possibilities include:
Horsefeathers for two shows at Mississippi Studios. 7 & 10 PM, $12

A couple of chances to catch Little Sue - at happy hour (6 PM, free) at the Laurelthirst with Lynn Conover, and then later (9:30) at Biddy McGraws along with Paul Brainard and Ezra Hollbrook (a very fine triple bill!).

And I received a good recommendation to check out Nathaniel Talbot, who'll be at The Waypost with Pancake Breakfast.

And the fine blues playing of Joe McMurrian can be found at Duff's Garage. 9:30 PM $5

All for today . . . . more soon about some of the shows to be aware of that are coming in the next few weeks and months.

Get out to hear some music!