Wednesday, April 30, 2008

One for Thursday

At the Urban Grind Coffeehouse (911 NW 14th Ave) from 6-9 pm will be a First Thursday reception for an exhibit of mixed media art by Dan Dalton and Bill Dean. "Distant Voices" features work by Dan and Bill that focuses on music from distant times and places. Many of Dan's pieces have graced the walls of Mississippi Studios (and one in my living room). James Clem will provide some tasty live acoustic blues. Drop by if you can.

Chris Gaffney benefit on Friday night

Last week I posted about the passing of Chris Gaffney of the Hacienda Brothers. Chris' family and friends have incurred significant expenses due to his illness and this week some of his friends in Portland are going to raise some money to help them out. Below is the note sent out by Lisa Miller (of Lisa and Her Kin) announcing the benefit. Work up the energy on Friday and stop by Duff's Garage. Hope to see you there.

Hi Folks,

As you may or may not know, our very good buddy, and adopted member of the Miller family, Chris Gaffney passed away about a week ago, after having been diagnosed with liver cancer in February. Our honky tonk world will never be the same, and the influence he has had on me and my brothers is unmatched. His family has many medical bills and other expenses to deal with and some great Duff's regulars are getting together for a benefit/tribute show on MAY 2nd. We sure would appreciate you coming on down for some great music for a great cause.


Here is the line up:
Blue Moon Highway, 6:00pm - 6:40pm (twang worthy!)
Buckles, 7:00pm- 7:40pm (Buck & the Beatles-it dosn't get better!)
Wheatfield, 8:00pm - 8:40pm (Classic!)
Reina G. Collins and The Saloonatics, 9:00pm - 9:40 pm (Awesome!)
The Rascos, 10:00pm -10:40pm (Hank Rasco will put a hitch in yer giddy-up fer sure!)
Lisa & Her Kin - 11:00pm - 12:00pm- (Honkin' the Tonk 24/7)

10 bucks gets you in.
SE 7th & Market 503-234-BEER
http://www.duffsgarage.com

See you there!

Lisa


Friday, April 25, 2008

Here comes the sun . . . and music

Bright, yellow, warm . . . it seems familiar, though I'm having trouble placing it . . .

Whether clear, cloudy or rainy, at least the music is usually shining in the Rose City. So what's up for the weekend?

Friday feels a little underwhelming (for me anyway), but Saturday looks like plenty of great choices to catch some tunes.

My recommendation for tonight is to go catch some post-work happy hour or early music at the Laurelthirst, the White Eagle, Produce Row, the Alberta Street Public House, Imbibe, Mississippi Pizza, the Edgefield, the Someday Lounge, or a host of others where you can hear great local music, grab a brew and a bite, and be home by 9 if you drive really slow. Will take the edge off a long work week. If you're looking to stay out late and rock out a bit, head over to the Doug Fir Lounge for The Minus 5 and The Dimes (9 PM, $10)

Saturday
I have three great picks for Saturday night.

First, Mary Flower and Fiona Boyes are at the Alberta Street Public House. Celebrating their recent nominations for 2008 Blues Music Awards, Fiona and Mary will be doing two shows at 7:00pm and 9:30pm. They'll perform both individually and together. This will be a great evening of blues, both modern and traditional, with two of Portland's tastiest guitarists. $15

The Lewi Longmire Band will be doing a CD release show at the Mission Theater. Lewi has been one of those prolific locals who seems to be playing with everyone everywhere. This perception is for good reason, as this article from the Willamette Week attests. But on top of being a multi-instrumentalist supporting and recording with some of our best local artists, Lewi is an excellent songwriter and bandleader himself who has produced his second solo effort, Fire 'Neath the Still . . . Caleb Klauder opens. 9 pm, $10

Loch Lomond is doing two shows at Mississippi Studios. Come out and hear Richie Young and his chamber folk ensemble. This band makes beautiful music . . . one of Portland's best indie bands. 7 & 10 PM, $12.

There's three . . . can't go wrong with any of them . . . . hey, you can even try to catch two!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Couple of great shows on Thursday!

Just a quick note to recommend two shows in town on Thursday.

First, our own worldbeat wonders, the Brothers of the Baladi, bring their Middle Eastern sounds to the Doug Fir for a CD release party for their latest recording, Just Do What's Right. Sounds like a fun night that will include special guests, a bellydancer, a henna artist and a free raffle with some great prizes. And music . . . did I mention music. These guys are a lot of fun . . . check it out! 8PM, $12

Over at the Aladdin is Oregon. One of the most respected groups in jazz, they have been playing their intoxicating blend fusion of jazz, world and classical music for over 30 years. Another great show for a Thursday night. 8 PM, $24

More tomorrow about the weekend.

Earth's quiet symphony

Came across this story on the LiveScience website:

Earth gives off a relentless hum of countless notes completely imperceptible to the human ear, like a giant, exceptionally quiet symphony, but the origin of this sound remains a mystery.
Now unexpected powerful tunes have been discovered in this hum.

Fascinating to think about, yes?

Here's a link to the column by Mark Morford (of the SF Chronicle) that brought me to the original story.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Two accordion players gone

Last Thursday was a sad day in the music world with the passing of two wonderful musicians you may or may not have ever heard of.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band lost long-time keyboard player Danny Federici after a three year battle with melanoma. Danny and Bruce were friends who played together since they were teenagers. Danny's organ and accordion playing were signature E Street sounds, his riffs creating some of Bruce's most memorable music.

Chris Gaffney was a member of the Guilty Men, Dave Alvin's longtime backing band . . . and Dave's best friend and frequent writing partner. Backing Dave on guitar, accordion and vocals, Chris was key in creating Dave's rollicking electric folk music. Chris also had critical success as a songwriter and with his own band, The Hacienda Brothers. Chris had liver cancer.

What can you say? So the big C takes another couple of fine musicians way too soon. Certainly not the first, definitely not the last. Danny was 58, Chris 57. One east, one west. Both fathers, husbands; loved and cared for. Accordion players. Danny in one of the most popular bands ever. If you know Chris' name, you've been paying attention to the talented and obscure. Danny got to that place where he could just play music for a living. Chris tried, but often had to fall back on the day job. That's the music business. You can contribute to cancer research in Danny's name, and you can help Chris's family with medical expenses.

Bruce postponed last weekend's shows and posted a great clip of Danny playing with the band for the last time in March in Indianapolis.
Danny's son, Jason, posted this about that last performance.
Tom Russell posted this about his friend Chris.
Dave and Chris wrote and recorded Two Lucky Bums a few months ago as a tribute to their friendship. Nice story about the song too . . .
And, Dave is contributing the money from the download of Those Lonely, Lonely Nights that he recorded live with Chris.

What can you say . . .

Friday, April 18, 2008

Suggestions from dear readers

Here's a few responses that were emailed to me about other options for shows this weekend:

From Michael Kearsey:
The Portland FolkMusic Society (PFS) presents the best in folk/acoustic/Old Time/Roots Music at the 3rd Friday Concert Series, now in its 14th season! This month’s Portland FolkMusic Society showcases the award winning Canadian guitarist, Joel Fafard with Eugene songwriter, Chico Schwall opening the show.
WHEN: Friday April 18th, 2008 7:30 PM (DOORS OPEN 7 PM)
WHERE: Carvlin Hall-1636 SE Hickory St (Enter on SE 16th just north of SE Division)
ADMISSION: $10 for PFS members, $12 General Admission, $5 ages 12-18, under 12 FREE
Thanks Michael!

From Mike Meyer:
The Wiyo's from New York City are doing the McMenamins' Great Northwest Music Tour (this weekend and next) ... according to Mike, "they're fantastic!" Sounds like a good recommendation to me. Thanks Mike!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Fast picks for upcoming weekend

Here's a few recommendations for the weekend . . .

Friday
James Low will be doing an opening set at the Scotland Barr & the Slow Drags CD release show at the Mission Theater. Preview article for show in the Willamette Week. 9 PM, $8

Rockabilly show at Duff's Garage with Randy Rich & The Poor Boys (from Germany!) and The Roy Kay Trio. Guitarist Rich has been staple on the European rockabilly scene for years and this is a rare opportunity to see him in the Portland. 9:30 PM, cover

Saturday
My pick for Saturday is the Amelia CD release show at the Aladdin. Their new CD, A Long Lovely List of Repairs, is the band's best and garnering excellent reviews. Amelia - Teisha Helgerson (vocals/drums), Jesse Emerson (bass) and Scott Weddle (guitar/vocals) - is also returning from a performing hiatus, so it's great to be able to hear one of my favorite Portland bands again. If you'd like to know more, there's a good preview article in the Willamette Week and this interview from OPB. 8 PM, $15 ($12 in advance)

This seems to be a big weekend for CD release events. For a really promising jazz show, check out the Dusty York Trio at Design Counsel (1020 NW 18th). Dusty is a critically acclaimed, up and coming sax player. Again, Willamette Week has a good preview of the show and info about his new CD, Thoughts Take Flight. 8PM, $10

Sunday
As I have been mentioning for the past week, a show you really shouldn't miss is the 2nd Annual Paul deLay Memorial Concert at the Portland Art Museum. Money raised goes to a great cause - a scholarship fund in Paul's name at Ethos Music Center. Come out and support music education and enjoy some of the best blues acts in the region, along with special guest Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps. Hey . . . it's great blues in a ballroom, not in some smoky bar! 6 PM, $25 ($20 in advance)

Get out to some live music - a fine way to keep warm on what's shaping up to be a damp, chilly weekend. Maybe see you at one or more of these!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

The Zoo Summer Concert Schedule is out

Here's the lineup that's been announced so far for the zoo this summer:

Sun, 06/15, Neville Brothers and Dr John
Wed, 06/18, Junior Brown
Sun, 06/22, Keb Mo and Taj Mahal
Wed, 06/25, Kathy Mattea
Sat, 06/28, Indigo Girls and Cowboy Junkies
Fri, 07/18, Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys
Tue, 07/22, Emmylou Harris with Jimmy Gaudreau & Moondi Klein
Wed, 07/23, Blue Highway
Fri, 07/25, Sharon Jones & the Dapkings with Marc Broussard
Wed, 07/30, Youssou N'dour
Sun, 08/03, Tower of Power with the Crusaders
Wed, 08/06, Oliver Mtukudzi
Wed, 08/13, Riders In the Sky
Sun, 08/17, Boz Scaggs with Special Guests
Wed, 08/20, Amos Lee
Sun, 08/24, Avett Brothers with Shawn Mullins

Tickets go on sale Friday at Ticketmaster or at the zoo.
Here's the zoo concert site. Looks like they still have a couple of the Wednesday shows to announce.

Start planning your summer - music, outdoors . . . . and we love it!

Monday, April 14, 2008

Paul deLay Memorial Concert - get your tickets!

Hey all . . .

Just a reminder to get your tickets for Sunday's 2nd annual Paul deLay Memorial Concert at the Portland Art Museum. It's going to be a great show and the proceeds go to a new Paul deLay scholarship program at Ethos Music Center. Along with a stellar cast of local artists, one of my absolute favorites, Teresa James, will be special guest. This will be a killer night of music. But get your tickets because this will probably sell out!

Hope to see you there.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Solid weekend of music choices

As awareness of the weekend started to bubble up though the fog of consciousness, I was smacked awake with the realization that there's a lot of great shows to choose from. What to recommend?

Okay, here it is . . .

If you're looking for one of the bands with a big buzz in the roots music, americana vein, check out the Avett Brothers tonight at the Crystal Ballroom. Still tickets. 9 PM, $18

Friday
Portland Cello Project at the Aladdin Theater, 8 PM $12
Raina Rose at Mississippi Studios, 10 PM $12
The Portland String Sampler featuring Sassprilla, Cross-Eyed Rosie, Jackstraw, and The Clampitt Family at the Wonder Ballroom, 8 PM $10
DK4 at Duff's Garage, 9:30 PM $6
Glen Moore & Jeff Putterman at Burdigala, (a cool little wine bar/store in Sellwood), 7 PM, free

Saturday
Live Wire! taping at the Aladdin, 8 PM, $15
Lauren Sheehan & Terry Robb at the Muddy Rudder , 8 PM $?
Fernando and Casey Neill & the Norway Rats at Dante's, 9:30 PM $8
Tift Merritt and Sara Watkins (of Nickel Creek) at the Doug Fir, 9PM $15
Siren Nation's 2nd annual Billy Holiday Tribute at the Fez Ballroom, 9 PM $15

Sunday
Eels at the Wonder Ballroom, 8 PM, sold out!
Cat Power at Roseland, 8 PM

Explore the links . . . catch a show . . . . see you around!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Not about shows this weekend

Sometimes I encounter things of a musical nature that I think I should post here - stuff that's interesting to me for a variety of reasons and that I occasionally think might actually be interesting to you too.

So here's a video I thought worth sharing that I found on Paul Simon's site. It's an interview with Paul from the Charlie Rose show that was done last summer. It's about 55 minutes long, but a great conversation, and finishes with Paul performing one of my favorites of his, Slip Sliding Away. Check it out.