sunshine . . . . check
yard work . . . . check
plant veggies . . . . check
bbq grill cleaned . . . . check
patio furniture out . . . . check
live music . . . . check check check
Friday
Lewi Longmire Band and the Clampitt Family at the White Eagle - 9:30 pm, $6
Rebecca Kilgore & David Frishberg at the Pine Street Bistro - 8 pm, free
Freak Mountain Ramblers at Duff's Garage - 9 pm, $6
Devin Phillips at Jimmy Maks - 9 pm, $10
Saturday
Morgan Grace at Music Millennium - 5 pm, free . . . she's also doing an EP release show at the Doug Fir at 9 pm on Sunday night - check out the interview with Morgan about her upcoming show and new EP at the Willamette Week site. Another fine local songwriter and singer gaining national attention. Show is also free . . .
And it's not one, but two tribute nights - at the Laurelthirst its the annual Stevie Nicks night at 9:30 . . . and over at the Mission Theater is the 3rd Annual Dolly Parton Hoot Night. This show will raise money for the Siren Nation Womens Music Festival. 9 pm, $15
and . . . Mississippi Studios has Janice Scroggins and Linda Hornbuckle for a 10 pm show. $14
Remember also to check the Around the Sun blog for a great list of free events around Portland this weekend.
Check off your chores and then head out to some music! See ya somewhere . . .
This blog will cover my ramblings about upcoming live music in and around Portland and recommendations for getting out to clubs and concerts . . . . and whatever else I feel like blathering about.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
BTW . . .
Judith Owen at Mississippi Studios on Wednesday was really a treat. Warm, witty (actually hysterically funny at times), insightful, and blessed with an absolutely beautiful voice . . . . and just an absolute delight . . . was one of my favorite shows this year.
Here's a great piece from KATU's am Northwest - Judith and Harry were guests yesterday morning.
Here's a great piece from KATU's am Northwest - Judith and Harry were guests yesterday morning.
Quick recommendations for tonight
Some fine Thursday night choices in town . . .
My pick show of the night is Amelia and Lael Alderman at Mississippi Studios - 8 PM, $14
But there's also . . .
Alan Jones Presents w/Dave Captein & Alexander Berne at The Cave (at The Green Onion) - new club near PSU with predominantly jazz programming. 8 PM, $5 . . . and all ages until 9:30
Lincoln Crockett and Garett Brennan at the LaurelThirst - 9:30 PM (and Lewi Longmire Band for happy hour)
Lauren Sheehan at the Muddy Rudder - 8 PM, free
and . . . the legendary Tom Jones at the Schnitz - 7:30 PM, $70/$86
Believe it or not, I'm going to be at the Tom Jones show . . . boring story, but I know his drummer which has resulted in a free ticket . . . may drop in late at either Mississippi Studios or The Cave (been wanting to check out the venue).
Great music choices . . . . now get out of the house! (but do know that I often don't follow my own advice)
My pick show of the night is Amelia and Lael Alderman at Mississippi Studios - 8 PM, $14
But there's also . . .
Alan Jones Presents w/Dave Captein & Alexander Berne at The Cave (at The Green Onion) - new club near PSU with predominantly jazz programming. 8 PM, $5 . . . and all ages until 9:30
Lincoln Crockett and Garett Brennan at the LaurelThirst - 9:30 PM (and Lewi Longmire Band for happy hour)
Lauren Sheehan at the Muddy Rudder - 8 PM, free
and . . . the legendary Tom Jones at the Schnitz - 7:30 PM, $70/$86
Believe it or not, I'm going to be at the Tom Jones show . . . boring story, but I know his drummer which has resulted in a free ticket . . . may drop in late at either Mississippi Studios or The Cave (been wanting to check out the venue).
Great music choices . . . . now get out of the house! (but do know that I often don't follow my own advice)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
A don't miss show tonight
The first time I heard Judith Owen sing - doing duet and background vocals for Richard Thompson - about 5 years ago, she knocked me out. Absolutely stunning vocalist. Performing here last year with Thompson and Debra Dobkin in RT's 1000 Years of Popular Music, Owen carried much of the evening and was a revelation to the audience. Came to find out she was a fine songwriter, solo performer, and more. She was described this way by the Boston Globe in a review of her latest CD, Mopping Up Karma:
“ …records that blur the line between troubadour and chanteuse, pastoral beauty and urbane sophistication. Her songs are literate, and often melancholy, but also pithy and blunt. She’s been accurately described as the female Randy Newman, but there’s one big difference: Owen’s voice is gorgeous. It’s a phenomenally forthright instrument that whispers when necessary and wails when the moment calls for candor.”
Judith Owen will be doing a very special intimate performance at Mississippi Studios tonight at 8 PM. Can't think of a better place to hear her either. $14
Oh . . . and Judith's husband, Harry Shearer, will be there too. Yes, that Harry Shearer - comedian, writer, satirist, actor, director, songwriter, etc, etc . . . Spinal Tap, The Simpsons, SNL, Le Show . . . one of the more entertaining human beings on the planet. Nice opening act support, Judith!
I don't often say don't miss this show, but I'll definitely say it for this one. See you there.
“ …records that blur the line between troubadour and chanteuse, pastoral beauty and urbane sophistication. Her songs are literate, and often melancholy, but also pithy and blunt. She’s been accurately described as the female Randy Newman, but there’s one big difference: Owen’s voice is gorgeous. It’s a phenomenally forthright instrument that whispers when necessary and wails when the moment calls for candor.”
Judith Owen will be doing a very special intimate performance at Mississippi Studios tonight at 8 PM. Can't think of a better place to hear her either. $14
Oh . . . and Judith's husband, Harry Shearer, will be there too. Yes, that Harry Shearer - comedian, writer, satirist, actor, director, songwriter, etc, etc . . . Spinal Tap, The Simpsons, SNL, Le Show . . . one of the more entertaining human beings on the planet. Nice opening act support, Judith!
I don't often say don't miss this show, but I'll definitely say it for this one. See you there.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Friday flashes
Memorial Day weekend . . . not yet the beginning of summer (and at the moment, nowhere feeling near summer) . . . yet I'm getting itchy for sun (okay I missed last weekend), homegrown veggies, and outdoor music. But it's coming, and I will get to those shows real soon.
But for now a couple of quick for tonight . . .
It's a locals night for me, with a little New Orleans jazz and R'nB with Reggie Houston at Halibuts @ 8:00; the wonderful vocalist Miss Michael Jodell & the Dim Sums (Alan Hunter and Matt Brown) at the Press Club @ 8:00; rockabilly with Lisa and Her Kin at Duff's Garage @ 9:00; and the 30's/40's vocal stylings of the Stolen Sweets at the Alberta Street Public House @ 9:30. Support your local artists!
More later or tomorrow for Saturday night . . .
But for now a couple of quick for tonight . . .
It's a locals night for me, with a little New Orleans jazz and R'nB with Reggie Houston at Halibuts @ 8:00; the wonderful vocalist Miss Michael Jodell & the Dim Sums (Alan Hunter and Matt Brown) at the Press Club @ 8:00; rockabilly with Lisa and Her Kin at Duff's Garage @ 9:00; and the 30's/40's vocal stylings of the Stolen Sweets at the Alberta Street Public House @ 9:30. Support your local artists!
More later or tomorrow for Saturday night . . .
Kathleen Edwards
Great show last night at the Aladdin . . . . Had never seen Kathleen Edwards and now don't know what took me so long. Wonderful songwriter, singer and guitar player - from quiet ballads to flat out rocking with a crack band. With music solidly appealing to my Americana tastes, somehow this Canadian export escaped my radar. She mentioned that this video of I Make the Dough, You Get the Glory was just released on YouTube. I'm including it here for anyone who shares my (and Kathleen's) love of ice hockey . . . and Stanley Cup finals begin tomorrow!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Great site for free things to do in Portland
Last week I found the site Around the Sun . . . it's a great list of things to do each weekend in Portland that are free (or nearly so) . . . . check it out.
Two shows you really should try to catch
On Wednesday, Casey Neill and the Norway Rats will be performing at Lola's Room (downstairs from the Crystal Ballroom) . . . . they are coming off a short west coast tour, which means the band should be tight and ready. Great songwriter with an all-star Portland band - fine way to get over the hump this week. 8 PM, $8
Then be sure to head over to the LaurelThirst on Saturday night at 9:30 for James Low (and I so wish I wasn't going to be out of town!). As he's performing less frequently, this is a much anticipated show with a full band. I'll let James tell you more:
==============
I hope Spring catches you in good spirits. With the hot weather coming at the end of this week I would think that the best way to end a day of gardening (or any other favorite outdoor activity) would be to head down to see me at the Laurelthirst on Saturday night. I'm excited that this will be the first show with Aram Arslanian on guitar. He's a friend of Scott Mcphereson (congratulations Scott!!) who moved up from LA a few months ago, and is a fantastic musician and all around guy. His addition has for the first time made the new line up really feel like a band. Justin Power will be opening the show. Every time I see that guy I'm amazed at how awesome he is. I just don't often see his name around cause he's apparently not a whore for attention like some of us. The band will follow with a thrilling set of Indie/Folk/Country/Rock/Emo/Industrial/Metal (I stole the Metal part from Weinland). Then I'll be capping off the night with a solo set on acoustic guitar and banjo.
I'm also very excited to have the artwork for The Blackguard's Waltz back, and it is really amazing. Thanks to Jamie Wolcott for that. The design is begging to be made into a T-shirt, which leads me to my next problem. I have bins and bins of unloved shirts dating back to Blackheart that are in need of a home. Saturday night is the night. Free T-shirts!!! Whatever is not spoken for by the end of the night is going to Goodwill. They would be happier among friends though, so imagine how great it would feel to clean your house in a vintage JLow shirt, and come on down Saturday.
If you don't want to be on this email list reply with "I hate you, you bastard!" in the subject header, and I'll take you right off.
Best wishes for Spring (Spring which I love, but she makes me so miserable- just like the rest of the women in my life),
BTW . . . to subscribe to James' email list, send him an email ( jlowmusic AT gmail DOT com ) with the subject line: "I love you, you bastard!" . . . I'm sure it will get his attention.
Then be sure to head over to the LaurelThirst on Saturday night at 9:30 for James Low (and I so wish I wasn't going to be out of town!). As he's performing less frequently, this is a much anticipated show with a full band. I'll let James tell you more:
==============
Hey All-
I hope Spring catches you in good spirits. With the hot weather coming at the end of this week I would think that the best way to end a day of gardening (or any other favorite outdoor activity) would be to head down to see me at the Laurelthirst on Saturday night. I'm excited that this will be the first show with Aram Arslanian on guitar. He's a friend of Scott Mcphereson (congratulations Scott!!) who moved up from LA a few months ago, and is a fantastic musician and all around guy. His addition has for the first time made the new line up really feel like a band. Justin Power will be opening the show. Every time I see that guy I'm amazed at how awesome he is. I just don't often see his name around cause he's apparently not a whore for attention like some of us. The band will follow with a thrilling set of Indie/Folk/Country/Rock/Emo
I'm also very excited to have the artwork for The Blackguard's Waltz back, and it is really amazing. Thanks to Jamie Wolcott for that. The design is begging to be made into a T-shirt, which leads me to my next problem. I have bins and bins of unloved shirts dating back to Blackheart that are in need of a home. Saturday night is the night. Free T-shirts!!! Whatever is not spoken for by the end of the night is going to Goodwill. They would be happier among friends though, so imagine how great it would feel to clean your house in a vintage JLow shirt, and come on down Saturday.
If you don't want to be on this email list reply with "I hate you, you bastard!" in the subject header, and I'll take you right off.
Best wishes for Spring (Spring which I love, but she makes me so miserable- just like the rest of the women in my life),
James Low
======================
======================
BTW . . . to subscribe to James' email list, send him an email ( jlowmusic AT gmail DOT com ) with the subject line: "I love you, you bastard!" . . . I'm sure it will get his attention.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
whoops . . .
Don't know how the week got away from me, but sorry for no post for this past weekend. Hope you all found music to get out to on your own . . . not that I actually think you need my recommendations to find great music in this town.
A couple thoughts coming for the week in front of us . . . . I'll be in NY later this week, so I'll have more when I return. Lots of great shows on the horizon as we get closer to summer.
A couple thoughts coming for the week in front of us . . . . I'll be in NY later this week, so I'll have more when I return. Lots of great shows on the horizon as we get closer to summer.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Time for weekend picks
A few thoughts if you're headed out for music this weekend . . .
Friday
Patty Larkin and Peter Mulvey at the Aladdin Theater. 8 pm, $22
The big voice of Duffy Bishop should blow the doors off of little Halibuts on Alberta St. 8 PM, Free
There's a Tom Waits Tribute over at Mississippi Studios. 10 pm, a 1st Friday free show
The fine Afro/Cuban sounds of Melao de Cuba will have the dancers jumping at Mississippi Pizza. 9 PM, $7
and, of course, the Chris Gaffney Benefit over at Duff's Garage that I mentioned earlier this week. It's going from 6 until late with a lot of great bands for just $10.
Saturday
Diverse choices include:
Victor Wooten at the Aladdin. 8 pm, $25
Colin Meloy with Laura Gibson at the Wonder Ballroom, 8 pm, $20
Laura Viers and Liam Finn at the Doug Fir. 9 PM, $15
Norfolk & Western and Chris Robley at Mississippi Studios. 10 pm, $12
But my pick show for the evening is Wanda Jackson. And there's two opportunities to see her -- at Music Millennium at 5 PM (free show) and at Dante's. Wanda, "the sweet lady, with the nasty voice", is still going strong at 70, recording and performing all over the world. This is a chance to see one of the rockabilly originals. 9 PM, $12
Here's some classic Wanda:
and if you're looking for something to do on Monday . . . .
Head over to Music Millennium for the songwriter's circle at 7 PM for Lewi Longmire, Little Sue, and Jack McMahon. Free!
Get up, get down, and get out!
Friday
Patty Larkin and Peter Mulvey at the Aladdin Theater. 8 pm, $22
The big voice of Duffy Bishop should blow the doors off of little Halibuts on Alberta St. 8 PM, Free
There's a Tom Waits Tribute over at Mississippi Studios. 10 pm, a 1st Friday free show
The fine Afro/Cuban sounds of Melao de Cuba will have the dancers jumping at Mississippi Pizza. 9 PM, $7
and, of course, the Chris Gaffney Benefit over at Duff's Garage that I mentioned earlier this week. It's going from 6 until late with a lot of great bands for just $10.
Saturday
Diverse choices include:
Victor Wooten at the Aladdin. 8 pm, $25
Colin Meloy with Laura Gibson at the Wonder Ballroom, 8 pm, $20
Laura Viers and Liam Finn at the Doug Fir. 9 PM, $15
Norfolk & Western and Chris Robley at Mississippi Studios. 10 pm, $12
But my pick show for the evening is Wanda Jackson. And there's two opportunities to see her -- at Music Millennium at 5 PM (free show) and at Dante's. Wanda, "the sweet lady, with the nasty voice", is still going strong at 70, recording and performing all over the world. This is a chance to see one of the rockabilly originals. 9 PM, $12
Here's some classic Wanda:
and if you're looking for something to do on Monday . . . .
Head over to Music Millennium for the songwriter's circle at 7 PM for Lewi Longmire, Little Sue, and Jack McMahon. Free!
Get up, get down, and get out!
Why aren't we in New Orleans?
Thought you might be interested in Peter Dammann's post from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. In case you don't know, JazzFest is in it's second weekend and if you've never been there, it is (to me, anyway) the premier music festival in US . . . . . If you love music and appreciate Louisiana culture, you should plan to go - it happens every year on the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May. And it's not just for what's going on at the fairgrounds, but all over New Orleans - in the clubs, in music stores, on the street . . . it's just an amazing experience.
And, if you don't know Peter Dammann, he's the talent coordinator of the Waterfront Blues Festival (doing a superior job every year), a most tasteful guitar player (a mainstay of the Paul deLay band), and one of the best liked and respected folks in the local music scene.
You can also listen to broadcasts from JazzFest via the internet on WWOZ, and check out the AT&T blue room for video from the festival.
Do you get the sense I wish I was there? Yeah, you right!
Laissez le bon temps roulez!
And, if you don't know Peter Dammann, he's the talent coordinator of the Waterfront Blues Festival (doing a superior job every year), a most tasteful guitar player (a mainstay of the Paul deLay band), and one of the best liked and respected folks in the local music scene.
You can also listen to broadcasts from JazzFest via the internet on WWOZ, and check out the AT&T blue room for video from the festival.
Do you get the sense I wish I was there? Yeah, you right!
Laissez le bon temps roulez!
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