So, before you are submerged in turkey, family, friends, football, or whatever (oh say, painting your kitchen) for the next few days, here's some great music tonight you might want to check out.
The Lewi Longmire Band and The Piano Throwers are teaming for a pre-holiday show at the Laurelthirst tonight. And, the Piano Throwers will have a special guest - Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. If you have a long holiday weekend, this will be a great way to get it started. 9 PM, Free
For something a little less raucous, Thad Beckman will be at Halibuts. 7:30 PM, Free
or . . . Nancy King at The Cave. 8 PM, $5
Not a turkey in this bunch! . . . and whatever you do, have a Happy Thanksgiving!
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.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Kathleen Edwards/John Doe @ Aladdin on Wednesday
Three great nights of shows at the Aladdin. The John Hiatt show last night was one of the best of his I've seen (and I've seen many) . . . looking forward to Joe Ely tonight, and if I didn't have other commitments, I'd probably be at this one tomorrow . . . it's a two-fer of great songwriters and performers.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday and early week picks
A show I missed for tonight that should be a lot of fun is the Terry Robb Electric Band and The Troublemakers at Kelly's Olympian. If you want to finish your weekend with a roadhouse rockin' Sunday night, this is the place to be. Fun starts at 8:30 PM. $7
This week doesn't let up . . . with some great shows, particularly at the Aladdin.
One of my all time favorite songwriters and performers, John Hiatt, will be there on Monday. This show is sold out, but if you really want to go there may be a few available to the patient and lucky. Can't hurt showing up and giving it a shot. Ben Taylor opens. 8PM, $55
If you don't have a ticket for John, a good alternative is to head over to the Doug Fir for Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. Grace and the band blend a variety of musical influences, including blues and soul, into a fine Americana stew. Extensive touring over the last couple of years has gained this Vermont-based group a growing and loyal audience. 9 PM, $12
Tuesday at the Aladdin brings one of the quintessential Texas troubadours, Joe Ely.
As it says in his biography . . . "He sings of distance, about rivers and ranches, of smoldering passions and sad laments, of faraway longing and unrequited love." And he's one kick-ass performer. This time through he's accompanied by Joel Guzman on accordion. I highly recommend this show . . . hope to see you there. 8 PM, $25
Great shows continue at Aladdin with Kathleen Edwards and John Doe on Wednesday and Donna the Buffalo on Thursday . . .
. . . and keep in mind next weekend with the much anticipated CD release shows by both James Low and Little Sue . . . more on those soon . . . now get out to some live music!
This week doesn't let up . . . with some great shows, particularly at the Aladdin.
One of my all time favorite songwriters and performers, John Hiatt, will be there on Monday. This show is sold out, but if you really want to go there may be a few available to the patient and lucky. Can't hurt showing up and giving it a shot. Ben Taylor opens. 8PM, $55
If you don't have a ticket for John, a good alternative is to head over to the Doug Fir for Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. Grace and the band blend a variety of musical influences, including blues and soul, into a fine Americana stew. Extensive touring over the last couple of years has gained this Vermont-based group a growing and loyal audience. 9 PM, $12
Tuesday at the Aladdin brings one of the quintessential Texas troubadours, Joe Ely.
As it says in his biography . . . "He sings of distance, about rivers and ranches, of smoldering passions and sad laments, of faraway longing and unrequited love." And he's one kick-ass performer. This time through he's accompanied by Joel Guzman on accordion. I highly recommend this show . . . hope to see you there. 8 PM, $25
Great shows continue at Aladdin with Kathleen Edwards and John Doe on Wednesday and Donna the Buffalo on Thursday . . .
. . . and keep in mind next weekend with the much anticipated CD release shows by both James Low and Little Sue . . . more on those soon . . . now get out to some live music!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Mid-November weekend picks
Friday . . .
Over a the Laurelthirst tonight is a tribute show to the late Utah Phillips with Brendan Phillips & Fast Rattler, Dick Weissman, and Casey Neil. Come out and pay tribute to one of the icons of American folk music who passed away earlier this year. 9:30 PM, $5
Medeski, Martin and Wood are at the Aladdin. 8 PM, $25 . . . This show is sold out, but if you really have to go, show up . . . there's bound to be a few available.
Annabelle Chvostek and Anais Mitchell are at the Alberta Street Pub. 7 PM, $15
Saturday . . .
CD release events continue, with Mary Flower doing an afternoon performance at Music Millennium. Mary's new CD, Bridges, is very good, and includes some outstanding collaborations with a variety of Portland artists. Stop by to listen and pick up a copy. 3 PM, Free
King Louie & Sweet Baby James are doing a CD release at Jimmy Maks (of a live recording made at the venue in June). Organist Louis Pain and singer James Benton are two veterans of the Portland blues and jazz scenes. Good story of Benton and a little of his history at OregonLive.com. 8 PM, $12
Lloyd Jones will be jumpin' and funkifyin' the Gemini (at Rt 43 & 'A' Ave) in Lake Oswego with his six piece band (horns included!). This will be too much fun. Or just plenty of fun with the always entertaining Mr. Jones. Have mercy! 9 PM, $8
David Wilcox and Lucy Kaplansky are at the Aladdin. 8 PM, $27
Sunday
Mentioned the Mississippi West Fest in an earlier post. It celebrates the first year of KMHD's Mississippi West (Saturdays @ 3PM), is a fundraiser for KMHD, and features an impressive lineup of artists.
A week of outstanding shows at the Aladdin kicks off with Mark Hummel's Harmonica Blowout featuring Mark, Lee Oskar (War), Magic Dick (J. Geils Band), and Rick Estrin (Little Charlie & the Nightcats). Blow your face out! 8 PM, $24
More on the upcoming Aladdin shows and a couple of others for next week in another post . . .
BTW, anyone going tonight (or went last night) to the Lucinda Williams show in Seattle?
Over a the Laurelthirst tonight is a tribute show to the late Utah Phillips with Brendan Phillips & Fast Rattler, Dick Weissman, and Casey Neil. Come out and pay tribute to one of the icons of American folk music who passed away earlier this year. 9:30 PM, $5
Medeski, Martin and Wood are at the Aladdin. 8 PM, $25 . . . This show is sold out, but if you really have to go, show up . . . there's bound to be a few available.
Annabelle Chvostek and Anais Mitchell are at the Alberta Street Pub. 7 PM, $15
Saturday . . .
CD release events continue, with Mary Flower doing an afternoon performance at Music Millennium. Mary's new CD, Bridges, is very good, and includes some outstanding collaborations with a variety of Portland artists. Stop by to listen and pick up a copy. 3 PM, Free
King Louie & Sweet Baby James are doing a CD release at Jimmy Maks (of a live recording made at the venue in June). Organist Louis Pain and singer James Benton are two veterans of the Portland blues and jazz scenes. Good story of Benton and a little of his history at OregonLive.com. 8 PM, $12
Lloyd Jones will be jumpin' and funkifyin' the Gemini (at Rt 43 & 'A' Ave) in Lake Oswego with his six piece band (horns included!). This will be too much fun. Or just plenty of fun with the always entertaining Mr. Jones. Have mercy! 9 PM, $8
David Wilcox and Lucy Kaplansky are at the Aladdin. 8 PM, $27
Sunday
Mentioned the Mississippi West Fest in an earlier post. It celebrates the first year of KMHD's Mississippi West (Saturdays @ 3PM), is a fundraiser for KMHD, and features an impressive lineup of artists.
A week of outstanding shows at the Aladdin kicks off with Mark Hummel's Harmonica Blowout featuring Mark, Lee Oskar (War), Magic Dick (J. Geils Band), and Rick Estrin (Little Charlie & the Nightcats). Blow your face out! 8 PM, $24
More on the upcoming Aladdin shows and a couple of others for next week in another post . . .
BTW, anyone going tonight (or went last night) to the Lucinda Williams show in Seattle?
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Shows tonight
Just a quick alert to a couple of shows this evening you might want to check out.
November is shaping up to be a month of some much anticipated local CD releases. Tonight at the Doug Fir is the offical CD release show for Stephanie Schneiderman's Dangerous Fruit. This project was a collaboration with electronica musician/producer Keith Schreiner (of Dahlia). It's a sonically adventurous direction for Schneiderman, and from what I've heard so far, both recorded and in concert, it works extremely well.
"Schneiderman’s lead vocals, vivid lyrics, layered harmonies and subtle acoustic guitar riffs blend seamlessly with Schreiner’s undulating looped beats, moody synth patches and unique production style. The traditional seems to amend and compliment the experimental - an ongoing conversation that is continually refreshed on each advancing track." - CD Baby review
To hear more about the new CD, here's a podcast interview from OregonLive.com. Check it out and come to the Doug Fir tonight. Opening will be Kaitlyn ni Donovan and DJ Dave Allen. 9 PM, $12 . . . hope to see you there.
Over at the White Eagle, there'll be a set of fine songwriters performing. Starting at 8 PM and hosted by Rob Barteletti, it will feature Amee McCaa, Nick Peets, and Rob Stroup (of The Imprints and the James Low Band). And to open the evening, Paula Sinclair will be doing the happy hour slot beginning at 5:30. Both shows are Free.
More about the weekend tomorrow . . . some solid entertainment choices including Lloyd Jones with the full band (horns and all!) at the newly remodeled Gemini Pub in Lake O on Saturday. See the post below for a good Sunday event, too. And next week is absolutely full with some ridiculous choices that could break your shrinking music budget. But when you gotta go . . . .
November is shaping up to be a month of some much anticipated local CD releases. Tonight at the Doug Fir is the offical CD release show for Stephanie Schneiderman's Dangerous Fruit. This project was a collaboration with electronica musician/producer Keith Schreiner (of Dahlia). It's a sonically adventurous direction for Schneiderman, and from what I've heard so far, both recorded and in concert, it works extremely well.
"Schneiderman’s lead vocals, vivid lyrics, layered harmonies and subtle acoustic guitar riffs blend seamlessly with Schreiner’s undulating looped beats, moody synth patches and unique production style. The traditional seems to amend and compliment the experimental - an ongoing conversation that is continually refreshed on each advancing track." - CD Baby review
To hear more about the new CD, here's a podcast interview from OregonLive.com. Check it out and come to the Doug Fir tonight. Opening will be Kaitlyn ni Donovan and DJ Dave Allen. 9 PM, $12 . . . hope to see you there.
Over at the White Eagle, there'll be a set of fine songwriters performing. Starting at 8 PM and hosted by Rob Barteletti, it will feature Amee McCaa, Nick Peets, and Rob Stroup (of The Imprints and the James Low Band). And to open the evening, Paula Sinclair will be doing the happy hour slot beginning at 5:30. Both shows are Free.
More about the weekend tomorrow . . . some solid entertainment choices including Lloyd Jones with the full band (horns and all!) at the newly remodeled Gemini Pub in Lake O on Saturday. See the post below for a good Sunday event, too. And next week is absolutely full with some ridiculous choices that could break your shrinking music budget. But when you gotta go . . . .
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Mississippi West Fest @ Village Ballroom
Mississippi West Fest 2008, a concert celebrating the successful first year of KMHD's Americana radio program Mississippi West, will take place on Sunday, November 16 from 3-9 p.m. at the historic Village Ballroom (700 NE Dekum, Portland).
This concert is a fundraiser for KMHD and will be recorded for a live CD. Performers include:
Matt Meighan, Kate Mann, Thad Beckman, Adam and Kris, Colin Lake, Garett Brennan, Anne Weiss, Lewi Longmire Band, Mary Flower, Piano Throwers.
Tickets on sale $20 advance, $25 door and a dinner/preferred seating ticket at $60.
Food and drinks by Rumpspanker’s Restaurant.
This concert is a fundraiser for KMHD and will be recorded for a live CD. Performers include:
Matt Meighan, Kate Mann, Thad Beckman, Adam and Kris, Colin Lake, Garett Brennan, Anne Weiss, Lewi Longmire Band, Mary Flower, Piano Throwers.
Tickets on sale $20 advance, $25 door and a dinner/preferred seating ticket at $60.
Food and drinks by Rumpspanker’s Restaurant.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
. . . and now back to music
Busy November with a lot of opportunities for diverse and wonderful music in Portland . . . particularly useful if you're in a celebratory mood this week . . .
This weekend there's a lot of competition for your entertainment attention - Wordstock, the NW Film & Video Festival to name a couple . . . so I'll try to cut to the best of the weekend from my ridiculously subjective viewpoint.
Thursday
Colin Lake and Wellbottom will be at the White Eagle. 8:30 PM, Free
Lara Michell, Ms Michael Jodell, and Will West are at the Alberta Street Pub. 9 PM, $6
Nashville-based songwriter Craig Carothers is in town and at the Buffalo Gap. 9 PM
Lloyd Jones does his regular weekly gig at the Tillicum, but then holds down the entire weekend too . . . three chances to catch one of Portland's blusiest, funkiest best. 8 PM, Free
Jazz and blues/boogie piano player Eden Brent will be at Duff's Garage. Eden, from Greenwood, MS, has been described as 'Bessie Smith meets Diana Krall meets Janis Joplin,' . . . also been compared to Marcia Ball . . . . and definitely sounds worth checking out. 9:30 PM, $5
Friday
A James Low Band happy hour at the Laurelthirst! For fans of James, this is always a welcome evening and hearkens back to regular Saturdays blissfully rocking in a packed 'Thirst. And, he's going to be doing happy hours on the first Friday of each month beginning in January. Even if it's not every week, that's really good news. 6 PM, Free
David Grisman and John Sebastian are performing at the Aladdin. These talented old friends and music veterans have been playing together on and off for the past year supporting their well received CD, Satisfied. 8PM, $42
The Siren Nation Festival's music events will be at the Wonder Ballroom on both Friday and Saturday night. Fine musical acts all weekend celebrating women in the visual arts and music. 8 PM, $25 wristband (both shows) or $15 each night.
Saturday
LiveWire Radio's Wordstock Extravaganza . . . the annual show connected with Wordstock is always a highlight of the LiveWire season . . . sure to be a sellout, so get your tickets. 8 PM, $25
Peter Mulvey and Gregory Alan Isakov will be at the Alberta Street Pub. 7 PM, $18
I'll send a separate email about this show from Jess Byers.
Mary Flower will be holding a CD release show to celebrate her brand new CD, Bridges, at the Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell - next to the Wonder Ballroom and upstairs from Toro Bravo). The new CD features 14 songs and 14 diverse guest musicians, including Duffy Bishop, Courtney Von Drehle, Tony Furtado, Reggie Houston, Rebecca Kilgore, Tim O’Brien, Janice Scroggins, and Jess Withers. Some of those guests will be appearing with Mary at the show. Should be a wonderful evening of music. 7:30 PM $15
That New Orleans fusion of hip-hop, funk and rock known as Galactic will have the Crystal Ballroom's floor bouncing big time. 9 PM, $25
That's the next few days . . . . there will be some great touring and local music over the next couple of weeks that I'll post about soon.
This weekend there's a lot of competition for your entertainment attention - Wordstock, the NW Film & Video Festival to name a couple . . . so I'll try to cut to the best of the weekend from my ridiculously subjective viewpoint.
Thursday
Colin Lake and Wellbottom will be at the White Eagle. 8:30 PM, Free
Lara Michell, Ms Michael Jodell, and Will West are at the Alberta Street Pub. 9 PM, $6
Nashville-based songwriter Craig Carothers is in town and at the Buffalo Gap. 9 PM
Lloyd Jones does his regular weekly gig at the Tillicum, but then holds down the entire weekend too . . . three chances to catch one of Portland's blusiest, funkiest best. 8 PM, Free
Jazz and blues/boogie piano player Eden Brent will be at Duff's Garage. Eden, from Greenwood, MS, has been described as 'Bessie Smith meets Diana Krall meets Janis Joplin,' . . . also been compared to Marcia Ball . . . . and definitely sounds worth checking out. 9:30 PM, $5
Friday
A James Low Band happy hour at the Laurelthirst! For fans of James, this is always a welcome evening and hearkens back to regular Saturdays blissfully rocking in a packed 'Thirst. And, he's going to be doing happy hours on the first Friday of each month beginning in January. Even if it's not every week, that's really good news. 6 PM, Free
David Grisman and John Sebastian are performing at the Aladdin. These talented old friends and music veterans have been playing together on and off for the past year supporting their well received CD, Satisfied. 8PM, $42
The Siren Nation Festival's music events will be at the Wonder Ballroom on both Friday and Saturday night. Fine musical acts all weekend celebrating women in the visual arts and music. 8 PM, $25 wristband (both shows) or $15 each night.
Saturday
LiveWire Radio's Wordstock Extravaganza . . . the annual show connected with Wordstock is always a highlight of the LiveWire season . . . sure to be a sellout, so get your tickets. 8 PM, $25
Peter Mulvey and Gregory Alan Isakov will be at the Alberta Street Pub. 7 PM, $18
I'll send a separate email about this show from Jess Byers.
Mary Flower will be holding a CD release show to celebrate her brand new CD, Bridges, at the Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell - next to the Wonder Ballroom and upstairs from Toro Bravo). The new CD features 14 songs and 14 diverse guest musicians, including Duffy Bishop, Courtney Von Drehle, Tony Furtado, Reggie Houston, Rebecca Kilgore, Tim O’Brien, Janice Scroggins, and Jess Withers. Some of those guests will be appearing with Mary at the show. Should be a wonderful evening of music. 7:30 PM $15
That New Orleans fusion of hip-hop, funk and rock known as Galactic will have the Crystal Ballroom's floor bouncing big time. 9 PM, $25
That's the next few days . . . . there will be some great touring and local music over the next couple of weeks that I'll post about soon.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Yes We Did
Wow . . .
A few thoughts worth reading . . .
The Most Unlikely President
Finishing Our Work
and then there's this from Tom Toles of the Washington Post:
. . . so right.
Okay . . . . and this from The Onion (we do need to laugh at ourselves too) . . .
A few thoughts worth reading . . .
The Most Unlikely President
Finishing Our Work
and then there's this from Tom Toles of the Washington Post:
. . . so right.
Okay . . . . and this from The Onion (we do need to laugh at ourselves too) . . .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)