Show recommendations Wed thru Friday

So much going on I'll just look at the next couple of days first . . .

Tonight Todd Snider will bring his topical and funny act to the Aladdin. A native son (Beaverton) now in Nashville, Todd is always entertaining - particularly back on his home turf. . . 8 PM, $22

For some really fine jazz vocals (in a really amazing week for jazz around town), check out Nancy King in her weekly gig at The Cave . . . 8 PM, $5

And check the full schedule of the Portland Jazz Festival for shows through the weekend all around town - try to get to at least one to support this excellent event.

Thursday
Another fine show at the Aladdin with the Blind Boys of Alabama and Judith Owen . . . 8 PM, $35

Rob Barteletti's Songwriter's Showcase - this week featuring Lisa Mann, Dan Weber and Hal Gerard - is at the White Eagle. Opening the evening for happy hour is Paula Sinclair & the Contenders. 5:30/8:30 PM, free

Kolvane & Kerin will be at Duff's Garage. Dan and Steve as a duo are my preferred way of hearing them - a little quieter and lots of room to get more creative and range wider than with the full band. 9 PM, $5

Friday
James Low plays a second February Friday happy hour at the Laurelthirst. James played to a packed house two weeks ago . . . should be more of the same this week, so come out and get your weekend started right. See you there. 6 PM, free

The Ben Darwish Trio are doing a CD release show at Jimmy Mak's. Ben is an excellent young jazz pianist and the trio really swings. . . . 8 PM, $10

The Portland Folk Music Society will host Carolyn Cruso, Doug Smith and Dick Weissman in a mostly instrumental show. . . . 7:30 PM, $12

The Midnight Serenaders are at Tony Starlight's Supper Club. . . 8 PM, $7

Out on the westside, The Atonements will be rockin' the Rock Creek Tavern with their brand of roots music and psychedelic Americana. . . 9 PM, free

Atomic Gumbo, a project of keyboard player Steve Kerin (and including Kolvane on guitar - busy guys this week) will bring their tasty mix of Louisiana sounds to the White Eagle along with the Bridgetown Saints. 9:30 PM, $6