Saturday and more

Big show is out at Edgefield - Decemberists, Andrew Bird and Blind Pilot (and Sunday too). There may be a few tickets left, but they are definitely available for Sunday's show. If anything, the Decemberists are an ambitious band - their latest release, The Hazards of Love, is an hour-long song cycle with murder, fairies, ghosts in a story that somehow hangs together due to the compelling nature of the music and performance. And they will perform it in its entirety both nights. Good story from Ryan White of the Oregonian about the upcoming show. Blind Pilot, who opens, has become one of my favorite locals getting some well-deserved national attention. Throwing in Andrew Bird and you definitely will get your money's worth for this ticket . . . 6 pm, $36

If you're not going to Edgefield, you might want to check out:

Rollin' out of Austin, Texas to the Northwest will be Wayne "The Train" Hancock at Dante's. Wayne's riding the line between the swing of Bob Wills and honky-tonk of Hank Williams. It's a sweet spot. . . 9:30 pm, $10

Cana Son is at the Someday Lounge . . . the music will match the weather with the vibrant sounds of Cuban son. I dare you to sit still for this . . . 10 pm, $8

. . . and Johnnie Ward's Sharkskin Review will be at the Mock Crest Tavern. They did a great swinging set at the blues festival . . . 9 pm, $??

Sunday
There's two benefit shows you might want to check out.
At the Aladdin, The Cowboy Junkies and Son Volt will be doing a benefit for Ethos Music. Two national level acts commendably lending a hand for a great local organization. . . . 8 pm, $45

And for those of you who've been around the Portland music scene for more years than you'll admit, there's a benefit at Duff's garage for drummer Pete Jorgusen, who is battling leukemia. Music begins at 5 pm and a $10 donation is requested.


Monday
Some fine latin music will have folks up and dancing at the third concert in the Sellwood Riverfront Park series. Come hear Conjunto Alegre at 6:30 pm at this free show in Portland's annual summer neighborhood parks music series.

And over a Mississippi Studios it will be the New Orleans trio of Anders Osborne, Johnny Sansone and Clarence Bucaro. Touring as The Southern Troubadours, this should be a fine display of songwriting and playing. . . . 8 pm, $15

See ya at a show!