Friday, March 27, 2009

March Madness

No, I'm not posting about college hoops . . . though I know a number of you will be tuning in all weekend (and you might find me with some Syracuse alum watching the Orangemen this afternoon) . . . but if you can break away from b-ball, there's some great shows to check out.

Friday
Mississippi Studios has The Dimes, Chris Robley & Fear of Heights, and Al James (0f Delorean). Robley and The Dimes are growing into two of my favorite indie artists in town with very impressive songcraft. This show is hitting a three at the buzzer for the win . . . 9 pm, $8 . . . okay no more basketball analogies.

James Low and Mbilly are alternating solo sets over at the Press Club. More marvelous songwriting . . . 9 pm, free (I think)

Opportunity to see a nationally touring country act at Duff's tonight - Nashville’s Jace Everett. Not often a guy with a hit country tunes plays a place like Duffs. His Bad Things is the theme song of the HBO series True Blood . . . 9:30 pm, $15

The Quadraphonnes and friends are at Jimmy Mak's. Fine jazz from this all female sax quartet who are doing a CD release show and have invited a few of their friends, including Janice Scroggins and Lily Wilde to help out . . . 8 pm, $10

Rebecca Kilgore and Dave Frishberg bring their sublime and sophisticated sound to Rafati's Encore on both Friday and Saturday. These long-time music partners are a Portland treasure . . . 7:30 pm, free

. . . and the Freak Mountain Ramblers do a late set of favorites at the Laurelthirst . . . 9:30 pm, $6

Saturday
Touring folk troubadour Ellis Paul does an early and all-ages show at Mississippi Studios. 4 pm, $15

Paula Sinclair and HaléLupé team for a dual CD release show at Lola's room. Paula's new one, Steady Girl, got a great review in the Willamette Week. Can't agree more. Paula and Lupé will share the "house band" for this show - a Portland all-star lineup featuring Tim Ellis, Jean-Pierre Garau, Arthur Parker, and Rob Stroup. Both Paula's and HaléLupé's The Heart of Things were recorded and produced by Rob. Sara Hensel opens. Should be a very fine evening of music . . . 8 pm, $15

The Shanghai Woolies bring their take on 20's/30's jazz and pop to Tony Startlight's Supperclub . . . 8 & 10 pm, $10

. . . and an interesting (or not) show at the Doug Fir, called Ten Out of Tenn, is 10 different artists touring together from - yes, you guessed it - Tennessee. 10 little known songwriters from Nashville . . . and all for - yes, you guessed it - $10. 9 pm

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Back on task - music for a Thursday evening

Time to get back to the welcome task of scanning upcoming music - but it was kinda nice to have a break while I was away. More on the weekend coming in another post.

Lauren Sheehan celebrates her birthday tonight at the Muddy Rudder with the Kings of Mongrel Folk. This will be a fun show at the Rudder . . . . 8 pm, free

Seattle's Leroy Bell will be at the Doug Fir. Bell is a soulful singer/songwriter and worth checking out. Saw him about a year ago and was impressed. James Low will open . . . 9 pm, $11

The Garcia Birthday Band will be having a jammy good time at the White Eagle . . . 9:30 pm, free

At Mississippi Studios tonight is a solid triple bill of Heroes and Villians, Bark Hide and Horn, and Blue Cranes . . . 9 pm, $10

Dougie MacLean, one of Scotland's most gifted and successful contemporary singer-songwriters, is at the Aladdin . . . 8 pm, $24

. . . and at the Fez Ballroom is Zappa-Di-Doo-Da: A Celebration of the Subversive Genius of Frank Zappa, featuring Professor Gall, The Dead Beetles, and Jacob Merlin . . . 8 pm, $5

Lots of fine choices for tonight . . . .

Friday, March 20, 2009

Will be quiet this weekend

I'm out of town until Monday . . . . taking a break from posting (you were probably getting tired of all the recent posts anyway!) . . . . back with recommendations next week. But get out and enjoy some live music!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

More St Pat's and Marcia Ball on Wednesday

Music options abound if you wish to brave the St Pat's crowds . . . Kells, Ash Street Saloon, various MacMenamins venues, Mississippi Studios, etc . . . seems like all the clubs will have live music tonight. A couple to note are the fine celtic band Circled By Hounds will be at The County Cork (7 pm) and at Biddy McGraws (10 pm) . . . . early, late . . . your choice. And there'll be a full night of music at Biddy's that includes Elizabeth Nicholson, St James Gate and The Old Yellers. Casey Neill & the Norway Rats will be at the Kennedy School at 7 pm.

=========

Most of you know one of my favorite artists is Marcia Ball. Whether you know Marcia's music or not, you come out to the Aladdin Wednesday night. If you like piano players - who can play New Orleans style, boogie, blues - Marcia is among the best. She's a consummate performer with a killer band. You will not be disappointed. 8 pm, $25
BTW, Marcia plays tonight at the McDonald Theater in Eugene.

Here's a little preview . . .


Sunday, March 15, 2009

Music for a rainy Sunday

An amazingly full weekend of music continues today. It's too rainy to garden, so finish your weekend chores and catch a show later . . . unless you have a better way to prepare for the work week ahead.

There's a couple of regular Sunday gigs I should mention - the Freak Mountain Ramblers' weekly "church" at the Laurelthirst (6 pm, free) is an uplifting experience for a packed house. If you haven't experienced it, you're missing a Portland institution. Mary Flower does her monthly solo set out at the Edgefield (5 pm, free). And, there's the weekly Country Side of Sunday at O'Connors with Jon Koonce, Thad Beckman and Curtis Piltz (and often others dropping by) . . . 7:30 pm, $5

The Sunday Jazz at the Old Church series continues with King Louie and Sweet Baby James . . . 4 pm, $20

Paula Sinclair will be at the Hawthorne Theater, warming up for her CD release show at the end of the month. . . . 8 pm, $3

And there's also some special shows in town tonight -
A excellent double-bill of Meg Huchinson and acclaimed songwriter Caroline Herring are at the Alberta Street Pub. Mississippi native Herring's songwriting has been favorably compared to Lucinda Williams, both coming out of a deep southern storytelling tradition. Highly recommended . . . . 8 pm, $12

Whenever Craig Carothers makes one of his trips back home from Nashville, you can expect a lively songwriters in the round show somewhere. This time it's at the Kennedy School with Steve Seskin, Tim Ellis and Dana Cooper. Fine songcraft and fun all around . . . 7:30 pm, $10

And finally, The Bobs bring their brand of musical hilarity to Mississippi Studios. Topical songs, outstanding a capella vocals, and a health dose of silliness keep the entertainment level high. Finish your weekend with a smile . . . 8 pm, $20

Stay tuned tomorrow for a preview of the Marcia Ball show at the Aladdin on Wednesday.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Saturday - Early start to St Pat's

So much to tell . . . hard when you aren't a guy of few words . . . but here goes.

Choices, choices . . . . It's the 5th Anniversary of LiveWire Radio . . . . if you want to be in on the taping the only way to get a ticket is to show up and see if there's a few at the Aladdin, 'cause it's sold out. Dan Savage, Storm Large, Asylum Street Spankers and Stephanie Schneiderman are guests. . . . 8 pm, $20

The DK4 joined by the Heart Attack Horns will keep the toes tappin' at Duff's . . . . 9:30 pm, $8

The harmonica fueled, swampified sounds of The Troublemakers will keep the crowd movin' at the White Eagle . . . . 9:30 pm, $6

More music to move you at the Goodfoot with the afrobeat sounds of Jujuba. Dare you to sit. . . . 9 pm, $10

For something a bit more cerebral, Loch Lomond, The Old Believers, and Brothers Young will grace the stage of Mississippi Studios . . . . 7 pm, $12

Keeping to the quieter side, the fine songwriter and guitar picker Thad Beckman will be doing a solo show at the Muddy Rudder in Sellwood . . . . 8 pm, free

Jim Walker and Tim Ellis do their cool weekly thing at Hayden's Lakefront in Tualatin . . . 7:30 pm, free

A fine high-energy Celtic band, Circled By Hounds, will be at Biddy McGraws . . . . 9:30 pm, free

And that's a good segue into the musical festivities in place for a Portland celebration of St. Patrick's Day. For me the highlight is Saturday's annual KMIRA show at the Crystal Ballroom. A full night of Pogues music from a band of some of Portland's best - Casey Neill, Jenny Conlee-Drizos and Chris Funk of the Decemberists, Ezra Hollbrook, Hanz Araki, Scott McCaughey, Jesse Emerson and Derek Brown. This can be an insanely fun night if you're in the right mood. Scott's fine band, The Minus 5 open.

If you want to start early, head over to the Edgefield in the afternoon for full day of St Pat's celebrating with all sorts of acts and activities, finishing with the Freak Mountain Ramblers. . . . 3 pm, free . . . and this is day one of the celebration - day two is Tuesday.

Kell's annual shindig also gets into full swing on Saturday - lots of Irish celebrating with bands, pipers, dancers, food and libations - check Kells' site for details.

Will report on a few more St. Pat's options and some good choices for Sunday in the next edition . . . . Hope to see you at a show. Remember, it's good for you!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Weekend comes again . . . right on schedule

Just when one is over, a few days later here's another one. Damn . . . they just sneak right up on ya . . . . (look at it this way, just a bunch more weekends and we'll be out of this economic crap . . . couple of blinks and it will all be better . . . now where are my ruby slippers?)

In the meantime . . . live music can go a long way to helping us forget the mess we're in, commune with friends, and delight our neural networks . . . . so consider the following part of your minimum weekend requirement for healthy living (and available without a prescription) . . .

Thursday
Besides the usual weekly gigs (see previous posts if you can't remember) I always think are worth regular or periodic visits . . . here's two more for tonight worth checking out with a couple of Portland's best -
Kate Mann & the Calamities will do the late show at the Laurelthirst. Factory Girl opens. . . . 9:30 pm, $4
Rollie Tussing will be at Biddy McGraws. Whether as a one-man wrecking machine or with a full band, Rollie delivers. . . . 9 pm, free

Friday
If you've been a longtime fan of Jon Koonce (or simply followed music here for the last 30 years), you'll remember Johnny and the Distractions, one of the most popular bands in Portland in the early 80's. They will rock the Aladdin with a reunion gig tonight. Come out and see what some call the best and most influential Portland rock band of all time. Should be a ton of fun . . . . . 8 pm, $ 20

Lloyd Jones will be at cool little wine shop Sip d'Vine in Multnomah Village . . . . 7 pm, $1

Mary Flower will be fingerpickin' her way through a dinner and music show at Fleur De Lis Bakery and Cafe - she'll pick, you eat . . . all good. 6:30 food/7:30 music, $5 (dinner extra)

The Midnight Serenaders do their take on Jazz age swing at Duff's Garage. Dancing shoes recommended! Opening will be the Bridgetown Sextet. These are two excellent bands that will throw down some tasty tunes in the friendly confines of Duff's. . . . 9 pm, $10

Austin's Asylum Street Spankers pay a visit to the re-opened Mississippi Studios. I'll let this quote describe them: ". . . a roots-rock riddle, nestled in a satirical Vaudeville enigma, packaged in an old-timey radio-show puzzle and slathered with hippie-fied mystery sauce." - Tampa Weekly Planet . . . They are also performing Saturday at Music Millennium and at the LiveWire Radio show. The Pete Krebs Trio opens tonight. . . . 9 pm, $20

Another post coming for Saturday shows and St Pat's Day related live music/excuses for drinking beer (like we need one?), including the annual KMRIA show at the Crystal on Saturday.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

On the radar

Most of my show postings lately have been about what's right in front of us. What's been missing is alerting folks to shows coming that you might want to note and even get tickets in advance (what a concept!). . . . So with signals coming in from the far corners of the galaxy (ok, maybe not much past North Portland), here's a bit of what I'm noticing a week or more out . . .

Marcia Ball at the Aladdin on Wednesday, March 18
Rhonda Vincent & the Rage at the Aladdin on Friday, March 20
The Dimes & Chris Robley at Mississippi Studios Friday, March 27
Arlo Guthrie at Congregation Beth Israel on Thursday, April 2
John Wesley Harding and Eugene Mirman at Mississippi Studios on Thursday, April 2
Tracy Grammer at the Alberta Street Pub on Friday, April 3
The annual Paul deLay Scholarship Benefit Concert at the Aladdin on Sunday, April 5
Rory Block at Mississippi Studios on Sunday, April 5
JJ Cale at the Aladdin on Monday, April 6
Amelia at Mississippi Studios on Thursday, April 9
Oregon at the Aladdin on Monday, April 13
Dar Williams at the Aladdin on Thursday, April 16
James McMurtry at the Aladdin on Friday, April 24
Richard Buckner at Mississippi Studios on Friday, April 24
The Flatlanders at the Aladdin on Wednesday, May 20

Okay . . . that should keep you busy for a while . . . .

More soon on shows a little closer - great choices coming up!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Two music-related fundraisers

For you radio listeners, you might have noticed that KMHD has been on one of their twice yearly fund drives. Listener support is a key funding component of public radio and KMHD provides a tremendous service to the local music community with its steady stream of jazz, blues and specialty music programming. They also program and support local music through shows like Homegrown Live, the River City Juke Joint, and Mississippi West, and through sponsorship and presence at many local music events.

Mississippi West host Mike Meyer wants me to remind you that he has some great premiums available - including tickets to tonight's Portland Cello Project show at Mississippi Studios and Rhonda Vincent at the Aladdin later this month - for pledges of $75 - and some great CD's for pledges of $60. Tune into Mike's show today at 3 PM (89.1 on your dial or listen online) or contact Mike directly at mmeyer@efn.org.

On Sunday there is also a fundraiser for musician Robert Kevin Tracey at the Cascade Bar & Grill from 3 - 9 PM. You might have followed the story of how he was beaten and left for dead while out on a cross-country ski trip. Donation at the door is $5.
The Cascade is at 15000 SE Mill Plain Blvd in Vancouver. Call 360-254-0749 for more information.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Friday picks and a Saturday preview

It's a rare night when there's little to recommend . . . and tonight certainly isn't it. Some great shows kick off a busy weekend . . . . here's what jumps out at me:

If you appreciate great vocalists, two swoon-worthy voices grace the stage at the Aladdin tonight with the double-bill of Raul Malo and Shelby Lynne. Malo, once the lead singer of The Mavericks, can tackle virtually any material with his smooth, soaring voice. Lynne has garnered a lot of attention covering 60's pop on her last two CDs, particularly her distinctive and critically-aclaimed take on songs recorded by Dusty Springfield. . . . 8PM, $30

James Low and band got Wednesday's opening night festivities at Mississippi Studios off to a rousing start. Catch two hours of the band at their monthly 1st Friday happy hour at the Laurelthirst. . . . 6 PM, free

An entire weekend of cello love at Mississippi Studios begins tonight with two shows by the Portland Cello Project with a slew of special guests including Storm Large, Chris Robley and Justin Power. Surprising and moving music from a stage full of cellos and their equally talented collaborators - and it will sound amazing in the new space. There are also two shows on Saturday and one more Sunday afternoon . . . . 7 and 10 PM, $17

Lewi Longmire seems to be particularly inspired this week (thanks, Ken for your capsule review) and his eclectic blend will rock Biddy McGraw's tonight . . . . 9PM, free

The Portland FolkMusic Society presents Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen in their continuing series of touring folk artists at Carvlin Hall. . . . 7:30PM, $12

Casey Neill and the Norway Rats headline a four band night at the White Eagle that includes Scotland Barr & the Slow Drags, Drunken Prayer and North Twin. . . . 9:30PM, $8

. . . and if western swing or a good Texas two-step is your thing, it's Bob Wills night at Duff's Garage with Los Cowtones, Shorty & the Mustangs and the Longhorns. Definitely wear your dancin' shoes. . . . 9:30PM, $??

More on Saturday shows later or tomorrow . . . . but just a quick mention for a head start is the Tom Petty tribute show at the Fez Ballroom presented by a host of Portland talent, including Reina Collins, Lewi Longmire, Rob Stroup, Hank Rasco, Kate Mann, Michael Jodell & Matt Brown, and James Low. . . . 8PM, $8 adv tix at Music Millennium/$10 door

. . . and there'll be a free acoustic preview of the show at 4PM at Music Millennium.

Now there's just about something for everyone . . . so get out to some live music!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Other choices for Thursday

If you're looking for other choices for music tonight, I'd check out the Sometymes Why at the Alberta Street Pub. From Jess Byers: This band is a trio of women from three great bands: Aoife O'Donovan (Crooked Still), Kristin Andreassen (Uncle Earl) and Ruth Ungar Merenda (The Mammals). It definitely promises to be a fun night of gorgeous harmonies. . . . check out their web site <www.sometymeswhy.com> . . . . 7PM, $12

Another fine local singer/songwriter, Halelupe is at the Airplay Cafe. 7:30PM, $5

For a night of electric blues, Joe McMurrian is at Lola's Room at the Crystal along with King Clarentz and KeepSweet. . . . 9PM, $5

. . . and of course, Lewi Longmire does his happy hour show at the Laurelthirst (and who rocked the house at Mississippi Studios last night), and Lloyd Jones and band do their usual 8 PM show at the Tillicum. Both are free.

Mississippi Rising . . .

Mississippi Studios is open for business. Last's night show was a great kickoff to what should become the premier music venue in Portland. They even got some live love from KGW during their newscast. See it here.

Well over 600 people came through the doors last night (luckily not all at once) and the buzz in the room was pretty special. A number of folks commented on how the new place still has some of the old space's vibe. The new space is so much larger, but even from the back of the balcony you still feel close to the stage. It sounded great, but once the sound techs (the most excellent Tony and Graham) get a chance to work more with the room, it will only get better.



Ticketed shows kick off tonight with two sold out performances by Blind Pilot, the 2009 buzz band of Portland, who are deservedly getting national attention. Shows are at 7 and 10 and there should be some tickets at the door. . . . $12

Monday, March 2, 2009

From the balcony

Saturday afternoon . . . sitting in the empty balcony at Mississippi Studios. There are about a dozen people focused on the tasks at hand to launch the renovated venue. A number are volunteers - musicians and friends just pitching in because there's still a lot to finish. Pitching in out of love and passion for what this reborn venue will be to the music community in Portland.

Anyone who knows me knows I've been a big believer in the venue and its vision since I first discovered the place. I even pitched in to help nurture its growth. As someone for whom music has provided an indispensable life soundtrack, the old studio was THE place to experience live music. The combination of intimacy and sound, passion and care - attention to the experience of both artist and audience - made magic happen in that little room. And, by all I can see, magic will happen again in this new space.

Even with a myriad of details still being checked off the lists, even with insane hours being spent by the entire staff to be sure all is ready to go, there is a palpable excitement that something very special is about to happen.

Though many will miss the old room, Mississippi Studios had to grow up. The seed of Jim Brunberg's vision had to grow into something that could be sustainable as a business. Had to grow into a space that could maintain the intimacy while accommodating larger audiences and bigger acts . . . who in the past would have loved to play in the smaller space, but couldn't because of the economics. Partnering with fellow musician and talent booker Alicia Rose was one of the smartest moves Jim made to mature the vision. Alicia's aim is not just to book the room, but to curate - creating shows that will showcase Portland's outstanding music community and bring in the some of the most musically creative acts from around the country from all genres. Just check out the growing calendar.

This will be special. Or maybe better put in Alicia's words, "This venue will kick ass." Oh yes it will . . . and then some . . . I don't think that's setting the bar too high.

Hope to see you at the official opening on Wednesday. Music begins at 7, doors at 6. Come early, order some food, grab a drink and check out the space. You're gonna love it.