Thursday, April 30, 2009

May Day, May Day

Sliding into the fifth month of the year (!) with some fine live music choices.

Besides the Chic Gamine show I recommended yesterday, tonight has a few other treats in store - unless you'll be watching the Blazer game (though you can still catch late music to either celebrate or soothe your sorrows). There's the usual Thursday can't-go-wrong-picks, like Lewi Longmire at the Laurelthirst (6 pm), Lauren Sheehan at the Muddy Rudder (8 pm), and Mel Brown's B-3 Organ Trio at Jimmy Maks (8 pm). There's also the monthly Garcia Birthday Band evening at the White Eagle (8:30) and a great trio of Linda Horbuckle, Janice Scroggins and Terry Robb at Halibuts (8 pm). Interesting blues touring show in town, with Muddy Water's former drummer and harmonica player, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith. Local roots/blues musicologist Steve Cheseborough opens (8 pm, $15)

Friday
It's a May Day happy hour at the Laurelthirst with James Low . . . come out and eat the rich (or something tasty off the Laurelthirst menu), raise a glass to the workers of the world, and listen to James' great tunes . . . 6 pm, free

The delightful folk-pop of indie darling Thao with the Get Down Stay Down is on tap for two shows at Mississippi Studios . . . . 7 & 10 pm, $12

Saturday
Two solid locals will rave it up at Duff's tonight. It's a roots rock double bill of The Atonements and The Troublemakers. Come out and atone for all that trouble you cause . . . 9 pm, $??

Speaking of roots rock . . . Lisa and Her Kin are back from the road and at the Laurelthirst. Brother Chris Miller and his trio will open . . . 9:30 pm, $5 . . . and show up early for Little Sue at happy hour.

Get up, down and funky with the 3rd annual James Brown tribute at the Goodfoot. The band includes members of Leftover Salmon, Devin Phillips Band, The Headhunters, Blue Cranes, Triclops and Everyone Orchestra. Wear dancin' shoes . . . purple capes optional . . . . 10 pm, $10

The Shanghai Woolies do two shows tonight at Tony Starlight's . . . . 8 & 10 pm, $10

Sunday
It's will be an afternoon blues party at Duff's Garage with the return to Portland of Fiona Boyes. Back from an extended stay down under, she's in her adopted stateside home and ready to rock. Fiona is the first Australian – and first woman – to win the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge. The Portland blues community has missed her and welcomes her return . . . . 4pm, $??

All for now . . . get out to some live music!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

More for tonight and Thursday

Besides the Steve Poltz show tonight at Mississippi Studios, there's a couple of others to note for today. Last chance for a Two Beers Viers happy hour at the Laurelthirst. Laura Viers and friends have been holding down that slot all month. It will be followed by a triple bill of Lewi Longmire, Sara Gwen, and Kate Mann at 9 pm. All free tonight, but feed the tip jar!

King Louie & Sweet Baby James, one of Portland's most soulful blues bands, kick off three appearances this week tonight at Tony Startlight's . . . 7:30 pm, $7 (they also play Jimmy Maks on Friday night and Music Millennium on Sunday afternoon)

Tomorrow night, check out the Alberta Street for the first Portland appearance by Juno Award (Canadian Grammy) winning vocal band, Chic Gamine (won for best Roots and Traditional album). Singing mostly with just backing percussion, these four women are gaining attention with their outstanding vocal styling. Here's a sample . . .



In the intimate space at Alberta Steet, this band should sound amazing . . . 7 pm, $12 ($10 in advance)

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Two mid-week shows of note

Both of these worth checking out and both at Mississippi Studios . . .

Tonight it's Austin pop-rockers Fastball paying a visit to support their new release, Little White Lies. For over 10 years, these guys have been producing solid songcraft with great hooks and harmonies. Portland's The Rainy States opens . . . . 9 pm, $15

Wednesday it's the musical madness of Steve Poltz. He's one of a kind - how many artists do you know that make a cd of 45 second songs that are outgoing answering machine messages? Or who've made lists of things they want to do that includes pitching for San Diego in the 9th inning of 7th game of the World Series (Steve is a consummate baseball fan who has sung the National Anthem for his beloved Padres and wore a Polish sausage costume to run in the sausage race at a Milwaukee Brewers game). Besides being funny, he's a great songwriter and fine guitar player . . . . seriously excellent entertainment for Wednesday night . . . . 8 pm, $15

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Casey Neill on Oregon Art Beat tonight

Catch Casey Neill and the Norway Rats in a feature segment on Oregon Art Beat tonight at 8 PM. It also re-airs Sunday at 6 PM.

A few for the weekend

Besides what I've already mentioned for the weekend - the annual tribute to Billy Holiday at Mississippi Studios (Saturday), the Shaker's Ball at the Kennedy School (Sunday) and the Bridgetown Comedy Festival, there's some great shows absolutely worth checking out on Friday night.

Americana award winner James McMurtry and band will rock the Aladdin on Friday with trenchant social commentary from a Texas roadhouse. His last CD, Just Us Kids, appeared on umpteen 2008 "best of" lists . . . . and for a very good reason. Solid local band, The Atonements, opens . . . . 8 pm, $18

Rock hard with a little less social commentary, but with tongue planted firmly in cheek, with Igor & the Red Elvises. This SoCal based band has been spreading the gospel of Siberian Rock far and wide . . . and this week to Dante's. Should be pretty outrageous fun . . . . 9:30 pm, $12

For something a bit more introspective, the fine songwriting of Richard Buckner will be on display at Mississippi Studios. Dark and brooding, though curiously uplifting, Buckner doesn't get up this way often, so don't pass on your chance to hear him. Dolorean makes for a very appropriate opener . . . and this is an early show . . . 7 pm, $12

Mississippi Studios also has a late show featuring the local (and only) Balkan Gypsy brass band, the Kebsic Orkestar. Alicia says this will "satiate your jones for uninhibited gypsy punk dance party awesomeness". Wow, I've been jonesin' for some of that. They'll be helping the Andrew Oliver Kora Band celebrate the release of their new CD. Pianist Oliver creatively explores the connection between jazz and west African music . . . . This will be an extremely cool night of music at MS . . . . 10:30 pm, $10

Need a good laugh?

Who doesn't?

This is a great weekend for funny stuff because, beginning today, it's four days of the Bridgetown Comedy Festival. There'll be a number of venues running with shows every night through Sunday featuring quality local and out-of-town talent. Some notable performers include Janeane Garofalo, David Koechner, Brendon Small, and Reggie Watts . . . . and all will be doing multiple performances during the weekend. Check out the schedule - there's standup, improv, music, and even a Home Movies (the original cartoon series from Comedy Central's Adult Swim) 10 year anniversary celebration. Find something, 'cause it's good medicine for whatever ails you.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

One for tonight and a couple to consider for the weekend

If you a fan of great vocals, two fine young up and coming notables of Americana music will be at Mississippi Studios tonight.
Aoife O'Donovan (of Crooked Still) and Heather Masse (of The Wailin Jennys) unite to wail and still the ears and hearts of west coast audiences this April 2009. Aoife and Heather were classmates, collaborators, and friends while attending The New England Conservatory of Music from 00'-04'. Five years later, both having made a name for themselves in the music world, they reunite joining forces to sing together again.
I've heard them both and they're really fine vocalists (especially Heather) . . . and will be backed by a full band. Should be fine night of music . . . . 8 pm, $13

On the radar for the weekend are two benefit shows to note -
First, on Saturday, there's the annual Billy Holiday Tribute Night at Mississippi Studios. This is a benefit for Siren Nation. A host of fine singers will tackle the Holiday catalog including Stephanie Schneiderman, Michael Jodell, Valerie Day, Katie Sawicki, Carrie Bella, Myshkin's Ruby Warblers, and Acoustic Minds . . . 8 pm, $12 advance/$15 door

Second is a Parkinson's Disease benefit, the Shaker's Ball, that is being held on Sunday afternoon at the Kennedy School that will feature Bart Ferguson, the Lisa Mann Band, and the Pillar French Connection (Paula Sinclair was also on the bill, but has had to cancel).
The public is invited to shake, rattle, and rock 'n' roll at the Kennedy School as several great bands come together to heighten awareness of early onset Parkinson's Disease and to benefit The Parkinson Center of Oregon at OHSU and Parkinson's Resources of Oregon. Signed CDs will be available at the event, with profits going to PCO and PRO. . . . 1-5 pm, $10 (all ages show - under 16 free).

More on the weekend tomorrow . . . .

Friday, April 17, 2009

Saturday is Record Store Day

Saturday is a great day to pay a visit to Music Millennium to celebrate the 2nd annual Record Store Day. They're going to have over 100 special limited releases for sale including Dylan, Blitzen Trapper, Pretenders, Leonard Cohen, and lots more. They will be giving a free gift bag of music to all who attend plus free refreshments. There's be live music too. Queensryche will be signing at noon and there will be a preview of the new Bob Dylan at 2pm. Mary Flower and Lloyd Jones perform together live for the first time at 3 pm. And Paula Sinclair celebrates the release of her new CD with a performance at 5 pm. Free stuff, music and an opportunity to support our favorite local independent record store. This celebration is going on at stores all over the country (in fact, world), noting the unique role stores like Music Millennium play in our culture. Hope you can drop by.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

A few choices

Not too much to ramble on about, but here's a few for Thursday through Saturday . . .

Thursday
Thursday seems to always be a great free music night . . . just remember to feed any hungry tip jars.

On the early side, Paula Sinclair & the Contenders will be at the White Eagle. Paula's new CD, Steady Girl, has been garnering some great reviews . . . 5:30 pm

Lewi Longmire's happy hour sets at the Laurelthirst are always a good bet . . . 6 pm

Weinland kicks off a set of shows at various McMenamins venues with a evening at the Kennedy School. They are also out supporting their very well received new CD, Breaks in the Sun . . . 7 pm

Lauren Sheehan will have a secret special guest on fiddle with her at the Muddy Rudder . . . 9 pm

Solid show at the Doug Fir with Lotus Isle and Kate Mann & the Calamities . . . 9 pm . . . yes, this one is free too!

This is why we do like Thursdays in Portland . . . .

Friday
The Pete Krebs Trio brings it's swing and gypsy jazz sounds to the Press Club on SE Clinton . . . 8:30 pm, free (and all ages)

Another band that taps into vintage jazz and vocals is the Midnight Serenaders - who will be at Tony Starlight's . . . . 8 pm, $8

Saturday
Highlight show of the weekend is the triple bill at Mississippi Studios featuring James Low. Here's what the MS folks have to say about it:
A wonderful triple tiered evening of PDX melodic pop wonder. James Low heads up the bill with his sweet tenor effortlessly taking flight over his winsome, yet bold rock/folk arrangements. A little drama and a lot of heart make for an incredible and quickly growing catalog of material from Low that is is both addictive and moving.. Casey Deniel's White Hinterland has been making waves and fans in droves, with her breezy voice and unique brand of experimental parlour folk/rock. The ever so lovely, delightful and dreamy violininst/vocalista Kaitlyn ni Donovan (former of High Violets) opens the show with her all-star combo. Couldn't have said it better . . . 9 pm, $8

Lloyd Jones will be doing a solo show at the Muddy Rudder in Sellwood. Always a good time when Mr. Lloyd plays at one of my favorite neighborhood spots . . . . 8 pm, free

Friday, April 10, 2009

A few more for Saturday

Seems in my haste I missed a few Saturday shows that you might want to be aware of -

Lloyd Jones with the fabulous Robbie Jordan on sax will be rockin' the Gemini Pub in Lake Oswego . . . 9:30 pm, $?

The young and very talented bass player/vocalist Kate Davis will be at Wilf's. Catch the latest sensation on the Portland jazz scene . . . 8 pm, $5

And the eclectic and innovative Sneakin' Out will be holding an all-day fundraiser to help them raise money for their summer tour to the east coast. It goes from noon until late at Queen of Hearts (SE 72nd & Harold) with a variety of guests, food, door prizes, etc . . . more details here.

Shows this weekend

Friday
It will be two chances to catch a butt-shaking show tonight at Mississippi Studios . . . . This is my pick of the evening. I'll let them describe it . . . One of Miss Alicia's TOP 5 personal all-time faves, The Budos Band are pure NYC afro-soul-funk-magic made by the men that back up Sharon Jones. Yup - The Dap Kings started a 10 piece "side project" with their pals from Antibalas (and Amy Winehouse's band) so they could cut to the core of funk with a level of musicianship that is almost beyond comprehension. If you like to see your ass forced into syncopated submission by the most authentic live soul since the heyday of Stax, then get ready. Friday is your night. Wear sexy BUT comfortable shoes. DJ Santo will warm you up with vintage soul and funk on the turntables. 2 shows. You are going to want to stay for both. Seriously. . . . 7 & 10 pm, $13

For early shows tonight, check out either the Joe McMurrian Quartet at the Laurelthirst or Circled By Hounds at Mississippi Pizza . . . both at 6 pm.

Late shows include Clem Snide with the Heligoats and Scotland Bar & the Slow Drags at the Doug Fir (9 pm, $10) and Caleb Klauder at Biddy McGraws (9:30, $??).

Saturday
Weinland will be doing two CD release shows at Mississippi Studios at 7 & 10 pm. $10

The Devin Phillips Band and Trio Subtonic will be at the Goodfoot . . . 9 pm, $8

Michael Jodell and Matt Brown will be at the Press Club . . . 8:30 pm, free

Lauren Sheehan and Terry Robb will be at the Muddy Rudder . . . 8 pm, free

. . . and Austin country rockers Reckless Kelly will be at the Doug Fir . . . 9 pm, $15

Sunday's Fleet Foxes/Blitzen Trapper show at the Crystal Ballroom is sold out. But if you're interested in seeing two Northwest indie bands with significant national buzz, show up, be patient and maybe you'll get a ticket . . .

Friday, April 3, 2009

More for the weekend

Talking about all the great live music choices in Portland is getting to be rather redundant.

Saturday
A variety of musical flavors are on tonight's menu.

The touring show of the evening brings the indie folk of Mirah to the Aladdin. She'll be joined by locals Norfolk & Western and Tara Jane O'Neill . . . 8 pm, $14

The retro vocal jazz of the Midnight Serenaders will have the Alberta Street Pub hoppin' . . . 9:30 pm, $??

The Bobbie Torres Ensemble brings some latin jazz to Jimmy Mak's . . . 8 pm, $12

Caleb Klauder and Whiskey Puppy will keep the steps lively and the grass blue at the Laurelthirst . . . . As a bonus, get there for happy hour and be treated to a couple of great sets by Little Sue. 9:30 pm, $5

The Sassparilla Jug Band bring their musical mayhem (going for the jug-ular, so to speak) to the White Eagle . . . 9:30 pm, $6

Soulful vocals rule at Mississippi Studios with the always wonderful Linda Hornbuckle and Acoustic Minds . . . 9 pm, $12

and . . . Los Cowtones bring the sounds of western swing to the dance floor at Duff's Garage . . . 9:30 pm, $??

Sunday
Don't forget Remember Me, the Paul deLay Scholarship Benefit show at the Aladdin. A great lineup raising money for Ethos Music and to remember one of Portland's finest talents (and was recognized as one of the best harmonica players in the world) who left us all too soon. 5 pm, $15

Delta blues stylist Rory Block is at Mississippi Studios. Joe McMurrian opens . . . 8 pm, $15

Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit and Justin Townes Earle will be at the Doug Fir . . . 9 pm, $14

Pretty solid weekend of music around town . . . . Support live music and get out to a show!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Thursday & Friday

Three outstanding choices for tonight . . .

There's two chances to see a very entertaining show of music and humor at Mississippi Studios - it's John Wesley Harding and Eugene Mirman's Cabinet of Wonders. I'm lazy, so why don't I let Wes and Eugene tell you about it:

John Wesley Harding and Eugene Mirman's Cabinet of Wonders Promo

We do know on the bill will be Lucy Wainwright Roche, Monica Drake and Mark Acito . . . . not sure about Springsteen, Dylan or any of the remaining Beatles, alive or dead . . . 7 & 10 pm, $15

Two icons of 'outlaw' country music who are still most definitely alive and playing at the Schnitz tonight are Kris Kristofferson and Merle Haggard. Somehow this one escaped my radar until today . . . hope it didn't escape too many others -- what a great opportunity to see two of songcraft's best . . . 8:30 pm, $43

. . . and Laura Gibson will be doing a CD Release Party at the Old Church celebrating the release of Beasts of Seasons, a critically acclaimed recording of which NPR raved “One of the year's most breathtaking albums. Beasts of Seasons is nothing short of a masterpiece, both for its flawless and often haunting execution and for its inspired statements on the human experience.” . . . 7:30 pm, $10 (all ages show)

Tomorrow night . . . .
Two more excellent touring shows in town -
Tracy Grammer will be playing at the Alberta Street Pub. Lucy Wainwright Roche will open. This one is almost sold out, so get your tickets . . . 7 pm, $16

The Portland Folkmusic Society presents Claudia Schmidt at Carvlin Hall. A stellar vocalist and performer, Schmidt seamlessly moves between folk and jazz, collecting accolades in both genres. Highly recommended . . . 7:30 pm, $10

On the local scene, Lloyd Jones and band will be joined by the outstanding sax of Robbie Jordan for some big fun at Duff's Garage. Definitely come ready to dance . . . 9:30 pm, $??

The Devin Phillips Quartet
is at Jimmy Mak's. Devin's new lineup features the vitruoso drumming of Alan Jones . . . 8 pm, $15

. . . and the James Low Band are in their monthly first Friday happy hour slot at the Laurelthirst. Whatever else you're doing, it's a good way to start your evening . . . 6 pm, free

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Quick mid-week picks

If you can motivate out of the house tonight, there's a great show over at the Someday Lounge. It's a triple bill of James Low, Lotus Isle (a 'must-hear' band that includes Matt Brown, Michael Jodell, Scott Weddle, and Jesse Emerson), and Justin Jude . . . . Some of that fine Portland indie/americana mix in three distinctive flavors . . . and all very tasty indeed. This show will get you over the hump to the weekend . . . 9 pm, $6

Another treat tonight is Laura Viers, Chris Funk and Annalisa Tornfelt doing a happy hour show at the Laurelthirst at 6 pm. Combine that with the Someday Lounge show and you have a ridiculously full night of some of the best talent in Portland.

The fine Celtic band, Circled By Hounds, is at Biddy McGraw's at 9 pm. Swing Papillon is at the Press Club at 7 pm. Both of those shows are free.

And, The Stolen Sweets bring their sweet vocals to an 8 pm show at Mississippi Studios. $10

Wow . . . all really good reasons to love Wednesday! No April foolin' here . . . .