Monday, September 28, 2009

We don't need no more trouble

Actually we do, but don't have a choice as it's the last Troublemakin' Tuesday at the White Eagle this week. The Troublemakers will be joined by the Strangetones' Andy and Julie, and by Steve Kerin on keyboards. Steve's band, Atomic Gumbo takes over Tuesdays nights at the White Eagle for October . . . which will be another month of Tuesday fun - this time Louisiana style. (yeah, I know Tuesday . . . but you can do it!)

Some of Portland's best jazz is served up by the various projects of acclaimed drummer Alan Jones, and Tuesday his Bridge Quartet celebrates the release of their new CD, Night, at Jimmy Maks. A guaranteed aural adventure . . . 8 pm, $8

RCJJ Listener Appreciation Party on Friday

There's a special event on Friday you might want to check out . . .

It's the River City Juke Joint's listener appreciation party at Holman's Bar & Grill (SE 28th at Burnside). With the unfortunate demise of the RCJJ radio show (a casualty of the change in management of KMHD), hosts Brad Brenner and Steve Murray decided a party was in order to acknowledge their 9 years on the air and their outstanding audience support. Holman's was the site of the live broadcast and this Friday beginning at 6 pm there will be an evening of free performances from the likes of Rollie Tussing, Colin Lake, Joe McMurrian, Bob Shoemaker, and a host of others . . . like all RCJJ shows, you never know who might drop by. Steve and Brad invite you to come by to eat, drink, listen and visit with other friends and fans of the show.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

First Fall Weekend, vol 2

Saturday
A soulful weekend of shows continues tonight at Jimmy Mak's with Linda Hornbuckle . . . 8 pm, $10

It's Bela, Edgar and Friends (Chris Thile and Zakir Hussain) with the Oregon Symphony at the Schnitz . . . 7:30 pm, $35

The Freak Mt Ramblers and Jackstraw take over the Goodfoot tonight. There will be dancing . . . 9 pm, $10

Paula Sinclair fans listen up - it's Paula & the Contenders final show of the year tonight at the Rock Creek Tavern . . . 9 pm, free

Circled By Hounds bring their high energy Celtic sound to Biddy McGraw's . . . 9 pm, free

And over at The Woods (check out this venue if you haven't been there yet) it's Musee Mecanique, Frontier Ruckus and MBilly . . . 9 pm, $8

Sunday
It's Octoberfest at McMenamin's Edgefield . . . music, beer and assorted activities for all including a plant sale . . . music begins at 11 am and continues until 10 pm.

Friday, September 25, 2009

First Fall Weekend

Friday

If you can get over to Music Millennium by 6 pm you can catch Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer and Zakir Hussain before their gig Saturday with the Oregon Symphony.

My pick show of the night (and the Oregonian's # 1 pick for the weekend) is over at Jimmy Mak's. When vocalist Sweet Baby James had to bow out of this scheduled gig, his band (Louis Pain, Peter Dammann included) found two killer vocalists available to fill in to create the King Louie Soul Revue - LaRhonda Steele & Tahoe Jackson. These two dynamic soul singers have never met, but would seem to be a match made in heaven. Don't miss this unique show or you'll kick yourself! True that . . . 8 pm, $10

The Midnight Serenaders do two shows at Tony Starlight's - 8 & 10 pm, $10

Pete Krebs and the Portland Playboys are at the Press Club . . . 8:30 pm, free

Talented songwriter Joe New is at Eugenio's on SE Division ... 8:30 pm, free

The Dark Star Orchestra does their note-for-note recreation of a Grateful Dead show at the Crystal Ballroom (geez I hope they respectfully edit out some of the aimless noodling and interminable drum breaks). Saturday too . . . 8 pm, $26

Maybe more about Saturday later . . . .

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Thursday picks

Thursday
Wow, I've posted three days in a row . . . just don't get used to it.

As usual, Thursday is always a great night for local music . . .

Jackstraw plays a free show at the Kennedy School . . . 7 pm

It's always B-3 night on Thursdays at Jimmy Mak's with Mel Brown's B-3 Organ Band . . . jazzy and soulful with the unmistakable sound of the Hammond . . . 8 pm, $5

A lot of folks are happy that Lloyd Jones now has a home for his long standing Thursday night gig at the Cider Mill on SW Capitol Hwy . . . 8 pm, free

Duff's Garage hosts the Kerin and Kolvane CD release show. This is a very stripped down sound from the blues rock of Kolvane . . . Steve Kerin and Kolvane keep it to piano, guitar and vocals and travel the backroads of the blues for some tasty tunes. . . . 9 pm, $??

Jam with the Garcia Birthday Band's monthly gig at the White Eagle. Tie dyed boogie . . . 9:30 pm, free

It's a rockin' show at the free monthly In Music We Trust series at the Doug Fir with The Hugs, Ravishers, and New York Rifles. The series is a great opportunity to hear bands that you might not generally get out to. Music publicist Alex Steininger does a fine job putting this showcase together each month. . . . 9 pm, free

And locals Pancake Breakfast open in support of the jangly rock of Lexington, Kentucky's These United States who are touring through . . . another fine show in town tonight . . . 9 pm, $8

More on the weekend later or tomorrow . . .

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Wednesday quickies

Where did the day go! . . . If you listening -- here's a few choice picks as fast as I can write them . . .

Biddy McGraw's - Little Sue's weekly happy hour @ 6

Laurelthirst - Alice Stuart & the Formerlys @ 9 . . . happy hour with Celilo @ 6

Mississippi Studios - Benefit for the Wallace Medical Concern with Rachel Taylor Brown, Wester Daywick, Mark Twain Indians and Tara Dublin . . . 8 pm, $10

Goodfoot - Quadraphonnes and Trio Subtonic . . . 9 pm, $6

Duff's Garage - the weekly Suburban Slim blues jam . . . 9 pm, $2

sorry, it's just the facts . . . but all good!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Quick picks for Tuesday

Yeah, Tuesday . . . music happens.

Gonna stay in tonight? Why? Think about how enjoying some fine music tonight will have you in a way better mood as you head off to work tomorrow? Really. . . it helps!

Wonderfully soulful jazz vocalist Liz Wright will be at the Aladdin. If you appreciate great singers, this is a fine opportunity to hear one you've probably never heard of. Unfortunately, this could be a very under attended show. Too bad . . . 8 pm, $25 . . . Watch Liz on YouTube

Busy week for Jackstraw starting with their weekly Tuesday happy hour at the Laurelthirst. . . 6 pm, free

The Troublemakers head into their last two September Troublemaker Tuesdays at the White Eagle. Audience has been growing every week, so come out and hear why. Special guest tonight will be guitarist Peter Dammann. No trouble in my book . . . 8 pm, free

And every Tuesday at Duff's Garage is a pretty cool jam (blues therapy) let by Dover Weinberg on piano. Never know who might drop in or what tunes might get played . . . but you can be pretty certain it will always be entertaining. You should check it out sometime . . . 9 pm, $2

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Music for a Friday afternoon

More Friday . . .

A couple of free outdoor music options this afternoon . . .

Mary Flower is playing free on Friday from noon to 1 PM at the Providence Cancer Care Center's outdoor concert series at the William Gray III Courtyard (at NE 47th Ave near Glisan). A little bird told me she'll have a very special out-of-town guest sitting in with her for some of the set. I'd check it out if you can.

The Voodoo Donut Backyard Bash will be happening from 2 pm until 7:30 at the Voodoo Donut's NE location. It's hosted by Party Greyday Records and Music Millennium. Music starts at 3.

The road less traveled . . . .

Okay . . . all the noise this weekend seems to be about Musicfest NW . . . yes, there'll be plenty of great sets by great bands and folks that just have to be everywhere to not miss being at those great sets by those great bands. Great . . . but I have a feeling that I'll probably take the less crowded and traveled routes. Think I'll be hanging at shows where I don't need a wristband . . . or outside enjoying the fine September weather before the onset of the cold and rain (yes, we know the inevitability).

So for your alternatives tonight consider heading to the House of Lewi (otherwise known as the Laurelthirst) for a rockin' happy hour at 6 pm.

Or put on your dancing shoes, grab your hot tamale baby and head to Mississippi Studios for some fine swampy, sweaty tunes by Buckwheat Zydeco. Stanley Dural leads a band looking for a party and will turn Mississippi Studios into a Louisiana roadhouse for the night. Et toi! Troublemakers open . . . 8 pm, $18

On Friday the MFNW alternatives include the James Low Band and Rob Stroup & the Blame - a most excellent double-bill at the White Eagle . . . 9:30 pm, $5

Or check out the Portland FolkMusic Society's monthly concert . . . this month presenting blues from the early 1900’s with Steve Cheeseborough, Jane Keefer’s banjo music, Irish tunes from Frank Blair, Americana-styled originals from Chris Kokesh (of Misty River), and French Canadian music from fiddler Lisa Ornstein & guitarist Dan Compton. Nice . . . . 7:30 pm at Carvlin Hall, $12

And maybe a fine road to travel this weekend is the one to the coast for Blues By The Sea - two days of some of the best Northwest blues acts at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds in Astoria. Music starts at 2 pm on Friday.

More coming about Saturday and beyond . . . but get out to some live music . . .

Monday, September 14, 2009

Getting ready for a big music week

Portland's music community is gearing up for the multi-day, multi-venue Musicfest NW that begins on Wednesday and runs through Sunday. Eighteen venues and 200 bands from around the country. Check it out, get your schedule, and run around like you know you're gonna miss something. Regular wristbands are $60 and VIP wristbands are $160 if you want to feel special.

So if it's gonna be that kind of week, just give it up and start Tuesday with some excellent pre-MFNW options.

Tuesday nights have been rockin' down at the White Eagle this month with The Troublemakers. Rich Layton and the band have been presiding over a swampified dance party with special guests each week (Dave Scott, Steve Kerin, Peter Dammann, and the Strangetones will be joining them over the next three Tuesdays), and a chance to win the band for a show of your choice (restrictions apply, void where prohibited). They start at 8 pm, so it's relatively friendly for a school night. And there's no cover.

The very fine Austin-based singer/songwriter Slaid Cleaves will be at Mississippi Studios. I've seen Slaid a couple of times and have never been disappointed. . . . 8 pm, $15

Over at Tony's Starlight vocalist Nancy King and Steve Christofferson will offer up some sublime vocals and piano (a sorely missed formerly weekly event at the now defunct The Cave) ... 7:30 pm, $7

And, it's 80's post-punk British new wave rock at the Crystal Ballroom with the reunited Psychedelic Furs . . . (okay, will admit The Ghost In You was one of my favorite mid-80's tracks) ... 8 pm, $25

The Psychedelic Furs - The Ghost In You


So here's the Tuesday challenge - dare you get out of the house!

Friday, September 11, 2009

More music for the weekend

Friday
Some fine choices tonight:
Woodbrain's monthly Friday happy hour at the Laurelthirst (6 pm, free)
The Blue Cranes leading a jazzy evening at Mississippi Pizza (9 pm, $10)
Church and Y La Bamba at The Woods (9 pm, $7)
Lewi Longmire at Biddy McGraws (9:30 pm, free)
DK Stewart and the Soul Survivor Horns at Duff's (9:30, $??)

Then there's Robert Cray at the Wonder Ballroom, and my pick for tonight - Dr John at the Roseland. Touring to support and spread the word of his lasted release, The City That Care Forgot, Mac Rebennack pours out his anger and sadness at the toll taken on his beloved city of New Orleans in the five years since Hurricane Katrina. Though suffused with second line rhythms and percolating grooves (and a stellar lineup), the songs are about a city irrevocably changed by the storm, neglect, greed and government inaction and cynicism- a tragedy that Dr John continues to speak out about. As he should. . . . and you should listen. . . . 8 pm, $20

Saturday
Just going to mention one show for tonight . . .
A Very Special Evening of Roots and Blues Music with Mary Flower and Thad Beckman at O'Connor's in Multnomah Village. Two of Portland's best acoustic blues players (and two of my favorites) together will make for a pretty special evening. Mary is back from a summer of international festivals and Thad is about to head out on the road supporting Tom Russell. Maybe see ya there. . . . 8 pm, $7

Weather is great for weekend festivals

Gotta make this fast, but there's a lot going on this weekend . . .

On the festival front, there's the Muddy Boot Organic Festival (Sat/Sun and keynote address by Bill McKibben on Friday night) with music by Stephanie Schneiderman, Jackstraw, Freak Mt Ramblers, Weinland, March 4th Band, and more . . . along with food and exhibits focused on sustainability and environmental action. Begins at noon both days - $5 (kids under 12 free) . . . and try not to drive to the festival!

Tonight is the start of the Sisters Folk Festival with a great lineup headed by Peter Rowan, Allison Brown, Kelly Joe Phelps, Todd Snider, Blind Pilot, Susan Werner, and lots more. All weekend in the beautiful little town of Sisters.

On Saturday there's also the Belmont Street Fair, Jazz on Mississippi Ave, the West Linn Arts Festival (Sunday too) . . . will be a beautiful weekend to get out and catch some wonderful neighborhood events . . . and music.

Add more options via comments if you have them . . .

Thursday, September 10, 2009

A Thursday dilemma

Back at it after a little hiatus over Labor Day Weekend. A small gloat first - if you weren't there, you missed an amazing show at the Aladdin on Saturday night with Dave Alvin & the Guilty Women. One of the best shows so far this year in my book. Maybe Dave's best band ever (really). At least get the CD.

So here's Thursday's dilemma . . .

Will it be the outstanding songwriting (and fine humor) of Todd Snider at the Aladdin (8 pm, $20) . . . or rhythm vibrations Michael Franti & Spearhead at the Roseland (8 pm, $35) . . . . or the intense songcraft of Casey Neill & the (acoustic) Norway Rats at Holocene (8:30 pm, $6) . . . or the western swing of the Quebe Sisters at Duffs (9 pm, $12) . . . or maybe an All-Star Tribute to 1977 at the Doug Fir (9 pm, free)?

Should I start early (6pm) with a rocking Lewi Longmire at the Laurelthirst, or swing along with Pete Krebs and the Portland Playboys at Duffs? Or maybe just head for the cozy vibe at The Muddy Rudder where Lauren Sheehan's resumes her 8 pm Thursday sets (must be gettin' to Fall).

As I said, a dilemma indeed . . . . And then it's on to the weekend with the Sisters Folk Festival, the Muddy Boot Organic Festival, West Linn Arts Festival . . . and Dr. John, CSN, and Government Mule all in town for shows. Where you gonna spend those music budget dollars?

Here's a little of Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women from another show on their tour . . .

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Quick picks for the weekend

I'm gonna take rest of the weekend off from writing any recommendations (at least that's my intention). But before that happens, I've got a few that I cannot let slip by.

Thursday
Yeah, I know . . . sold out Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal at Edgefield will be an excellent show . . . but if you're not going, consider heading to Mississippi Studios for the very impressive Carrie Rodriguez. As well as Carrie absolutely burns on the fiddle, she's an even better vocalist and a damn good songwriter. Honed her chops in Austin and as part of a duo with legendary songwriter Chip Taylor. Now with two solo CDs under her belt and touring as opener and playing with Alejandro Escovdeo and Lucinda Williams, she been garnering significant critical praise and attention. You should check her out and hear why. Cordero and Leonard Mynx fill out a great night at MS . . . . 8 pm, $12

Friday
The show to go to just might be Black Joe Lewis at Mississippi Studios. Here's what MS has to say about the show:
PASTE says that "his soul riffs are hotter than Bo Diddley's kitchen stove". The NEW YORK POST calls him a "Junior James Brown." BLACK JOE LEWIS AND THE HONEYBEARS bring so much soul that you'll think that you're back in Memphis, circa 1960. This eight-piece soul ensemble out of Austin, Texas is powered by horns, bass funk, guitars, a Wurlitzer organ, and Black Joe himself, a soul fired talent who belts out inspired tunes about forgetting his girl's name and being flat broke.
Also on the bill are Wendy Darling and Coco Cobra and the Killers. Understand that tickets for this one are going fast. . . . 9 pm, $12

Alternative choice: Sera Cahoone and Little Sue at the Mission Theater . . . 9 pm, $10

Saturday
You'll find me without hesitation at the Aladdin for Dave Alvin and the Guilty Women. Dave has been one of my favorite performers and songwriters for a very long time. Last fall, in the wake of the death of his best friend and bandmate, Chris Gaffney, he decided to do something different to fulfill a commitment to play the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in San Francisco. He recruited an all star group of women that he'd known or played with over the years . . . and musical fireworks ensued. A virtually unrehearsed performance knocked folks out and led to Dave and the band to recording a CD and touring this year. It is a superb group that includes Cindy Cashdollar, Kristy McWilson, Nina Gerber, Amy Farris, Sarah Brown and Lisa Pankratz . . . and word is the women will be joined by honorary "guilty woman" (and Portland's own) Chris Miller on guitar. The fine Dead Rock West, opens (and will be doing their own show on Sunday at the Kenton Club which you should check out too!) . . . 8 pm, $20

Alternative choice: 3 Leg Torso at The Woods . . . 9 pm, $13

Okay . . . that's probably it until next week . . . . hope you get to have a long and fun Labor Day Weekend!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Last Chance Barn Dance this weekend!

Fan of Lewi Longmire? James Low? Casey Neill? Freak Mountain Ramblers? Jackstraw? Lynn Conover? Michael Hurley? Do you like the roots and Americana music you can hear week in and week out at the Laurelthirst?

Then you might want to consider heading to Trout Lake for Labor Day weekend and the Last Chance Barn Dance. Lewi Longmire takes the lead each year putting together this wonderful end of summer party up at the Trailhead Bed & Breakfast in beautiful Trout Lake, WA - a mere 90 minutes away (about 30 miles north of Hood River). Camp out and share friendship and music with a host of Portland's best musicians and music fans. If you're going to get out of town during the coming weekend, I can't think of a much better place to head to. . . . $20 per day or $30 for the weekend which includes parking and camping.