Thursday, October 29, 2009

Just a few this time

Some days ya just don't feel like writing much. Sometimes ya just need to do something different. Sometimes you'd rather be watching the World Series. Or maybe focus on work (the income producing kind). Or reading a book. Sometimes. Just sayin' . . .

So after making you read a bunch of relatively useless blather, here's the minimalist version of recommendations for the weekend.

On Friday, check out The Quick and Easy Boys at the Laurelthirst happy hour. If you have anything left after their set, more power to you. Here's a good description on CD Baby of the band's sound: "Imagine Funkadelic and Willie Nelson had a baby, and that baby was raised by the Minutemen..." These guys start at full speed and throttle up from there  ... 6 pm, no cover

Saturday is Halloween (in case you weren't paying attention). Check out Vagabond Opera's second annual Baba Yaga Ball at The Woods. Besides music it will feature "... a stunning interactive altar installation dedicated to honoring the dead, an apothecary and museum of weird objects, a divination table and an ancient fire ritual in honor of Baba Yaga, the Slavic Witch!

" And in a real former mortuary. So appropriate. And it's a fundraiser for the HeART of Healing project of the Archimedes Movement ... 10 pm, $17

Or head to Norse Hall for Cascade Zydeco's annual Halloween dance with the award winning Mark St. Mary Louisiana Blues & Zydeo band. Dance lessions at 7 pm and music from 8 til midnight. Costumes are encouraged ... $15

And on Sunday it's Blessings and Blues, a benefit concert for Mercy Corps' clean water projects in Liberia and the Cascade Blues Association Musician Relief Fund. The concert at Grace Memorial Church will feature Janice Scroggins and Fiona Boyes joined by special guests Lloyd Jones, LaRhonda Steele, Jimi Bott, Dover Weinberg and others. ... 7 pm, $10 suggested minimum donation

 . . . and remember to change your clocks on Saturday night (it's "fall back" time)

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Roger McGuinn at Waters Cultural Arts Center this Thursday

Almost missed this on my radar ... some pretty cool shows get scheduled each year out in Hillsboro.

=================
From the Walters Cultural Arts Center newsletter:

Only two days until Roger McGuinn's concert at the Cultural Arts Center. Don't miss this Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famer in his only Portland-area appearance this season!

The concert is at 8pm on Thursday, October 29th in our theater. Claeys catering will offer light refreshments in our lobby - so come early and mix and mingle!

Tickets are $35.00 each ($40.00 day of show). If you mention this e-mail when you call, you will receive one FREE ticket to our November 6th 8pm concert featuring John Reischman and the Jaybirds. With four albums behind them, John Reischman and the Jaybirds is a top-flight band delivering a fresh blend of original songs and instrumentals, old-time heritage, and bluegrass power.

I just spoke to a Seattle concert-goer who has seen Roger McGuinn in concert twice recently and is considering driving down to Hillsboro for the Thursday show! He said Roger puts on a terrific show, including songs and stories. We hope you will take advantage of this offer and see both concerts.
==================
Sounds like a great show to check out . . .

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

When did Tuesday become Saturday night?

Had to post because there's really a lot of  fine choices ... I know, it's a Tuesday. Goes to show that any night in Portland you can find great live music.

Mel Brown does his regular Tuesday night Septet at Jimmy Mak's. There's an excellent article about Mel and the band by Tom D'Antoni in yesterday's inaugural edition of Oregon Music News (more on that in another post, but check it out). ... 8 pm, $6

Jackstraw will be at the Laurelthirst happy hour @ 6 pm. Then Lewi Longmire and Bingo Richey take the stage for some musical mayhem at 9 pm (no cover).

It's the final Tuesday of the Louisiana-flavored sounds of Steve Kerin and friends at the White Eagle. The band has been cooking and there's a host of guests who drop by to play ... 8:30 pm, no cover

There's something called The World's Largest Office Party, a benefit sponsored by Young Professionals of Portland with all kinds of music (including Devin Phillips) and activities over at the Crystal Ballroom. Kicks off at 6 pm  ... $30

It's modern bluegrass at Mississippi Studios tonight with the award winning Greensky Bluegrass at 8 pm ... $12

Dover Weinberg and some of Portland's best blues players keep Duff's jumping every Tuesday night. Bassist Dave Kahl calls it blues therapy night. ... 9 pm, $2

And, at The Woods it's a young indie rock band that's building a solid following around town - Southern Belle ... full disclosure - I've know the drummer, Max Lilien, since he was born ... but they're growing into an impressive band, otherwise I wouldn't be mentioning this. ... 9 pm, $6

What did I say . . . seems like a weekend night (or at least a Thursday) with all of these choices . . .

Sunday, October 25, 2009

A Sunday night fundraiser for healthcare reform

Benefit for HeArt of Healing at O'Connor's in Multnomah Village starting at 6 pm.
Promote health care reform at an all-star night featuring:  Jon Koonce, Steve Bradley, Thad Beckman, Denny Bixby, Bryce Shelton and Kurtis Piltz.
$12 cover - all proceeds go to The Archimedes Movement

Nancy King / Glenn Moore tonight @ Blackbird Wines

This most excellent show is tonight . . . . some tickets left . . .
If you've never heard Nancy King, you should. World class jazz vocalist. Intimate venue. Wine. Fine cap to the weekend.

Hope a few of you can get out to this - Matt Miner has run an outstanding house concert series and is now producing them at Blackbird Wines in NE Portland.

Matt is bringing together two Grammy-nominated jazz legends: Nancy King and Glen Moore.

Nancy, undoubtedly heir to Ella's title "Queen of Scat," is a wonderful jazz interpreter of the American songbook. She is a national treasure and we are lucky that she calls Portland home. Glen co-founded the group Oregon in 1970 with Ralph TownerPaul McCandless and Collin Walcott. In 1999, he completed work on the group's 23rd album called "Oregon In Moscow," which features his bass playing and compositions with the Moscow Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra. He has toured Eastern and Western Europe, Northern Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia and throughout the United States in major clubs, concert halls and festivals with that band.


Tickets are $25 each, which includes one glass of wine.  Desserts and snacks will be sold on site.  Blackbird Wine is at 4323 N.E. Fremont. You can buy tickets at the store or by by PayPal from mminer@hevanet.com. Call Matt for more information at 503-484-8196.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Music for a fall evening

Looks like theYankees - Angels game will get rained out, so I won't have any conflict getting out early tonight. Yeah, I'm a baseball fan too, and October is playoff time ... which can make it challenging to get out - even when there's so much good music going on.
But shouldn't have that problem tonight, and there's some great shows to choose from ...

Saturday happy hour at the Laurelthirst has Little Sue & Lynn Conover @ 6 pm.

It's adventures in jazz at the White Eagle tonight with Blue Cranes ... 9:30 pm, $6

Second night of Blitzen Trapper at the Doug Fir ... 9:30 pm, $13

My pick show for tonight is Norfolk and Western and The Golden Bears at The Woods. N&F are back in Portland after a month-long tour supporting Mirah (who will be at Mississippi Studios on Monday night), and if you haven't heard them tonight's a great opportunity at a cool little venue in Westmoreland (on Milwaukie Ave, 2 blocks north of SE Bybee). ... 9 pm, $8

For something a little different, my friend Steve Price - a viola player with the Portland Symphony - is doing his annual recital tonight at the Old Church. He always puts this together with some stellar players and chooses a range of pieces (from classical to pop) to present. It's a lot of fun and always a full house ... 8pm, free

See ya out and about . . . unless I'm watching baseball.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

So where you goin' Friday for music?

It's a busy night with lots of choices . ..very tough to pick just one.

Early . . . .
The Pete Krebs Trio will do the happy hour at the Laurelthirst @ 6 pm

Level Two (fairly new band folks are telling me to check out) is at Mississippi Pizza @ 6 pm ($3)

Later . . . .
On a break from his tour with Tom Russell, Thad Beckman does a solo set at the Muddy Rudder. ... 8 pm, no cover

One of Portland's favorite voices, Linda Hornbuckle, will be at Jimmy Maks ... 8 pm, $10

3 Leg Torso's heady mix of tango, gypsy folk, and classical can be downright intoxicating. And you can hear it tonight at Tony Starlight's ... 8 & 10 pm, $10

It's a hoedown at (in?) The Woods with the Foghorn Stringband and Darrin Craig ... 9 pm, $7

The Lewi Longmire Band and Michael the Blind will be at the Laurelthirst Public House - this month celebrating it's 21st birthday ... 9:30 pm, $6

Their fast punky approach to vintage blues, folk, country and rockabilly will make The Devil Makes Three show at the Wonder Ballroom a high energy dancin' affair ... 9 pm, $15

It's back to the adoring crowds of home for Blitzen Trapper. Out on the road, this critically acclaimed band is back for two nights (Saturday, too) at the Doug Fir. If you haven't caught them, you should hear what's got folks talking. Y La Bamba opens tonight, Baltimore’s Wye Oak on Saturday . . . 9 pm, $13

It will be a fine night at Mississippi Studios with the wonderful harmonies of Dirty Martini. Even better is that opening will be DM's McKinley doing songs from her play in the works, Gracie & the Atom. Then Stephanie Schneiderman, one of my favorite performers in town, takes a turn with her band. Steph and McKinley then join Lara Michell for that DM magic we're waiting for. ... 9 pm, $12

Big touring show in town tonight is Ani DiFranco and Anais Mitchell at the Crystal Ballroom. ... 8 pm, $35

Wow, that is a lot of choices ... pick something and get out to some live music!

Thursday? Music? Of course!

Need again to be brief, but there's always something on Thursday . . .

Happy hour music:
Pete Krebs and the Portland Playboys will be at Duff's Garage @ 6 pm ($2)
Lewi is taking a break this week from his usual happy hour at the Laurelthirst, so it will be Scott Law tonight @ 6 (no cover)

Not too late:
Lauren Sheehan is back doing her weekly Thursday's at the Muddy Rudder @ 8 pm (no cover)
The Mel Brown B3 Organ Band is at Jimmy Mak's @ 8 pm ($5)

A bit later:
There's a Elliott Smith Tribute show at The Woods @ 9 pm ($6)
Lisa and Her Kin are at Duff's @ 9:30 pm ($?? - probably $5)
Lynn Conover is at the Laurelthirst @ 9:30 (no cover)

Big show:
Brandi Carlile is at the Schnitz tonight @ 8 pm ($25 +)

More coming about the weekend ... see ya out and about ...

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Lotsa Wednesday music

This has got to be real fast  . . .

Happy hour options:
Little Sue at Biddy McGraw's @ 6 pm
Two Beer Viers (Laura Viers, Annalisa Tornfelt & Jon Neufeld) at the Laurelthirst @ 6 pm

Later:
Jon Koonce & One More Mile a the Rock Creek Tavern @ 8 pm ... no cover
Alice Stuart a the Laurelthirst @ 9 pm ... no cover

Dave Bromberg and the Angel Band at the Aladdin @ 8 pm ... $33
The Wood Brothers and Ashleigh Flynn at the Wonder Ballroom @ 8 pm ... $15
Thao with the Get Down Stay Down and Weinland at the Doug Fir @ 9 pm ... $13

Over the hump ... more (hopefully) tomorrow . . . .

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Fundraising . . . and a Sunday show

You might have noticed that both KOPB and KMHD are in the midst of the fall fundraisers. Just wanted to remind you if you need to join or renew your support for public radio in Portland. Though OBP is now providing management and facilities for KMHD, memberships - and funds that are raised - are separate. I know it's a difficult week to listen to the constant entreaties for your support, but it will be over soon.

Speaking of fundraising . . . the Cascade Blues Association does a great job of supporting the blues music community in Portland and the Northwest. The are holding a fundraiser today from 4 - 10 pm at The Refectory (1618 NE 122nd) with sets by Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes, the Robbie Laws Trio, Jimmy Lloyd Rea & the Switchmasters with special guests, among others . . . . $10 minimum donation goes to supporting the CBA.

Friday, October 16, 2009

One more weekend

Solid weekend of music - here's my short list of music I'd consider checking out.

Friday
Two of my favorite songwriters of the past 25 years are together tonight at the Schnitz - John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett. Two guys with boatloads of songs and an immense ability to entertain. Hope as they swap songs they go deep into their catalogs (and maybe pull out a left-field cover or two) and not just play the obvious crowd-pleasers ... 8 pm, $40 - $70

If you wander across the street to the ArtBar in the Performing Arts Center, Stephanie Schneiderman will be playing a free set as part of the PDX Jazz series. ... 8 pm

With a career that has wound through Husker Du, Sugar and various solo projects since the early 80's, Bob Mould is in town at the Doug Fir tonight. Should be a great show ... 9 pm, $18

Other shows on the local front include LaRhonda Steele at Clyde's Prime Rib (8:30 pm, no cover); Lloyd Jones at Halibut's (8 pm, no cover); DK Stewart & the Soul Survivor Horns at Duff's Garage (9:30 pm, $6); Jackstraw at Biddy McGraw's (9:30 pm, no cover); Rollie Tussing at the Mock Crest Tavern (9 pm, no cover); and the Freak Mountain Ramblers at the Laurelthirst (9:30 pm, $6)

Saturday
Besides the John Batdorf show at Artichoke Music I posted about on Wednesday, my other pick for the night is the CD release show of Pilar French at the Fez Ballroom. Check out Pilar's fine songwriting that she backs up with strong instrumental chops. She and her band are supporting her very solid new release, Alive. There's a good show preview that was posted yesterday in the Portland Tribune. She'll have a slew of guests and Rob Stroup & the Blame will open. ... 8 pm, $10

Looking for something different? If it's jazz you might want to head to Jimmy Mak's for David Ornette Cherry (8 pm, $15), or the Goodfoot for Joey Porter's Tribute to Herbie Hancock (9 pm, $??), or to Mississippi Pizza for the Bridgetown Sextet (6 pm, no cover).  Like retro vocals and early jazz styles? Then check out Duff's for the Midnight Serenaders (9:30 pm, $??).  Americana? Jammy country rock? . . . . then how about The Garcia Birthday Band at the Rock Creek Tavern (9 pm, no cover), Little Sue at the Laurelthirst happy hour (6 pm, no cover), or the Ridgerunner Summit at the 'Thirst's 9:30 show ($5)?
Publish Post

Nothing floatin' your boat? Then head to the woods . . . . or The Woods for the indie folk of Pancake Breakfast. Hmmm . . . sounds appetizing . . .  9 pm, $7

Gotta be something that will get you out . . . . enjoy!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

A show you might check out on Saturday

Only Wednesday, but wanted to give a heads-up on this one.

Does the name John Batdorf ring a bell? How about Batdorf & Rodney from the days of 70's folk/rock? Though that recording duo is long over, John Batdorf has been making a living as a musician in the ensuing 30 years. Probably none of us were paying attention - I sure wasn't. But I recently encountered John via a post by music industry curmudgeon Bob Lefsetz and then coincidentally received an email from John (via a mutual connection) about his tour that will take him through Portland this week.

Though not among my favorite musical acts in those days (always sounded a little too close to CSN), they were certainly all over the airwaves. I know I played B&R on my college radio shows. And you can't mistake John's 70s radio-friendly singer/songwriter tenor. But now I've got his CD, Old Man Dreamin', and can't deny that it's good and I've been listening - and not just once or twice. The guy has something to say that resonates - particularly about growing older and the state of our culture - and does it in a most tuneful way.

Check out the Lefsetz post and John's site . . . then come out to Artichoke Music on Saturday evening. . . . 8 pm, $12

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

8th Annual Daniel Pearl World Music Days

"An international network of concerts using the power of music to reaffirm our commitment to tolerance and humanity."

In eight years these concerts have grown to be a truly worldwide event with well over 3,000 performances. Thousands of musicians throughout October will honor the legacy of journalist/ musician Daniel Pearl, the Wall Street Journal Reporter who was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan shortly after 9/11. These dedicated concerts commemorate Pearl's life and work by using the universal language of music to spread a message of hope, unity and Harmony for Humanity. Pearl was a talented musician who used music to spread friendship across cultural divides, leaving behind a long trail of musician friends that spans the entire globe.

In Portland, the Brothers of the Baladi will perform at the Blue Monk (SE Belmont & 34th) on Wednesday as part of this worldwide event. . . . 8 pm, $5

Mid-week music

Tuesday
Second chance to check out Steve Kerin and friends at the White Eagle. Last week was big fun with Tahoe Jackson and JR Pella joining the band for some inspired vocals. It's for those kinds of moments that you just gotta be there. A different guest every Tuesday through October will help the band perform some inspired Louisiana roots dance music (New Orleans style blues and r & b, zydeco, Cajun). This week it will be Bob Shoemaker, one of the finest slide guitar players in town. Maybe see ya there . . . 8 pm, no cover

Wednesday
The Monsters of Folk tour rolls into town for a date at the Schnitz. Connor Oberst, Jim James, Mike Mogis and M Ward pooled their respective talents and took it on the road. . . . 8 pm, $43

Reggie Houston's Box of Chocolates will keep the happy hour crowd happy at the Laurelthirst . . . 6 pm, no cover

. . . and will be followed by the Piano Throwers for the 9:30 show. Fun night at the 'Thirst . . . $??

Little Sue has her weekly happy hour at Biddy McGraw's . . . 6 pm, no cover

If you're a fan of singer/songwriter/author John Wesley Harding, don't miss his show at Mississippi Studios tonight. An engaging storyteller, wry humorist and insightful songwriter, Wes is eminently entertaining. . . . 8 pm, $15

Friday, October 9, 2009

Saturday

Some very quick options for Saturday night . . .

My top pick is the Stolen Sweets' CD release show at the Wonder Ballroom ... 8 pm, $11

Then there's the fine Cuban band Cana Son at Jimmy Mak's ... 8 pm $10

The annual Wordstock edition of LiveWire Radio brings a heavy dose of literary fun to the Aladdin ... 8 pm, $25

Sinatra By Starlight is part of a two week Sinatra-fest at a Tony Starlight's ... 8pm, $15

. . . and finally the late show at Mississippi Studios with Tony Furtado and Mia Dyson ... 10 pm, $13


. . . then on Sunday it's a rare appearance by the legendary Irish band, The Pogues at Roseland. Hmmm . . . is this a don't-miss or a disaster? ... 9 pm, $50 (at that price I don't figure on finding out)

A Friday diversity of choice

Starting your weekend with any of these will be just fine . . .

At Duff's Garage tonight, it's the Sultans of Slide . . . if you're a fan of slide guitar, this is one you won't want to miss. Five of the Northwest's best - Big Monti, Bob Shoemaker, Jim Mesi, Ben Bonham and Franck Goldwasser (Paris Slim) - will explore the amazing sounds that emanate when metal or glass connects with guitar strings. There will be two shows at 8:30 and 11 pm . . . $10 (includes entry into raffle for CDs, t-shirts, and autographed posters)

Maybe warm up with a set of Woodbrain, featuring another of Portland's better blues slingers, Joe McMurrian, at the Laurelthirst happy hour... 6 pm, free

BTW, Woodbrain then heads over to Biddy McGraw's for a 9:30 show . . . catch 'em early or late . . . or both.

Fine jazz show at Jimmy Mak's with Blue Cranes and the Andrew Oliver Kora Band. . . 8 pm, $10

And at The Woods is a show combining music, poetry and art called The Portland Round. Sounds like something just enough different to be very cool . . . 9 pm, $8

And, don't want to forget the bard of Iowa, Greg Brown, will be at the Aladdin tonight. He'll be joined by longtime musical partner Bo Ramsey along with a full house of fans and friends. . . 8 pm, $30

Come on . . . gotta be something there to get you out of the house!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Tom Russell on Letterman

A bit lost in all the Letterman confessions of last week was this fine performance of Tom Russell on the show. And yes, that's Portland's Thad Beckman on guitar. Thad is currently on tour with Tom. They have a show at the Aladdin coming up in December. Stay tuned.

Quick picks for Thursday

Busy, busy . . . but here's my pick show of the night:

Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus 3 at Mississippi Studios. If you don't know Robyn, who's been writing and performing since the 70s, here's what MS has to say - "Over the past three decades, Hitchcock has built an international reputation as a visionary lyricist with an uncanny penchant for incisive whimsy and vivid surrealist metaphor. He is also known as a world-class tunesmith with a deep affinity for Beatlesque/Byrdsy songcraft." The Venus 3 is Peter Buck and Scott McCaughey - a dynamic duo that seem to be everywhere these days (Minus 5, REM, The Baseball Project) - and Bill Rieflin. Tickets are going fast . . . 8 pm, $20

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Tuesday and looking ahead

Couple of shows to note for tonight . . .

A great double bill of Aimee Mann and Nick Lowe will be at the Aladdin. Nick has been a favorite of mine for a long time (back to his mid/late 70's solo work, with Rockpile, and as a producer with Stiff records), and I've always enjoyed and respected the work of Mann, as both a writer and and vocalist. Great opportunity to see two very talented performers and consummate music pros . . . 8pm, $40

On the local front, piano man Steve Kerin leads a pretty cool assembly of players he calls Atomic Gumbo for the first of four Tuesday shows at the White Eagle. The focus will be on the music of Louisiana and each week will have a special guest - this week, it's the soulful vocalist Tahoe Jackson. Wear your dancin' shoes . . . 8 pm, free

And it's a very busy week with Bob Dylan in town (Wed), Old Crow Medicine Show (Wed), Jolie Holland (Wed), Tommy Castro and the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue (also Wed!), Robyn Hitchcock (Thurs), a Richmond Fontaine CD release (Fri), Tony Furtado (Sat), The Pogues (Sun), and Wordstock this weekend . . . . lots going on, lots to choose from!

Here's a taste of Nick Lowe performing probably his best known (and one of my favorite) songs - though many people think Elvis Costello wrote it . . .

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Saturday and Sunday picks

Keeping it short, but a few to be aware of for the rest of the weekend . . .

Saturday
Excellent triple bill at Artichoke Music - it's A Very Blue Night with Anne Weiss, Joe McMurian, and Mary Flower. Altogether some very fine pickin', slidin' and singin' . . . 8 pm, $15

And you can also catch Mary performing with Janice Scroggins on piano for a happy hour show in the lobby of Portland Center Stage (Gerding Theater at the Armory - 128 NW 11th) . . . 5 pm, free

Speaking of happy hours, Lisa & Her Kin have tonight's slot at the Laurelthirst . . . 6pm, free

And one of those bands you've probably heard of, but haven't heard - The Bottle Rockets - are in town for a very special show at the White Eagle. Recognized as one of the seminal early 90's alt-country bands, they are still going strong and touring to support their latest CD, Lean Forward. Catching them in a small venue like the White Eagle will be a treat . . . 9:30 pm, $10



Sunday
There's a breast cancer benefit at the Alberta Street Pub with Mary Flower (busy woman!), Cal Scott, Cary Novotny, Kevin Burke, Johnny B Connolly and a host of others . . . Come out for a good cause - tickets available from The Celtic Corner Irish Shop (NE 41st & Sandy) or call 503-287-3009 . . . 7 pm, $25

And over at Mississippi Studios it's Garrett Brennan & The Great Salt Licks and the Foghorn Stringband Trio celebrating the release of Garrett's new CD, Huckleberry Tree . . . more fine pickin' and singin' for a Sunday night . . . 8 pm, $10

If you have other suggestions, use the comments . . . I can't get to everything!

Friday, October 2, 2009

Friday cherces

Got a few picks for tonight . . .

It's the first Friday happy hour at the Laurelthirst with James Low & the Western Front ushering in the month of Roctober! All will not be quiet. Hope to see ya there . . . 6 pm, free

If you were a fan of the River City Juke Joint on KMHD, you can help Brad Brenner and Steve Murray celebrate the 9 years of live radio from Holman's and their transition to whatever is next. Too bad it won't be on KMHD, but hopefully they'll find the show a new home. Come out and share a drink, some food and some excellent live music beginning tonight at 6pm (at Holman's of course!) . . . never know who might show up to play. Hope to see you there too (hey, the Laurelthirst and Holman's are in the same neighborhood!)

And my pick touring show of the night is the outstanding blues-based singer/songwriter Chris Smither out in Hillsboro at the Walters Cultural Arts Center. If you've never seen Chris, I'd highly recommend you take advantage of his annual visit to the area. This time he's supporting his new Signature Sounds recording, Time Stands Still. . . . 8 pm, $24

also -
If you're in the mood for celtic music, Circled By Hounds is at the Alberta Street Pub . . . 6:30 pm, $$??
. . . and the Freak Mountain Ramblers are at the White Eagle . . . 9:30, $6

More later on Saturday picks . . .

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Generic Thursday music post

Not generic music, but a plain vanilla post. No lame attempts at being amusing . . . just a few recommendations, sans embellishments.

It's a pretty diverse night of music with some really outstanding choices . . .

Always excellent regular Thursday night options include Lewi Longmire at the Laurelthirst (6 pm, free) and the Mel Brown B-3 Organ Band at Jimmy Mak's (8 pm, $5). And almost forgot - Lauren Sheehan (tonight with Greg Clarke) at the Muddy Rudder (8 pm, free).

The ACLU is celebrating feedom of expression at the Uncensored Celebration at Holocene. Storm Large and Cool Nutz will MC with a host of authors and musical guests. ... 7:30 pm, $10

One of our finest singer songwriters, Dar Williams, is at the Aladdin. Chris Pureka opens for a fine double bill . . . 8 pm, $28

The outstanding fiddle/guitar duo of Darol Anger and Scott Law will be at The Woods tonight. If you haven't been to The Woods (in Westmoreland), this might be a fine night to check it out . . . 8 pm, $15

Red Bull hosts what they're calling the Sound Clash with Viva Voce and Builders and Butchers in a musical face-off at the Crystal. You decide who wins . . . 8 pm, $10

Colin Lake and Wellbottom will be at the White Eagle. Good to have Colin back in town after an extended stay in New Orleans. . . . 8:30 pm, free

. . . and the Jimmy Boyer Band has the late slot at the Laurelthirst . . . 9:30 pm, $5

Must be something there that can get you out of the house on a Thursday. . . . More later or tomorrow about the weekend.