The big stuff this weekend

Musicfest NW revs into gear today and runs through Sunday ... lots of music ... tons of music- local and touring ... multiple genres .... multiple venues around town.  Am I going to point out which shows you should check out?  Not really.  There's just too much .... but I will point you to some good resources to check out the artists, music, etc:
The schedule
Oregon Music News
Oregonian (Ryan White)
Willamette Week

More big stuff for the weekend:
You can also get out of town and head to the mountains ... to beautiful central Oregon and the Sisters Folk Festival ... starts Friday evening and runs through Sunday afternoon.  Beautiful location, great acts, and multiple opportunities to see performances ... daily tickets run $35-65 or $95 for three-day pass.

Or head to the coast Saturday for the inaugural DME Big Easy Express, an afternoon musical train trip. There will be music in a park in Garibaldi before and after the trip, music and food on the train (even dancing) ... and a limited number of participants (about 100 or so).  The music will focus on that of New Orleans and Louisiana with Reggie Houston, Steve Kerin, the Too Loose Cajun Band, Peter Dammann, Lady A, and Mac Potts. Should be quite a fun day at the coast ... Tickets are $118 and you still might be able to score one (though it is just about sold out) - probably best to call 503-292-5055 for reservations.

Also on Saturday, and closer to home, is the Muddy Boot Organic Festival with music on Saturday and Sunday from a host of great local artists including Casey Neill, Sallie Ford, Jackstraw, and The Dimes ... lots of vendors and exhibits too promoting the green and organic lifestyle ... $5 per day

On Sunday, there's a big Gulfsongs Oregon benefit blues show at the Trails End Saloon. Produced for Gulfsongs by the Cascade Blues Association, the show will feature the Robbie Laws Trio, Ellen Whyte and Dave Mulany, the Karen Lovely Band (with special guest Kevin Selfe), The Insomniacs, the David Samuel Project, the Ben Rice Band, and Eric Tweed with The Devil's Advocate and special guest David Brothers ... a seven hour event! Music starts at 1 PM, $10-20 suggested donation. Drop by and catch some tunes and support our neighbors on the Louisiana Gulf Coast who have been hurt by the BP oil disaster.

Those are just some of the choices for the weekend ... don't let it give you a headache trying to decide where to go!