There's a few standout shows to note for the coming weekend ...
Saturday
Saturday presents a difficult dilemma for me. How can I be in three places at once? On any night I'd be at one of these shows in a heartbeat ... but when they are all on the same night? Okay people, who's checking the master schedule? ... Oh yeah, there isn't one ..... so (help me out here) some of you need to show up at each one of the following:
At the Doug Fir is the previously mentioned Casey Neill & The Norway Rats CD release show ... 9 pm, $10
Over at Mississippi Studios Stephanie Schneiderman and her band will headline a triple bill with Garrison Starr and opener Pat Kearns ... 9 pm, $12
And it's a birthday party at Duff's with Lloyd Jones. Lloyd turned 60 this week and is throwing a bash with his band and a host of invited friends. It will be fun, festive and go until late. Lloyd is one of the most respected members of the blues music community in Portland, and finds it hard to believe he's been at it for 40 years! Come out and help my good friend celebrate ... 9:30 pm, $??
Sunday
There's one I want to mention, and it's a benefit show at the Kennedy School. The 6th Annual Shakers Ball raises money for local Parkinson's disease organizations, and is the brainchild of songrwriter Rob Barteletti. This year's lineup will feature Rob Stroup & the Blame and Nick Peets. You can read more about it at Oregon Music News here. Will be a fine afternoon of music for a great cause ... 2 pm, $10
This blog will cover my ramblings about upcoming live music in and around Portland and recommendations for getting out to clubs and concerts . . . . and whatever else I feel like blathering about.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Thursday music picks
As usual, Thursday shapes up to be a busy night around town ... here's a couple I'll point you towards ...
Big night at the Doug Fir with the CD release show of From Words to Blows ... this is a project of Jess Emerson who has been part of some of the best Portland bands (Amelia, Casey Neill & the Norway Rats to name two). But Jess has stepped out from key sideman to fronting his own band. With Susannah Weaver on bass, Jennie Conlee-Drizos on keyboards and Steve Drizos on drums, this allstar quartet is a solid and entertaining rock band and perfect setting for Jess' tunes. Also on the bill is opener The Very Foundation and Richmond Fontaine, who will close the evening ... 9 pm, $10
It's a progressive jazz evening at The Goodfoot with the Damian Erskine Project and Trio Subtonic. Erskine, one of the most versatile bassists around town, will lead his killer band (includes Ben Darwish on keys and Rinehard Melz on drums) through a set of original tunes that have garnered excellent critical notice. Check out his new CD, So To Speak. Trio Subtonic take it in a slightly more funky direction. Great double bill ... 9 pm, $6
... and at Jimmy Mak's it's Blues Room Thursday with the Mel Brown B3 Organ Band, which this week will feature vocalist Linda Hornbuckle. ... 8 pm, $5
Big night at the Doug Fir with the CD release show of From Words to Blows ... this is a project of Jess Emerson who has been part of some of the best Portland bands (Amelia, Casey Neill & the Norway Rats to name two). But Jess has stepped out from key sideman to fronting his own band. With Susannah Weaver on bass, Jennie Conlee-Drizos on keyboards and Steve Drizos on drums, this allstar quartet is a solid and entertaining rock band and perfect setting for Jess' tunes. Also on the bill is opener The Very Foundation and Richmond Fontaine, who will close the evening ... 9 pm, $10
It's a progressive jazz evening at The Goodfoot with the Damian Erskine Project and Trio Subtonic. Erskine, one of the most versatile bassists around town, will lead his killer band (includes Ben Darwish on keys and Rinehard Melz on drums) through a set of original tunes that have garnered excellent critical notice. Check out his new CD, So To Speak. Trio Subtonic take it in a slightly more funky direction. Great double bill ... 9 pm, $6
... and at Jimmy Mak's it's Blues Room Thursday with the Mel Brown B3 Organ Band, which this week will feature vocalist Linda Hornbuckle. ... 8 pm, $5
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
All Summer Glory
You might recognize the title of this post as the name of a Casey Neill tune ... in fact, it's the lead track off of Casey Neill & the Norway Rats' outstanding new CD, Goodbye to the Rank and File. But the title serves a twofold purpose .... To remind you of Casey's CD release show this coming Saturday, and to point out that the summer concert season will be upon us soon ... in fact, shows have been announced and tickets are on sale.
First Casey. The new CD just knocks me out ... it's absolutely his best yet (and the Norway Rats - Jenny Conlee-Drizos, Chet Lyster, Little Sue, Ezra Hollbrook, Hanz Araki, and Jesse Emerson - are just about my favorite band in Portland). And, this Saturday at the Doug Fir, Casey officially kicks off the release. Whether you're a fan of Casey's or new to his music, I highly recommend this show ... and pick up a copy of the CD ... 9 pm, $10
Next: summer concerts.
Check out the lineup at The Oregon Zoo. A few stand out for me - Carolina Chocolate Drops, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, the Quebe Sisters, The Swell Season and Black Francis, and .... Levon Helm. Holy crap ... Levon ... makes my summer, thank you.
Then there's the McMenamin's Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn, including the Avett Brothers, Crowded House, Pavement, and ...Willie Nelson!
No whining about Maryhill Winery's summer shows that include Lyle Lovett, Jackson Browne with David Lindley, and Natalie Merchant.
Of course the July 4th weekend brings us the Waterfront Blues Festival - once more with an outstanding lineup of national headliners, regional acts, and locals tearing it up for four days in Waterfront Park.
The first weekend of August (6th-8th) brings the annual Pickathon out at Pendarvis Farm, also combining an eclectic mix of touring and local artists ... roots music, folk, bluegrass, indie pop ... in a beautiful setting just outside of Portland.
And there's lots more (like all of the free music in the parks around the region) ... but I'll only mention a couple of indoor shows of note on the schedule - Marcia Ball at the Aladdin on May 26th, David Hildago and Louis Perez (of Los Lobos) at the Aladdin on June 12th, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings at the Crystal Ballroom on June 22nd, and John Hiatt at the Aladdin on August 29th.
Summer music in Portland .... does it get any better? So start filling your calendar ... I'm working on mine...
First Casey. The new CD just knocks me out ... it's absolutely his best yet (and the Norway Rats - Jenny Conlee-Drizos, Chet Lyster, Little Sue, Ezra Hollbrook, Hanz Araki, and Jesse Emerson - are just about my favorite band in Portland). And, this Saturday at the Doug Fir, Casey officially kicks off the release. Whether you're a fan of Casey's or new to his music, I highly recommend this show ... and pick up a copy of the CD ... 9 pm, $10
Next: summer concerts.
Check out the lineup at The Oregon Zoo. A few stand out for me - Carolina Chocolate Drops, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, the Quebe Sisters, The Swell Season and Black Francis, and .... Levon Helm. Holy crap ... Levon ... makes my summer, thank you.
Then there's the McMenamin's Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn, including the Avett Brothers, Crowded House, Pavement, and ...Willie Nelson!
No whining about Maryhill Winery's summer shows that include Lyle Lovett, Jackson Browne with David Lindley, and Natalie Merchant.
Of course the July 4th weekend brings us the Waterfront Blues Festival - once more with an outstanding lineup of national headliners, regional acts, and locals tearing it up for four days in Waterfront Park.
The first weekend of August (6th-8th) brings the annual Pickathon out at Pendarvis Farm, also combining an eclectic mix of touring and local artists ... roots music, folk, bluegrass, indie pop ... in a beautiful setting just outside of Portland.
And there's lots more (like all of the free music in the parks around the region) ... but I'll only mention a couple of indoor shows of note on the schedule - Marcia Ball at the Aladdin on May 26th, David Hildago and Louis Perez (of Los Lobos) at the Aladdin on June 12th, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings at the Crystal Ballroom on June 22nd, and John Hiatt at the Aladdin on August 29th.
Summer music in Portland .... does it get any better? So start filling your calendar ... I'm working on mine...
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Other than the usual .... and one pick for tonight
So I've been feeling like most of my posts recently are of the just-in-time what's going on variety. No rambling missives about other aspects of the live music scene in Portland, what's ahead previews, or the like. My blog feels stale and predictable ... so this week I'm going to take some time to evaluate the design and my writing and make a few changes. Nothing drastic, but I think the design needs an upgrade to accommodate a revised set of resource links (those down the right side). And I think I'll get a couple of posts up that will preview some shows of note happening a little further out than "tonight" ....
Having said that .... though there's lots of great choices tonight, where I'm headed is the last of Tony Furtado's residency series of shows at The Woods. Tony has been inviting a variety of guests each week (says he feels like Ed Sullivan ... but really did you ever hear Ed play guitar and banjo like Tony? Think not.) and the night flies by with a diverse set of songwriters and styles, anchored and interspersed by Tony's music. He's often joined by Stephanie Schneiderman who lends some lovely harmonies to the mix (and an occasional tune of her own). This week includes Scott Law, Matt Hopper and very special guest Kenny White. White is in from NY and will do a somewhat longer set than most. Tony is thrilled to have this long-time songwriter and producer join him for the show. This is an amazing bargin for $7 ... if you've been meaning to head over to The Woods, you should come out tonight. ... Music starts at 8 pm.
Having said that .... though there's lots of great choices tonight, where I'm headed is the last of Tony Furtado's residency series of shows at The Woods. Tony has been inviting a variety of guests each week (says he feels like Ed Sullivan ... but really did you ever hear Ed play guitar and banjo like Tony? Think not.) and the night flies by with a diverse set of songwriters and styles, anchored and interspersed by Tony's music. He's often joined by Stephanie Schneiderman who lends some lovely harmonies to the mix (and an occasional tune of her own). This week includes Scott Law, Matt Hopper and very special guest Kenny White. White is in from NY and will do a somewhat longer set than most. Tony is thrilled to have this long-time songwriter and producer join him for the show. This is an amazing bargin for $7 ... if you've been meaning to head over to The Woods, you should come out tonight. ... Music starts at 8 pm.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Two more shows for Saturday I should have mentioned
Can't believe I missed these yesterday ...
In conjunction with the Bridgetown Comedy Festival, LiveWire Radio will be recording today at Bagdad Theater. Great lineup of comedy ... and music with Michelle Shocked and Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside ... 3 pm (doors at 2pm), $20
And then Michelle Shocked will be doing an intimate evening performance at Mississippi Studios tonight ... 9 pm, $25
Friday, April 23, 2010
The weekend ...
Will try to keep this short and include the entire weekend ...
Friday
Happy hour at the Laurelthirst has an interesting band I've caught at Tony Furtado's shows - Come Gather Round Us ... check them out tonight and next week at the 'Thirst ... 6 pm, no cover
Hang at the Laurelthirst for the late show, as it's the Freak Mountain Ramblers ... 9:30 pm, $??
There's an early show at Mississippi Studios with Meg Huchinson and Storyhill, who are doing a CD release ... 7 pm, $15
Lloyd Jones is at Halibuts ... 8 pm, no cover
It will be a night of Motown and R&B with vocalists Shirley Nanette and Richard Arnold and an all-star band at Jimmy Mak's ... 8 pm, $10
It's swing and rockabilly tonight at Duff's with Vancouver, BC's Petunia & the Vipers ... 9:30 pm, $??
... and the upbeat pop-rock of Dr. Dog will fill the Wonder Ballroom ... 8 pm, $15
Comedy continues with the Bridgetown Comedy Festival all weekend around town ...
Saturday
Curtis Salgado and band (temporarily featuring his long time buddy Lloyd Jones on guitar) will be at Jimmy Mak's ... 8 pm, $20
The very entertaining New England-based folkie, Cheryl Wheeler will be at the Aladdin ... 8 pm, $24
... and toes will be tappin' at the White Eagle with Jackstraw and Sassparilla ... 9:30 pm, $6
Sunday
Once again, it's time for REMEMBER ME 2010, the 3rd Annual Paul deLay Scholarship Benefit Concert featuring Watermelon Slim (subbing for Charlie Musselwhite who is stuck in Europe due to a little volcano), the Curtis Salgado / Alan Hager Duo, Lloyd Jones, D.K. Stewart, Linda Hornbuckle, Rick Welter and a host of others at the Aladdin Theater. Proceeds support the deLay Scholarship at Ethos Music .... 6 pm, $20 in advance, $25/door
Denny Bixby will be at O'Connors. Denny has played nationally and internationally with, among others, Chet Atkins, Mary-Chapin Carpenter, Buddy Miller, Nanci Griffith, and tours with Rodney Crowell when not in Portland working with Jon Koonce, Thad Beckman, Jack McMahon, John Bunzow, etc. He will be joined Sunday by two of his sons - Aaron on bass and Andy on drums - playing R&B, classic rock, and Americana ... 7 pm, $??
OK that's all for now .... maybe I'll post a preview of things ahead in the next day or two, including the Oregon Zoo's summer concerts that were announced this week and are now on sale ...
Friday
Happy hour at the Laurelthirst has an interesting band I've caught at Tony Furtado's shows - Come Gather Round Us ... check them out tonight and next week at the 'Thirst ... 6 pm, no cover
Hang at the Laurelthirst for the late show, as it's the Freak Mountain Ramblers ... 9:30 pm, $??
There's an early show at Mississippi Studios with Meg Huchinson and Storyhill, who are doing a CD release ... 7 pm, $15
Lloyd Jones is at Halibuts ... 8 pm, no cover
It will be a night of Motown and R&B with vocalists Shirley Nanette and Richard Arnold and an all-star band at Jimmy Mak's ... 8 pm, $10
It's swing and rockabilly tonight at Duff's with Vancouver, BC's Petunia & the Vipers ... 9:30 pm, $??
... and the upbeat pop-rock of Dr. Dog will fill the Wonder Ballroom ... 8 pm, $15
Comedy continues with the Bridgetown Comedy Festival all weekend around town ...
Saturday
Curtis Salgado and band (temporarily featuring his long time buddy Lloyd Jones on guitar) will be at Jimmy Mak's ... 8 pm, $20
The very entertaining New England-based folkie, Cheryl Wheeler will be at the Aladdin ... 8 pm, $24
... and toes will be tappin' at the White Eagle with Jackstraw and Sassparilla ... 9:30 pm, $6
Sunday
Once again, it's time for REMEMBER ME 2010, the 3rd Annual Paul deLay Scholarship Benefit Concert featuring Watermelon Slim (subbing for Charlie Musselwhite who is stuck in Europe due to a little volcano), the Curtis Salgado / Alan Hager Duo, Lloyd Jones, D.K. Stewart, Linda Hornbuckle, Rick Welter and a host of others at the Aladdin Theater. Proceeds support the deLay Scholarship at Ethos Music .... 6 pm, $20 in advance, $25/door
Denny Bixby will be at O'Connors. Denny has played nationally and internationally with, among others, Chet Atkins, Mary-Chapin Carpenter, Buddy Miller, Nanci Griffith, and tours with Rodney Crowell when not in Portland working with Jon Koonce, Thad Beckman, Jack McMahon, John Bunzow, etc. He will be joined Sunday by two of his sons - Aaron on bass and Andy on drums - playing R&B, classic rock, and Americana ... 7 pm, $??
OK that's all for now .... maybe I'll post a preview of things ahead in the next day or two, including the Oregon Zoo's summer concerts that were announced this week and are now on sale ...
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Another Thursday
Does it seem like the weekend begins with Thursday night music?
Early choices include The Portland Playboys swinging Duff's (6 pm, $2) and Lewi Longmire rockin' the Laurelthirst (6pm, no cover).
Dan Bern is in town and doing an early show at The Woods. Great opportunity to catch a wonderfully engaging singer/songwriter ... his live shows are a knockout ... 7 pm, $18
As the hands move to the 8 o'clock hour, you can catch Lauren Sheehan with special guest Thad Beckman at the Muddy Rudder. Thad's been touring the world with troubadour Tom Russell ... he and Sheehan will be pickin' some pretty fine acoustic blues ... 8 pm, no cover.
Down at Jimmy Mak's it's Mel Brown's B3 Organ Band, one of the most soulful funky combos in town ... 8 pm, $5
Keeping the funky jazz theme tonight, at the White Eagle it's the danceable grooves of Trio Subtonic .... 8:30 pm, no cover
A couple of the finest retro swing jazz outfits in the Northwest will be at Mississippi Studios - Portland's Midnight Serenaders and Seattle's Casey MacGill's Blue 4 Trio ... 9 pm, $10
Looking for a jammy bluegrass evening .. check out the Sugarcane String Band and the Garcia Birthday Band at The Goodfoot ... 9 pm, $??
... and the Spare Room (4830 NE 42nd) will be rockin' with Brethren Thread and Sweetjuice (highly recommend this one)... 9 pm, $??
And if you're looking for some laughs, tonight starts the four-day Bridgetown Comedy Festival at a number of venues around town.
Early choices include The Portland Playboys swinging Duff's (6 pm, $2) and Lewi Longmire rockin' the Laurelthirst (6pm, no cover).
Dan Bern is in town and doing an early show at The Woods. Great opportunity to catch a wonderfully engaging singer/songwriter ... his live shows are a knockout ... 7 pm, $18
As the hands move to the 8 o'clock hour, you can catch Lauren Sheehan with special guest Thad Beckman at the Muddy Rudder. Thad's been touring the world with troubadour Tom Russell ... he and Sheehan will be pickin' some pretty fine acoustic blues ... 8 pm, no cover.
Down at Jimmy Mak's it's Mel Brown's B3 Organ Band, one of the most soulful funky combos in town ... 8 pm, $5
Keeping the funky jazz theme tonight, at the White Eagle it's the danceable grooves of Trio Subtonic .... 8:30 pm, no cover
A couple of the finest retro swing jazz outfits in the Northwest will be at Mississippi Studios - Portland's Midnight Serenaders and Seattle's Casey MacGill's Blue 4 Trio ... 9 pm, $10
Looking for a jammy bluegrass evening .. check out the Sugarcane String Band and the Garcia Birthday Band at The Goodfoot ... 9 pm, $??
... and the Spare Room (4830 NE 42nd) will be rockin' with Brethren Thread and Sweetjuice (highly recommend this one)... 9 pm, $??
And if you're looking for some laughs, tonight starts the four-day Bridgetown Comedy Festival at a number of venues around town.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Great Tuesday choices
Cutting to the chase ...
It begins with the second show of Tony Furtado's second series at The Woods. If you haven't check out Tony and his rotating assortment of guests, you're missing one of the highlights of the local music scene this year. Today and next Tuesday may be the final ones for a while. Tonight he'll be joined by James Low, Mary Flower, McKinley and a few others for a variety of tasty tunes ... 8 pm, $7
Also have to mention this show at Holocene tonight - the CD release for Guidance Counselor. It's definitely a departure from my musical sweet spot, but I've know Ian Anderson since he was in elementary school and have kept an eye on his growth as a musical artist in town. He's been getting a lot of positive press and working hard at creating something both musically solid, unique and entertaining ... 8:30 pm, $5
What else?
There's happy hour music at the Laurelthirst with Jackstraw (hear they may join Tony tonight too) ... 6 pm, no cover
Vocalist Nancy King and pianist Steve Christofferson are at Tony Starlight's ... 7:30 pm, $7
There's an excellent bill at the Crystal Ballroom tonight with Deer Tick and Dolorean. Here's the headliner in performance at OPB last fall .... 8 pm, $15
The Soul'd Out Festival continues tonight with Steel Pulse at Roseland .... 9 pm
.... and yeah, it's only Tuesday.
It begins with the second show of Tony Furtado's second series at The Woods. If you haven't check out Tony and his rotating assortment of guests, you're missing one of the highlights of the local music scene this year. Today and next Tuesday may be the final ones for a while. Tonight he'll be joined by James Low, Mary Flower, McKinley and a few others for a variety of tasty tunes ... 8 pm, $7
Also have to mention this show at Holocene tonight - the CD release for Guidance Counselor. It's definitely a departure from my musical sweet spot, but I've know Ian Anderson since he was in elementary school and have kept an eye on his growth as a musical artist in town. He's been getting a lot of positive press and working hard at creating something both musically solid, unique and entertaining ... 8:30 pm, $5
What else?
There's happy hour music at the Laurelthirst with Jackstraw (hear they may join Tony tonight too) ... 6 pm, no cover
Vocalist Nancy King and pianist Steve Christofferson are at Tony Starlight's ... 7:30 pm, $7
There's an excellent bill at the Crystal Ballroom tonight with Deer Tick and Dolorean. Here's the headliner in performance at OPB last fall .... 8 pm, $15
The Soul'd Out Festival continues tonight with Steel Pulse at Roseland .... 9 pm
.... and yeah, it's only Tuesday.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Saturday -- Gracie, Kitty, Muddy and Trouble
On Saturday at 5pm you can catch a special free happy hour performance by Dirty Martini to celebrate the opening later this month of McKinley's much anticipated musical, Gracie and the Atom at Artist Repertory Theater (1515 SW Morrison). McKinley will also perform some of the songs from the show and there will be sake and cupcakes for all!
At 7 pm head over to the Mission Theater for this month's Miz Kitty's Parlour. Join Miz Kitty & friends as they turn the Mission Theater into old time vaudeville hall. Guests tonight include the Retta Christie Trio, the sweet harmonies of Come Gather Round Us, and Blaze the Amazing Contortionist .... 7pm, $12
Don't forget The Troublemakers at Portland's best blues house party. Call 503-784-6824 or email Jim Flynn for the address and details ... 7 pm, $10 and BYOB
For a late show, Duff's will be rockin' with a Tribute to Muddy Waters. Some of Portland's best blues players will celebrate what would be Muddy's 95th birthday with some sizzling tunes ... 9 pm, $8
... and for a quieter evening, Miss Michael Jodell and Lara Michel will share the bill at the Press Club ... 8:30 pm, no cover.
At 7 pm head over to the Mission Theater for this month's Miz Kitty's Parlour. Join Miz Kitty & friends as they turn the Mission Theater into old time vaudeville hall. Guests tonight include the Retta Christie Trio, the sweet harmonies of Come Gather Round Us, and Blaze the Amazing Contortionist .... 7pm, $12
Don't forget The Troublemakers at Portland's best blues house party. Call 503-784-6824 or email Jim Flynn for the address and details ... 7 pm, $10 and BYOB
For a late show, Duff's will be rockin' with a Tribute to Muddy Waters. Some of Portland's best blues players will celebrate what would be Muddy's 95th birthday with some sizzling tunes ... 9 pm, $8
... and for a quieter evening, Miss Michael Jodell and Lara Michel will share the bill at the Press Club ... 8:30 pm, no cover.
Saturday is Record Store Day
And in celebration of said day, you should drop by Music Millennium. There will be free gift bags (no purchase necessary), free snacks and sodas, and live music at 1pm with Mother Hips and at 6pm with Black Prairie.
It's Friday .... But fortunately I have the key to escape reality ...
And you may see me tonight with an illegal smile
It don't cost very much, but it lasts a long while
Won't you please tell the man I didn't kill anyone
No I'm just tryin' to have me some fun
Yes, tonight it's John Prine at the Schnitz ... warm, incisive, funny, poignant ... just one of the best in everyone's book. Doesn't get here too often, so if you haven't picked up a ticket, just go. Yeah, it's not cheap, but as the Willamette Week pointed out, for a legend it's a great deal ... 8 pm, $35-55
The Wonder Ballroom has a fine triple bill with Trampled By Turtles, Danny Barnes and local Sallie Ford ... 8 pm, $15
Mississippi Studios has the CD release show of MBilly, who will be joined by the Alialujah Choir and Tara Jane O'Neill ... 9 pm, $8
The Soul'd Out Festival has shows around town with Bernard Purdie, Devotchka and others ... check the schedule for venues, times and cost.
James Low and Damon Dunning (of Celilo) are at the Press Club ... 8:30, no cover
The Lewi Longmire Band and The Low Bones are at the World Famous Kenton Club ... 9 pm, $??
Franck Goldwasser (Paris Slim) and Bob Shoemaker are at Duff's for some tasty guitar workouts ... 9:30 pm, $??
The Pagan Jug Band is at the Laurelthirst ... 9:30 pm, $5
Here's a little of Mr. Prine with Marty Stuart recorded earlier this year:
Now get out to some live music!
It don't cost very much, but it lasts a long while
Won't you please tell the man I didn't kill anyone
No I'm just tryin' to have me some fun
Yes, tonight it's John Prine at the Schnitz ... warm, incisive, funny, poignant ... just one of the best in everyone's book. Doesn't get here too often, so if you haven't picked up a ticket, just go. Yeah, it's not cheap, but as the Willamette Week pointed out, for a legend it's a great deal ... 8 pm, $35-55
The Wonder Ballroom has a fine triple bill with Trampled By Turtles, Danny Barnes and local Sallie Ford ... 8 pm, $15
Mississippi Studios has the CD release show of MBilly, who will be joined by the Alialujah Choir and Tara Jane O'Neill ... 9 pm, $8
The Soul'd Out Festival has shows around town with Bernard Purdie, Devotchka and others ... check the schedule for venues, times and cost.
James Low and Damon Dunning (of Celilo) are at the Press Club ... 8:30, no cover
The Lewi Longmire Band and The Low Bones are at the World Famous Kenton Club ... 9 pm, $??
Franck Goldwasser (Paris Slim) and Bob Shoemaker are at Duff's for some tasty guitar workouts ... 9:30 pm, $??
The Pagan Jug Band is at the Laurelthirst ... 9:30 pm, $5
Here's a little of Mr. Prine with Marty Stuart recorded earlier this year:
Now get out to some live music!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Shows tonight and the Soul'd Out Festival
Wow ... overwhelmingly busy week of work and procrastinated tax returns has me squeezing this in - giving myself about five minutes to get this posted ... so ...
Great 6 pm happy hour choices tonight with -
Chris Miller is at Duff's ... $2
Little Sue at Biddy's ... no cover
and Blue Giant at the Laurelthirst ...no cover
... but of course, feed the tip jars!
Later there's Storm Large and the Balls at Dante's ... 9 pm, $12
and the Piano Throwers at the Laurelthirst ... 9:30 pm, no cover
Earlier this week the inaugural Soul'd Out Music Festival kicked off and continues through this week and next bringing some great acts to venues across Portland. There's a good description on OMN, but check out the schedule of shows that include Brazilian jazz/pop vocalist SeU tonight at the Aladdin and a host of others including Gil Scott-Heron (tomorrow), Buddy Guy, Steel Pulse, Devotchka, Nicholas Payton (also tonight!), and more.
That's it for now ...
Great 6 pm happy hour choices tonight with -
Chris Miller is at Duff's ... $2
Little Sue at Biddy's ... no cover
and Blue Giant at the Laurelthirst ...no cover
... but of course, feed the tip jars!
Later there's Storm Large and the Balls at Dante's ... 9 pm, $12
and the Piano Throwers at the Laurelthirst ... 9:30 pm, no cover
Earlier this week the inaugural Soul'd Out Music Festival kicked off and continues through this week and next bringing some great acts to venues across Portland. There's a good description on OMN, but check out the schedule of shows that include Brazilian jazz/pop vocalist SeU tonight at the Aladdin and a host of others including Gil Scott-Heron (tomorrow), Buddy Guy, Steel Pulse, Devotchka, Nicholas Payton (also tonight!), and more.
That's it for now ...
Friday, April 9, 2010
Friday and Saturday shows that aren't taxing
With April 15th looming, I figure my procrastination can continue just a little longer - what better way not to think about 1040s and Schedule Cs then to head out to some live music .... here's a few for tonight and tomorrow.
Friday
For early music, check out Woodbrain at the Laurelthirst for their monthly 2nd Friday happy hour show ... 6 pm, no cover
Claudia Schmidt is in town and performing tonight at The Woods with her good friend (and Portlander) Mary Flower. Whether performing folk, blues or jazz over her almost 40-year career, Claudia has been a consummate entertainer and continues to tour as a vibrant and vital member of the world's music community .... 8 pm, $15
Jazz bassist Damian Erskine has his CD release show tonight at Jimmy Mak's - check out So To Speak, his new release that is garnering critical praise. The Ben Darwish Group opens ... 8 pm, $10
Another CD release is happening tonight at O'Connors in Multnomah Village with the fine country swing and jazz of the Retta Christie Trio featuring the sublime Dave Frishberg on piano, Dave Evans on clarinet and sax, and Retta's fine vocals ... 8pm, $10
Solid triple bill at Mississippi Studios with Blue Cranes, The Physical Hearts and Brothers Young ... 9 pm, $10
Ron Rogers and the Wailing Wind will be playing at Eugenio's (3584 SE Division) ... 7:30 pm, no cover
The Beautiful Train Wrecks and Patina are at the Laurelthirst ... 9:30 pm, $5
Robb Stroup & The Blame and The Redeemed are at Biddy McGraw's ... 9:30 pm, no cover
Saturday
The fine jazz, boogie and blues of pianist and raconteur David Vest can be heard tonight at Jimmy Mak's. David's shows are always a blast ... 8 pm, $10
Lauren Sheehan and friends (Terry Robb, Johnnie Ward, Laura Quigley, Strawberry Rune) will be at Backgate Stage at Artichoke Music. This show is a dual fundraiser - to support Artichoke Music and to help fund the production of Lauren's new CD ... 8 pm, $10
Speaking of fundraisers, there's another at the Laurelthirst tonight for the Don of Division Street help defray healthcare costs for his faithful dog, Dylan. Dylan for Dylan has Chris Robley & the Fear of Heights, Scott McCaughey, Casey Neill, Lael Alderman, Lewi Longmire, Ezra Holbrook, Celilo, and many more perform a handful of Bob Dylan songs to help Matt Cadenelli and his pup. 9:30 pm, suggested donation is $5-$15
BTW, you can catch the Little Sue Band at the Laurelthirst happy hour @ 6 pm.
It's indie-folk time at The Woods with A Weather and Alialujah Choir... 9 pm, $7
Gavin Wahl-Stephens and The New Americans are at the White Eagle ... 9:30 pm, $6
.... and Mark Knopfler is in town at the Keller Auditorium ... 8 pm, $66
Friday
For early music, check out Woodbrain at the Laurelthirst for their monthly 2nd Friday happy hour show ... 6 pm, no cover
Claudia Schmidt is in town and performing tonight at The Woods with her good friend (and Portlander) Mary Flower. Whether performing folk, blues or jazz over her almost 40-year career, Claudia has been a consummate entertainer and continues to tour as a vibrant and vital member of the world's music community .... 8 pm, $15
Jazz bassist Damian Erskine has his CD release show tonight at Jimmy Mak's - check out So To Speak, his new release that is garnering critical praise. The Ben Darwish Group opens ... 8 pm, $10
Another CD release is happening tonight at O'Connors in Multnomah Village with the fine country swing and jazz of the Retta Christie Trio featuring the sublime Dave Frishberg on piano, Dave Evans on clarinet and sax, and Retta's fine vocals ... 8pm, $10
Solid triple bill at Mississippi Studios with Blue Cranes, The Physical Hearts and Brothers Young ... 9 pm, $10
Ron Rogers and the Wailing Wind will be playing at Eugenio's (3584 SE Division) ... 7:30 pm, no cover
The Beautiful Train Wrecks and Patina are at the Laurelthirst ... 9:30 pm, $5
Robb Stroup & The Blame and The Redeemed are at Biddy McGraw's ... 9:30 pm, no cover
Saturday
The fine jazz, boogie and blues of pianist and raconteur David Vest can be heard tonight at Jimmy Mak's. David's shows are always a blast ... 8 pm, $10
Lauren Sheehan and friends (Terry Robb, Johnnie Ward, Laura Quigley, Strawberry Rune) will be at Backgate Stage at Artichoke Music. This show is a dual fundraiser - to support Artichoke Music and to help fund the production of Lauren's new CD ... 8 pm, $10
Speaking of fundraisers, there's another at the Laurelthirst tonight for the Don of Division Street help defray healthcare costs for his faithful dog, Dylan. Dylan for Dylan has Chris Robley & the Fear of Heights, Scott McCaughey, Casey Neill, Lael Alderman, Lewi Longmire, Ezra Holbrook, Celilo, and many more perform a handful of Bob Dylan songs to help Matt Cadenelli and his pup. 9:30 pm, suggested donation is $5-$15
BTW, you can catch the Little Sue Band at the Laurelthirst happy hour @ 6 pm.
It's indie-folk time at The Woods with A Weather and Alialujah Choir... 9 pm, $7
Gavin Wahl-Stephens and The New Americans are at the White Eagle ... 9:30 pm, $6
.... and Mark Knopfler is in town at the Keller Auditorium ... 8 pm, $66
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Wednesday treats
There's a happy hour treat tonight at the Laurelthirst tonight with Blue Giant, a project of Decemberist Chris Funk and Kevin and Anita Robinson (Viva Voce) ... 6 pm, no cover
Another treat for tonight is a free show by John Hiatt at Music Millennium to promote his new recording, The Open Road. The caveat is that you need to purchase the CD and get a voucher for admission to the performance. Have been listening to it now for a couple of weeks and have to say it's another really fine set of Hiatt-penned tunes. Hopefully he'll be back at the Aladdin with the band later this year ... 7 pm.
Storm Large is going to pack Dante's for the first of three April performances that revisit her old stomping ground ... tonight it's quiet acoustic-ish with Holcombe Waller. Next week it will rock loud with The Balls ... 9 pm, $20
The space-funky Mars Retrieval Unit is at the White Eagle ... 8:30 pm, no cover
And for bluegrass fans, Yonder Mountain String Band is in town for a show at the Crystal Ballroom ... 9 pm, $30
On the radar for the rest of the week:
The Church at Mississippi Studios on Thursday
Claudia Schmidt and Mary Flower at The Woods on Friday
David Vest at Jimmy Mak's on Saturday
and Mark Knofler will be in town at Keller Auditorium on Saturday (tickets are $66 ...ouch)
Another treat for tonight is a free show by John Hiatt at Music Millennium to promote his new recording, The Open Road. The caveat is that you need to purchase the CD and get a voucher for admission to the performance. Have been listening to it now for a couple of weeks and have to say it's another really fine set of Hiatt-penned tunes. Hopefully he'll be back at the Aladdin with the band later this year ... 7 pm.
Storm Large is going to pack Dante's for the first of three April performances that revisit her old stomping ground ... tonight it's quiet acoustic-ish with Holcombe Waller. Next week it will rock loud with The Balls ... 9 pm, $20
The space-funky Mars Retrieval Unit is at the White Eagle ... 8:30 pm, no cover
And for bluegrass fans, Yonder Mountain String Band is in town for a show at the Crystal Ballroom ... 9 pm, $30
On the radar for the rest of the week:
The Church at Mississippi Studios on Thursday
Claudia Schmidt and Mary Flower at The Woods on Friday
David Vest at Jimmy Mak's on Saturday
and Mark Knofler will be in town at Keller Auditorium on Saturday (tickets are $66 ...ouch)
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Saturday and Sunday picks
You might want to make like the Easter Bunny and hop on over to one of these shows ...
Saturday
Solid triple bill of songwriters at The Woods tonight with Anais Mitchell, Jeffrey Foucault and local Kele Goodwin. Northeasterners Mitchell and Focault are both top-notch writers and performers and having them on the same bill is a treat ... 9 pm, $12
The Stolen Sweets are at Tony Starlight's ... 8 pm, $12
The Midnight Serenaders are at Duff's Garage ... 9:30 pm, $??
Little Sue and Lynn Conover have the happy hour (6 pm, no cover), and the Jimmy Boyer Band the late show at the Laurelthirst ... 9:30 pm, $??
The fine blues guitar playing of Alan Hagar can be heard tonight at the Muddy Rudder ... 8 pm, no cover
It will be a fun show with Berthaline & the Cajun Love Brigade and Adam & Kris (and friends) at the Alberta Street Pub ... 9pm, $??
Paula Sinclair is back after a performing hiatus with her new band, The Pistols, along with Emily Herring and Henpecked at Biddy McGraws ... 9 pm, no cover
Sunday
Going to call out what should be a great show at the Crystal Ballroom. Over the past decade I have become a huge fan of the writing and singing of Patty Griffin. Her newest CD, Downtown Church doesn't feature her writing, but puts her amazing vocals front and center on a set of traditional gospel tunes. With Buddy Miller producing and collaborating with vocalists like the McCrary Sisters, Mike Farris, Emmylou Harris, Julie Miller and Raul Malo resulted in a truly powerful and moving recording. Joined on tour by Buddy Miller, this is one show not to be missed ... 8 pm, $32
Saturday
Solid triple bill of songwriters at The Woods tonight with Anais Mitchell, Jeffrey Foucault and local Kele Goodwin. Northeasterners Mitchell and Focault are both top-notch writers and performers and having them on the same bill is a treat ... 9 pm, $12
The Stolen Sweets are at Tony Starlight's ... 8 pm, $12
The Midnight Serenaders are at Duff's Garage ... 9:30 pm, $??
Little Sue and Lynn Conover have the happy hour (6 pm, no cover), and the Jimmy Boyer Band the late show at the Laurelthirst ... 9:30 pm, $??
The fine blues guitar playing of Alan Hagar can be heard tonight at the Muddy Rudder ... 8 pm, no cover
It will be a fun show with Berthaline & the Cajun Love Brigade and Adam & Kris (and friends) at the Alberta Street Pub ... 9pm, $??
Paula Sinclair is back after a performing hiatus with her new band, The Pistols, along with Emily Herring and Henpecked at Biddy McGraws ... 9 pm, no cover
Sunday
Going to call out what should be a great show at the Crystal Ballroom. Over the past decade I have become a huge fan of the writing and singing of Patty Griffin. Her newest CD, Downtown Church doesn't feature her writing, but puts her amazing vocals front and center on a set of traditional gospel tunes. With Buddy Miller producing and collaborating with vocalists like the McCrary Sisters, Mike Farris, Emmylou Harris, Julie Miller and Raul Malo resulted in a truly powerful and moving recording. Joined on tour by Buddy Miller, this is one show not to be missed ... 8 pm, $32
Friday, April 2, 2010
Friday night music
Gotta say last night's Black Prairie show at The Woods was really fine - with a packed house that seemed to include every musician who didn't have a Thursday night gig. But that's the past ...forward into the (near) future!
Pick show for the night is Nick Jaina's CD release show at the Doug Fir. Here's the story from today's A&E. Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside also on the bill. Should be a full house for a great show .... 9 pm, $10
Rob Stroup & The Blame is at the Laurelthirst for happy hour - subbing for James Low who is ill ... 6 pm, no cover
Adventurous jazz at Tabor Space (5441 SE Belmont St) with pianist/composer Wayne Horvitz, joined by Briggan Kraus on sax and Le Quan Ninh on percussion ... 7 pm, $15
Vagabond Opera and performers from the Wanderlust Circus will perform tonight at Mississippi Studios in a show to kick off a fund raising effort to Queen of Knives, an opera by Vagabond's Eric Stern ... this will be very entertaining .... 9 pm, $10-25 sliding scale ... and there's a live auction.
String Cheesemonger Bill Nershi hosts the second installment of the Cascadia Acoustic Music series at The Woods. This show features Elephant Revival, an experimental folk group from Colorado. Here's a story about the show from Oregon Music News ... 9 pm, $15
Linda Hornbuckle is at Halibuts ... 8 pm, no cover
The Lewi Longmire Band is at Biddy McGraw's ... 9:30 pm, no cover
DK Stewart & the Soul Survivor Horns are at Duff's ... 9:30 pm, $??
For the westsiders, Jon Koonce & One More Mile are at the Rock Creek Tavern ... 9 pm, no cover
Pick show for the night is Nick Jaina's CD release show at the Doug Fir. Here's the story from today's A&E. Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside also on the bill. Should be a full house for a great show .... 9 pm, $10
Rob Stroup & The Blame is at the Laurelthirst for happy hour - subbing for James Low who is ill ... 6 pm, no cover
Adventurous jazz at Tabor Space (5441 SE Belmont St) with pianist/composer Wayne Horvitz, joined by Briggan Kraus on sax and Le Quan Ninh on percussion ... 7 pm, $15
Vagabond Opera and performers from the Wanderlust Circus will perform tonight at Mississippi Studios in a show to kick off a fund raising effort to Queen of Knives, an opera by Vagabond's Eric Stern ... this will be very entertaining .... 9 pm, $10-25 sliding scale ... and there's a live auction.
String Cheesemonger Bill Nershi hosts the second installment of the Cascadia Acoustic Music series at The Woods. This show features Elephant Revival, an experimental folk group from Colorado. Here's a story about the show from Oregon Music News ... 9 pm, $15
Linda Hornbuckle is at Halibuts ... 8 pm, no cover
The Lewi Longmire Band is at Biddy McGraw's ... 9:30 pm, no cover
DK Stewart & the Soul Survivor Horns are at Duff's ... 9:30 pm, $??
For the westsiders, Jon Koonce & One More Mile are at the Rock Creek Tavern ... 9 pm, no cover
Thursday, April 1, 2010
No fooling this April 1
Suppose I could tell you that Paul McCartney was in town to do karaoke at a dive bar on 82nd Ave tonight, but you probably wouldn't buy that would you? Didn't think so ...
But you certainly wouldn't be a fool to head out to music tonight, 'cause it's Thursday and there's always good music around town.
Let's start with early sets -
Per usual, Lewi Longmire has the happy hour slot at the Laurelthirst (6 pm, no cover) and Pete Krebs and the Portland Playboys are at Duff's (6 pm, $2).
Stephanie Schneiderman does her "Cocktail Hour" show (7 pm, no cover) at Jimmy Mak's, followed by the Mel Brown B3 Organ Band ... 8pm, $5
Pancake Breakfast plays some tasty tunes at the Kennedy School ... 7 pm, free
At Wilf's it's a couple of fine vocalists teaming up - Rebecca Kilgore and Susanna Mars - for a special performance ... 7:30 pm, $15
Lauren Sheehan will be at the Muddy Rudder ... 8 pm, no cover
A bit later ...
At The Woods it's Black Prairie - a project of three members of the Decemberists and a few friends - consider it quirky bluegrass-ish, but should be pretty cool and it celebrates the release of their CD on Sugar Hill Records ... 9 pm, $12
And, there's bluegrass with the Sugarcane String Band at the East Burn ... 10 pm, $??
But you certainly wouldn't be a fool to head out to music tonight, 'cause it's Thursday and there's always good music around town.
Let's start with early sets -
Per usual, Lewi Longmire has the happy hour slot at the Laurelthirst (6 pm, no cover) and Pete Krebs and the Portland Playboys are at Duff's (6 pm, $2).
Stephanie Schneiderman does her "Cocktail Hour" show (7 pm, no cover) at Jimmy Mak's, followed by the Mel Brown B3 Organ Band ... 8pm, $5
Pancake Breakfast plays some tasty tunes at the Kennedy School ... 7 pm, free
At Wilf's it's a couple of fine vocalists teaming up - Rebecca Kilgore and Susanna Mars - for a special performance ... 7:30 pm, $15
Lauren Sheehan will be at the Muddy Rudder ... 8 pm, no cover
A bit later ...
At The Woods it's Black Prairie - a project of three members of the Decemberists and a few friends - consider it quirky bluegrass-ish, but should be pretty cool and it celebrates the release of their CD on Sugar Hill Records ... 9 pm, $12
And, there's bluegrass with the Sugarcane String Band at the East Burn ... 10 pm, $??
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