Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Last post for 2010 (unless there's another)

Thanks to all for reading my live music recommendations in 2010 .... I appreciate all the feedback I've received to keep this going and that it actually does help folks sometimes sort through the extensive list of venues and artists playing Portland on any particular night.  I'm pleased to be able to add my voice to supporting live music!

So, get out when you can, generously support your local musicians and venues, and let the music lift your spirits ....

I'm going take a couple weeks off from writing recommendations (at least that's the plan) ... I might have a guest blogger (or not), and I might (or not) post once or twice from my vacation on Delbert McClinton's Sandy Beaches Cruise ... can't wait to see my cruise buddies and some of my favorite musicians.

See you out and about in 2011!  I'll get back to posting recommendations around the 20th of January.

Happy New Year!

OMN’s New Year’s Eve Music Guide

Oregon Music News has done a fabulous job with their list of NYE shows (saved me a ton of work!) ... go through and take your pick, as there are some wonderful choices if you plan to head out for music Friday night.

OMN’s New Year’s Eve Music Guide

They did miss one I'll add here:
The Laurelthirst has Two Beers Veirs' New Years with Jackstraw
(A night of festivities with Laura Veirs, Chris Funk, Annalisa Tornfelt, Nate Query, John Moen, and more!)
9:30 pm / $20 ... Advance tickets available

Vie de Boheme Winery (SE 7th & Clay) has a NYE celebration with

My top picks: Duff's Garage, Laurelthirst, Mission Theater, The Blue Monk, Bossa Nova Ballroom, Vino Vixens (for mellower evening) ... but lots of choices, so pick what works for you .... or simply stay home, gather a few special friends, and toast in the New Year if you can stay awake until midnight. Sounds perfectly sane to me.

Have a very Happy New Year everyone!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Fwd: 2011 Masters of American Song deals

Just got this from Thad Beckman who will be performing on the 2011 Masters of American Song train trip January ... sounds like they're making deals to fill the train ... 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: THAD BECKMAN

Howdy,
Apparently there are a few seats left for the upcoming Jesse Winchester, Jimmy Webb, Tom Russell train in January and they are offering a "two for one" for couples and a healthy discount for singles.  Contact Sarah at  trains@sover.net if you want more info.
 
Thanks,
Thad
www.thadbeckman.com




Wednesday, December 22, 2010

If you have time to check out some music tonight

Wasn't going to post ... didn't think anyone would really pay attention, but there are some good choices for a little respite from holiday prep ... music make spirits bright ... 

It was totally fun at O'Connor's on Sunday night with the Harmony Rockets (Jon Koonce, Lloyd Jones, Albert Reda, and Denny Bixby) ... so much so, that they're doing another performance tonight ... 8 pm, $5

At the Laurelthirst, it's the Paul Brainard Fun Machine Christmas ... who know's what will get pulled out of the musical bag ... 9 pm, no cover.   And if you show up for happy hour, it's Morgan Geer and Root Jack.

Speaking of happy hour ... Little Sue does her regular Wednesday at Biddy McGraws before joining Paul and the gang at the Laurelthirst.

Swing Papillon is at the Press Club ... 8:30 pm, no cover

There's also a free show at Mississippi Studios with 
Duover, Bret Vogel (of Incredible Yacht Machine and Sam Cooper (of Horse Feathers) ... 9 pm, free

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Twas the weekend before Christmas, part 3

More and more pre-holiday cheer ...

Saturday:

LiveWire Radio's holiday show tapes tonight at the Alberta Rose Theatre with guests Gus Van Sant and Carrie Brownstein, and music from Thao Nguyen and Obo Addy.  Advance tickets are sold out, but there may be some available at the box office at 7:15, so show up and hope for the holiday gift ... 7:30 pm, $20

Kate Davis continues her two night run at Wilf's ... 6 & 8 pm, $10 plus $15 minimum food & drink

It's vaudeville style entertainment at Miss Kitty's Parlour at the Mission Theater ... 7 pm, $12

At the Laurelthirst there's a free show tonight from Dolorean. It's a CD release show with special guest Meridian (Darrin Craig, Chris Beck, David Lipkind, Chris Martin , Jesse Bates, and Lewi Longmire) ... only 150 people will be admitted, so get there early - show starts at 9:30 pm.

The Alan Jones Sextet will bring it's hard-hitting post bop jazz to Jimmy Mak's tonight in another CD release show.  Alan is one of the most respected jazz drummers in the world, and it's great to see him working out with his various projects when he's home in Portland ... 8 pm, $10

The beat goes Brazilian tonight at the Wonder Ballroom with the Lions of Batucada ... 9 pm, $12

At Dante's it's the 12th Annual Jesus Presley Christmas Show and Jeremy Wilson Foundation Fundraiser for musician's healthcare ... 9 pm, $8

Artichoke Music throws it's annual holiday show and CD release of its compilation, Artichoke Nights, featuring 20 artists who've played the stage there ... 8 pm, $10

Sunday
Really excellent show at the Alberta Rose Theatre with Geoff Muldaur and Jim Kweskin.  Geoff and Jim have played music together since the 1960's jug band days of the Kweskin Jug Band ... this is going to be a lot of fun and will celebrate the release of a DVD from them ... 8 pm, $30

O'Connor's in Multnomah Village has the Harmony Rockets.  Jon Koonce, Lloyd Jones, Albert Reda, and Denny Bixby have put together a fun project of old friends that bring a diverse set of songs and styles and make it all entertain ... 7 pm, $5

And it you happened to be headed to Mt Hood (or want a reason to) ... Rosie Flores will bring her fine Christmasville show (dynamite last night at Duff's) to the Skyway in Zig Zag .... a little apres-ski rockabilly! ... 6 pm, $5

Here's Kweskin and Muldaur with the Texas Sheiks ...


... and as a duo.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Twas the weekend before Christmas, part 2

Twas the weekend before Christmas and all through Portland, folks were headed out to great live music!

Consider these for Friday ...

The fabulous bassist/vocalist Kate Davis has a two night run (2 shows per night) at Wilf's.  Now all of 19, Kate has a voice and jazz chops well beyond her years.  Back for the holidays from her studies in NYC (Manhattan School of Music - here's a listen to the school's jazz quintet that Kate is part of), she'll be playing with her fine trio.  There's be some holiday tunes in the mix (Kate recently released a holiday CD) .... shows tonight and tomorrow at 6 and 8 pm - $10 cover and $15 food/drink minimum.

K.M.R.I.A. concludes its two-night run at the Secret Society ... and I found out this is the last time to catch them for quite a while, as there will be no St. Pat's shows this year due to touring commitments from the various band members ... 9 pm, $12

The Stolen Sweets bring their sweet retro/modern jazz vocals to the Alberta Rose Theatre. Flamenco duo Cuadro Picadueña opens ... 8 pm, $15

Austin's Rosie Flores (the Queen of Rockabilly) brings her Christmasville show to Duff's Garage tonight ... Lisa & Her Kin will open for their good friend Rosie .... 9 pm, $10

Blues Fridays at Vino Vixens tonight features the fine songwriting of Billy D ... 8 pm, $5

Fernando will be at the Laurlethirst - great to see him out playing more gigs these days - one of Portland's best songwriters and compelling performers. Drunken Prayer opens ... 9:30 pm, $7

KINK throws a holiday blues bash at the Roseland tonight with some of the hottest locals - the Ty Curtis Band, Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes, Lisa Mann, and The Insomniacs ... too much fun! This is also a benefit for the Sunshine Division, so also bring a contribution of canned food ... 7 pm, $12

Ron Rogers and Dave Grafe will be at Eugenio's (SE 36th & Division) ... 7 pm, no cover

It will be all about the groove tonight at Jimmy Mak's with Trio Subtonic and Philly's Phunkestra laying it down jazzy, funky and soulful ... 8 pm, $10

Looks like an excellent show at the Crystal Ballroom tonight with the Portland Cello Project  featuring collaborations with The Corin Tucker Band, Typhoon, Golden Bears and the PHAME Academy Choir ... 8 pm, $18

Guitarist Charlie Hunter is touring to support his new CD, Public Domain, and will be at Mississippi Studios ... 8 pm,  $18

Sheesh ... and there's more tomorrow and Sunday ....

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Twas the weekend before Christmas, part 1

And Portland is rocking ... so push pause on your holiday prep and whatever other busyness has you distracted and consider gathering some friends and heading out to enjoy music together.  Hey ... even pay their cover - better gift than cookies or a pair of socks!

I'm finally mostly over my crud (hope y'all aren't suffering with the nasty cold that's been making the rounds) and ready to get out tonight to hear some tunes.  The problem is what to choose ... too many great options for tonight ...

For early no cover happy hour music music - of course there's Lewi Longmire at the Laurelthirst (6 pm), but you can also try the Lincoln Crockett Electric Trio at the White Eagle (5:30 pm), Rollie Tussing at the Secret Society Ballroom (6 pm), or Morgan Grace at Biddy McGraws (6 pm).

What something a little more holiday-themed?  Best bet tonight is the Celtic Christmas Celebration at the Alberta Rose Theatre with Molly’s Revenge, Moira Smiley, and the Gabrielle Maher Irish Dancers ... 7:30 pm, $20

It will packed tonight over at The Woods for their first annual Holiday Special with a host of Portland indie music acts performing holiday songs and other faves ... and this is a bargain at $5 ... 8 pm

At Duff's Garage tonight, KMHD DJ and all-round music maven, Jane Manning, celebrates her birthday and the holiday season with JaneFest featuring the muliti-award winning and nominated Karen Lovely Band.  Come out and celebrate with Jane! ... 9 pm, $10

Twice a year (holiday time and St Patrick's Day), Irish and punk music fans look forward to the rollicking shows of K.M.R.I.A., the all star Pogues tribute band (Scott McCaughey, Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee, Casey Neill, Hanz Araki, Jesse Emerson, Ezra Holbrook, and Derek Brown).  Tonight begins a two night run at the Secret Society.  Get your tickets here - they are going fast ... 9 pm, $12

It time for the Monsters of Accordion at the Kennedy School with special guest Eric Stern of Vagabond Opera ... 7 pm, $10

Mel Brown has his souflul B3 Organ Band in the usual Thursday slot at Jimmy Mak's ... 8 pm, $5

Lauren Sheehan is at the Muddy Rudder ... 8 pm, no cover

Steve Kerin will be massaging the keys of the Chapel Pub's organ ... taking your requests all evening for holiday songs (or anything else you might think of) ... 8 pm, free

Lloyd Jones and band are again doing a regular Thursday night at the Tillicum Club (and a lot of folks are very happy!) ... 8 pm, no cover

Thursdays at The Blue Monk rotate between the blues duo of Curtis Salgado and Alan Hagar with the jazz band of Alan Jones ... tonight it's Salgado and Hagar .... 8 pm, $10

Wendy & The Lost Boys bring their high energy acoustic tunes to the Alberta Street Pub ... 9 pm, $??

See ... how you gonna decide?  Pick something to brighten the holiday season .... and more coming for the weekend!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Friday quick picks for 12/10

Wasn't sure I was even going to get to this ... been laid pretty low by a nasty cold this week ... but there's a few shows I'll point out (not that I'll be out to any tonight) ...

Happy hour?  You can bounce around the Laurelthirst with the Quick and Easy Boys ... 6 pm, no cover

Some fine straight ahead jazz at Jimmy Mak's with the Devin Phillips Quartet  ..  8 pm, $10

More fine jazz at the Cafe Bijou with Nancy King, Steve Christofferson, Todd Strait, Cheryl Alex and Tom Wakeling ... 8 pm,  $??

Holiday music ... The Trail Band are in the midst of their annual run of shows at the Aladdin ... probably no better musically satisfying holiday show in town .... Seating is reserved and prices run from $12.50 to $37 .... probably a few seats left and there are matinée and evening performances through Sunday.  Good story/review of Holidays With The Trail Band at Oregon Music News.

More holiday music ... it's time for a Gospel Christmas at the Schnitz tonight ... 7:30 pm, $23

A band that is shaping into a really fun project, Bethaline and the Love Brigade, will be at The Blue Monk ... it's a beach party, so dress appropriately! ... 9 pm, $5

Lloyd Jones (trio tonight) at Halibuts ... 8 pm, no cover

Billy D & the Hoodoos will be rocking the Trails End Saloon tonight .... 8 pm, $??

The Press Club has Matt Candenelli (the Don of Division Street) and Ceilio & Friends ... 8:30 pm, no cover

It's the second night of what looks like a really fascinating show at the Alberta Rose ... A White Album Christmas ... but hear it's sold out ... 8 pm

Also sold out is the annual KINK holiday show at Roseland featuring the Doobie Brothers, Michael Franti, and Leon Russell ... 7 pm, $45

Alert for two events tomorrow -
You can pick up some great music posters at Music Millennium this weekend at the Voodoocatbox annual holiday sale ... good story of Gary Houston and his fine poster art at Oregon Music News.

And there's a final 2010 Gulfsongs Oregon benefit show at the Ash Street Saloon.  Three bands that originally wanted to play the summer series, but could make schedules work are teaming for a killer high energy triple bill.  Come and get sweaty with Sasspirilla, Cicada Omega, and Hillstomp ... with between and post-set spins from DJ HWY 7 ... $10 is the suggested door admission to continue Gulfsongs' aid to folks in Louisiana hurt by the oil disaster (you still remember that, don't cha?)

Saturday, December 4, 2010

More music choices for the weekend

Bunch of fine shows for Saturday night ...

LiveWire records tonight at the Alberta Rose with musical guests Laura Viers and Mimicking Birds ... 7:30 pm, $15/30

Kris Deelane is at the Edgefield ... 7 pm, no cover

Laura Ivancie will be at Vie de Boheme, this new winery/wine bar (at SE 7th and Clay) has potential for being a very cool space for music ... check it out (great wine selection too!) ...  7:30 pm, no cover

The Goodfoot gets soulful and funky with Philly's Phunkestra and headliner the McTuff Trio with special guest Devin Phillips ... 9 pm, $8

The high energy Eastern European sounds of Chervona will rock the Secret Society tonight ... 9 pm, $7

Rob Stroup & the Blame are at Biddy McGraw's.  Rob's new recording, Glass Ceilings, is one of my favorite local releases of 2010 ... 9 pm, no cover

The legendary Bob Mould is doing a acoustic set at Mississippi Studios tonight ..9 pm, $20

The Knuckleheads (tonight with Curtis Salgado and Steve Kerin) will be rockin' Duff's ... 9:30 pm, $10

The Strange Tones are at the Trails End Saloon ... 9 pm, $??

Lloyd Jones and band are at the Cascade Bar & Grill in Vancover ... 9 pm, $??

And for Sunday ....
An evening with two awsomely engaging storytellin' singer songwriters says the tagline at Mississippi Studios ... and that is truth in advertising ... Steve Poltz and Anya Marina ... 8 pm, $17

The Misty River Band does their Harmony for the Holidays show at the Aladdin. Guitarist Doug Smith opens ... 2 pm, $22.50

Two holiday shows at the Alberta Rose Theatre - Cascadia Yulegrass with Darol Anger and friends ... 2 pm and 8 pm,  $20

The Parson Red Heads are at the Edgefield ... 7 pm, no cover

Friday, December 3, 2010

Friday, Dec 3rd live music picks

Here's what I've got ...

It's first Friday, so that means James Low does his happy hour show at the Laurelthirst (6 pm, no cover). James is getting ready to head into the studio (finally!) to record many of the excellent tunes he's been writing and performing for the last few years.

Or you can check out The Brazillionaires at Secret Society (6 pm, no cover).

Over at Vino Vixens, the Troublemakers create a quieter than usual trouble in the wine shop's comfortable back room ... 8 pm, $5

It certainly won't be quiet at Duff's with the DK Stewart Sextet including the Soul Survivor Horns and Lloyd Jones on guitar tonight ... big dancing fun on SE 7th ... 9 pm, $10

Black Prairie, Old Light and Richie Young form a fine triple bill at the Alberta Rose Theatre ... 9 pm, $12

Should be a fun show at the Secret Society with creative banjo master (among other things) Danny Barnes ... 9 pm, $10

At the Tonic Lounge there's a John Lennon Tribute Show with  Matthew Lindley, Miriam’s Well, Justin Klump, and more ... 9 pm, $7 and all proceeds will be going to benefit the Portland Police Bureau's Sunshine Division that provides emergency food relief.

Horse Feathers has a two night run at the Doug Fir ... with Y La Bamba and Sara Jackson-Holman  ... 9 pm, $12

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Thursday ... too many great choices tonight! Part 2

Here's the local picks ...

Happy hour ... of course Lewi Longmire at the Laurelthirst (6 pm, no cover), but also Rollie Tussing at the Secret Society (6 pm, no cover).

Or check out the Parson Red Heads at the Kennedy School (7 pm, no cover).  Heard them for the first time last week and was greatly impressed. Heard Jeff Tweedy was impressed enough to have them open for Wilco. You will be too.

Out for a First Thursday art walk?  Check out the Attic Gallery for a fine pairing of Mary Flower and cellist Gideon Freudman (6 pm, free)

The Songwriters Roundup at Artichoke Music will feature Kris Deelane tonight  ... 7 pm, $5

Lloyd Jones and band are back at The Tillicum Club on Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy ... 8 pm, no cover
Curtis Salgado and Alan Hagar are at The Blue Monk ... 8 pm, $10

And at The Woods it's the Tender Loving Empire Winter Formal feature local favorites Pancake Breakfast and Richie Young & the Loch Lomond Chamber Orchestra ... 9 pm, $15

Between these and the touring shows I mentioned in my previous post, you should have no problem finding something to thrill your ears tonight. 

Thursday ... too many great choices tonight! Part I

Between touring acts in town and locals, you won't go wrong whichever you choose ...

Three excellent shows coming through town tonight  ....
At the Aladdin it will be two fine vocalists - the eclectic Raul Malo, who is recognized by many as one of the best voices performing and recording anywhere ... and Seth Walker, whose smooth and gritty style is a little more blues based, but can also defy being narrowly genre-slotted (solid guitar player too!). Here's a recent NPR story on Malo.  Highly recommend this one ... 8 pm, $30

In Peter's Room at the Roseland Theater will be the fine blues guitar of Duke Robillard.  Considered one of the genre's best, he's also a excellent vocalist and songwriter ... another treat tonight for Portland ... 8 pm, $15

And the intimate, beautifully crafted tunes and lovely voice of  Edie Carey will grace the stage at the Alberta Rose Theatre ....And it's a double CD release show for Edie and singer/songwriter Beth Wood ... 7:30 pm, $15

Raul Malo wrapping his voice around Marty Robbin's El Paso ...


Seth Walker ...


Duke Robillard ...


Edie Carey ....

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Wednesday picks and a preview for Thursday

If you're headed out for live music tonight ... you might check out:

Happy hour at Biddy McGraw's with Little Sue ... 6 pm, no cover

Cascade Blues Association's monthly meeting at the Melody Ballroom ... with a performance by Mary Flower ... 7 pm ....

Get jammy and funky with Mars Retrieval Unit at the White Eagle ... 8:30 pm, no cover

The Dimes Acoustic Trio are at the Laurelthirst ... 9 pm, no cover

Blue Cranes headline a show at Berbati's Pan ... 9 pm, $8

Will have more for tomorrow, but here's a heads up on two artists I know from Delbert's cruise that will be at the Aladdin tomorrow .... Raul Malo and Seth Walker.  Raul is one outstanding vocalist (you might know from the band The Mavericks) who can't be pigeonholed in any particular genre ... he can wrap his voice around any tune and make it his.  Seth Walker is an impressive songwriter, vocalist, and guitar player and will open in a solo performance.