A couple of shows and taking a little break

I am in an extremely busy period between work (yes, believe it or not, I do have other things to do than write this), the upcoming Waterfront Blues Festival, out of town guests, a trip to Florida for my aunt's 90th birthday ... so I'm going to take a bit of a hiatus from regular posting to the blog.  MaryChris will hopefully jump in with a couple of posts, and I won't totally go dark (will post about the Blues Fest and a few upcoming shows you shouldn't miss) - just giving myself permission not to feel compelled to post for a couple of weeks.  With the revamped design, you can always click the Calendars tab above and go to the most comprehensive listings in town.  I'll also share some upcoming music events on Facebook (it's easy and I don't have to write anything!).

So, here are a few to keep in mind for this weekend -

Tonight there's a great blues show at the Alberta Rose - An Evening With Duffy Bishop and Some of Her Badass Blues Buddies, featuring Lloyd Jones, Fiona Boyes, Ellen Whyte, Jim Wallace .... One of the finest blues singers in the NW, Duffy is back in town and this should be a great show .... 8 pm, $20

Also tonight is the Spare Room Solstice Party with Caleb Klauder, Pete Krebs and more ... music starts at 6 pm, $10

Tomorrow night at The Woods, Lewi Longmire and band do an album release party (yes, vinyl with a digital download) for his new Tales of the Left Coast Roasters ... Lewi is one of the most respected and in-demand players in Portland (and finds time to book the Laurelthirst).  His happy hours at the LT on Thursdays are packed celebrations of roots rock that leave dancers sweaty and listeners smiling .... 9 pm, $8

On Sunday, it's the annual pre-blues festival celebration of Reggie Houston's birthday at Jim Flynn's rockin' In the House house party .... it will be groovin' NOLA Mardi Gras style, so wear your beads!  ... Reggie will have guest vocalists LaRhonda Steele and Laura Ivancie, too ... BYOB and food item to share is always appreciated. And the Oregon Food Bank food barrel will be on the front porch for your continued generous donations of canned and/or non-perishable foods. Contact Jim (503-784-6824 or jimflynn@realtytrust.com) for address and any questions ... $10 donation, doors at 5, music at 6!

OK ... enjoy the weekend and get out to some music!