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, February 25, 2011
And one more special show for tonight
Somehow this escaped me, but Ron Rogers and the Wailing Wind will be celebrating the release of their excellent new CD, Country & Eastern, tonight at the Hawthorne Theater Lounge. The Lounge is located at the corner of SE 39th and SE Hawthorne. There's a nice review and preview of the show in the WW. There will also be a Limited Edition, silk screened, hand pulled poster of the event created by Gary Houston available for purchase. Gary did the art work on the cover of the CD, too ... 6 pm, no cover
Two more for the weekend
Tonight at the Aladdin is bluesman John Hammond, Jr. and Too Slim & The Taildraggers ... 8 pm, $22
Saturday at the Alberta Rose is the CD release show for Loch Lomond ... good interview with Loch Lomond's Ritchie Young at Oregon Music News.... 9 pm, $12
Saturday at the Alberta Rose is the CD release show for Loch Lomond ... good interview with Loch Lomond's Ritchie Young at Oregon Music News.... 9 pm, $12
Thursday, February 24, 2011
And Jim chimes in from the other coast ...
Thanks Marychris for posting recommendations for tonight and the weekend ...
I'll add that Mary Flower and Alan Hagar are at the Blue Monk tonight.
Another good choice for Saturday is the delight Aussie guitarist and singer Fiona Boyes "in the house" at Jim Flynn's - contact Jim - 503-784-6824 - for details (it's $10 and BYOB) ...
Lloyd Jones and the full band will be at Duff's on Saturday, too .(and that means the crew from Flynn's will probably be headed down the hill to continue the party).
Okay ... y'all have fun in Portland!
More weekend fun...
Couple of things caught my eye for the weekend musical fun...Loch Lomond has a CD release party at Alberta Rose Theatre on Saturday, but the big news about that is Ramona Falls is opening!!! Ramona Falls is Brent Knopf's (formerly of Menomena) band, featuring Matt Sheehy, who killed at the Holcombe Waller CD release show on Sunday (and I worked on their music video for the song "Russia")...Also Fernando and Richmond Fontaine will be at Mississippi Studios on Saturday..and if you can't go, just go buy Willy Vlautin's novels...besides leading Richmond Fontaine, he is up for an Oregon Book Award this year. Also Saturday, at The Woods, catch Lincoln Crockett opening for Nathaniel Talbot and Garett Brennan...don't know those two, I confess, but Lincoln plays a fine mandolin! Saturday also brings 10 year anniversary of Goodfoot Lounge, and David Brothers at The West Cafe...and for me, Sunday, I get to work Maceo Parker show...bring on the funk!!!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A brief overview from the substitute..
Oh great, Friscia goes to New York and we get the snow threat...well barring bad weather cancellations, here are some Wednesday and Thursday options...
LaRhonda Steele is at Vie de Boheme on SE. 7th- Free
Little Sue @ Biddy Mcgraw's, 6 PM
Mel Brown for a mere $5 at Jimmy Mak's
and of course, my pals, Wendy and the Lost Boys (so aptly named...) will be at Laurelthirst around 9 PM - Free - they even promise new songs!..so back off snow!
On Thursday, Y La Bamba are at Lola's Room for a free gig, 7 PM. John Popper, harp player formerly of Blues Traveler plays Peter's Room (alias, the bar.....do you think we should fix Peter up with Lola so they can share a room?) at the Roseland, $20 in advance. Bob Schneider and Ashleigh Flynn are at the Alberta Rose Theatre for $28. Billy Kennedy and Lewi Longmire will grace the stage at the Laurelthirst and Caleb Klauder's Country Band is at the Society Ballroom on N. Russell and, of course The Portland Jazz Festival continues with Don Byron. Friday's Jazz Fest shows include Esperanza Spalding (sorry, if you are just catching on to her because of Grammy's ...it's sold out and has been for awhile..) and Pancho Sanchez at the Crystal. And last, Thursday's shows include JOHN HAMMOND at the Aladdin...oh where is that rich boyfriend to buy me tix for all these things?....
Heads up for Saturday for those who want to teach their children the joys of dropping their allowances locally - Music Millennium is having a kids day, with free gift bags for the tykes, and at 3 PM a Kids Record Hits presentation, a program that fosters new singer/songwriters (but they should probably get that law degree on the side....) Oh yeah - and Saturday will bring the Thin Man reunion (remember- Portland's 80's music scene? I know, if you can remember, you weren't there...)at the Aladdin, opening for Gary Myrick.
LaRhonda Steele is at Vie de Boheme on SE. 7th- Free
Little Sue @ Biddy Mcgraw's, 6 PM
Mel Brown for a mere $5 at Jimmy Mak's
and of course, my pals, Wendy and the Lost Boys (so aptly named...) will be at Laurelthirst around 9 PM - Free - they even promise new songs!..so back off snow!
On Thursday, Y La Bamba are at Lola's Room for a free gig, 7 PM. John Popper, harp player formerly of Blues Traveler plays Peter's Room (alias, the bar.....do you think we should fix Peter up with Lola so they can share a room?) at the Roseland, $20 in advance. Bob Schneider and Ashleigh Flynn are at the Alberta Rose Theatre for $28. Billy Kennedy and Lewi Longmire will grace the stage at the Laurelthirst and Caleb Klauder's Country Band is at the Society Ballroom on N. Russell and, of course The Portland Jazz Festival continues with Don Byron. Friday's Jazz Fest shows include Esperanza Spalding (sorry, if you are just catching on to her because of Grammy's ...it's sold out and has been for awhile..) and Pancho Sanchez at the Crystal. And last, Thursday's shows include JOHN HAMMOND at the Aladdin...oh where is that rich boyfriend to buy me tix for all these things?....
Heads up for Saturday for those who want to teach their children the joys of dropping their allowances locally - Music Millennium is having a kids day, with free gift bags for the tykes, and at 3 PM a Kids Record Hits presentation, a program that fosters new singer/songwriters (but they should probably get that law degree on the side....) Oh yeah - and Saturday will bring the Thin Man reunion (remember- Portland's 80's music scene? I know, if you can remember, you weren't there...)at the Aladdin, opening for Gary Myrick.
Friday, February 18, 2011
I'm back....and Jim hit all the high notes for Friday (if you go to Jazz Fest tonight, I'm working the Music Millennium table at the Winningstad for Randy Weston show, so stop and say howdy), but wanted to give a heads up for my friend, Holcombe Waller's show at Alberta Rose Theatre on Sunday. His record release party will feature another pal, Matt Sheehy, Storm Large and more. Holcombe makes beautiful music that just grabs you and takes you to another place. Tickets going fast!!
albertarosetheatre.com
...and after Jazz, I confess I will probably sneak over to the Neil Young Tribute at Dante's....hey, he's my Scorpio brother, I gotta...
..next weekend I get to work Maceo Parker show....so excited!!
albertarosetheatre.com
...and after Jazz, I confess I will probably sneak over to the Neil Young Tribute at Dante's....hey, he's my Scorpio brother, I gotta...
..next weekend I get to work Maceo Parker show....so excited!!
Off to NY, but before I go ...
Wow, what a crazy, busy week tying up loose ends before heading to NY for twelve days (and no snow in the forecast!) ... but did manage to have a heck of a great time at the Aladdin on Wednesday at the Voice of the Wetlands show. Kudos to Tab Benoit for his passionate message about the issues in the Gulf being all of our responsibilities and to not stand by on the sidelines while the wetlands loose an acre a day. Time to raise our voices and be heard in DC about this. And big thanks to Tab for his impromptu announcement about the upcoming Gulfsongs / PDX 2 Gulf Coast benefit show that will be at the Alberta Rose on April 20th, the anniversary of the oil rig explosion (acts TBA, so stay tuned).
The other thing keeping me busy is helping plan the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus Mardi Gras Ball scheduled for Saturday, March 5th .... you can find info about it here or on Facebook. It will be big fun, so get your tickets ASAP!
So, music this weekend. I think Marychris is going to jump in with some recommendations, but here's my short list (or not so short):
Big goings on in town is the start tonight of the Portland Jazz Festival. Great acts, great event ... find out all about it at Oregon Music News or at the Oregonian. They have way more info than I can put up here. Try to go to at least one show. Sorry I'll be out of town and miss the entire event!
Friday
Live Wire Radio at the Alberta Rose Theatre .... 7:30 pm, $20
Sasspirilla is at the Laurelthirst for happy hour ... 6 pm, no cover
The Stolen Sweets are at the Secret Society Ballroom ... 6 pm, $5
... and they'll be followed by the Ladytown CD release show. Rob Stroup & the Blame play too ... 9 pm, $7
Hot from his co-staring role on the Tom Russell show, Thad Beckman will be at the Muddy Rudder ... 8 pm, no cover
Lloyd Jones will do a solo set at Vino Vixens ... 8 pm, $5
Yo La Tengo is in town and at the Wonder Ballroom ... 9 pm, $20
The DK Stewart Sextet is at Duff's Garage ... 9:30 pm, $??
Cool show at Dante's is Barstool Blues: A Celebration of Neil Young's Greatest Records with a host of PDX's finest ... 9 pm, $10
I'll let Marychris take it from here .... but I'll be keeping an eye on what's going on and chime in if there's something I think you really need to hear about ....
The other thing keeping me busy is helping plan the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus Mardi Gras Ball scheduled for Saturday, March 5th .... you can find info about it here or on Facebook. It will be big fun, so get your tickets ASAP!
So, music this weekend. I think Marychris is going to jump in with some recommendations, but here's my short list (or not so short):
Big goings on in town is the start tonight of the Portland Jazz Festival. Great acts, great event ... find out all about it at Oregon Music News or at the Oregonian. They have way more info than I can put up here. Try to go to at least one show. Sorry I'll be out of town and miss the entire event!
Friday
Live Wire Radio at the Alberta Rose Theatre .... 7:30 pm, $20
Sasspirilla is at the Laurelthirst for happy hour ... 6 pm, no cover
The Stolen Sweets are at the Secret Society Ballroom ... 6 pm, $5
... and they'll be followed by the Ladytown CD release show. Rob Stroup & the Blame play too ... 9 pm, $7
Hot from his co-staring role on the Tom Russell show, Thad Beckman will be at the Muddy Rudder ... 8 pm, no cover
Lloyd Jones will do a solo set at Vino Vixens ... 8 pm, $5
Miriams Well will be at Plews Brews in St Johns (with horns!) .... 9 pm, no cover
Colleen Raney is at Biddy McGraw's ... 9:30 pm, no cover
Cool show at Dante's is Barstool Blues: A Celebration of Neil Young's Greatest Records with a host of PDX's finest ... 9 pm, $10
I'll let Marychris take it from here .... but I'll be keeping an eye on what's going on and chime in if there's something I think you really need to hear about ....
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars!
On Monday, I wrote a preview for Oregon Music News about the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars show tonight at the Aladdin. I've republished it below. There's probably still a few tickets left, and if you love the music of New Orleans and Louisiana, you really need to be here. I hope you'd consider coming out ...you know that's where you'll find me .... 8 pm, $25
Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars: Reminding Oregon that the issues in the Gulf belong to all of us
Many folks would contend that the most valuable commodity produced in Louisiana is not oil or gas, but music. That reason will be amply on display Wednesday night at the Aladdin Theater when Tab Benoit, Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne, Johnny Sansone, Waylon Thibadeaux, Johnny Vidacovich, Corey Duplechin, and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux - The Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars - take the stage. Their soulful gumbo of Blues, Cajun, Zydeco, and New Orleans funk is one of the tastiest examples of what makes the music of Louisiana loved in Portland and around the world.
But the VOW All-Stars are touring with a serious message. It's one they've been delivering since forming in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The coastal wetlands of the Gulf of Mexico are disappearing at an unprecedented rate. Before our eyes. The Gulf used to be 19 miles south of Tab Benoit's childhood home. His parents can now see it from their back porch. The destruction wrought by hurricanes and oil spills are simply the latest blows of a disaster in the making for the past 50 years, as channels were cut through the bayous for pipelines and ships to move oil, gas, and the equipment for energy extraction. And, the Mississippi River was prevented from depositing its silt throughout its broad delta – interrupting the natural rebuilding of coastal wetlands and barrier islands. Economic development based on energy extraction and turning a blind eye to environmental destruction became business as usual. But this isn’t simply a Gulf Coast problem … it’s one that ultimately affects all of us. VOW’s mission is to spread the word through educational outreach and fundraising for organizations dedicated to both wetlands restoration and helping people in the bayou communities whose way of life will disappear along with the wetlands.
This was also why in the wake of the BP oil disaster last year, both Gulfsongs Oregon and PDX 2 Gulf Coast were born. Gulfsongs focused on short-term relief for families in coastal Louisiana most hurt by the spill. By the end of the year over $8000 was raised through 12 club shows with over 30 Northwest acts contributing performances. In 2011, Gulfsongs will raise money for wetlands restoration, and continue to assist those vital community groups that are helping people in south Louisiana.
PDX 2 Gulf Coast sent a diverse team of Oregon scientists, teachers, environmental activists, and media representatives to the Gulf to observe and report back on what they learned about how the oil disaster was affecting both people and environment. This year they will release a curriculum, a documentary, and a book aimed at helping everyone understand the issues and what can be done.
These two organizations will team up on April 20th, the anniversary of the BP rig explosion, at the Alberta Rose Theatre for a benefit concert and documentary premiere. But this week they are encouraging folks to come out and join them for the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars’ performance, and support VOW’s efforts. It’s an opportunity to learn from, and connect with, our Louisiana neighbors … and have one heck of a party in the process.
Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars: Reminding Oregon that the issues in the Gulf belong to all of us
Many folks would contend that the most valuable commodity produced in Louisiana is not oil or gas, but music. That reason will be amply on display Wednesday night at the Aladdin Theater when Tab Benoit, Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne, Johnny Sansone, Waylon Thibadeaux, Johnny Vidacovich, Corey Duplechin, and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux - The Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars - take the stage. Their soulful gumbo of Blues, Cajun, Zydeco, and New Orleans funk is one of the tastiest examples of what makes the music of Louisiana loved in Portland and around the world.
But the VOW All-Stars are touring with a serious message. It's one they've been delivering since forming in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The coastal wetlands of the Gulf of Mexico are disappearing at an unprecedented rate. Before our eyes. The Gulf used to be 19 miles south of Tab Benoit's childhood home. His parents can now see it from their back porch. The destruction wrought by hurricanes and oil spills are simply the latest blows of a disaster in the making for the past 50 years, as channels were cut through the bayous for pipelines and ships to move oil, gas, and the equipment for energy extraction. And, the Mississippi River was prevented from depositing its silt throughout its broad delta – interrupting the natural rebuilding of coastal wetlands and barrier islands. Economic development based on energy extraction and turning a blind eye to environmental destruction became business as usual. But this isn’t simply a Gulf Coast problem … it’s one that ultimately affects all of us. VOW’s mission is to spread the word through educational outreach and fundraising for organizations dedicated to both wetlands restoration and helping people in the bayou communities whose way of life will disappear along with the wetlands.
This was also why in the wake of the BP oil disaster last year, both Gulfsongs Oregon and PDX 2 Gulf Coast were born. Gulfsongs focused on short-term relief for families in coastal Louisiana most hurt by the spill. By the end of the year over $8000 was raised through 12 club shows with over 30 Northwest acts contributing performances. In 2011, Gulfsongs will raise money for wetlands restoration, and continue to assist those vital community groups that are helping people in south Louisiana.
PDX 2 Gulf Coast sent a diverse team of Oregon scientists, teachers, environmental activists, and media representatives to the Gulf to observe and report back on what they learned about how the oil disaster was affecting both people and environment. This year they will release a curriculum, a documentary, and a book aimed at helping everyone understand the issues and what can be done.
These two organizations will team up on April 20th, the anniversary of the BP rig explosion, at the Alberta Rose Theatre for a benefit concert and documentary premiere. But this week they are encouraging folks to come out and join them for the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars’ performance, and support VOW’s efforts. It’s an opportunity to learn from, and connect with, our Louisiana neighbors … and have one heck of a party in the process.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Saturday music picks - 2/12
Seems like a fine day to hang out and buy some music at Music Millennium with Fernando Viciconte doing a set at 3 pm, and then Michael Franti in town for an appearance at 6 pm ....
Early-ish music ... check out the Jamie Stillway Trio at the Secret Society Ballroom at 6 pm (no cover) ... or head to the Hawthorne Theater Pub at 7:30 for Wendy & The Lost Boys (no cover).
James Low and Lewi Longmire swap solo sets at the Press Club ... 8:30 pm, no cover
There's a also couple of very worthy benefit shows tonight -
The Pickathon indie/roots Benefest to support arts education at Buckman School has it's final show tonight at The Woods featuring Eric Johnson (of Fruit Bats), Andy Cabic (of Vetiver) and Richard Swift ... 8 pm, $20
At the Wonder Ballroom, it's the Cover Your Hearts benefit for Ethos Music. This is the fourth annual show and has a host of great local artists ... 9 pm, $15
In town tonight at the Aladdin is David Wilcox. Lots of folks absolutely love the sensitive and evolved Mr. Wilcox ... okay, but I really love the opener (it really should be a co-bill) - Susan Werner. Susan follows her muse in many adventurous directions, which make it hard to put her in any particular musical box - check out her last recording, Classics, on which she puts a classical music spin on pop hits from the 60s and 70s). She can do folk, jazz, pop, blues, country, and even "agnostic gospel" (check out her wonderful 2007 release The Gospel Truth). She's an outstanding vocalist, wryly funny and a thoroughly engaging performer ... 8 pm, $28
Early-ish music ... check out the Jamie Stillway Trio at the Secret Society Ballroom at 6 pm (no cover) ... or head to the Hawthorne Theater Pub at 7:30 for Wendy & The Lost Boys (no cover).
James Low and Lewi Longmire swap solo sets at the Press Club ... 8:30 pm, no cover
At the Trails End Saloon in Oregon City tonight it's the Cascade Blues Association's Sweetheart Dance with two of my favorite local bands, Rich Layton & the Troublemakers and Steve Kerin & Atomic Gumbo. Big fun! Definitely wear your dancing shoes ... 8 pm, $10 or $15/couple
The innovative and adventurous Danny Barnes will rock The Goodfoot backed by the Piano Throwers (Scott Pemberton, Ty North, and Carleton Jackson). Sugarcane opens ... 9 pm, $11
The Pickathon indie/roots Benefest to support arts education at Buckman School has it's final show tonight at The Woods featuring Eric Johnson (of Fruit Bats), Andy Cabic (of Vetiver) and Richard Swift ... 8 pm, $20
At the Wonder Ballroom, it's the Cover Your Hearts benefit for Ethos Music. This is the fourth annual show and has a host of great local artists ... 9 pm, $15
In town tonight at the Aladdin is David Wilcox. Lots of folks absolutely love the sensitive and evolved Mr. Wilcox ... okay, but I really love the opener (it really should be a co-bill) - Susan Werner. Susan follows her muse in many adventurous directions, which make it hard to put her in any particular musical box - check out her last recording, Classics, on which she puts a classical music spin on pop hits from the 60s and 70s). She can do folk, jazz, pop, blues, country, and even "agnostic gospel" (check out her wonderful 2007 release The Gospel Truth). She's an outstanding vocalist, wryly funny and a thoroughly engaging performer ... 8 pm, $28
Friday, February 11, 2011
Friday music picks
Been some great shows this week - loved seeing both Tom Russell at the Alberta Rose and Rodney Crowell at the Aladdin. But now looking forward to a few upcoming shows. Before I get to tonight, the one I really want you to get on your radar is the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars show at the Aladdin on Wednesday. I'll have more on that show in an upcoming post. But Tab, Benoit, Cyril Neville and company have hit the road on West Coast swing to make some fantastic music and raise awareness (and money) for wetlands restoration in the Gulf. Worth every penny of the $25 ticket cost. Hope to see ya there.
So, tonight ... here's a few ...
With Valentines Day coming on Monday, there's a number of V-day themed shows around town this weekend. Tonight you can catch the Rockin' Valentines Burlesque Night at Dante's with Jon Koonce & the Gas Hogs and The Twangshifters ... and a host of burlesque acts ... 9:30 pm, $10
At the Press Club it's The Old Yellers, Matt Candenelli (the Don of Division Street) and Kelly Blair Bauman ... some fine signing and songs ... 8:30 pm, no cover
Good indie show at Mississippi Studios featuring AgesAndAges (record release) ... 9 pm, $8
...and a show in the Bar Bar Apartment upstairs with Scott Law and Sharon Gilchrist ... 9 pm, $15
Another solid indie show at The Woods with John Meeks, Come Gather 'Round Us, and Duover ... 9 pm, $7
The Freak Mountain Ramblers are at the Secret Society Ballroom ... 9 pm, $7
And two that escaped my first pass at this list:
Miriams Well will be at Plew's Brews in St Johns ... 9 pm, $??
...and, Brethren Thread will be at the Spare Room ... 9 pm, $5
So, tonight ... here's a few ...
With Valentines Day coming on Monday, there's a number of V-day themed shows around town this weekend. Tonight you can catch the Rockin' Valentines Burlesque Night at Dante's with Jon Koonce & the Gas Hogs and The Twangshifters ... and a host of burlesque acts ... 9:30 pm, $10
At the Press Club it's The Old Yellers, Matt Candenelli (the Don of Division Street) and Kelly Blair Bauman ... some fine signing and songs ... 8:30 pm, no cover
Good indie show at Mississippi Studios featuring AgesAndAges (record release) ... 9 pm, $8
...and a show in the Bar Bar Apartment upstairs with Scott Law and Sharon Gilchrist ... 9 pm, $15
Another solid indie show at The Woods with John Meeks, Come Gather 'Round Us, and Duover ... 9 pm, $7
The Freak Mountain Ramblers are at the Secret Society Ballroom ... 9 pm, $7
And two that escaped my first pass at this list:
Miriams Well will be at Plew's Brews in St Johns ... 9 pm, $??
...and, Brethren Thread will be at the Spare Room ... 9 pm, $5
Monday, February 7, 2011
Three big shows this week
What excellent choices this week in touring shows ... and two are on Tuesday ...
Want to hear one of the best songwriters around? One of my favorites, Tom Russell, will be at the Alberta Rose Theatre. Tom's songs have been covered by countless artists over the past 25 years for a very good reason - he simply writes great songs. A fine storyteller and compelling performer, he's ably supported by Portland's own Thad Beckman ... 8 pm, $25
This is simple - if you love New Orleans funk, you really shouldn't miss Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at Roseland. Ticket demand moved this show from Dante's ... This is going be one monumental butt-shake. Their CD, the Grammy-nominated Backatown, is one of my favorites recordings of 2010. Troy Andrews is the latest in a long line of fantastic trombone players from New Orleans stretching back to Kid Ory (... probably further) ... plays trumpet, sings too ... Los Amigos Invisibles opens ... 9 pm, $20
Then on Wednesday another poet among songwriters, Rodney Crowell, drops into the Aladdin with a show that will focus on music alternating with readings from his new and critically acclaimed autobiography, Chinaberry Sidewalks. Highly recommended ... 8 pm, $22
Want to hear one of the best songwriters around? One of my favorites, Tom Russell, will be at the Alberta Rose Theatre. Tom's songs have been covered by countless artists over the past 25 years for a very good reason - he simply writes great songs. A fine storyteller and compelling performer, he's ably supported by Portland's own Thad Beckman ... 8 pm, $25
This is simple - if you love New Orleans funk, you really shouldn't miss Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue at Roseland. Ticket demand moved this show from Dante's ... This is going be one monumental butt-shake. Their CD, the Grammy-nominated Backatown, is one of my favorites recordings of 2010. Troy Andrews is the latest in a long line of fantastic trombone players from New Orleans stretching back to Kid Ory (... probably further) ... plays trumpet, sings too ... Los Amigos Invisibles opens ... 9 pm, $20
Then on Wednesday another poet among songwriters, Rodney Crowell, drops into the Aladdin with a show that will focus on music alternating with readings from his new and critically acclaimed autobiography, Chinaberry Sidewalks. Highly recommended ... 8 pm, $22
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Saturday night music picks
Here's a few for tonight ...
It's the 23rd annual Winterfolk show at the Aladdin that will be headlined by Tracy Grammer. This event is a fundraiser for Sisters of the Road, a great local organization dedicated to creating community-driven, nonviolent solutions to the calamities of homelessness and poverty ... 7 pm, $30
From the depths of their volcano hideout, The Strange Tones bring their crime-a-billy musical mayhem to Duff's Garage. No one is safe ... but everyone's having a ball ... 9:30 pm, $??
At the top of my list is the long awaited official CD release for Fernando Viciconte's True Instigator tonight at Dante's. Though available via download only for the past two years, Fernando is coming out of musical "retirement" and the CD is going into distribution. It's about time. Casey Neill and the Norway Rats and The Welfare State provide great support for the evening. Good story about Fernando here. Catch this show .... 9:30 pm, $10
From the depths of their volcano hideout, The Strange Tones bring their crime-a-billy musical mayhem to Duff's Garage. No one is safe ... but everyone's having a ball ... 9:30 pm, $??
The Quick and Easy Boys will have things rockin' at The Goodfoot ... 9 pm, $8
The Devin Phillips Quartet is at Wilfs ... 8 pm, $??
Rob Stroup and The Blame are at Biddy McGraw's ... 9:30 pm, no cover
The Mike Coykendall Band will be at the Laurelthirst ... 9:30 pm, $5
You can catch acclaimed songwriter Leroy Bell and his band tonight at the Alberta Rose ... 8:30 pm, $18
... and the veteran ska band out of NY, The Toasters, will be at Plan B as part of their 30th anniversary tour ...
A musical alternative to the Super Bowl tomorrow afternoon
On Sunday afternoon from 2 to 6 pm at O'Connors there will be a memorial concert and fundraiser dedicated to drummer Bryce Shelton, who recently passed ... It will include his many friends and band-mates, including Thad Beckman, Lloyd Jones, Jon Koonce, Cal Scott, Denny Bixby, and many more ...
Friday, February 4, 2011
First Feb Friday
February is shaping up to be a great month of music ... lots of fine touring shows on the radar - Rodney Crowell, Trombone Shorty, Tom Russell - and those are all next week. There's also the Voice of the Wetland All-Stars, Yo La Tengo, John Hammond, and the Portland Jazz Festival coming up. I'll expand on many of them in coming posts ... but for now, let's look at tonight menu ..
I know I'll start my evening at the Laurelthirst with the James Low Western Front - James and the band are headed into the studio to record (long overdue) a great set of tunes James has been working on for the past couple of years. His monthly sets have balanced old and new and a range of styles from dusty honky tonk to piano-driven power pop. Many (myself included) consider him one of Portland's finest songwriters. The band is tight and there'll be a loyal cadre of fans at the 'Thirst getting their first Friday fix .... 6 pm, no cover
It's an entertaining mix world roots music with The Paperboys at the Alberta Rose tonight ... 8 pm, $20
Very cool jazz show at Tony Starlight's - Devin Phillips joins the Bridgetown Sextet in a celebration of the music of Sidney Bechet ... 8 pm, $12
Jazz with a heaping spoonful of funk is on tap at Jimmy Mak's with Philly's Phunkestra and the Damian Erskine Project ... 8 pm, $10
Rich Layton & The Troublemakers will be semi-unplugged in the cozy back room at Vino Vixens (and they'll be there every first Friday for a while ... cool!) .... 8 pm, $5
The Knuckleheads (who I understand will be celebrating the birthday of Curtis Salgado, aka Satellite Malone) are at Duff's tonight ... should be a whole lotta fun .... 9:30 pm, $10
The Pickathon Benefest continues this weekend with the Caleb Klauder Country Band and Truckstop Darlin' at the Spare Room ... 9 pm, $15
Miriams Well and Mathew Lindley are at the Buffalo Gap ... 9 pm, no cover
Chris Robley is at the White Eagle ... 9:30 pm, $6
...and Lewi Longmire is at Biddy McGraw's ... 9:30 pm, no cover
And that's a lot of really good music choices ... so get outta da house!
I know I'll start my evening at the Laurelthirst with the James Low Western Front - James and the band are headed into the studio to record (long overdue) a great set of tunes James has been working on for the past couple of years. His monthly sets have balanced old and new and a range of styles from dusty honky tonk to piano-driven power pop. Many (myself included) consider him one of Portland's finest songwriters. The band is tight and there'll be a loyal cadre of fans at the 'Thirst getting their first Friday fix .... 6 pm, no cover
It's an entertaining mix world roots music with The Paperboys at the Alberta Rose tonight ... 8 pm, $20
Very cool jazz show at Tony Starlight's - Devin Phillips joins the Bridgetown Sextet in a celebration of the music of Sidney Bechet ... 8 pm, $12
Jazz with a heaping spoonful of funk is on tap at Jimmy Mak's with Philly's Phunkestra and the Damian Erskine Project ... 8 pm, $10
Rich Layton & The Troublemakers will be semi-unplugged in the cozy back room at Vino Vixens (and they'll be there every first Friday for a while ... cool!) .... 8 pm, $5
The Knuckleheads (who I understand will be celebrating the birthday of Curtis Salgado, aka Satellite Malone) are at Duff's tonight ... should be a whole lotta fun .... 9:30 pm, $10
The Pickathon Benefest continues this weekend with the Caleb Klauder Country Band and Truckstop Darlin' at the Spare Room ... 9 pm, $15
Miriams Well and Mathew Lindley are at the Buffalo Gap ... 9 pm, no cover
Chris Robley is at the White Eagle ... 9:30 pm, $6
...and Lewi Longmire is at Biddy McGraw's ... 9:30 pm, no cover
And that's a lot of really good music choices ... so get outta da house!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
More for Thursday
Besides the Black Dub show at the Aladdin from the previous post, there's (as always) other fine choices for Thursday music around town.
There's the always dependable Thursday night choices like Lewi Longmire at the Laurelthirst (6 pm, no cover), The Portland Playboys at Duff's (6 pm, $2), Lauren Sheehan at the Muddy Rudder (8 pm, no cover), or Mel Brown's B3 Organ Band at Jimmy Mak's (8 pm, $5) ...
There's an excellent jazz show at Vie de Boheme Winery (SE 7th & Clay) with saxaphonist Rob Scheps, guitarist John Stowell, and bassist Glenn Moore. This is the part one of the winery's two shows in the coming week featuring Scheps and Moore. Next Wednesday (Feb 9) will feature them with Steve Christofferson on piano and Tom Strait on drums. Good story on Scheps at Oregon Music News. Check these shows out at a very cool new winery and performance space ... 8 pm, $7
It's a potpourri of indie acts from Octopus Entertainment at the Alberta Rose Theatre, including the Angry Orts, NIAYH, and Jonah .... 8 pm, $8
Sean Flinn & The Royal We, Greylag, and M. Billy are at The Woods ... 9 pm, $6
Mike Coykendall & the Golden Shag and Whale Bones are at Mississippi Studios ... 9 pm, $10
The Delta Sisters, featuring country standards and Elizabeth Ames originals, are at Duff's Garage ... 9 pm, $??
... and up in Vancouver, catch Lloyd Jones - it will be the trio featuring Dover Weinberg on organ - at the Top Shelf, (6th and Main St) ... 7:30, no cover
There's the always dependable Thursday night choices like Lewi Longmire at the Laurelthirst (6 pm, no cover), The Portland Playboys at Duff's (6 pm, $2), Lauren Sheehan at the Muddy Rudder (8 pm, no cover), or Mel Brown's B3 Organ Band at Jimmy Mak's (8 pm, $5) ...
There's an excellent jazz show at Vie de Boheme Winery (SE 7th & Clay) with saxaphonist Rob Scheps, guitarist John Stowell, and bassist Glenn Moore. This is the part one of the winery's two shows in the coming week featuring Scheps and Moore. Next Wednesday (Feb 9) will feature them with Steve Christofferson on piano and Tom Strait on drums. Good story on Scheps at Oregon Music News. Check these shows out at a very cool new winery and performance space ... 8 pm, $7
It's a potpourri of indie acts from Octopus Entertainment at the Alberta Rose Theatre, including the Angry Orts, NIAYH, and Jonah .... 8 pm, $8
Sean Flinn & The Royal We, Greylag, and M. Billy are at The Woods ... 9 pm, $6
Mike Coykendall & the Golden Shag and Whale Bones are at Mississippi Studios ... 9 pm, $10
The Delta Sisters, featuring country standards and Elizabeth Ames originals, are at Duff's Garage ... 9 pm, $??
... and up in Vancouver, catch Lloyd Jones - it will be the trio featuring Dover Weinberg on organ - at the Top Shelf, (6th and Main St) ... 7:30, no cover
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Black Dub tomorrow at Aladdin
You should hear this band .... Aladdin Theater, Thursday, 8 pm, $25
As a producer, Daniel Lanois is one of the most creative and respected in the business. Working with the likes of U2, Dylan, Emmylou Harris, the Neville Brothers, Peter Gabriel, and Neil Young, his sonic signatures and ability to coax some of the best and most creative work out of those artists has elevated him to one of the most in-demand producers anywhere. But he's not too busy to helm his own projects and demonstrate his skill as a band leader, songwriter, and guitarist. Lanois' latest project, Black Dub, will be at the Aladdin on Thursday. The focal point of this band is songwriter and vocalist Trixie Whitley. The daughter of the late Chris Whitley, she has the voice and presence for great career in front of her. Stunningly good.
Check out this review of Black Dub from the LA Times.
As a producer, Daniel Lanois is one of the most creative and respected in the business. Working with the likes of U2, Dylan, Emmylou Harris, the Neville Brothers, Peter Gabriel, and Neil Young, his sonic signatures and ability to coax some of the best and most creative work out of those artists has elevated him to one of the most in-demand producers anywhere. But he's not too busy to helm his own projects and demonstrate his skill as a band leader, songwriter, and guitarist. Lanois' latest project, Black Dub, will be at the Aladdin on Thursday. The focal point of this band is songwriter and vocalist Trixie Whitley. The daughter of the late Chris Whitley, she has the voice and presence for great career in front of her. Stunningly good.
Check out this review of Black Dub from the LA Times.
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