Music for the first weekend of June!

Thanks to MaryChris for getting out a couple of posts since my last .... Sooo, ok ... I'm trying to get back in the swing of things after my New Orleans sojourn and it's not being easy. Doing my music recommendations takes some discipline and rhythm - neither of which I've really recovered yet  ... 'nuff said ...

So what do I note for this weekend?

Friday
Couple of shows you should think about checking out ...
First (as in first Friday of the month) there's great happy hour choices - my faves being the James Low Western Front at the Laurelthirst and Swing Papillion at the Secret Society. Music with no cover, good food and drink choices at both ... and remember to tip the band and your servers...

One of the bluesiest, soulful, and funky cats in town (and my good buddy) Lloyd Jones, has a CD release celebration at Jimmy Mak's tonight. On the heals of his excellent acoustic CD, Doin' What It Takes is his first full band recording in way too many years. He's got the Atlas Horns and LaRhonda Steele backing the Struggle, so this will be big fun ... Here's a preview interview (with a very funky tune) from Oregon Music News ... 8 pm, $10 ... or $22 with the new CD or $25 for CD and reserved seating.

Couple of touring shows to mention ... the gritty Texas songwriter, Ray Wylie Hubbard, is at Mississippi Studios. I loved his set last summer at Pickathon, and he's back to support his latest recording, The Grifter's Hymnal ... Here's a little taste from a few years back ... 9 pm, $25

In recognition of those souls who can't seem to get enough of New Orleans, actor Hugh Laurie has immersed himself in the city's deep musical and cultural groove. So much so that he produced a PBS concert special last year, a CD, and is now touring with a crack band of players showcasing his focus on his love of the city and it's musical traditions. Not a bad singer (in the tradition of those Brits who can sing American) and piano player, he'll be at the Schnitz tonight ... 7:30 pm, $25 - $90

Speaking of New Orleans inspired music, our own Bridgetown Sextet focuses on traditional jazz and swing of the 1920s and 30s ... and you can check them out tonight at The Blue Monk ... 9 pm, $?

 ... and, there's a great evening of local indie music at the Rose Festival at Waterfront Park, beginning at 5 pm with Lost Lander, followed by And And And, Y La Bamba, and Black Prairie ... 5 bucks for all! That's your bargain show of the weekend.

Saturday
First I want to mention that the Mysti Krewe of Nimbus will be representing for the first time in the Starlight Parade! We'll be providing a little taste of Mardi Gras at the Rose Festival ...

Speaking of NOLA (again), one of the more non-traditional musical artists who makes the city her home is Theresa Andersson. I love her adventurous pop that is inspired by the musical depth of New Orleans, but is something entirely different ... she'll be at the Mission Theater tonight - a rather intimate venue to hear and see her and well worth checking out! And here's a video directed by Portland's Alicia Rose to support Andersson's lasted CD, Street Parade ... 8 pm, $15

Sunday
Music outdoors on a Sunday afternoon? Mississippi Studios begins it's Sunday afternoon summer series on the Bar Bar patio with the Lewi Longmire Band and The Darlin' Blackbirds ... 3 pm, no cover

A fave Austin-based band for years has been Asleep At The Wheel ...and they're in town for a show at the Aladdin and an in-store appearance (3 pm) at Music Millennium. Western swing at its best!  ... 8 pm, $25

Okay ... get out to some live music! Sheesh ... that was hard, but good practice!