Back with some picks ...

OK ... finally getting back to looking at listings and making a few recommendations. Been a bit absent, but not completely missing.

Tonight, besides the Lauren Sheehan show mention in the last post ...

The Soul d'Out Festival continues this weekend with a couple of noted shows - Medeski, Martin, and Wood at Roseland (8 pm, $22/$32), and Petunia & The Vipers with the Portland Country Underground at Mississippi Studios (9 pm, $12).  And check out Lee Fields and the Expressions tomorrow night at the Star Theater (Friday, 9 pm, $20)

Speaking of sold out ... Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin are at the Aladdin ... might be a few tix available if you show up with patience and cash ... 8 pm, $50

Deadheads celebrate! Two nights start of the Dark Star Orchestra begins tonight at the Crystal Ballroom ... 8 pm, 

Friday has Lewi Longmire doing his usual Thursday happy hour on Friday this week. (6 pm, no cover)...

But first you might want to catch Steve Earle at Music Millennium for an in-store mini performance and meet-and-greet in support of his new CD, The Low Highway. In fact, the only way to guarantee getting into this is to pre-purchase the disc or vinyl ... from MM, of course.

Speaking of Music Millennium ... Saturday is Record Store Day ... so head to MM or whatever your favorite local record store might me ... cool deals, contests, giveaways, and more ... MM will open at 7 am with coffee and muffins for you early types.

Nice little free double-bill at Ford Food & Drink (corner of SE Division & 11th) with Rich West Blatt from 5-7 pm followed by A Simple Colony from 8 - 10.

Or check out Rob Stroup's Eight Ball Studio's 10th Anniversary show at The Secret Society ... 9 pm, $8

If you haven't noticed on FB or at their site, Oregon Music News has weekly live music picks ... I highly recommend checking them!

Two shows to check out: Lauren Sheehan tonight, Claudia Schmidt next Friday!

Here's two shows that fans of acoustic music might be want to check out ... one tonight and one next Friday. Both highly recommended!

Tonight:

Final Portland CD Release Concert       Featuring 2 vintage Banner Guitars Books on hand to review, CDs for sale Thursday, April 18    7: 30 PM There is stil room for a few more reservations at Wilfs at the train station for this show.   Lauren will tell the story of the mystery behind the Banners and the women who made them, how she got to be the guitar player for the project  and use at least  3 different Gibsons as she plays through the CD songs.  Possible mystery guest.  Wilfs, 800 NW 6th & Irving at Union Station, Portland, OR, 97209   503-223-0070  A lively jazz bar with a light menu  Limited Seats, Reservation Suggested  $10 LaurenSheehanMusic.com | See full calendar Lauren with Terry Robb  acoustic blues  FRIDAY  APRIL  19   Muddy Rudder Contact: Lauren Sheehan Music, 1812 NW 24th Ave., Portland, OR 97210 info@LaurenSheehanMusic.com

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Next week:

Claudia Schmidt in Concert

Friday, April 26, 7:00pm, Clinton Street Theater

Advance discount tickets $15 from http://claudiaportland.brownpapertickets.com or $20 at the door.

Claudia Schmidt has been perfecting her craft of performing for almost four decades.  It is a quirky and wonderful hodge-podge (her word!) of music, poetry, story, laughter, drama, and celebrating the moment.  Work in clubs, theaters, festivals, TV, radio has added depth and dimension, and since she has always included her original work along with very personal versions of the work of others, what you get is a unique look at the world from someone who says what she sees with clarity, humor, and wonder.  The San Francisco Bay Guardian said: Schmidt's shows are a lot like falling in love.  You never know what's going to happen next, chances are it's going to be wonderful, every moment burned into your memory and you know you'll never be the same again." More succinctly, Garrison Keillor said "When Claudia sings a song, it stays sung."

A landmark of Portland cinema history, The Clinton Street Theater is one of the oldest operating movie houses in the United States. Famous for its long-standing exhibition of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the theater is currently a magnet for independent, art, foreign and classic films, and the home for non-profit fundraisers and community events. In April of 2012, the Clinton Street Theater was purchased by Roger and Lani Jo Leigh. A revolving cast of energetic and engaged volunteers and film freaks help support the theater's continued existence.

More information from Matt Miner at 503-484-8196, mattminermusic@gmail.com or mattminermusic.com

April Fool will never be the same....

...4 years ago, in true DJ fashion, my friend, Duane Jarvis went to the higher ground..he started playing in Portland with his brother, Kevin, in The Odds and moved on to play with so many stellar artists:  Lucinda Williams, Dave Alvin, Jim Lauderdale, Jimmie Dale Gilmore,  P.F. Sloane, Gene Clark...and I am now friends with so many of those artists through our shared love of Duane..miss you buddy!
Tomorrow - Billy Bragg at the Aladdin...