Weekend picks ... yes, really!

No apologies for a bit of a hiatus ... here ya go:

Friday
Of course, I'm going to promote my good friend Teresa James in a rare Portland appearance with her band, The Rhythm Tramps, tonight at The Lehrer. She's one of the best vocalist I know - can do blues, roadhouse rock, sweet ballads, country tunes - you name it, she can sing the hell out of it. And, she's got a band that is made of some great LA session players (who've played together for years) ... and opening is her old friend from way back in their Houston days, Rich Layton (& the Troublemakers). Hope to see ya there! ... 8 pm, $10

Early music?
The Sportin' Lifers are at the Secret Society ... 6 pm, $5

Billy D is at the Edgefield  ... 7 pm, no cover

Later?
The Joe New Trio is at the Muddy Rudder (8 pm, no cover)

KMHD presents Seattle's Polyrhythmics and Portland's Browish Black in a great double-bill at the Star Theater ... 9 pm, $10

Love Gigantic throws down some big musical love at the head of a triple-bill with the My Oh Mys and Casey Ruff & the Mayors of Ballard at the Secret Society ... 9 pm, $10

Robbie Laws is at Duff's  ... don't be surprised if there isn't a bit of an impromptu tribute to the late BB King ... 9 pm, $??

At Mississippi Studios, Willamette Week hosts their Best New Band Showcase ... 9 pm, free

Saturday
For early music, check out Redray Frazier at the Laurelthirst (6 pm, no cover), or Everything's Jake at the Secret Society (6 pm, $5).

Pick show for Saturday is Tony Furtado's CD release show at the Alberta Rose. The last time I saw Tony and his band, they put on one of the most satisfying performances I saw in 2014. This should be outstanding ... and Annalisa Tornfelt opens ... 8 pm, $18

Another great choice is the Rose City Kings at The Lehrer ... bring your dancin' shoes ... 8 pm, $10

And of course, you might not want to pass up Curtis Salgado at Jimmy Mak's ... 8pm, $20/$25

 .... or Soul Vaccination at Duff's ... 8 pm, $??

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

For something a little different, it's New American Classics - new chamber music compositions presented at Mississippi Studios ... 8 pm, $10-$25

And, I know there's more ... so pick something and get out to some live music!

Teresa James at The Lehrer on Friday night

Just a quick note of encouragement to come out to see my good friends Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps at The Lehrer on Friday night. They don't pass through town too often (as busy working musicians in LA, plus half the band tour with Eric Burdon), so catch them if you can. 

As Rich Layton (the host and opening act for the evening) cogently put it:

It's a night of soul shaking Texas Roadhouse R&B with Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps @ The Lehrer. I use Marcia Ball and Bonnie Raitt as musical reference points, but that still doesn't do justice to her powerful vocals and piano. She and husband/bass player Terry Wilson made the move from Texas to LA many years ago and put down deep roots in the recording industry. They'll be bringing a serious band with them, some of whom are working on Curtis Salgado's upcoming album. This is gold standard stuff!!

Indeed it is. Great vocals, killer band. Hope to see you there!

Breaking the silence....

...well not totally silent because my ears are still ringing from full day of music at Whiskeytown yesterday:  Fernando, Ty Curtis, Blitzen Trapper, Marty Marquis solo....but enough of the past...May 20 brings Grant Lee Phillips and Steve Poltz to Alberta Rose Theatre.  Should be plenty of laughs along with the music!
And a personal plea; if anyone is heading to Ryan Adams show in Bend on May 23 and has some room in their car, I'm looking for a ride (my mechanic will strangle me if I try to drive my very ancient Subaru on the freeway.)  I am housebroken, can help pay for gas and don't necessarily want to be grownup and sell my ticket....and DRA is my drug of choice besides caffeine...contact me at:  xmass@comcast.net if you know of anything.