So much going on, I couldn't not pause for a moment and write a few words about what's going on around town.
First, it is a week of big shows - Paul McCartney at the Moda Center, Sharon Jones and Trombone Shorty at the Keller on Friday, Bonnie Raitt at the Keller on Sunday. The latter two are part of the rich and diverse Soul'd Out Music Festival that began last night and runs through next weekend. There are shows, both local and touring, around town as part of the festival. Check out the schedule and the recommendations from Willamette Week, Oregon Live, and Oregon Music News.
So here's what's on my radar ...
Thursday
The Harlem Quartet at the Alberta Rose ... 7:30 pm, $40
Lindi Ortega at Mississippi Studios (part of Soul'd Out) ... 9 pm, $25
Arlo Guthrie and Sarah Lee Guthrie are at Revolutions Hall ... though sold out, you might try to show up and score a ticket. (Speaking of sold out, so is the Laura Gibson show at the Old Church.)
Friday
The tuneful Buzz Holland does a happy hour gig (6-9 pm) at the Star Tavern.
Rich Layton & the Troublemakers are at the Secret Society .. 6 pm, $5
Claudia Schmidt at the Clinton Street Theater .. . 7 pm, $20
Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys - great Zydeco band from Louisiana - at Duff's ... 8:30 pm, $15
Kevin Selfe & the Tornadoes at the Trails End Saloon - free Tax Day Party ... 8:30 pm, no cover
Saturday
It's Record Store Day and Music Millennium celebrates all day with live music, special deals, and an special in-store appearance by Bonnie Raitt. I'm looking forward to Alejandro Escovedo performing at 8 pm,
The Inner City Blues Festival at the Eagles in North Portland raises money to support Healthcare for All - Oregon ... Norman Sylvester, Roseland Hunters and more ... 6 pm, $20
The Soul'd Out Festival presents an Alan Toussaint Tribute at the Star Theater featuring Ural Thomas, Willie West, and Nolatet... 8 pm, $20
Siren Nation presents Lady Sings the Blues: A Tribute to Billy Holiday at the Alberta Rose ... 8 pm, $15
Redwood Son CD release show at Mississippi Studios ... 9 pm, $12 - 18
Sunday
Ashleigh Flynn starts a week-long residency at Al's Den with a host of special guests all week. Sunday kicks off with Casey Neill.
