From outside to inside ... some great shows coming up

Hope you've all been having a relaxing Labor Day weekend. Though there are still a few outdoor shows to finish out summer - like Bonnie Raitt at Edgefield on the 17th and the Sisters Folk Festival next weekend - it's time to look inward, and check out what's happening in venues around town.

Speaking of the Sisters Folk Festival, a number of the artists coming out for the festival are making stops this week in Portland  at the Alberta Rose, making for a very rich week of music...starting with Boston's Session Americana and Nashville's Kristin Andreassen on Tuesday night. You might remember Kristin as a member (with Abigail Washburn) of the stringband Uncle Earl. Two very strong acts make for a really entertaining evening at Albert Rose ... 8 pm, $17

That's followed on Wednesday night by the fabulous Ruthie Foster. Blues, folk, soul, gospel - this Texas native puts it all together with a powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Ruthie has been a favorite of mine for a long time. And, David Jacobs-Strain opens ... 8 pm, $28-40

Thursday brings Mipso, a young and critically acclaimed stringband from Chapel Hill, NC. They'll be joined by Sam Lewis, another talented tunesmith from Nashville ... 8 pm,  $15

And, Friday, it's the always welcome return to Portland of Tracy Grammer. She'll be sharing stories from her memoir-in-progress and doing a solo acoustic show. The vibe is always warm and inviting when she's in her "living room" at the Alberta Rose ... 8 pm, $17/20

Need more? Saturday night it's the Mavericks at Roseland ... 8 pm, $35-55

And next week at the Alberta Rose, it's Tom Rush, Matt Brown, and Joseph Arthur in for shows, and Sara Watkins at the Aladdin.

Wow ... September has some great music in town!