The mid-September Edition

Hard to believe we're mid-way into September already . . . . and the coming fall is shaping up to be a pretty good music season in the rose city . . . more on what's on the horizon later . . . but first let's look at the weekend and coming week . . .

Friday
The always entertaining Little Charlie & the Nightcats at the Aladdin Theater. For 30 years this band from Sacramento has been dishing out a stew of blues, swing, jump, rockabilly with style, humor and chops. 8 PM, $14

Kevin Burke and Cal Scott at Mississippi Studios - 7 PM, $17

Michael Jodell, Annalisa Tornfelt, & Jim Keaveny at the Laurelthirst - 9 PM

Saturday
Live Wire radio show taping at the Aladdin - 8 PM

Mary Flower at Artichoke Music - 8 PM, $15 . . . Great fingerpicking and slide work from one of our local treasures . . . Mary's playing and song choices are a musical education from one of the best teachers in town.

The Insomniacs at Duff's Garage - swingin' blues band if you're in the mood to jump around . . . 9:30 PM

Meet the legendary Kool & the Gang at Music Millennium. They will be signing copies of their new CD, Still Kool, at 4 PM (32nd & East Burnside)

James Low will be joined by Michael Dean Damron at Laurelthirst for a little different happy hour show then usual . . . back to James and his band next week. - 6 PM, no cover.

Over the Rhine and Griffin House at the Doug Fir Lounge - 9 PM, $20 . The critically acclaimed Ohio duo Over the Rhine are touring to support their latest recording, The Trumpet Child. Hard to classify, try maybe "folk-pop-rock-alt-country-Americana", but what I've heard from the new CD is impressing me . . . . find sound, alluring voice . . . could be the show to check out this weekend.

Medeski, Scofield Martin and Wood at the Roseland . . . for all you groovemeisters . . . 9 PM, $28

And a quick reminder to tune into 89.1 KMHD (on the radio or streamed online) for Mississippi West, the new American Roots/Americana radio show hosted by Mike Myer, Dave Johnson and occasionally yours truly . . . . it's fun to have somewhere to play music that doesn't get a lot of airplay in Portland . . . . and let KMHD know if you like it!

Sunday
The New Pornographers at the Crystal Ballroom - 8 PM, $22 . . . touring to support their new CD, Challengers, it should be a packed house for this fine and admired Canadian indie band that's a sometimes home to Neko Case (who is touring with the band). Another excellent choice for the weekend.

Monday
Loudon Wainwright III at the Aladdin - 8 PM, $24 . . . a forty year career and he still hasn't sunk into obscurity - that's good enough for me . . . LWIII has been making trenchant social and personal commentary for a long time . . . and the pen's still sharp. And he's even doing a bit of acting - see 40-Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up - and his latest release, Strange Weirdos, is music from or inspired by the latter.

Wednesday
Steve Poltz at Mississippi Studios - 8 PM, $10/$12 . . . Speaking of amusing acts, Steve is one of the funniest, most unique singer-songwriters I know . . . you never know what to expect from a guy voted San Diego's Most Influential Artist of the Decade - except for a deeply satisfying evening of song and banter. See him and know what I mean.

On the horizon (pay attention - get tickets or get 'em on your busy schedule!) . . .
Oct 3 - The Subdudes at the Aladdin
October 7 - M Ward at the Crystal Ballroom
October 8 - Nick Lowe with Bill Kirchen at the Aladdin
October 10 - George Jones at the Schnitz
and . . .
October 22 - Neil Young at Keller Auditorium - tickets go on sale on Saturday . . . . and will probably go fast (though they are pretty pricey)

all for now . . . get out to some live music!