This week . . . . 9/26 and beyond

So I'll try to be brief . . .

Tonight (Wednesday)
Deva Premal & Miten at the First Congregational Church (1126 SW Park Avenue). This is a show being produced by my friend Jess Byers. This is something a bit different from what I usually recommend, but check out the link and come on out if it intrigues you. 7:30pm, $30/$45

If you like your music Djangofied . . . . Swing Papillon and, from France, Norig with the Sebastian Giniaux Trio will be at Mississippi Studios. Sounds like some great gypsy jazz happening tonight in north Portland. 8 PM / $10

Thursday
At the Doug Fir Lounge is Earlimart - an LA band that gets a big recommendation from James Low. Sounds good to me . . . and they have Portland's (now LA's) Derek Brown on drums (for you fans of DB - I know you're out there). 9 PM / $12

And if you look up quirky in the dictionary, you're apt to find a reference to They Might Be Giants . . . . but quirky in an oh-so-good way . . . . they've managed to make it work for over 20 years of producing whatever they want . . . but better than just quirky, it's really good. Istanbul or Constantinople? Roseland Theater, 8 PM / $22

Friday
The always excellent Tony Furtado is at the Doug Fir . . . and opening will be the always engaging Jim Brunberg . . . I'm going to try to stop by this one for a while - love both of these guys. Tony is one of the best slide and banjo players anywhere (and he lives here in Portland). Always nice to have him back from touring to play at home. 9 PM / $15

For you shred happy string benders, the legendary Dick Dale, king of the surf guitar, is in town for an appearance at Music Millennium at 6 PM (free) and a show at Dante's. 9:30 PM / $20

For you jam band fans and Deadheads (we know you're still out there), the Dark Star Orchestra is at the Crystal Ballroom. 9 PM / $25


At the moment, nothing else is jumping out at me for the weekend . . . . makes it a good time to check out some of your more local music haunts, like the Laurelthirst on Sunday for the Freak Mountain Ramblers (6 PM and always fun with a great crowd at the 'thirst) or the Alberta Street Pub - with Reina Collins and Paula Sinclair on Sunday night (8 PM), or the Muddy Rudder in Sellwood. BTW, though it says it on the site and in the paper, the James Low Band will not be doing happy hour this Saturday at the Laurelthirst - but they'll be back for all Saturdays in October.

Monday
A band getting a lot of national attention is Brooklyn-based The National, and they'll be at the Crystal Ballroom on Monday night. My son recently turned me on to their music and it's kinda hard to describe, but strangely compelling. I'd recommend checking them out. 9 PM / $15

Wednesday
The Subdudes at the Aladdin . . . one of my favorites back in town to support their new CD, Street Symphony. Always swampy, funky and fun . . . . 8 PM / $20 advance - $22 door

Let me know if you've got something to recommend and I'll add it . . .

All until next week . . .

See you at a show!