What's Goin' On?

. . . this weekend . . . lots of choices, directions, music, words . . . hmmmmm

A great weekend of shows at Mississippi Studios kicks off tonight with John Wesley Harding. Last year he did a fantastic sold out set at MS . . . and the very entertaining Jim Brunberg will open. There a few tickets left, but should be another full house. (7 PM, $22)

Also tonight, Fernando Viciconte is at Berbati's, The Strangetones at Venue (the old Billy Reed's on MLK) and the Irish band, Patrick Street is at the Alberta Street Pub - this show is sold out, but another has been added for Sunday at 5 PM. ($25)

Saturday starts the two days of the Wordstock book fair. The Wordstock Festival (which began yesterday) is Portland's annual festival of books. The book fair will be held at the Convention Center focusing on all things literary . . . this festival has really taken off - it's only $5 for admission and definitely worth checking out. In conjunction with the festival, a very special LiveWire! Radio show will happen at the Aladdin Saturday night with special guests from the festival including Le Show's Harry Shearer. (8 PM, $25)

The Voices for Silent Disasters fund raising shows for Mercy Corp continues at the Mission Theater with Songwriter's Night - great lineup includes: Morgan Grace / Little Sue / Jeremy Wilson / Pilar French / Michael Jodell / Susie Blue / Lael Alderman / Jaycob Van Auken / Linda Hornbuckle / Breanna Paletta (8 PM, $15)

And two great (and separate) shows at Mississippi Studios with songwriter Cosy Sheridan at 7 PM ($15) and the amazing Sonny Landreth for a very special 10 PM show ($35). There may be a few tickets left for Sonny . . . the house will be rocking late into the night.

For a somewhat quieter evening, a fine pairing of James Low and Kaitlyn ni Donovan will be at the Press Club on SE Clinton (at 26th) - a great little neighborhood cafe/bar (and they make delicious crepes). And Paula Sinclair will be at the Twin Paradox Cafe in Sellwood.

Finally, if you're a fan of songwiter Craig Crouthers, he in town and doing a sonwriters in the round show on Sunday at the Kennedy School with Jack McMahon, Kate Power and Steve Einhorn . . . . 7:30 PM

And, remember to tune in to 89.1 KMHD's Mississippi West from 3-6 PM on Saturday.

See you at a show!