Weekend comes again . . . right on schedule

Just when one is over, a few days later here's another one. Damn . . . they just sneak right up on ya . . . . (look at it this way, just a bunch more weekends and we'll be out of this economic crap . . . couple of blinks and it will all be better . . . now where are my ruby slippers?)

In the meantime . . . live music can go a long way to helping us forget the mess we're in, commune with friends, and delight our neural networks . . . . so consider the following part of your minimum weekend requirement for healthy living (and available without a prescription) . . .

Thursday
Besides the usual weekly gigs (see previous posts if you can't remember) I always think are worth regular or periodic visits . . . here's two more for tonight worth checking out with a couple of Portland's best -
Kate Mann & the Calamities will do the late show at the Laurelthirst. Factory Girl opens. . . . 9:30 pm, $4
Rollie Tussing will be at Biddy McGraws. Whether as a one-man wrecking machine or with a full band, Rollie delivers. . . . 9 pm, free

Friday
If you've been a longtime fan of Jon Koonce (or simply followed music here for the last 30 years), you'll remember Johnny and the Distractions, one of the most popular bands in Portland in the early 80's. They will rock the Aladdin with a reunion gig tonight. Come out and see what some call the best and most influential Portland rock band of all time. Should be a ton of fun . . . . . 8 pm, $ 20

Lloyd Jones will be at cool little wine shop Sip d'Vine in Multnomah Village . . . . 7 pm, $1

Mary Flower will be fingerpickin' her way through a dinner and music show at Fleur De Lis Bakery and Cafe - she'll pick, you eat . . . all good. 6:30 food/7:30 music, $5 (dinner extra)

The Midnight Serenaders do their take on Jazz age swing at Duff's Garage. Dancing shoes recommended! Opening will be the Bridgetown Sextet. These are two excellent bands that will throw down some tasty tunes in the friendly confines of Duff's. . . . 9 pm, $10

Austin's Asylum Street Spankers pay a visit to the re-opened Mississippi Studios. I'll let this quote describe them: ". . . a roots-rock riddle, nestled in a satirical Vaudeville enigma, packaged in an old-timey radio-show puzzle and slathered with hippie-fied mystery sauce." - Tampa Weekly Planet . . . They are also performing Saturday at Music Millennium and at the LiveWire Radio show. The Pete Krebs Trio opens tonight. . . . 9 pm, $20

Another post coming for Saturday shows and St Pat's Day related live music/excuses for drinking beer (like we need one?), including the annual KMRIA show at the Crystal on Saturday.