Thursday and Friday picks

Finding myself way too busy, so I'll keep this short and warn you I might night post again for a week or so. I know . . . idle threat it might be. You'd think this posting thing would only take a minute or two. Alas no . . . . I can spend inordinate amounts of time accomplishing what feels like very little. Speed, multitasking not my strength. Okay, blather switch off now.

Thursday
At the top of my list is tonight is the Cascade Blues Association's annual celebration of the local NW blues community, the Muddy Awards at the Melody Ballroom. Music, awards, community, and fun begins at 6:30 pm and it's free.

A band I came to late, but am enjoying dipping back into their catalog is at the Doug Fir later - Southern Culture on the Skids. With tongue often planted firmly in cheek, they attack southern blues rock with a skewed vengence that can be rediculously fun. The high-energy countryfunk of the Quick and Easy Boys opens. A beer-spillin' evening fo' sure ... 9 pm, $15

In the 'hood (mine that is) spend the evening at the warm and friendly Muddy Rudder with Lloyd Jones. Playing solo, Lloyd will mix his orginal tunes with great blues standards and one of the most engaging personalities on the Portland music scene for over three decades. ...  8 pm, no cover

Speaking of the 'hood . . . The Brothers Young and Boat do a combined CD release show at The Woods ... 9 pm, $7

Oregon Ballet Theater and Horsefeathers have their last of their three show collaboration at Mississippi Studios. Heard it's been quite wonderful  ... 8 pm, $15

Friday
Strong night at the Laurelthirst beginning with James Low doing his monthly first Friday happy hour at  6 pm, (no cover), followed by Bingo Richey and Lewi Longmire at 9:30 pm ($6).

The Siren Nation Festival kicks off at the Someday Lounge ... 8 pm, $12

Jazz, blues, and boogie ivory tinkler David Vest will be at Duff's Garage ... 9:30, $??

The Mother Hips, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, and Matthew Lindley will be in town at the Doug Fir ... 9 pm, $17.50

Maybe more about Saturday and beyond coming soon . . . maybe not  . . . but get out to some live music.