Weekend picks ... yes, really!

No apologies for a bit of a hiatus ... here ya go:

Friday
Of course, I'm going to promote my good friend Teresa James in a rare Portland appearance with her band, The Rhythm Tramps, tonight at The Lehrer. She's one of the best vocalist I know - can do blues, roadhouse rock, sweet ballads, country tunes - you name it, she can sing the hell out of it. And, she's got a band that is made of some great LA session players (who've played together for years) ... and opening is her old friend from way back in their Houston days, Rich Layton (& the Troublemakers). Hope to see ya there! ... 8 pm, $10

Early music?
The Sportin' Lifers are at the Secret Society ... 6 pm, $5

Billy D is at the Edgefield  ... 7 pm, no cover

Later?
The Joe New Trio is at the Muddy Rudder (8 pm, no cover)

KMHD presents Seattle's Polyrhythmics and Portland's Browish Black in a great double-bill at the Star Theater ... 9 pm, $10

Love Gigantic throws down some big musical love at the head of a triple-bill with the My Oh Mys and Casey Ruff & the Mayors of Ballard at the Secret Society ... 9 pm, $10

Robbie Laws is at Duff's  ... don't be surprised if there isn't a bit of an impromptu tribute to the late BB King ... 9 pm, $??

At Mississippi Studios, Willamette Week hosts their Best New Band Showcase ... 9 pm, free

Saturday
For early music, check out Redray Frazier at the Laurelthirst (6 pm, no cover), or Everything's Jake at the Secret Society (6 pm, $5).

Pick show for Saturday is Tony Furtado's CD release show at the Alberta Rose. The last time I saw Tony and his band, they put on one of the most satisfying performances I saw in 2014. This should be outstanding ... and Annalisa Tornfelt opens ... 8 pm, $18

Another great choice is the Rose City Kings at The Lehrer ... bring your dancin' shoes ... 8 pm, $10

And of course, you might not want to pass up Curtis Salgado at Jimmy Mak's ... 8pm, $20/$25

 .... or Soul Vaccination at Duff's ... 8 pm, $??

Lauren Sheehan will be at the Muddy Rudder ... 8 pm, no cover

For something a little different, it's New American Classics - new chamber music compositions presented at Mississippi Studios ... 8 pm, $10-$25

And, I know there's more ... so pick something and get out to some live music!