Thanksgiving weekend music

The only turkeys here are the ones you'll eat on Thursday. And any leftovers ... I love leftovers (but that's another story).

Wednesday
Thanksgiving eve gives us a great way to start the holiday weekend at the Laurelthirst. Lewi Longmire & the Left Coast Roasters do their annual pre-TG show ... this year with Annachristie Sapphire and probably a few other guests. Always packed and fun ... 9 pm, $8

Lauren Sheehan hosts a pre-TG evening at the Muddy Rudder with special guest Johnny Ward ... 8 pm, no cover

Friday

It's the first night of three for the seventh annual The Next Waltz at the Alberta Rose. A host of notables from the Portland music community come together to perform music of The Band (essentially the songs of The Last Waltz concert film) ... and it's a fundraiser for The Jeremy Wilson Foundation, supporting musicians' healthcare. Friday and Saturday are sold out, but there are still a few Sunday tickets ... $28

At the Aladdin is the first of two nights of the annual Storm Large Holiday Ordeal - "a night of music, gags, gifts and some very special guests." Fun? Very assuredly! Both nights are sold out, but there's always re-sellers and showing up ... 8 pm, $40/$55

Friday is also the first of two nights of Tony Furtado at Mississippi Studios. Friday's show is the acoustic band featuring Scott Law, with Jackstraw opening. Saturday night it's more electric and features Stephanie Schneiderman. Richie Young opens the show. Two nights of superb music ... both at 8pm, $15




Saturday
In addition to the multi-night shows ... you might want to check out -

The James Low Irregulars for happy hour at the Laurelthirst ... 6 pm, no cover

Rich Layton & the Troublemakers will be rockin' the westside at the Rock Creek Tavern ... 8 pm, no cover

Excellent night of music at the Doug Fir with Casey Neill & the Norway Rats featuring Anita Lee Elliot (of Viva Voce) making her Portland debut on guitar and vocals, Jenny Conlee-Drizos on keys and accordion, Ji Tanzer on drums, and Jesse Emerson on bass. Jeffrey Martin opens.  ... 8 pm, $12

Sunday
If you're looking for bluegrass with world-class pickers, head to Mississippi Studios for The Travelin' McCourys. Daddy Del doesn't head out on the road as much these days, but the rest of the band does and plays some damn fine music ... 8 pm, $22

Alright ... fight that food coma and head out to some live music! Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!