Ben Meyercord's Live Picks Sunday, June 29th

Man, sometimes I drop the ball. I just wanted to bring attention to the fact that there is a really awesome and FREE show this Sunday.

Sunday, June 29th

• The Willamette Week's Lounge Series XX is happening tonight. If you don't recall, The Lounge Series happens the last Sunday of every month at the Towne Lounge for FREE. Three bands are chosen by the music editors of the Willamette Week to play the show. The cool thing is that the music editor interviews the artist live in front of the audience (heckles are welcomed). The interviews and performances can later be downloaded via local cut. The absolute coolest thing about this series though, is that it is completely FREE for the audience. This month they have a really good line up featuring Cory Gray (Carcrashlander), Shelly Short, and Adam Shearer (of Weinland). If you have ever seen a Weinland show, then you know that Adam is a very entertaining person when he gets to talking, so I am looking forward to his interview. Again, the show is FREE. The music/interviews start at 9:30 PM.

So yeah, I'm gonna be there.

Ben


Cory Gray (Carcrashlander) plays Sunday Night on the FREE
photo by anna leach

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for June 23rd to June 29th

Hello Dear Readers,

Good Lord, last week was ridiculous for me. I ended up playing five shows. I think I only saw one show I didn't play. That was the Per Se show at Doug Fir. I love her songs. But I really wish St Goldie was there for the second band, Sophie Lux. They put on a performance that was like a
musical. They were all wearing white. The drummer had on a viking helmet. The keyboardist had a helme with antlers on it and a white wig underneath. The bass player had a big white fur lined cape and some sort of animal mask. The guitar player had a disco ball material ascot. The violinist was dress like a airline attendant. It was kinda great. I am pretty sure that Goldie would love this band.

Anyways, there are a lot of good shows this week, including one good post-rock show for every day of the weekend.

Monday, June 23rd

There is not a whole lot that I am interested in locally. I might check out Hayden at the Aladdin Theater, but am most tempted by RZA at Hawthorne Theater (thats gonna be crazy).

• The one show that I would be interested in seeing is Gregory Miles Harris at White Eagle. Daniel Johnston had him open both shows him when he played in Portland last. I guess I am just curious about his indie-pop. James Coates opens the show. Besides, it is part of the Pop Tomorrow series which means its FREE.
  

Tuesday, June 24th

You have quite a lot to choose from if you want to see a local show.

• The one I think I want to see the most is at Holocene, where AU will be having a CD release show for their new album Verbs. I think the experimental pop that they create is pretty cool. But what I am really excited about is the Parenthetical Girls. I love the endogenous delicate pop that those "girls" make. Ah Holly Fa'mly opens. I really want to see their set too. The show is $6 at the door. There show starts at 9 PM.
  

• Pix Patisserie (North) is having its Guitar Pix show with acoustic indie-popper Super XX Man that they have every last Tuesday of the Month. I was talking to Brianne (Tender Loving Empire) and she was saying that the new Super XX Man album that will be coming out is really good. I trust her taste in music and so should you. Josh Nielson will be opening up. The show is ALL AGES and FREE. It starts at 8 PM.

• Chaos Cafe will be having a sweet show on Tuesday too. Flote (a modern flute quartet), Homesick Elephant(LA), and Down South Sallie are all all playing. While I am not all that familiar with Flote or Homesick Elephant, I know that Nick Ceceres and Down South Sallie are great. Nick Ceceres plays well honed folk. His new band Gratitillium is going to put out a CD on the Tender Loving Empire label. He is also featured on the PDX Pop Now! 2008 compilation. Down South Sallie has an incredible voice. It is like she is channeling the voice of Buddy Holiday or something. She is well worth seeing. The show is well worth seeing. It is ALL AGES and FREE (unless of course you want to do the right thing and tip the touring band). The show starts at 8 PM.

• Valentine's is having a show with Ora Cogan (Vancouver, B.C.), Marisa Anderson, and Kele Goodwin. I have seen the name Ora Cogan before, I have never heard of Marisa Anderson (that I can recall), but I love Kele Goodwin's music. He writes hushed and delicate folk music that totally sounds like Nick Drake (a very good thing). Update! Marisa Anderson plays guitar in CIMTB fave Evolutionary Jass Band (she also apparently plasy ambient folk). So it would appear to be folk night at Valentine's if you like folk check it out, if not I suggest you stay clear. The show is FREE. It starts sometime after 9 PM.
  

• When I played at Valentine's last week a girl came up to me after the show and introduced herself as Kristin and told me she was going to be playing at Ash Street. She plays under the name Sunshine. It is kinda of trippy folk. I am not sure what she would sound like live, but it might be cool. Soft Morning City, and Match Castashadow (New Orleans) also will be playing this FREE show. The music starts at 9:15 PM.

• And of course there is always the open mic at Zilla's hosted by Y La Bamba. It is FREE and starts at 8 PM.
  

Wednesday, June 25th

There are only two shows that I was interested in.

• The Someday Lounge is having a CD release party for Rollerball's newest album. Just ask St Goldie how good they are. I am sure she would love to unload her opinion of them onto you. You know that you are great when Goldie thinks you're good. The Someday Lounge usually writes up little summaries of all of their shows. This what they said about this one. "Portland Oregon's Rollerball are the very definition of a cult band. Their image is shrouded by aliases & self sustained mystique and their discography packed with hidden gems and genre warping artistry. In the decade plus since Rollerball first formed, this highly prolific family of musicians have conjured up staggering amount of recorded material; 12 full lengths albums, another dozen eps and singles and countless compilation appearances. Whether slipping between vampy cabaret numbers, horn drenched future-funk or pulsing darkwave melodrama, Rollerball always pushes their ideas and musicianship to the edge and beyond. Tonight celebrates the release of their newest album, AHURA, available through Italian label, Wallace Records." Vilka (France) and Powernap will also be playing sets. The show is $6. It starts at9 PM.
  

• The other show is happening at Dante's and though it is mostly bands I am unfamiliar with, it is darned cheap. I am referencing Frankie-Palooza Which is 15 bands playing for $3 dollars (thats five bands per dollar, you aren't going to beat that price anywhere.) from 5 PM until 2 AM. Here are the bands : THEE LOYAL BASTARDS, THE NICE BOYS, KLEVELAND, THE FAMILY GUN, FIREBALLS OF FREEDOM, GODDAMN GENTLEMEN, THE DARLINS, THE HELLSIDE STRANGLERS, DISGUSTITRON, RED HOT PISTOL, GODS & KINGS, JULIAN'S RIDE, THE NIGHT, LONDON & THE LOOK, and SOCIETY OF AGES. Most of these bands appear to be of the rock variety. Again 15 bands $3, from 5 PM to 2 AM.
  

Thursday, June 26th

There are some shows on Thursday. These are the ones I want to attend.

• Holocene is having a benefit (Benefit of the week alert!) for Umbrella. You may ask yourself, "What is Umbrella and why should I support it or give my money to benefit it?" To which I would answer, "Umbrella is just the name of the event where $2 of your admission goes to Planned Parenthood and Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls." I might also add that Sad Horse, Sarah Winchester (of A Weather), Sarah Dougher, Janet Pants, Matress, Rush-N-Disco, TJO, and DJ Mike McGonigaln (founder of Yeti Magazine and co-founder of Halleluwah Fest). The last time I saw Sarah Winchester play was at Holocene benefiting her bandmate Louis Thomas. She has a really distinct smokey voice that just gets me every time. TJO is alwasy great. I saw Sad Horse play at Holocene once too. They are a pretty fun/loud two piece consisting of drums guitairs, and vocals. It should be a blast regardless. You may donate the suggested $5 or go all the way to $10 (or whatever you feel like giving). The show starts at 9 PM.
  

• Speaking of Louis Thomas, one of the bands he plays in , Chores, is playing on Thursday as well. They are playing a show with Les Faneurs at the Alleyway Cafe. Both bands seem to share a energetic quirky rock sound. It should be fun. Especially since it is FREE. The show starts at 6 PM.
  

Friday, June 27th

There are many good shows. I normally would be conflicted, except...

• I am playing in AristeiA along side CIMTB faves Westfold and The Hand That Bleeds (post-rockers Nannda Devi were set to play, They are awesome, but had to drop out). This is the first of three awesome post-rock shows. AristeiA is instrumental and awesome (think blissful noise). Westfold is one of the best Portland rock bands in my opinion. This show is happening at Kelly's Olympian. It will probably blow your mind. You really can't lose. The show is probably $5. The music starts at 10 PM.
  

• What kills me is that there is a show happening at The Waypost that I really want to see. It is The Fields at Night, Orange Jam, Jordaan Mason (Toronto), and Shelby Sifers. I know nothing of the first two performers, but God do I love Jordaan Mason's music, and God do I love Shelby Sifers' music too. I wish I could be there too. There is no cover listed but bring money for CDs. The ALL AGES show starts at 8 PM.
  

• The Towne Lounge is also having a show of note. The Subcons are playing a show with Quiet by Ten, and The Ascetic Junkies. I first heard of The Subcons when I was supposed to play a show with them. I remember thinking how strange it was that I haven't heard of them (because it was really good). Unfortunately, they ended up not being able to play the show. More unfortunate though, is that I haven't been able to see them play yet. Let me say this, they have a lap steel and sometimes pedal steel guitarist. If you know that sound then you are probably sold (lap steel/pedal steel sounds sooooo good). This show is $5 at the door. The music starts at 9:30.
  

• The Red Room is a nice little oasis on 82nd (FREE Guitar Hero and Nintendo). It has a nice atmosphere and you neve know who might play there. For instance, David Evan and band may play there with some bands I don't know. Bands like Geographer (CA) and Bad Trees. If you like well penned tunes about assassins and chickens boys. I suggest you come to this show. It is FREE (all Red Room shows are FREE). The show starts at 9 PM.
  

Saturday, June 28th

There are some really great shows tonight. Luckily I don't have to make any choices because...

• I am playing a show as Meyercord with Leonard Mynx and Telescope Eyes at Chaos Cafe. This should be a good time. I don't know what to say about my music except that I think you might like it? Leonard Mynx on the other hand I would say makes really nice Americana/Folk. He describes the songs as "ambitiously optimistic, yet fearful.". I like the sound of that. I have written about him before (even in this post). But this will be my first time to see him play. "Beach Boy "woo-hoos" meld with shimmering, reverb-drenched guitar lines to quilt a trip-pop excursion that proves a fine soundtrack for the emerging Portland summer." - Casey Jarman (of Local Cut) said of Telescope eyes. Sounds pretty good to me. The show is FREE. It is ALL AGES so it starts at 8 PM.
  

• The Second kick ass Post-Rock show of the weekend is also happening at Kelly's Olympian. This time around The Friendly Skies, You May Die in The Desert, and We're from Japan!. The Friendly Skies are coming back from a Summer tour. You should check out the loop-crazy dou's 7 inch (its swirled color vinyl!). Plus We're From Japan just never ceases to amaze me. Check out their myspace page because they just added a song, "Black Bag Work", from their forth coming album, Now Breathe. It kicks it up a couple notches. The show will cost you $5 and starts at 10 PM.
  

• The Aladdin has some of the best quality shows in town. It is always nice when the quality comes from home. Like Saturday Night's Weinland, Norfolk & Western, and A Weather show. All of these bands are incredible and are from Portland. Wanna know what else, besides being based out of Portland, these bands have in common? All of the bands were recorded by Norfolk & Western front man Adam Selzer at his Type Foundry recording studio. They are also all very good, but I think I mentioned that before. The ALL AGES show is $12. The music starts at 8 PM sharp.
  

• An ALL AGES show in a smaller venue is happening at Artistery. Typhoon, Evolutionary Jass Band, and Eskimo & Sons are all playing. I have seen the first two bands listed and was honest to goodness blown away by both. Typhoon had about twelve members that make a rather large sound. Very Cool. The Evolutionary Jass band also has an impressive amount of members (I think eight) and make really cool Jazz based music. I have not heard much by Eskimos & Son but what I have heard was good. This ALL AGES show i s$6. The show starts at 8 pm.
  

• Also there is some sort of all day show happening at someplace called the Orange Room (10818 NW St. Helen's Rd). It will have a grip of bands playing: Rifle, Reporter, Fist Fite, Old Growth, Science of Yarba, Vanishing Kids, Dudelord, and Experimental Dental School. That is all I know. Oh and I think its FREE.
  

Sunday, June 29th

There are two shows I am interested in. They are as follows:

• The third of three Post-Rock shows I mention is happening at Holocene. This one has Strangers Die Every Day, Colt Vista, and AAN. All of these bands are Super good and unique. I would suggest checking out all of these bands. I am especially fond of SDED's string based instrumental rock. I think it is gorgeous. The show is $5 at the door. The show starts at 9 PM.
  

• Mississippi Pizza is having a show with Melissa Ruth (Eugene), Emma Hill, and Down South Sallie. I am not familiar with Mellissa , but I know that Emma has good songs and as I told you earlier Down South Sallie has an incredible voice. Like I'm gonna go ahead and list her twice this week and would list her more if she were playing more shows. It is a FREE show (maybe some donations?). The show starts at 9 PM.
  

So there you have it an awesome week for shows. I hope you make it out to some of them. Amd of course if you see me say

"Hi". Have a great week,

Ben


AristieA will not be so still on Friday at Kelly's. They will be loud and animated.
photo by Fense

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More RoseDroppy PodCasty goodness...

We are sitting at 9 Muses listening to the Rosedrop Media Circus podcast (as usual for a Sunday) enjoying a beer or three (as usual for a day-ending-in-day).

According to the bartender, the cooler is colder than the pipes to the tap which is why the Lompoc LSD takes longer to pull than a Guinness... But that's neither here nor there, and seriously: if a slow-drawn pint of microbrew is your worst problem tonight, I envy you...

One of the other podcast regulars, Steve Griffiths (aka Grif) is recording tonight. Grif is a Brit (((anglophilegasm!!))) with a thousand brilliant stories of rock & roll. Once the post-production team (consisting of my husband and the host) work through the backlog (don't. even. ask.) you'll be able to hear Grif's anectodotes about building tube amps for Robin Trower and running the soundboard for Blue Oyster Cult.

PS. For those of you playing the CIMTB Home Game: Grif's son is Erik Anarchy.

Full Disclosure: I adore Grif because *not only* can he play guitar like a mofo and has a lovely eastern-brit accent, but in my pathetic egotistic self-indulgence: he's one of the very few people who still seems to think I'm some sort of rock star... No, I have no clue why he thinks I'm any particular sort of awesome... but he does and a fat girl needs bit of flattery at times, so who am I to judge?

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A message from Jef Brown: It's Vinyl and it's beautiful!

Hi there, my new record is finally out. To contact me on Myspace or at coilhead (at) gmail (dot) com if you are interested.

It's Vinyl and it's beautiful!

Peace, Jef Brown

Evolutionary Jass Band Live at the Silo 7/10/07

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music for June 21st to June 23rd

Friday, June 20th

I know that most of you are probably gonna want to go to the Snoop Dog/ Warren G show with Tha Dogg Pound. But for those of us want to support the local scene (ie don't have enough money to go to that show), here are some more affordable shows.

• Backspace is having a show that will make every audience member shake their ass. Copy, PDX's 8-bit dance music master will be playing a set along with an electro-art-rock set by Panther. These guys must be bro's cause it seems like they are always playing together. DJ Hostile Tapeover will be bring his cassettes tapes to play to. He's like a DJ but uses tapes instead of records (TJ?). This ALL AGES show is $5 and will start at 8 PM.

• Or if you want a little more Hip Hop for your dance off, then you should head over to Holocene where they are having an event entitled "Snap!". It features Colin Jones a masterful Suka-Free MC, H.R. Paperstacks, Hoop Dreams, DJ Hannukah Miracle, and DJ Freaky Outty (a Home Movies reference). The cover is only $3 for this joint. The doors are at 9 PM.

• There is a very solid local show happening at Wonder Ballroomom featuring Viva Voce's new project Blue Giant. Blue Giant has both members of Viva Voce (Kevin and Anita Roinson), Evan Railton (ex-Swords Project), and Seth Lorinczi moved to Portland from San Fran a few years back and our friendship began before the boxes were taped up. His musical pedigree is unmatched (The Quails, Crime in Choir, Golden Bears). I listened to what they have online and liked the psychedelic country tunes that I heard. The best part is that the rest of the line up is great too. The Shaky Hands have always put on an energetic show. And Lackthereorf (Danny Siem of Menomena) will be playing as well. I have never seen him but I have a couple albums which have some songs I would love to see live. The show is $10 in advance and $12 at the door and includes a copy of Blue Giant's EP. This ALL AGES show starts at 8 PM.

• Someday Lounge is having a show with Rifle, The Lark, and Blue Horns. All of these PDX bands are of the rock variety but tend to all have a pop edge sometimes with a psychedelic tinge. The best part of this show is that is FREE. The show starts at 9 PM.

• Friday also marks the beginning of The Summer of Luv Festival. This night will feature Pegasus, Chrome Wings, Exploding Interiors, and Don Hellions. It is happening at Good Neighbor Pizza. This looks like it will be several days worth of fun. There isn't a cover listed for this assumed ALL AGES event. The time is listed as evening.

Saturday, June 21st

There are a bunch of shows on Saturday that I won't be attending because I am playing a show in Bellvue Washington. Please see these for me:

• Dante's usually doesn't do it for me. While I have seen some good shows there, they seem few and far between. Saturday they are having what might be one of those good ones. Blind Pilot a acoustic based pop band (I realize that it is really easy to be a really crappy acoustic pop band but they seemed to avoid this) is playing with the new wave-ish Hockey (who recently got a nice write up in The Mercury), and Andy Combs and the Moth. A diverse show to be sure but a real solid one. The show is $6. The music starts at 9:30 PM.

• Kelly's Olympian is having a show featuring The Triumphant Returns (Spokane, WA), The Neat(they calim to be Jangle as Fuck), and the reason I am listing the show, The Brightest Comet. I really like my Brightest Comet. Led by Andi Camp, they make music that reminds me of female fronted 90's guitar indie rock. It does the job. Plus it has John of We're From Japan on guitar. Sweet. The shows here are generally $5. This one starts at 10 PM.

• Mississippi Pizza is the best place that I can think to get a really good slice of pizza whilst listening to a good relatively unknown and yet surprisingly good local band at the same time. On Saturday they are having CIMTB readers, Dr. Something & The Popin' Fresh Love Engines play with Audie Darling. I have written about both of them before and have yet to see them. Dr Fresh and crew make zany accordion laced folk story songs. Check out "Robot Lover on their Myspace. Its crazy. Audie generally plays sparse and sad folkish songs. I wish I could see them. It is an ALL AGES FREE show that starts at 6 PM.

• Saturday's installment of The Summer of Luv Festival is happening at Dekum Manor. All Day. There is a breakfast and a dinner break. Bodhi, Eleventeen, Slow Fires, Alphabetix, Wooden Indian Burial Ground all play in the afternoon. Holy Smokes, Magic Johnson, The Unit Breed, Please Step Out Of The Vehicle will play in the evening. I am pretty sure this is FREE and ALL AGES.

• Did you know that Portland has it very own Weezer tribute band? Well, we do and its called Say It Ain't Weezer. They are playing at Berbati's on Saturday with Portland's only All Male Go-Go's tribute band, We Got The Meat. The is $7. The music starts at 9:30 PM.

Sunday, June 22nd

Here is what is happening on Sunday.

• Valentine's, as always, has a good show going on Sunday. Dirty Mittens, Hornet Leg, Grass Window, and Play/Start. I saw The Dirty Mittens play at Holocene and was pretty impressed with their take on pop music. It is FREE. The show starts 9 PM.

• Mississippi Pizza is having Autopilot is For Lovers, Welsh Rabbit, and Wester Daywick. I have seen Autopilot and liked it. Maybe you should see them too. The show is $5. The show starts 8 PM.

• The Old Church is having Retta Christie, David Evan, and Dave Frishberg play an ALL AGES show on Sunday. You guys know I like me some David Evan music. Especially when he plays with his new band. It is a CD release show for Retta. The show costs $10 in advance and $15 at the door. The show starts 6:30 PM.

• The final installment of The Summer of Luv Festival features Atlases, The Russians, Drip Drip Drop, Shake Speake and Never Fall For A Dinosaur. The evening portion features Dark Skies, The Caldonias, and Purple Rhinestone Eagle. Again there is a breakfast and a dinner break. This time it is at Ego Svm Papa (6426 N Vancouver). I think is FREE and ALL AGES.

I hope you guys make it out to some of the shows. If I make it to any of them come up and say hi.

-Ben


Autopilot is for Lovers will take time out of their busy schedule to play a show for you guys on Sunday at Kelly's Olympian.
Photo by Jason Quigley

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Look at this picture of Ben and Luz

I found it at Captain Clio's Art, Music, Life blog.

I don't know who took it...

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[Recap] Valentines 6/17/08: Please come to me in my dreams.*

I had SO MUCH FUN last night! Adam Steinfink and I went out to celebrate our one day off together. Here is the recap:

1. I met DJ Harvey County West who was spinning prior to the live music. Last night was his debut of this official DJ name!

2. Doorway Dweller was really fun! They sang this song about Bull Run and I loved it. I loved it because we got to shout "BULL RUN!" which, for the non Portland native, is not an event involving bulls, rather Bull Run is Portland's pristine water supply.

3. Tokay, the reason I wanted to go out in the first place was because I was bored. The second reason was because of Rush-N-Disco. Ben's Meyercord used the words "spectacle" and "kinda hard to explain" in his picks for this week. Intrigued, I checked out their Myspace. GUESS WHAT? The girl in Rush-N-Disco is Alicia from APE SHAPE!! After I figured that out I had to go to Valentines. This lady is a powerhouse! She can DANCE AND SING AT THE SAME TIME AND LOOK AMAZING DOING IT! It turned out only Alicia from Rush-N-Disco was able to perform. Which honestly was totally rad. I made chit chat with her hot friend Bridget. Bridget and I laughed uncontrollably during Alicia's "Love Affair In Text"!

4. So right before everyone started playing there was this lady setting up her gear. She looked familiar. Doesn't everyone in Portland? Then I saw this other lady sitting at the bar and she looked like Mae the piano player from my new favorite Portland band Rollerball. It was! And then I figured out that the girl setting up gear was Amanda the bass/saxophone player from Rollerball! TOTALLY AWESOME! Then I was doubly happy to have gone to Valentines! I got to hang out with Rollerball and see Amanda's band Dramady! Ivy Ross started dancing to Dramady's set. I love me a dance party! I think I even played tambourine at some point (oh my god de ja vu from Sunday's TJO "drum" circle!) Oh yeah I also found out Amanda also played with Ape Shape! Oh also, the guy who was playing drums in Dramady is also in a band called narwhal vs. narwhal.

Here is a video of what I didn't see last night performed by Rush-N-Disco


Love,
Ste. Goldie

PS -- Rollerball is playing Someday Lounge next Humpday the 25th! It's their record release! Also I just went on a walk and loaded my iPod shuffle (thank you maria!) with all of the CD's and I hit the road walking to the best shuffle... damn.

*this is a quote from "A Love Affair In Text" reading Alicia did with some guy who did really well considering he had only just read it about 30 minutes prior to performing

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for June 16th to June 19th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last week I hardly saw anyshows. At the time that I am writing this I have yet to see the TJO, Whip and Saw Whet show, but I anticipate it will be the best I saw last week. Zillas was exceptional last Tuesday too. There where appearance by Y La Bamba, Per Se, The Sarcastic Dharma Society, and Shelby Sifers. They were all fantastic. It was a real treat to have them all play on the same night. Anyway there are some really good shows this week. I hope to see you at them.


Monday, June 16th

There is a lot going on for a Monday. I suggest you catch some of this music (most of it is FREE).

• If you are not working on Monday, there is an AM show at The Waypost that you could attend. I got this form their website, "DEPAVE DAY BLOCK PARTY & Opening Ceremony for America's First "TOWARDS CARFREE CITIES" Conference featuring: Al Polito(12:00 - 12:30) Tony Green Orchestra(12:45 - 1:15) Eliza Jayne(1:30 - 2:00) Andy Combs and the Moth(2:15 - 2:45) Renegade Minstrels(3:00 - 3:30) DJ Ghost Dad(3:45 - 5:00)plus speakers, crazy bicycle creations, food, and more." This sounds really interesting and fun. The event starts at noon. It is ALL AGES and absolutely FREE.

• If you like what you heard of Andy Combs and the Moth earlier at The Waypost (or if you missed them there but would like to see them play) , then you should stop by The ArtisteryFrench Quater, James Fella, and Hell Kite. This show is $6. It is ALL AGES and starts promptly at 8 PM.

where they will play again. This time with three bands from Arizona:

• Valentine's is having a great show. David Kyle and the Invisibles, Love Menu, and Meyercord are playing. David Kyle plays looped based music that incorperates guitars, keyboards, and other various Eastern instruments with his preprgrammed beats. Love Menu is based around Emily Katz voice and autoharp. She has Bobby Smith (guitar/glockenspiel), Stephen Kierniesky (banjo/guitar), Emily Baker (drums) and Jeevan Singh (backing vocals)backing her to really fill out those songs really well. Okay I will level with you, I am playing this show (you may reckognize the name Meyercord as my last one) and I would love for you to see me play. There FREE show starts at 9 PM.

• 17-K aka The Crib (5410 Ne 17Th, Portland, OR) is having a house show with the Dirty Mittens, Southern Belle, and Princeton (LA). Despite the fact that Southern Belle plays like a million shows a month ( i just checked and it looks like they've slowed down considerably), I have yet to see them. I hear good things. I have seen Dirty Mittens before and enjoyed it. Like most hose shows it is gonna be ALL AGES and cheap. The show starts at 8 PM.

• Or if you don't feel like leaving the house, you can listen to a local band play via the radio (or internet radio). Newspapers are playing live on KPSU's Sound Judgement at 10 PM.

Tuesday, June 17th

There is some good stuff going on tonight. See:

• Indiecon Booking and KPSU are presenting a show at Backspace featuring Y La Bamba, Kele Goodwin, and Brittain Ashford (Brooklyn). All of these artists have a unique take on the genre of folk. Y La Bamba mixes her music with all other kinds of music and is a beautiful mess of waltzes, three part harmonies. Britain's music is centered around her autoharp and often is accomaned by sparse bass and or glockenspiel. Kele mostly goes it alone with his Nick Drack-sh compositions. It will be a night of gorgeous music. Again I will admit that I play in one of the bands (Y La Bamba). The show is $5. It is ALL AGES and starts at 8 PM.

• Right next door there is a show going at Someday Lounge featuring Graves, Sean Brooks (of Minmae), and Polly High. This should be a pretty relaxed affair. If you have ever seen Graves, you know that I don't mean that they are sloppy or anything. I just mean that when they play it is very soothing (even when they are rocking out). This show is $5 and starts at 9 PM.

• Or you can see some the spectacle that is Rush-N-Disco at Valentine's. Its kinda hard to explain what they do, so I suggest you check out their videos on their myspace page. This event is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Wednesday, June 18th

I will be out of town on Wednesday so, I won't be at any of these shows, but...

• Exit Only is having a show benefitting PDX Pop Now! 2008. I am super excited about PDX Pop now as per usual. Starfucker, Guidance Counselor, 40 Hunderd Thousand Locked Up Guns, and Megachurch. Starfucker knows how to put on a show (they played last week to benefit PDX Pop now via the CD release show) that entertains. I have heard good things about Guidance Counselor. I saw 40 Hendred Locked Up Guns a couple weeks ago and I liked what I heard. The ALL AGES show is $5-$10 and starts at 8 PM.

• Satyricon is also having a show with some PDX talent. Newspapers, The Sunbirds, Patterns, and World's Greatest Ghosts are playing a show there. I have have not seen Patterns, ut really like what I have heard of their music. This show is an ALL AGES show that starts at 8 PM.

• Towne Lounge is having a good show too. Grand Hallway (Seattle), Carcrashlander, and Drew Victor are playing. Grand Hallway are a nine piece band that play around the songs of Tomo Nakayama. It really is something. Apparently they are old friends of Drew Victor, because they are heading on a tour togeter. Carcrashlander is a band based around the Songs of Cory Gray. His songs are normally sparce and somber, but as a band they tend to rock a bit more. This show is $5 at the door. The music starts at 9:30 PM.

Thursday, June 19th

There are a few solid shows tonight.

• The Doug Fir is having an all local all female fronted night. Rachel Taylor Brown, Sophe LuxPer Se will all be performing sets Thursday night. I don't want to play favorites, but I have seen Per Se fairly recently and was really impressed with the way she crafts her songs and arranges them to work around repeated musical phrases. I am going to do my best to see this show. It is going to be $8. The show starts at 9 PM.

and

• Aftermath (14 NW 3rd, Portland, OR), the club directly above The Tube is having a perfomance by St. Frankie Lee on Thursday night. St. Frankie Lee are a band steeped in the tradition of male female country music (in this case the male and female are Derrick and Chelsea). Their lively live show often includes a band that includes a guitar, banjo, standup bass, cello, accordian, and sometimes mandolin. They listed the price of the show as "love". If you can handle that then I suggest you head to Aftermath at 9 PM when the show begins.

• Or if you are more a fan of electronic or dance based music, then you might check out Fun World, an event that is being held at Ground Kontrol. As far as I can tell Fun World is just a show that includes Flaspar, Dance Terror, and Cathexes (SLC). If you have never been to a show at Ground Kontrol, I would advise you to rectify that. It is awesome. Live music + vintage videogames = Awesome. There is a $5 cover charge. The show starts at 9 PM.

I ran out of time again. I will have the "Weekend Edition" of my live picks before the weekend. Have a great week,

Ben




Per Se will share her music with us on Thursday at Doug Fir.

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Portland you are gonna love this!

Related Links:

Fun Da Mental Official Website

PRI's The World interviews Fun Da Mental

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The Best Summer Ever Song of The Great Northwest 2006

The best song of summer 2006 You Know What I Mean was written by a group formally known at The Every Thing now called The Great Northwest who's first album The Widespread Reign of The Great Northwest coming out July 29th, 2008 on Kora Records.



The members of this group of musicians are from everywhere. Here are three local to Potland members:
Brian James "coatsie" Coates "I" plays the guitar and sings.
Joshua Kalberg (Big Sky) plays the bass.
Randall Crush plays the guitar.

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TJO : I didn't know and now I know.

Review of watching Tara Jane O'Neil on Sunday night @ Valentines:

Drum circle.

TJO did a cover of Macha & Bedhead's cover of Cher's "Believe".



Of course I fucking loved it.

Duh. In your face.

Ste. Goldie Out

PS ben of Meyercord, Adam Steinfink and Brandon Gordon of Aristeia, some one from Horse Feathers was there I just know it, 31 Knots (bar tender right?) etc were present and accountable...

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September 1992: Portland, Oregon's Politically Charged Youth Fight For Gay Rights

If you are Portland/Vancouver native between the ages of 29 and 70 chances are you have at the very least a vague remembrance of the 1992 Oregon Citizens Alliance's ballot measure 9.

No On 9 Benefit, 09-10-92 at Portland Meadows


I remember sitting in the senior lounge, even though I was a freshman and watching all of my friends walk in with 'No On 9' purple stickers on their jeans. I laughed because ballot measure 9 at the time was on the Oregon ballot. My high school was in Brush Prairie, Washington but thought it was cool under age voters gave a shit about gay rights. Especially since we were in small Christmas tree and filbert farming community Brush Prairie, Washington.

Plus Kurt Cobain attacked Axel Rose for being a homophobe! That was so cool. Clash of the titans!

Side Note:
Presidential hopeful John McCain spoke at a OCA fund raiser in 1993.
The the former head of the homophobic OCA had the gayest name ever; Lon Mabon.

Related Posts:
Portland's extreme independent music scene, do you think you we need to get more political? 6/15/2008

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Portland's extreme independent music scene, do you think you we need to get more political?

Portland, OR and it's surrounding areas has what I consider a insignificantly political music scene. Am I dumb? Can you point me to the super dope band whose rage is relentless? Not everyone in Portland is into transcendental meditation here in Awesometowne, USA. We are allowed to freak out. You are all almost completely brilliant, brave and wise!

Nobody has to be on the freedom train. Democracy or Marxism, in this day and age, shouldn't be taboo musical topics or centers of art right now.


But if you like either one very much you might want to talk about it as much as you can right now.
There are many people listening.
The internet is the only widely accessible platform for organizing, televising and idolizing by everyday men and women, young and old or varied economic backgrounds.

A little commentary might be nice. Am I right?
Should I mix music with politics?

If you have any words you want to share please leave a comment and let the world know what you feel.

I'm a nerd:



If I was at a show right now I would be at, you guessed it, Westfold. I wonder if Evy Metal will be there?

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Updated BenMeyercord's Live Music Picks for June 9th to June 15th

Hello Dear Readers,

There has been some new information regarding my music picks. If you read the comments to my posts then you already know this, but just in case you don't, I thought it would be helpful to add an additional post to keep you informed.

Thursday, June 12th

• First if all the Mississippi Ave Street Fair is not until July 12th. So you will just have to wait. a little bit longer (one month). Having two "J" months back to back is a terrible idea. I wish we change the calender but it seems a bit late in the game to call, "do-over".

Saturday, 14th

• Westfold has been added to the show at The Coop with William Carpenters Towering Trees and Swallows! This show is an excellent showcase of what Portland has to offer. Those of you who read this blog already know how much we love us some Westfold. They kick ass. They have the kind of uncompromising spirit that gets you asked never to play at Roseland (bar and grill) again. William Carpenters on the other hand does something a bit different. He is firmly footed in folk music but the rest of him and his band go to other places adding atmospheres that put him above most "folk" bands. In describing Swallows, I think Tony Le Tigre said it best in the following statement "Swallows is roughly branded as experimental indie-pop with a post-riot grrrl vibe". Anyway, this will be a incredible night of music and good times. The ALL AGES show is super cheap at just $2. The thing gets started at 8 PM.

Yeah, so I really hope I get down to The Coop on Saturday. And I also really hope that you guys have a good week of show seeing.

-Ben


Westfold is so awesome. They play The Coop on Saturday.
photo by Alia Aruta

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks from June 9th to June 15th

Dear Readers,

How are you? I'm fine thanks. I saw some shows last week and I will surely see some more this week. Does this intrest you? Perhaps you are wondering, "What does Ben Meyercord want to see, local music wise this week?". Perhaps it is now more along the lines of, "I wonder if Ben Meyercord really thinks that I a think about him?" The answer would be yes, by the way. But I am afraid that I am getting away from the point of this blog post, so I will now rattle off a list of bands and shows.


Monday, June 9th

Honestly there isn't a ton of shows going on but there are these two.

• Holocene is having the band Annuals (not to be confused with Band of Annuals) play tonight. Thats kinda cool. I have their fist 7" and its pretty cool (I realize how cliche this statement is, Whatevs). The great thing about it is that two really good local bands are opening. They are Musee Mechanique and A Weather. If you have read this blog at all, you probably know that I think A Weather are top notch. I have not seen Musee Mecanique, but I like what I have heard on myspace. Plus I have been meaning to see them for what seems forever. I will be at this show. The cover is $10. The show starts at 9 PM.

• If you are looking for something a little more FREE, then I suggest you head out to Valentine's. There are having Romancing, Root Beer & French Fry, Everybody(is a
  Czar), and DJ Hostile Tapeover playing some tunes. Romancing is the main dude from Panther. So basically I anticipate a high energy indie-rock show. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.
  

Tuesday, June 10th

I gotta be honest, the show that I am most interested in is not local. Russian Circles is playing at Doug Fir. They are awesome. But here is what is happening locally (still not very much happening).

• Valentine's is having Sad Horse, Experimental Dental School, and Why Must I be Careful play a show. I saw Experimental Dental School a while back and it was experimental and awesome. The two piece easily fill up any room they play in with drums, keyboard, guitar bass(not bass guitar) hybrid and double vocals. Somethingto behold
  

• Zilla Sake is having its weekly open mic tonight. Hosted by Y La Bamba, this open mic has had some pretty solid entertainers. This Tuesday should be no exception. Plus I have said it before and I will say it again. Try the curry. It is so good. The sign up sheet is at 7:30 Pm. The Music starts at 8 PM.
  

Wednesday, June 11th

The music week seems to step it up, as far as quantity goes, on Wednesday. See:

• Slabtown is a venue that I have only been to once, like about four years ago. I was just talking to my friend the other day about this place and how we have never really seen a show there. Wednesday offers me the perfect excuse to check it out. The Morals, Test Audiences, and MBilly are all playing a show there. I love a Morals show. It is an organic event with no setlists and no apologies (though I think I recall an excuse or two). Just two guys, one guitar, one harmonica and a whole mess of songs. Plus I have been wanting to see MBilly for a while. It's absolutely FREE! The show starts at 9 PM.
  

• Holocene is having a show with Perhapst, Norfolk and Western, and Two Beers. This looks like it will be like a good bill Perhapst appears to have combined the word perhaps with the cheapest beer in town. If they are this innovative with their band name, then they must be crazy innovative with their music. Two Beers doesn't seem clever, but it does seem straight forward. I gotta give them props for that. I have not seen Norfolk and Western in years. I liked what saw then, and I am hoping to like what they are up to lately. I actually, haven't heard of the other two bands. I just read on the Perhapst page that the man guy, John Moen, used to drum for Elliott Smith and was a Jick (of the Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks). Does that interest anyone? This show is $8. The show starts at 9 PM.
  

• Berbati's Pan is having an interesting show on Wednesday. It has Portlanders and Canadians. The Canadians are in the form of the band Rock Plaza Central (pretty rock name, right?). They play americana according to their myspace page. Then you have two Portland bands Portugal. The Man, and Tractor Operator. Update Portugal. The Man no longer reps Portland. I am not exactly sure how ling ago this occured. Anyway, I have often thought of Portugal. The Man as kinda like The Mars Volta. I am not completely sure why. Listen to their music and tell me if I they are even in the same ball park. Tractor Operator is the moniker Eric Jensen uses to play his songs. The last time I saw him it was just him and a guitar. Who knows, by know he might have an orchestra backing him (I saying that sometimes I don't keep up with bands. Bands, I am sorry). This Mike Thrasher presented show is $10 in advance and $12 at the door which are at 8 PM.

• I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Wow and Flutter show at Rotture. Mostly because Blue Cranes are playing too. I still have not seen them play. I know I'd enjoy it. I know I would. SO why do I keep missing their shows? It truly baffles me. You may notice that this is the same line up that they played their CD release show a month ago. Friends? There is a $5 cover. The doors are at 9 PM.
  

Thursday, June 12th

We got shows with loads of bands on their bill. Today you have the option of seeing music from noon until like 1 AM. Awesome.

• Of course a bog part of this is because of the Mississippi Ave Street Fair. This event will present the musical stylings of Lifesavas, Sneakin' Out, The Shaky Hands, Buoy La Rue, The Dimes, Ashleigh Flynn, Linda Hornbuckle, Madgesdiq, Amelia, The C4 Influenz, Norman Sylvester, AM Radio, Pete Krebs, and Chata Addy. Thats a lot of music. All ALL AGES all FREE. The event starts at noon and goes until 9 PM.
  

• The other show that has a lot of bands is taking place at backspace. This one is a "Sam Cooper CD Release/Tour Kickoff/Birthday show and charity:water benefit" show put on by backspace and KPSU. Besides Sam Cooper,we have Autopilot is for Lovers, Porches, Tchotchkes, and Icarus Root playing sets. Charity:Water sounds like a worthy cause. Click on the link if you don't believe me. The cover is $5-$20 depending on how generous you are feeling. The ALL AGES show starts at 7 PM.
  

• There is also the PDX Pop Now! 2008 CD release party at Holocene. This is a cool show because not only do you get to see four awesome bands, you get a copy of the CD before it is available in stores. Sweet. Yacht, Fist Fite, Southern Belle, White Fang, and DJ Manny Lennox will be sharing their tunes. If you don't know these bands, check them out. There is a $10 (seeing as to how you get a $7, the cover is more like $3 after you rationalize). The show starts at 9 PM.
  

• Doug Fir is also having a really cool show. The only reason I leave it for my las entry on Thursday is because it is mostly out of towners. Basically anticon affilliated Dosh and Athello who "blends trippy neo-psychedelic guitar pop with a fully integrated horn section, layers of keyboards, and masses of hand percussion" (Stewart Mason, All Music) are touring together. On Thursday they are having Portland's, also anticon affiliated, Cars and Trains will be playing a set. I saw him play at East End earlier this month and was very impressed by his live loop based beats and song structures. There is a $10 cover. The show starts at 9 PM.
  

Friday, June 13th

It's Friday the 13th, yo. Are you afraid of bad luck? I'm not all that concerned, but you might want to check out one of these shows for good luck.

• Speaking of FREE (I realize no one said anything about FREE, but...), there is a show happening at Modern Age featuring Reverse Dotty and the Candy Cane Shivs, Calico Horses (San Diego), and Zouaves. This will probably not be a seated affair, so come on and get your dance on. This FREE ALL AGES show starts at 8 PM.
  

• The Coop (3535 N Lombard, Portland, OR) is having a show featuring the following PDX rawk bands: Bodhi, Slow Fires, David Evan and His New Band, and Holy Smokes!!!!!!!. I am familiar with David Evan and nobody else (playing this show). But this is one of those shows that I can reccomend based on the strength of one band. So check it out. There is a whopping $2 cover chanrge, The ALL AGES shows starts at 8 Pm.
  

• Exit Only, another ALL AGES oasis, is having a show with White Fang, ...Worms, Chrome Wings, and Tyrants. These bands are a little bit more experimental than the ones happening at The Coop. So if you like it a little less conventional check this show out. I am unsure of the cover, but I would say it is about $cheap. The show starts at 8 PM.
  

• Slabtown is having a show featuring a band I have listed before based on name alone, Lasers All the Time. I still have not seen or listened to them, but I still think it is a great name. Plus they are playing with this band Hockey, who I have been hearing about but have not seen yet. Shim (Seattle), a very modest band name (too modest?) for a band who is of the Rock/Rock/Rock genre, is playing too. Update I have seen their band photo and logo. They are Rock. The show has a $6 cover. The show starts at 9 PM.
  

Saturday, June 14th

People are a whole lot less concerned about Saturday the 14th. So you can relax take in a local show. There are plenty of them going on. See:

• The Aladdin Theater is one of the best places to take in a relaxed show. I have seen many a quiet act their and been thankful that I was in a seated venue. But this Saturday there is, what I would think would be, a dance show with The Blow and Glass Candy providing the music. It will be interesting to see if people try to dance in the tiny space between their seat and the row in front of them. There is a $13 to $14 cover. The ALL AGES show starts at 8 PM sharp.
  

• Guess who's turning one on Saturday. You're right, Rererato is. Come celebrate as they are throwing a one year anniversary show. It looks pretty action packed as they will have films (Baby Bird (made by Rererato owners Adam Keller and Stephanie Simek), Eric Ostrowski (Seattle), and Tripper Dungan), music (Nat Andreini & Jayson Wynkoop, Rainbow and the Kittens, and Merce Cunningham Duo), performances (Shane Pixiestorm, Alyson Provax, and Cyrus Smith (the flier is vague about what kind of performances)), and photos (by my friend David Kyle). Action Packed! This event will be webcast too. I see no cover listed but bring your moneys anyway (cause you never know). The event starts at 6 PM.
  

• Speaking of Rererato, last Friday I saw a show there that featured Double Plus Good. He was pretty good. Check it out, he is playing at Towne Lounge with Benjamin Bear, and Design.Drift.Distance. I have wanted to see Design.Drift.Distance since the las time I wrote about them. They list some pretty awesome influences. What can I say? I'm interested. The show is $5. The music starts at 9:30 PM.
  

• The Artistery is having a show with Junkface, and Eskimo & Son. I have heard nothing but good things about Junkface and I like what I have heard from Eskimo & Son, so this show definately peaks my interest. This show is ALL AGES and $6 (most Artistery shows are ALL AGES and $6). The show starts at 8 PM.
  

• Another ALL AGES show is going down at Backspace. Ah Holly Fam'ly, Almost Nearly, Nick Caceres, and Southern Belle will all be playing sets. This is a really good local lineup. Plus the thing only costs like $3. The ALL AGES fun starts at 8 PM.
  

• The Ivy House (117 Ne Ivy St, Portland, OR) is having a CD release for Hey, Tiger! with Your HeartBreaks (Seattle) and Crows Feet. Lets hear it for acoustic punk rock! The show is ALL AGES and will set you back $5.
  

Sunday, June 15th

While I am tempted by some of the national acts coming through on Sunday (Old 97's (a favorite of mine back in highschool), Styrofoam (a favorite of mine in college)), I am not here to talk about those shows. I want to support the local Portland "scene". Besides, these local shows are really good.

• Valentine's has an awesome show consisting of Tara Jane O'Neal, Saw Whet. Good Lord, this is a good show. Everyone of these artists are just phenomenal. Seriously. This is where I will be. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.
  

• Towne Lounge is having a show with Nick Caceres just in case you missed him at Backspace on Saturday. This time he is playing with a guy named Sean Wagner. It is part of Towne Lounge's 2 bands 2 Bucks series. It is pretty self-explanatory, but the cover is $2. The music starts at 9:30 PM.
  

So there I have laid out another show going guide for you. What did I leave out? There is always a chance I have

overlooked something. As always, if you see me at any of these shows let know by saying hello.

-Ben


Nick Caceres plays his heart out, both Saturday (Backspace) and Sunday Night (Towne Lounge).

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Portland Radio Authority is Digital Democracy in Action!

CIMTB friend Gabriel Darling has a 2 hour slot from 6pm to 8 pm this Sunday on Portland Radio Authority. I plan on streaming from my computer in my living room while I continue to teach myself Dreamweaver! Digital democracy is synonymous with radio without corporate control. If you want to branch out into a world of online radio please check out the Portland Radio Authority.

In lieu of my "fuck journalists" meltdown, I bring a message of hope from media reform dear heart Bill Moyers. He spoke today, June 7th, 2008, at the NCMR:



My friend Maria is at the the National Conference for Media Reform in Minneapolis cheering me up every minute!

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for June 5th to June 8th

Hello dear readers,

I am not when I will be able to make my live music picks into one large entry until then I hope you are enjoying the more managable two a week thing thats been going on. I know it has probably been frustrating what with all of the anticipation that surely builds up between each post of my live music picks. But oh what a glorious feeling when you realize that a show you were going to is recognized. Or maybe a show that your band is playing is mentioned. I honestly don't expect these posts to determine what shows you go to and don't go to. I just want to hopefully get you to click on a link or two and discover some local Portland indie-music that you might enjoy. That being said, here are my picks for the end of this week.


Thursday, June 5th

There are some good shows going down on Thursday. Anyone of these shows is going to be a good time.

• As I mentioned in my last post, Pink Martini is playing several shows at The Crystal Ballroom benefiting a different cause with a different opening act. The opener for Thursday night is Stolen Sweets who, according to their website, play jazz of the western swing variety. The beneficiary of the evening is Outside In an organization which aims to better the lives of many homeless youth and marginalized people by teaching them to be self-sufficient. Sounds good to me. So if you are looking use that $25 to "pay it forward", then this would be a good opportunity as addmission is $25. The doors are at 7 PM and the ALL AGES show starts at 8 PM.

• Speaking of benefits, Holocene is having on for The Affected and La Isla Foundation. Both deal with the injustices that Nicaraguian people have endured due to unregulated pesticides and such related to farming. The following PDX indie-bands playing are Point Juncture, WA, Tractor Operator, Reporter, Hutch and Kathy (of the The Thermals), and Sabertooth. Admission is on ly $5. The doors are at 9 PM.

• There is also the show I posted about previously that is hapeening at the Red and Black Cafe. This one features Two Ton Sloth, Letdown, and of course Otem Rellik. Sadly Two Ton Sloth had to cancel, but are replaced on the bill by PDX ambient guy Biltmore Drive. Letdown makes really awesome music that is mostly instrumental and builds layer upon layer until it is almost too gorgeous. If you missed Otem Rellik at East End on Monday now is your second chance. It was really cool then and it will be really cool on Thursday. Hooray for weird electronic/hip-hop/indie/whatever Portland music! The doors here are at 7PM.

• Kelly's Olympian is having a PRA (Portland Radio Authority) curated show featuring PDX bands UHF, Go Fever, and Holiganship. Two of the bands, UHF and Go Fever are psychedelic rock bands and will most likely play trippy pop numbers. Hooligan ship is what I am interested though. At last years PDX Pop Now! they passed out 3D glasses for their mulitmedia performance which included a 3D animated film that projected on them when they played. It was a lot of fun. Their tunes on myspace don't do them justice but give you an idea of what to expect. The show is a mere $5. THe show starts at 9 PM.

• There is also a kick-butt (kick-butt is my attempt to expand on my vocabulary for adjectives for good) show happening at The Grind Coffee House. Underground indie-pop like bands We Play Quiet, Brother Mitya (Artcata, CA), The Beat Nun (Artcata, CA), Shelby Sifers and The Thirty Day Whiskey Binge, and Nathan Crawford will be gracing this Vancouver , WA coffee shop. This is a lot of greatness for one show. I highly recomend it if you like any form indie-pop based music or you are a Portlander who like to cross state lines. This is an ALL AGES show that costs $3-$5. The show starts at 7 PM.

Friday, June 6th

Guess what...thereare good shows on Friday.

• Pink Martini are playing at The Crystal Ballroom with Fjord Motor Company (Salem, OR). This show benefits the awesome Bicycle Transportation Alliance. So bring your $25 and be there at 8 PM (when the music starts). This is ALL AGES folks. Enjoy.

• Rererato is having a show with a band I have seen only once but completely swear by, Church. This show is in celebration of a new ep that Church is releasing. DoublePlusGood and Keepers (Seattle) are also playing. Seriously you should check it out. For someone who loves music I am pretty bad about describing it, but just check out the link to Church, okay. The ALL AGES show is $4. The show begins at 8 PM.

• Here's something interesting. I usually don't like Blues based music, and yet Dante's is having a bluesy kind of show that I am interested in. Bark Hide and Horn is a band that I have been meaning to check out because I have heard good things. But the other bands playing, Cicada Omega and Sassparilla are both derivative of the blues in a different but really cool ways. It is a CD release show for Cicada Omega. The show is $6. The music starts at 9:30 PM.

• Exit Only is having a show that is sure to get people to come out (at least it should). All Girl Summer Fun Band is playing along with Crayonsmith (Dublin, Ireland) and Boat (Seattle). AGSFB seem like they would put on a fun show. At least I would hope so with a name like that. And I just listened to Crayonsmith and they are super good. Plus my friend Fense of Fense Post is always going nuts about Boat. This ALL AGES show is probably really cheap? It starts at 8 PM.
  

Saturday, June 7th

These shows are what I am wanting to attend on Saturday but will most likely miss due to band practice. Please people, don't follow my lead. As it turns out if you play in three bands, you miss a lot of shows.

• Holocene has been know to throw some truly amazing FREE shows. The reason is because on occasion they do in fact throw a truly amazing FREE show. Take for instance this Friday they are having The Shaky Hands, Starfucker, Horse Feathers, DJ Beyonda, and DJ Magic Beans all play. For FREE. I cannot state this enough. This is all part of a birthday party for Holocene. The doors are at 8 PM, but get there early because this will fill up fast. Its FREE!

• Produce Row (204 SE Oak St Portland, OR 97214-1087) is having a indie-pop show. Check it out, The Contestants, New Century School Book, and The Rainy States are all playing. This one is FREE too.

• The Artistery is having a show that I am kidna interested in. The Dead Science (Seattle) is playing there with Shelley Short. Now I have seen The Dead Science before and it wasn't really my thing, but I have heard Shelley Short before and I really dig her folk-pop tunes. There will be a $6 cover. The ALL AGES show starts at 8 PM.

• Towne Lounge is having a show with The Soft Tags, Kaylee Cole (Spokane, WA), and Crow Canyon. It looks pretty sweet. The show is $5. The music starts at 9:30 PM.

• Doug Fir is having a CD release party for Matt Sheehy's new album Tigerphobia. I listened to a track via local cut the other day and you can too if you click here. The Brothers Young, brothers of Richie of Loch Lomond, and Pwrfl Power (Brooklyn?). I have heard a lot of good things about Pwrfl Power and he has been through town a lot lately and I have missed every show. I will try to see this one. It is $7 at the door. The music starts at 9 PM sharp.
  

Sunday, June 8th

A lot of shows are going on for a Sunday.

• Valentine's is having a kick ass show with Strangers Die Everyday, Privacy, and Joseph Childress (San Francisco). As you probably know I really like Strangers Die Every Day's string-centric post-rock music. This Sucker is FREE, so you should check it out. The doors are at 9 PM.

• Someday Lounge is having an experimental-rawk show consisting of Experimental Dentistry School, Chubby Behemoth (Brooklyn, NY), and ...Worms,. Should be weird and cool. At the same time. This show is $5 at the door. The door is at 9 PM.

• Towne Lounge is having Auto Pilot is for Lovers, Bela Karoli (Denver), and Porches. It should be a good show too. Seriously. It is $5 and starts at 9:30 PM sharp.

Okay I am running out of time so I will just post this now. If you see me at any of these shows say hi.

-Ben



Crow Canyon plays the Towne Lounge on Saturday. Yay!

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