Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for September 17th

Hello Dear Readers,

I dropped the ball yesterday. I finished half of a blog and then bam. The rest of my life got in the way. It is always frustrating when you put a good amount of effort into something and then you don't get to use it. Oh well. Last Night I saw AAN at Berbati's and it was awesome. He played a song that I always hope he will play but usually doesn't called "like I love you". So good. I unfortunately missed Leonard Mynx, a shame cause he is good too. Anyways, this is a big week for music here in Portland. MFNW is upon us. You can look at their schedule for all the details, but I am going to focus on the local bands that I like. Here is what today looks like

Thursday, September 17th

Berbati's is having a show with Dirty Three, Norfolk & Western, Tu Fawning, and Ah Holly Famly. A very fine line up for this show. Mostly Portland dwellers. Norfolk doesn't seem to play that much. I remember seeing them at PDX Pop last year and they seemed at the top of their rock game. I have not seen Tu Fawning since last year's PDX Pop either, but I remember thinking that I wanted to see them after they had a little more time to grow into their own. I think a year is a good amount of time. Ah Holy Famly is really great live. I have heard their new album and it is super good. The show is $15 or entry with a wristband.

Crystal Ballroom is having a show with Explosions in the Sky (Austin) and Eluvium. Both of these acts are on Temporary Residence and make beautiful instrumental music. But I can assure you that do not sound at all alike. I love them both dearly. It seems unfair to live in a city with Eluvium and never get to see him. The show starts at 9 PM. is $20 or entry with a wristband.

As Street Saloon is having a show with The Dimes, Derby, Black Whales (Seattle), Hey Marsielles (Seattle), and Mbilly. I will be honest with you, I have heard of all of these bands. but I am only familiar with one of them. I used to write about Mbilly all the time, when he played more often. "Portland's Bonnie Prince Billy ", I believe I said. He is pretty great. I have been told that Hey Marsielles is like a less pretentious version of Decemberists. If that appeals to you, then you should check it out. Personally I prefer The Deceberists to be a little pretentious. The show is $8 and starts at 8 PM.

White Eagle is having a show with Sean Wagner, Winterhaven, and Violet Isle. I know nothing of two of these bands. I know that Winterhaven is band that is a fan of three part male harmonies. What has two thumbs and loves three part harmonies? This blogger. Also the band feature Hoyt Emerson who, like me, is in several bands and writes for the internets at This Heart Will Burn Right Out The show is $4 and starts at 8:30 PM.

So if you see me at any of these shows. Please tell me "Hi". I would love it if you did. Otherwise it will make my staring at you, uncomfortable.

-Ben


Ah Holly Famly plays tonight at Berbati's