when is ben coming back?

Errrrhhhhhhhhhhhaa!!!!

When!??!

You can leave but don't think you are gonna get me to blog about it. I am losing my mind over here. I can't do this on my own. Be with me. Not with her.

Who has two thumbs and likes to party on my couch with my wireless mouse? Who? This guy.

THERE ARE NO BEN MEYERCORD PICKS!!!!?!?!?? The blog loses integrity by the minute when he is not here.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for Jan. 28th to Feb. 3rd

Hello Portland Music Scene. How are you? I know it has been some time since I have seen you. I don't know how to say this so I guess I will just say it. I have been have been having a love affair with my bedroom (I did not want to leave it last week and was doing pretty good job, though I occasionally made it as far as my living room) . I suppose what I mean Portland Music Scene, is that you need to do better to sway my interests. Oh. I see that you actually have some shows that I will not miss this week. Good.

The rest of you who live in Portland and surrounding areas can come these shows as well. Here they are:

Monday, Jan. 28th

• Not a whole lot going on this night. To be honest, if I was going to go to a show, it would be to to be super awesome yet non-Portland bands Liars (free ep for download at their website) and No Age (have heard of them) at the Wonder Ballroom. Wait, I just found out there is a local band opening. Yay! an excuse to list this show. Nordic (who don't know much about, but apparently they are the Mercury's "band of the week") is the local band I referred to as "opening". I would imagine that they are pretty good if they are playing this show. As always with the Wonder Ballroom, this is an ALL AGES show. It costs $12 (plus service charge). Music starts at 8 PM.
• Hey did you know that there is a Portland Music Awards. Crazy. I guess it is some sort of awards show for Portland music. NW Noise wrote this about it. Seems pretty weird. Portland Music Awards will feature: Art Alexakis; Leigh Marble; The Dimes; Drew Shoals Collective; Ohmega Watts; Debra Arlyn; Josh Hodges; Carlyle; Papa Salty; Soundspell; Gunnar Roads; Uprite Dub Orchestra; Ashleigh Flynn; Caleb Klauder; Sammy Lind; Key of Dreams ; Craig Marquardo; Rose City Chamber Orchestra (I apologize, but I am not going to link to all of these bands). There are a couple of good people playing it, ie Josh Hodges (of Sexton Blake and Starfucker) and Ohmega Watts, but Art Alexakis is playing the event so it is hard to take seriously. Plus it costs $20 to get in. Plus it is at the Roseland. Plus it starts at 7PM.
  

Tuesday, Jan. 29th

I'd like to say that I am glad that there usually isn't any shows going in on Tuesdays. This is mainly because over the last couple of months I have become addicted to open mics (only the good ones though).

• The Someday Lounge has a good one hosting by CIMTB contributer Gabriel Darling. It is called The Incubator. Sign up is at at 8:30. The free event starts at 8-ish and lasts until Midnight.
  
• Zilla Sake has the other good one every Tuesday. This one is hosted by Y La Bamba (one of my favorite musicians). The sign up for the (also free) event is at 7:30 and it starts at 8PM.

Wednesday, Jan. 30th

Usually Wednesday there are too many shows. Fortunately this week I can only find two that I can recommend. Actually, they are timed in a way that is possible to see part of both shows (the good parts anyway).

• I think David Evan is awesome. I predict others will soon catch on, so this Wednesday might be one of your chances to "see him when". He is playing at a restaurant called Calypso. It is a free show at 7 PM.
• The other show is at The Doug Fir. Basically this is a benefit to help raise money for Brent, a faithful employee of the Doug Fir. You see his folks place basically burned down in an unfortunate turn of events just two days before Christmas. They live in Texas (the state from which I came from), so I figured I would help out by playing some music (it is all I can really do) . You can help out by paying to see said music. Actually, there are 17 bands total playing the event, they call it Brentfest. For a sliding scale of $5 to $15 it is a good deal. But there is more. Prizes will be raffled off during the night. Prizesfrom: doug fir
  patagonia
  jupiter hotel
  color bomb tattoos
  wack hair studios
  ace hotel
  bridgeport brewing
  holden
  photos by kyle oddson
  dakine
  hair cuts by bethany and holly!
  
  and many more to be confirmed soon!
  Sound exciting. Yes, yes it does. So you might even benefit yourself by attending this benefit. Did I mention the schedule? No I did not. But here it is: opener
  kacie sims 8pm
  
  james low 8:20
  
  hanz araki 8:40
  
  ocelli 9pm
  
  alan singley and the pants machine 9:20
  
  bombs into you 9:40
  
  the state of oregon 10:00
  
  solovox 10:20pm
  
  new york rifles 10:40
  
  raffle!!!! 11pm
  
  london and the look 11:30
  
  the orange collection 11:50
  
  chris tsefalas band 12:10
  
  meyercord 12:30
  
  adrian and the wounds 12:50
  
  negative zen 1:10
  
  titans of oblivion 1:30 Petty cool huh? Though I am not familiar with a lot of these bands. I am excited to see them. It will be a lot of fun regardless of whether they are good or not. Show starts at 8PM.

Thursday, Jan. 31st

There are several shows happening tonight. For example:

• The Know is having a free show featuring At Dusk, Church, and Ghosties. I have listened to all of the bands and it sounds like a good show. Plus At Dusk features Carey Clark who is all around good guy (he is heavily involved with PDX Pop Now! and fighting issues with the OLLC). Ghosties is part of the Boy Gorilla crew who features a lot of talented young folk in this town. Again the show is free. Music starts at 8 PM.
  
• The Ash Street Saloon is having Eux Autres, Shane Watt, Krista Muir, and Ley Lines play a show. It is not a completely local show (half the bands are Canadian the other half are Portlanders), but I have heard nothing but good things about local brother sister duo Eux Autres. The show costs you only $5. Music starts at 9 PM.
• The Holocene will also host some Canadians as We Are Wolves take the stage. More importantly, former Wet Confetti peeps, Reporter, are playing. DJ Nightschool and DJ Partyallthetime will be spinning records through out the night as well. The show costs $6. Doors at 9 PM.
  
• A while back Gabriel Darling recommended that we all go see The Slants. Here is a chance to do so at Berbati's Pan. The New Wave Electro Asians are set to play all over the place in the coming months. Thursday they will be joined by local punks Lickity and the live laptop pop that is Gejius. But seriously, I saw Gejius play at PDX Pop Now! 2007 and it was good times. The show costs $5. The show starts at 9 PM.

Friday, Feb, 1st

I am going to list two shows. I am only going to one.

• My favorite musician right now (those who know me know that I am always talking about her) is Y La Bamba. I just think she is top notch. I am stoked to get to see her play more than the two songs alloted at the Zilla open mic. She is playing at Nine Muses. Ocelli also will play. I don't know much about them but I will see them on Wednesday at the Doug Fir thing. The cost is $5. Music starts at 9 PM.
• If you want to see something free you can head over to the Mississippi Studios and catch Modernstate play with Moodring, and Mr. Fredrick. It is free. Show starts at 10 PM.

Saturday, Feb. 2nd

There are many shows on Saturday that will be good. But just like Friday I have already decided which show I will attend.

• We're From Japan! is playing at Kelly's Olympian (426 SW Washington Portland, OR 97204). In order to get his lady friend, Andi Camp, to see his band play, John from WFJ! arranged for her band, My Brightest Comet to play as well. Did I mention that John plays in that band too? Well, he does. Both band are awesome. Anyway, I am all over this show. Castle will be opening the show. The cost is not listed but I would be willing to throw down some cash on this show, so should you. Show is at 9 PM.
• Dante's occasionally will have a good show. Saturday night is one of those nights. John Doe (ex-X) will be in town playing with locals Richmond Fontaine, Mike D and the Thee Loyal Bastards, and Miss Derringer. I can vouch for all but Miss Derringer and even that is three out of four bands guaranteed to rock. It is $8 in advance and $10 at the door. It starts at 9 PM.
• The Roturre has a show going on Saturday that I wouldn't mind seeing. The Maybe Happening who I all whatev's about have Nick Jaina, who I think is great, and Dat'r, who are really fun to see, opening for them. It is a cd realease party so there is a chance that they have some new material that is as great as the openers. Only one way to find out. The show costs $6. Doors are at 9 PM.
• One more thing on Saturday. Kimya Dawson (formerly of the Moldy Peaches) is doing a free instore performance at Music Millennium playing songs from the Juno Soundtrack. I know she isn't local but it is happening at a local record shop so I figured it counts. Free. Music starts at 3 PM.

Sunday, Feb. 3rd

Today is my day of rest. Mostly because there are no shows that interest me. Though I might just be unaware of them.

So those are the show I would have you see. If you happen to see me at one of these shows please say hi. If you don't see me at one of these shows. You should comment on the blog and be all "Hey Ben, WTF?" I will then proceed to apologize.

-Ben

p.s. you should comment on the blog anyway

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Ben Meyercord live music picks for Dec. 17th -23rd

Another week another group of shows that we all should attempt to attend. Maybe we should call this weekly list of shows, "Ben Meyercord's Attempt to Attend show list" or "Attempt 2 Attend: Portland shows".

I am going back to Texas on Wednesday, so I will only be able to make it to two shows this week. But I will list all the shows I would consider seeing were I in town.

It goes like this:

Monday, December 17th

This is so hard for me. There are two shows. Both really good. Both near my home. Both featuring personal friends. Unfortunately, both at the same time.

• Y La Bamba is playing Mississippi Pizza along with other Zilla Open Mic vets Elliot King and Down South Sallie. Y La Bamba writes some of the most evocative and emotive music I have heard in quite some time. Elliot King is the composer of many songs in many styles which when mixed together give a pleasing experience. Down South Sallie has a voice on her. Be sure to listen to her talk, then listen to her sing. You will be blown away first by the contrast and then again by how well she sings. I have had the pleasure of playing with two of the three acts tonight. I highly recommend the show. I believe it is free. Plus if you get there early, say at like 7pm you can watch the Portland spelling bee. Show at 9pm Free.
  
• Annie Bethancourt writes some pretty darn good tunes as well. I have had the pleasure of performing shows with her as well (she will appear on the forth-coming Meyercord ep). She is performing at the White Eagle. This is a place I have been meaning to check out for a while. She plays with the Hide & Go Hustle and American Nobody. The Hide & Go Hustle are a cello and guitar duo who supplement their sound with preprogrammed beats. American Nobody apparently is where "The Solo Loop Show- organic folk meets technology" . Sounds interesting. Show at 8pm. Free.
  

Tuesday, December 18th

Tuesdays, I generally reserve for Open Mics unless there is something really cool happening.

• Holcombe Waller might be that really cool thing happening. Check out what the Willamette Week said about his TBA entry. " With this TBA entry, the restlessly inventive and ridiculously talented Holcombe Waller takes lessons learned from last year's experimental work, Patty Heart Townes - which presented songs of Patty Griffin and Townes Van Zandt, sung by Waller in costume and character, accompanied by a small string ensemble and video projection - and applies them to his own literate, incisive, beautiful songs. His forthcoming album, titled Into the Dark Unknown, is his first since 2005's stunning Troubled Times. Having found new fans such as Antony (of the Johnsons), Waller's well on his way to a wider audience. JEFF ROSENBERG." It is nice to know that we have people like him living in Portkand. Chris Garneau will be opening the show. I believe he was part of the Xiu Xiu touring band at one point. Doug Fir Lounge. show at 9pm $10
• Incubator at the Someday Lounge. Open stage for up to 20 minutes. Gabriel Darling. 9pm. Free.
• Open Mic at Zilla's Sake. Two songs per person. Good sake, if you like that sort of thing. Plus Y La Bamba usually plays twice. 8:30pm. Free.

Wednesday, December 19th

I leave for Dallas on this day. I will not be able to see any of the shows below this point.

• Local legends The Dandy Warhols will be teaming up with two other "The" bands, The Upsidedown and The Nice Boys at the Roseland Theater. So if you want to get your pyschedelic PDX-Mas groove on, then I suggest you attend. All Portland. All Rock. 8pm. $15 plus whatever outrageous service charges they tack on.
  
• Jon Garcia is playing over at Berbati's Pan. You may recognize his name cause he played with AristeiA last week. This week he is playing with Ali Wesley, Leigh Marble, Zach Boyle (guitarist of A Weather), and Whit Walker all part of a Singer/songwriter in the round performance. Show at 9pm. $3
  
• Or if you just want to dance your ass off. Head over to the Doug Fir Lounge where Dat'r will be thowing it down. Dahlia (not my sort of thing) will follow. Show at 9PM. $6

Thursday, December 20th

There are two good shows this night. I am glad I will not have to choose.

• Nick Jaina will be playing the Doug Fir Lounge with The Butchers and The Builders and The Golden Bears. I saw Nick the last time he played the Doug Fir Lounge (also with the Butchers and Builders) was great. He and his band really know to arrange a song. A lot of people really dig the Butchers and Builders. I don't really get it. I don't know much of anything about The Golden Bears. Show is at 9PM. $8
• A Weather is playing a show with Super XX Man and Love Menu at the Holocene. A Weather is one of my current favorite local groups. I enjoy Super XX Man's charming and often endearing songs. I know nothing of Love menu, but based of the company she keeps it should be good. Show at 9PM. $6

Friday, December 21st

There are a couple things happening this night.

• Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks are playing the Doug Fir Lounge with Blitzen Trapper. This show will in all likelihood sell out. If you want to go to this show. Buy your ticket now.
  I mean two of the biggest Portland bands playing in Portland. This will sell out. Also with Malkmus coming out with a new record in the next few months, I would image there is going to be some new stuff. Show at 9PM. $15
  
• Or you could head over to the Someday Lounge and watch a ninja band. Fist of Dishonor proclaim themselves to be the "Premier Ninja Rock Band". They will share the stage with The Nodding Tree Remedies (who played the very first AristeiA show ever), Larry Yes (whom I have heard good thing about), and Rob Walmart (who play out a van or as they call it a vanue). Show at 9PM. $5

Saturday, December 22nd

Honestly nothing jumps out at me for this day.

• Though you might check out Bryan Free. He will play the Tonic Lounge with the Deepest Darkest. i know very little about either of these bands. Except that Bryan Free put out a split ep with Day of Lions a few years ago. Show at 9PM $7
  

Sunday, December 23rd

There are two good shows tonight.

• Over at Valentine's (232 SW Ankeny) The Evolutionary Jass Band will be performing with Venable. The Jass is always awesome. I read that Venable has toured with David Pajo (this means that he is also probably pretty awesome).
• The Murder Trio will be playing at a place called the Night Light Lounge. They play a cool jazz type thing (Also they will play with Meyercord next year). Show at 8pm. Free.

So enjoy the shows while I am away. I have looked and there appear to be absolutely no shows in Texas.

-Ben


A Weather Live. Check them out on Wednesday.

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks For This Week

Damn my inability to be everywhere at once!

There are too many shows in Portland.

If I could I would be at two or three show every night. Unfortunately I have a lack of money and time. Plus my body tends to slow down and eventually fall asleep on me. But I guess the question is, "is that a bad thing?" It depends I suppose.

So I guess what I am getting at is this:

Wednesday December 5th, 2007

• The Portland Cello Project playing at the Holocene with the Horse Feathers (recent kill rock stars recruits) and others including my good friend Fall of Snow (aka Stephanie Casey).
• Also that night over at the Doug Fir Don Coballero is playing. I am not sure which I will go to. it all depends on if I am too exhausted from AristeiA practice.

Thursday December 6th, 2007

• Portland Cello Project playing again at the Holocene with the Horse Feathers and Fall of Snow. (No you are not crazy, it is the exactly the same line up as last night. Which can be a good thing. You have two chances to see it.)
• But at the same time there is The Graves and Boat playing over at the Doug Fir. Sigh.

Friday December 7th, 2007

• Here is where it gets really good. Friday night I want to see Shannon Jones and the Dap Kings at the Doug Fir.
• Over at the Holocene Prefuse 73 is playing.
• But deciding between these two show is a non issue as I am Playing a house show at my friend Annie's house. So that show will be Annie Bethancourt, Dave Lowensohn, Meyercord, and Westfold.
• But if you are not on the east side you should go and check out Ah Holy Fam'ly at the Towne Lounge.

Saturday December 8th, 2007:

• Saturday is easy. I want to go to the Doug Fir to see Laura Gibson who is playing a show with the Cave Singers. I have missed both of these peoples last shows and regretted it. Something that I plan to rectify this Saturday.

Sunday December 9th, 2007:

• Sunday an old acquaintance from Denton, TX, Fishboy is playing a show at Slabtown. So if I am in the mood for some indiepop opera I might go check that out.

But alas I do believe that I will be unable to attend the majority of these excellent shows because my wallet is just not fat enough. But you should try to. I figure that if we put our minds to it we can make sure that every good show is attended.


Brain Wright from The Graves -- photo by Ste. Goldie

PS -- Don't forget you can get your jam on at Someday Lounge Incubator TONIGHT!

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