Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for April 7th -13th

Hello Dear readers,

First off, I would like to apologize for omitting a pretty kick ass show that occurred on Friday. Some of you may have been there. I was not. I am of course referencing the FREE Kill Rock Stars Showcase that went down at Holocene. It featured Panther, New Bloods, and Horse Feathers (all of whom recently signed to the label). Do not fret I am sure they will play again soon (this week for Panther).

But enough dwelling in the past, let us look forward. There are a lot of ridiculously good shows this week, so look alive!

Monday, April 7th

Here is some of the good stuff:

• Exit Only has only been open a short time, but it has already, in my book, developed itself as one of the more notable ALL AGES venues. Tonight they having some really good bands play. Carcrashlander, Ohioan & Circleville Squaring Co. (formerly Ohioan & Kin), Down South Sallie, and Nadine Mooney all perform. I have heard good things about Ohioan & Circleville Squaring Co., and I have been a very gracious witness to both Carcrashlander and Down South Sallie. Trust me. This is a very good show. The cover is $5 for the ALL AGES show. It starts at 8 PM.
• Holocene is having a pretty sweet show tonight, that is if you like rock music (let's be honest, some of you don't). Danava, Portland's answer to Black Sabbath, is opening for Acid Mothers Temple who apparently is a Japanese psychedelic noise freak group. Sound good? There is a $10 cover. The doors are at 9 PM.
• Also, Valentines is having a show by Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! Fly! an experimental post-punk group who have likened their sound to "God Screaming". Better Homes and Gardens (indie Jazz improv group with members of Blue Cranes, The Decemberists and The Evolutionary Jass Band) and Tunnels are also on the bill. Does this interest you? The show is FREE and starts sometime after 9 PM.
• Tube is putting on one of its super crammed but usually good shows tonight. This one features Modernstate and Bodhi. Local Portland indie-rock. The FREE show starts at 10 PM.
  

Tuesday, April 8th

Here is some more goodness for you ears and eyes (if applicable):

• The can't miss show for Tuesday night is taking place at the Artistery in the form of a Parenthetical Girls/Pwrfl Power bill (get it, power bill...Ah, I kill me). The two bands are both have albums out on Slendor Means Society label and appear to be going on tour together in May. This should be a good preview. AAN and Dominique Leone (San Fran) also play. Parenthetical Girls are hands down one of the best bands in Portland and they do not play too often. Maybe that would change if more people went to their shows. I have friends say that Pwrfl Power from Seattle is really good. They are playing later this week, but this is when you should catch them. The Show is $6 and ALL AGES. The doors are at 7:30PM.
• Also in the group that doesn't play to often, is Corrina Repp. To be fair it is because of her new band Tu Fawning ( with Joe Haege 0f 31 Knots) who does play a fair amount of shows. Regardles she is playing a show with David Karsten (Seatlle) and Matt Sheehy at Mississippi Studios. The cover is $7-$8. The show begins at 8 PM.
• Valentines has some good bands playing on Tuesday too. Ora Cogan (Vancouver, B.C.), Ah Holly Fam'ly, Gabriel Soloman and Aja Rose (San Fran?), and Matress are playing. FREE? The show starts at 9 PM.
• The Portland Center Stage is having an after Party for their production of Sometime a Greta Notion at The Gerding Theater Armory. They were kind enough to ask Bark Hide & Horn to play too. Basically the the Theater is doing a bundled deal where you pay $20 and get to see the play and attend the after party with the previously mentioned music plus cocktails and d’oeuvres and such. Very good deal. The play starts at 7:30. The music is at 9 PM.
  
• Plus there is the Open Mic that occurs every Tuesday at Zilla Sake on Alberta. Y La Bamba hosts and plays. It is worth it just to see her. The sign-up is at 7:30 PM; music starts at 8 PM.

Wednesday, April 9th

There are so many good shows on Wednesday:

• The best show for your money (bias alert!) is going to be at Holocene. We're From Japan!, and AristeiA are some of Portland's finest. They are playing with touring Silian Rail from San Francisco. The music will be beautiful and epic and largely instrumental. Warning: it will also rock HARD at times too. The cover is $5. The doors are at 9 PM.
• Doug Fir also has pretty good line up too. Scout Niblett is playing with Holy Sons (Emil of Grails, OM, and Dolorean fame) and Oregon Painting Society. Holy Sons doesn't play out very often, so it is kinda of a special occasion. Turns out Holy Sons is going to be touring with Scout for a bit. The cover is $10. The music starts promptly at 9 PM.
• The Chaos Cafe has a good show to offer as well. David Evan's New Band will be playing along with a few of their friends Julie Rose and The Hand That Bleeds. They should all put on exceptional performances. And its FREE. The ALL AGES show is scheduled to start at 8 PM.
• I will darned if Mississippi Pizza doesn't also have a good local line up. This one consists of Barons in Trees, Miwa Gemini, Shelby Sifers, and Nathan Moomaw. Though I can only vouch for Shelby Sifers, she is good enough to check out the whole show. There is no cover that I am aware of, but you should bring some money anyway to buy cds from those who have them available. The show starts at 9 PM.
• Someday Lounge has some good music they you may have already seen this week. They will reprise the Pwrfl Power (Seattle) and Dominique Leone (San Fran) pairing along with local staple Modernstate and New Zealand's Bachelorette. If you did not see Modernstate earlier in the week, nows your second chance. There is a $6 cover. The show starts at 9 PM.

Thursday, April 10th

This is whats the what for Thursday:

• Stump Club is having a benefit show. They have lined up The Gentry (Hillsboro), The Hand That Bleeds, and The Vindicators (Beaverton) to play. The show is, of course, ALL AGES. Be sure to remember to donate. At least pick up a copy of the Stump Club compilation. The show will take place at Westview High there is a $4. The show starts at 6:46 PM.
• Holocene is hosting an interesting event on Thursday too. It is called Electrogals, and as you might have gathered, it will feature several women creating electronic based music. I know there has been talk on this blog about females rocking. Perhaps this could start a discussion regarding females programing? Anyway, There are women from all over the West coast performing. Including some from Portland. The performers are Ayako Kataoka, Suzanne Thorpe, Lyn Goeringer, Sugar Shortwave, Marianne Messina, Mireaya Medina/Cheetah Fitness(Portland), Rasheeda Ameera(Portland), Molly Pettit, and Bonnie Miksch (Portland). There is a $7 cover. The doors are at 8 PM.
• There is also a Newspapers show at Clinton Street Brewing. Nelson Kempf (of The Old Believers) and Ross McLeron (of Southern Belle) are also playing the show. This will be a special all acoustic set. It is FREE and starts at 8 PM.

Friday, April 11th

Fridays have been full of good shows lately. Take for example the seven shows (that is one weeks worth of shows in one night, folks) I want to attend this Friday:

• The one I will end up going to, I am very pleased to say, is the Grails/31 Knots show at Doug Fir. Both of these Portland bands are amazing. When I first learned of this show forever ago the excitement started. I am unsure if I will make it to Friday before I lose my shit. But if I do then I most assuredly will lose my shit at the show. Experimental Dental School, a portland band who I had never heard of until now is opening up the show. The cover is $10. The show starts at 9 PM.
• It kinda sucks though, because there are some benefits that I would like to support. Like the MF Magazine show at Red Room that will benefit abused women. CIMTB mastermind, Ste. Goldie made a post about this a little while back. The bands playing are Hymns For The Drowning, ROLLERBALL, and Abigail Adams. There is no cover, so you should drink your ass off for the cause. Or just order a lot of Food again, for the cause.
  
• The other benefit tonight is taking place at Someday Lounge and benefits The Portland Rescue Mission who in turn benefit the homeless of Portland. The bands scheduled to play tonight are OHIOAN, TRACTOR OPERATOR, THE MORALS, ZETAMAN, and more. There is a $5 cover. The show starts at 9 PM.
• There are also some ALL AGES shows happening tonight. For instance, The Portland Cello Project is performing at The Aladdin Theater. As per usual they have several Portland songwriters/bands in tow. This time around they will be backing Stephanie Schneiderman, Rick Emerson, Weindland, and The Builders and The Butchers. The tickets are $10-$12. The show starts at 8 PM.
• The other ALL AGES show is at Backspace in Old Town. Panther, Starfucker, and White Fang will all be playing. This will in all likelihood be awesome. Just so you know. There is a $7 cover. The show starts at 9 PM.
• East End also has a show brewing on Friday. It involves King Brothers (Japan), Shellshag (NYC), and local rocker LKN. The show probably has a cover, though it is not listed. The show time is 9 PM.

Saturday, April 12th

Another day another list of shows. Are you guys seeing a pattern here? (so many good shows, rejoice the fact that you live in a town with good music):

• The show I will attend if I get that opportunity is most definitely the A Weather/Carcrashlander show. I most likey will not be able to catch Carcrashlander on Monday, so the chance to see them on Saturday excites me. As does the fact that they are playing with A Weather. I listen to their album, Cove, a lot (because its so good). This is the official album release show for them. It will be a blast. The show is happening at Mississippi Studios. There will be a $7-$8 cover. The music starts at 10 PM.
• Another undoubtedly good show is taking place at The Aladdin Theater as they host another installment of the OPB broadcast Live Wire! radio program. This one is headlined by Portland's own Laura Veirs and has Seattle's Grand Archives performing as well as other things non-musical (for instance FREDERICK SHILLING - Founder of Dagoba Chocolates from Ashland). You can click on the webpage for all of the details. To be in the audience will cost you $15. Otherwise just tune in on your radio or computer. The ALL AGES show starts at 8 PM.
• There is a more energetic show occurring at Towne Lounge, if that is more your thing. Reporter, Vanashing Kids, and Fist Fite will be rocking the joint. There is a $5 cover. The music starts at 9:30 PM.
• While there are no benefit shows on Saturday, I know of at least one fund raising show. I am referencing the show at Someday Lounge. Bark Hide & Horn are playing with Andy Combs and the Moth in order to raise money for Belmont, The Movie. It is a feature length narrative that is set somewhere in Portland (Belmont?). I have heard good things about Bark Hide & Horn's live show. I know for a fact that Andy Combs and the Moth are really fun to watch and hear play in a live setting. There is a $7 cover, with the show starting at 9 PM.

Sunday, April 13th

Most of you will probably want to to go to the Cat Power show at The Roseland (I know I will want to go). But, there is always the chance that the show might sell out. Or that you might not like Cat Power. Either way, these are the local shows for Sunday:

• Shelly Short is playing her CD release party at Someday Lounge. She makes good folk-pop music, which probably means that the CD she is releasing (or that Hush is releasing on the 22nd) will also be good. Two Sheds (CA) and Minmae open. The show costs $6. The doors are at 9 PM.
• It looks like East End is having a pretty good show involving Ah Holly Fam'ly and Justin Power. Both make folk influenced music of the good variety. There is no indication of a cover fee. The doors are at 9 PM.
• Or you could go to Valentines for the Cassette release party for Hammer of Hathor. They will be playing as well as Problems? and Why Must I be Careful. It is refreshing for someone to have a cassette release (or is that just my nostalgia for cassettes?). Regardless, the show is FREE. It will get started some time after 9 PM.

So there you go. Another Awesome week of shows. I hope to make some. I hope you have a good week regardless of how many shows you do or do not attend. But if you do go to a show and you see me there, make sure you say hi.

-Ben


31 Knots play the Doug Fir on Friday with Grails and Experimental Dental School. Sweet.
Photo by Bagelradio

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Ben Meyercords Live Picks Weekend Edtion March 6th - March 9th

Lordy Lordy are there a lot of shows in the next four days. So many that it is slightly painful to me think about. And even more irritating to write about. But alas, I love it. I love shows and going to them and knowing about them and writing about them. So here are those shows I mention earlier:

Thursday, March 6th

We got a couple of local CD release shows today and then some.

• Music Millennium used to have a bunch of in-stores at the NW location, but that location has gone the way of Ozone Records (no longer open). Luckily for all of us on this side of the river, the East side location has picked up the slack. Today they will host a FREE in-store performance by Weinland at 6 PM. I like Wienland and if you like any kind of Americana, you might like them too. Badman Recording Co. liked then so much that they are putting out the bands newest album La Lamentor.
• This will leave you plenty of time to head over to Holocene for another CD release show. This time for Panther who is releasing 14 KT on the Kill Rock Stars label very soon. Sharing the bill are one of my favorites Parenthetical Girls with Mattress rounding out the show. This show is $8. The doors are at 9 PM.
• Or you could go to Kelly's Olympian to see a three tiered local show made up of Chores, Swallows, and Deer or The Doe. Looks like it would be fun to see. The cost of the show is $3. The doors are at 9 PM.

Friday, March 7th

When I was talking about all of the shows, I was specifically referencing Friday. Check out the seven shows I want to go to:

• Berbati's Pan has seen better days, but they will occasionally have a show that I want to see. Friday night is one of those nights. Little Beirut(not related to the regular Beirut), play a show with Derby and Lael Alderman. Basically, last week local cut had one of Little Beirut's songs as a cut of the day. It sounded awesome. Kinda like older Cursive. This is theit CD release show. It costs $7 at the door. The show starts at 9 PM.
• The usually pricey Crystal Ballroom occasionally (with the help of KNRK Alternative Portland 94.7 FM) will have shows for $9.47. They are having on such show on Friday featuring Helio Sequence, The Shaky Hands, and Pseudosix. It is part of the "I Saw Them When" series. So agian $9.47. The music starts at 9PM (doors are at 8 PM).
• Also downtown, Someday Lounge is having an incredible show. Xiu Xiu and Thao & The Get Down Stay Down are playing with CIMTB favorite Dragging an Ox Through Water. Up until recently I have decided to not like Xiu Xiu. I listened to his most recent album, Women as Lovers, and can no longer deny that Xiu Xiu is awesome. It should be amazing.
• In the NW you got The Wherewithals playing with Jared Mees and The Morals at Slabtown. This is a CD release show for The Wherewithals. But threason I mention thos show is because I really like The Morals. Both for their song writing and endlessly entertaining live and sloppy live shows.
• Or, if you like Neil Young (who doesn't?), you could head on over to the Mississippi Studios to catch the Neil Young Tribute show. It features Dolorean, Matt Sheehy, and Mbilly. It should be good times. The show is FREE. The music starts at 8 PM.
• And also, just because I Know Goldie would hate it if I didn't mention it, Black Elk plays tonight at Tonic Lounge. Drunken Ladies and Pacific Ballistic are also playing the show.

Saturday, March 8th

There are some good shows going on this Saturday. These are them:

• Westfold is playing a show with The Taxpayers at The Twilight Room. Westfold is such a good band. The show is FREE so there is no excuse for you not to go. Show starts at 9 PM.
  
• Rotture has a show featuring Extra Life, The Dead Science, Parenthetical Girls, and Dirty Mittens. I really like the Parenthetical Girls I have heard of these other bands but I am not too familiar with their music. The show costs $7. The show starts at 9 PM.
• Also you could go over to The Waypost you can catch Modernstate, Super XX Man, and AAN play for FREE. This show starts at 8 PM.
• Or you could go to a house show in at 5115 NE 36th (between Alberta and Killingsworth). The bands and there corresponding times are as follows: prime meridian 9:30-10pm
  chip brokah/colin jones 9:00-9:30
  a. singley & pants machine 8:30-9pm
  sleepyhead 8:00-8:30
  quiet countries 7:30-8pm
  william holley 7:00-7:30 This looks like a good mix of hip hop, indie-pop, post rock, and other. This is at David's house. Have fun. ps I think Prime Meridian sound pretty sweet (based on their myspace).
  

Sunday, March 9th

I could only find one show on Sunday, but it looks like a good one:

• Mississippi Pizza is having Shoeshine Blue, Leonard Mynx, Audie Darling, and Autopilot is for Lovers. All of these bands are good. I saw the lead singer of Shoeshine Blue last Sunday and was pretty Impressed. The show is probably FREE. It all starts at 9 PM.

So I hope to see you at some of these shows. And as always, if you see me, come say hello.

-Ben


Weinland Play a FREE instore on Thursday at Music Millennium.

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Ben Meyercords live music picks for Jan. 7th to Jan. 12th

Jeez. It is seems so cold lately. It makes me so tired. I didn't see any shows last week except for the one I played. These are tough times for seeing shows. Because lets face it, your couch has a blanket and you can fall asleep on it. A show on the other hand requires leaving the home and briefly facing the cold. On the other hand a show can totally revitalize you. So that is what I will try to do this week (be revitalized). you should give a try as well.

Here are your opportunities:

Monday the 7th

• So AristeiA was all set to play the Someday Lounge tonight with The Friendly Skies and The Ax, but things happen and band line ups change. Any way, AristeiA had to sit this one out so Bonanza City has stepped up to fill the bill. The line up appears to be of the experimental/rock/post-rock variety. This is where I will bee Tonight. $5 at the door. Show starts at 9PM.
  

Tuesday the 8th

I could not find much in the way of actual shows. However this should not discourage you from attend one of Portland's finest open mics.

• Zilla Sake has an open mic every single Tuesday. It is hosted by the amazing Y La Bamba with sound by E (who just bought some new toys for running sound). It is two songs per artist. Each performance will later be podcast via E's open mic scout website.

Wednesday the 9th

Finally we have some competition for my interests.

• Berbati's Pan is having Cars & Trains, Logan Lynn, and The Skinnyz play. Cars & Trains look really interesting to me. It is described as being kind of folky but at the same time kind of hiphop (one of the guys from anticon , Sole, guests on his ep). Logan Lynn, according to his myspace page, plays "Emotronic" music. The Skinnyz play good old rock and roll. But mostly I am interested in Cars & Trains. I am unsure of the price, but the show starts at 9PM.
• If you are a fan of country rock (not like country pop or whatever that sissy stuff they play on the radio is called) then you should head over to the Doug Fir to catch Scotland Barr and The Slow Drags, Mike D and The Loyal Bastards , and Rachel Taylor Brown. This is part of the In Music We Trust Series which means that it is free. Music starts at 9PM.
• But the show I am most excited to see this week is going down at The Artistrey. Casiotone For The Painfully Alone (used to live in Portland) will be playing a show with Parenthetical Girls (does live in Portland). I am so excited about this. I love both Owen Ashworth's and Zac Pennington's music. Alot. Owen's little brother (also lives in Portland) who plays as Concern opens. It will cost $6 at the door. The show starts at 8PM.

Thursday the 10th

Another night of hard choices.

• The Ash Street Saloon will have Leigh Marble, Jared Mees & The Grown Up Children, and Stuart Valentine playing. Leigh Marble is the Mercury's current "Band of the Week", so I figured it might be worth checking out. Plus the WWeek is always talking about how good Jared Mees is. I figured this might be a chance to find out (ps check out Leigh Marble's Remix of a Pay the Coyote song at the local cut section of the WWeek).
  
• But Dante's is having The Section Quartet play. They are a string quartet who interpret rock music for the strings. They are supposed to be very good. They have played on albums for Kanye West, Devendra Barnhart, Ryan Adams, to Christina Aguilera. Opening up are locals faves Pseudosix (featuring members of The Joggers). The show is only $5. Show starts at 9PM.
• Mt Tabor legacy also has a kick ass show though. We're From Japan! is playing. These guys are one of if not my favorite bands to see live. Love Meter and Marits open. This too only costs $5. Show starts at 9PM.

Friday the 11th

Here are some things to see and hear.

• The Modern Age, an all ages space run by PSU's radio station KPSU has shows every other Friday. This Friday they will have Alan Singley, Ohioan & Native Kin, Church, and Suplex. I am only familiar with Alan Singley. He ca write a hell of a pop song. Plus he is a real nice guy. The show will cost $3-$5. Show starts at 8PM.
  
• The Tube (18 NW 3rd) has DJ Copy and DJ Multiply. I don't genrally get into to DJ's, but I Love Copy. So if you need to dance your ass off. This the place to do just that. Free. DJ's start at 10PM.

Saturday the 12th

Okay so there are two good shows going down. One seems to be for a good cause and has a good line up. But the other also has a good line up and is closer to my house and starts later so that I can still do AristieA practice. I will list them both though.

• There is a show being billed as Politipalooza to take place at Montgomery Park. It is a fundraiser for the Bus Project which tries to inspire young people to vote. This is organized by Engage Oregon's Rebooting Democracy '08 effort. They have managed to book Dan Savage as the emcee and the talent is as follows: The Shaky Hands, DJ Beyonda, The Blow, Copacrescent, and Tyler Stenson. It is only $10. Show starts at9PM.
• Mississippi Studios however has a really good line up of bands as well. Carcrashlander is the music project of Portland multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Cory Gray and whoever is around to play with him. This will be the CD release show for Cory. It also marks the first release of the Parks and Recreation label which seems really promising. Graves will be playing as well which makes sense because the band shares several members of Carcrashlander. Lake, a group of five to eight singer/songwriters from Olympia will be opening the show. It costs $7-$8. Show starts at 10PM.

So I will definitely be at some of these shows. If you see me come say hello (I'm the guy with the mustache). I hope you all have a great week.

-Ben


Parenthetical Girls play The Artistery on Wednesday

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