Preview

So yeah. I guess we're going to be opening for, critics be damned, my favorite local band at the Doug Fir this Thursday night.

DJ Beyonda spinning before us @ the 21+ show.

PS - all ages crewz = check the early show w/ Southern Belle & Guidance Counselor.


*I may or may not have some crazy stories to follow as I may or may not have rented 2 adjacent hotel rooms @ the Jupiter to coincide with said event*

Read More >>

Record Review: Starfucker

Starfucker: Starfucker


Since an early incarnation of Starfucker played with us a year and a half ago at Towne Lounge, their song "German Love" has been playing non-stop on some microscopic tape player in some out-of-the-way corner of my brain. It's not that the song is "stuck in my head", at least not in the way you usually think of things being stuck in your head. It's just always playing. Very quietly. At any time I can turn up the volume and my world is a little sunnier, a little more filled with bubbles and rainbows. This song, and this band, has been the soundtrack to a lot of the last year of my life.

Last October I went out east to visit friends in New York. When I stepped off the plane in Newark (I know, fucking Jersey) and turned on my phone, I was greeted with a text message informing me that Starfucker was playing that very night at the East River Bar in Williamsburg. It took some cajoling (apparently the East River Bar is known for being a terrible place) but I managed to convince a few friends to come along. It was awesome, of course, and afterwards I bought a stack of 7 song demos for the friends I had dragged out, and one for myself.

"She won't have a thing to do with me" whispers singer Josh Hodges. But the way it comes out, reverb-laden and shiny with high-end, you can't imagine why.

But I didn't intend to write about my history with the band. That just happened. I didn't even really intend to write about the music, which speaks for itself. Although to not mention the incredible work Josh did in recording this in his home studio would be uncivil. And to neglect a nod to Dylan Magierek, who, with a few tasteful additions in mixing at Type Foundry, added unbelievable punch and shimmer (not easy, adding both) would be downright criminal.

But really, I didn't want to write about that. See, really, I wanted to write about the package. I wanted to write about the unbelievably beautiful creamy white vinyl. I wanted to write about the the gaudy, Tron-meets-Saturday-Night-Fever artwork. I wanted to write about the mish-mash of cheese ball fonts on the sleeve, and about the Adobe-Illustrator-For-Dummies gradient rainbow on the reverse.

I wanted to write about these things because this record -- from the surreal, Paint By Numbers cover, to the disco ball label, to the vinyl-only bonus track -- is made for people who love records. Sohale Kevin Darouian has crafted a masterpiece of album art. It's corny as fuck. It's bright. It's alternatingly head-scratching and simple. In other words, it's perfectly Starfucker.

Read More >>

Shameless Plug

I'll keep this short and sweet as I am very very busy (read = getting stoned & drinking beer and watching old nba games & bad mtv2 shows on veetle). Anyway, in case you missed Dykeritz when we played live @ PDX-POP we've got a couple more shows coming up in the very near future.

Yes indeed. In the spirit of the Fat Boys, we are coming back hard again.

Specifically on

Saturday Sept 6th for MusicFestNW @ the Hawthorne Theater (All Ages) w/ Dirty Mittens, Copy and Dan Deacon

as well as

Thursday September 18th @ the Doug Fir (21+) opening for Starfucker at their CD release with DJ Beyonda getting the party started before we go on.

Yes, I know, I know. I should have been a good blogger and embedded links to the venues and the other bands, but that's what's google is for. Right? Particularly as I am currently way too busy to do so.

Lastly, feel free to comment, but be forewarned that all of my posts, beginning with this one, will require super difficult captchas to separate the wheat from the chaff so to speak. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Read More >>

Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for April 14th -20th

Hello dear readers,

Last week was great wasn't it. I went to three of the 30 something shows I listed. They were all fantastic. Especially the 31 Knots, Joggers, and Experimental Dental School show. They were all fantastic. But guess what. There are even more cool shows this week. Some of them will be, dare I say, fantastic. Check it:

Monday, April 14th

You want local music? You got it:

• Yellow Swans have announced that they are breaking up. Luckily they have a lot of shows booked, so you can still catch their brand of oddly gorgeous Noise music. Tonight they are playing Branx with Sissy Spacek (LA), Knelt Rote, Verlatin, and Superbad. I guessing these are noise bands too. I can't seem to find any info. on them so, whatev's. It will be LOUD. Like, LOL, ridiculous, LOUD. The shows is $6 and starts at 9 PM.
  
• Valentine's is consistently having good shows. It seems like I am consistently missing them. Do not make my mistakes. Tonight they are having Ohioan play. I think. If not then I am sure somebody is. Probably Free. Probably after 9 PM.
• Chaos Cafe is having a show tonight featuring Mr. Fredrick (featuring a member of Starfucker). This should be pretty cool. It is also pretty FREE and pretty ALL AGES. The show is listed as starting at 8 PM.
• Or if you just want to stay in and get your local music, you can tune into Arya Imig's Sound Judgment on KPSU either on the Internet here or on 1450 AM on your radio. There will be an on-air performance by Hutch and Kathy (of The Thermals). The show starts at 10 PM and will last one hour.

Tuesday, April 15th

There are a ridiculously good shows happening simultaneously on Tuesday:

• Backspace is hosting one of the two Dirty Projectors shows happening in town this week. The openers are Blankket (Toronto), and local White Rainbow. I hear that Dirty Projectors are phenomenal. The show is $5. It is ALL AGES so it starts at 8 PM.
• Someday Lounge is having Thao and The Get Down Stay Down play with locals Horse Feathers and Plants. I still haven't gotten over how good Horse Feathers is. When they release their sophmore effort on Kill Rock Stars (same label as Thao), I am sure many others will feel the same way. The show is $8. The doors are at 9 PM.
  
• Holocene is helping Auto Pilot is For Lovers celebrate the release of their new album by having a show. An album release show! Stangers Die Everyday, and Porches are also playing. I want so badly to see this show (I have listed Strangers Die Everyday many times and have yet to see them). The show is a mere $5. The show starts at 9 PM.
• Chaos Cafe is having another cool show. I am started to think of this as the vegan ALL AGES sibling of Valentine's. Anyway, they are having Chris Koza (Minneapolis), Love Menu, and The Rainy States play on Tuesday. It is all good. The show is FREE and starts at 8 PM.
• Plus I have heard rumors of a Norfolk & Western and Weinland practice show at Slabtown too. This is supposedly FREE. Stop by at 9 PM.
  

Wednesday, April 16th

This is the haps:

• Legenday (in some circles) songwriter Daniel Johnston is coming to town. He is going to play two shows in Portland this week both with local Gregory Miles Harris. Your first chance to see them is a Berbati's. Tickets cost $17.50 in advance and $20 at the door. The music starts at 8 PM (doors at 7 PM).
• Mississippi Pizza is having a show of note too. Shake Speake , Andy Combs and the Moth, and Church are playing. Church is really awesome. So is Andy Combs and co. I am unsure if there is a cover. The show starts at 9 PM.
• The White Eagle is a place I have been meaning to check out. On Wednesday there are some bands I have been Meaning to Check out, A Cautionary Tale, and Jared Mees. Also there is a band I have never heard of, Test Audiences. Should be good. Maybe. Its FREE. Why not check it out? The show starts at 8:30.

Thursday, April 17th

David Bazan (Pedro The Lion) and Mark Kozelek (Red House Painters and Sun Kill Moon) are playing the Aladdin Theater. It is not a local show but I thought some people might be interested. There are only a couple local shows I am interested in on Thursday:

• Doug Fir is having pretty one of the more popular rock surf garage bands, Southern Culture on the Skids (Chapel Hill) play here in town. I am not a huge fan. But I am interested in the openers Bark Hide and Horn. They have a new album that just came out and will be selling at this show. The show costs $15.
• Speaking of Southern things (check out this sweet segue), Southern Belle will be performing at Dunes on Thursday. I am unsure if anyone else will be playing. Actually, Dunes doesn't even have them listed. But shows at Dunes are always FREE, so whats the harm? The show will or will not be happening at 11 PM.

Friday, April 18th

Lots of great shows are happening on Friday:

• The one I am going to and have been anticipating for many months is the Why? show at Holocene. All of the opening acts are from Porltand: Starfucker, Fall of Snow, and Jon Von Appen (performance artist). All acts are really diverse which will make for a really entertaining show. The cost is $8. The show starts at 9 PM.
• There is also an amazing gathering of Portland musicians at The Modern Age (PSU's ALL AGES venue). Hutch and Kathy (of The Thermals), Strength, Reporter, Typhoon, and The Vonneguts are all playing. This is a lot of talent for one show. It only costs $3-$6 to enter. The show starts at 8 PM.
• Some of you all may have heard of the Wordless Music Series (NY). Well, it looks like they are having some West Coast shows here in Portland. Friday night has Eluvium and chamber music ensemble Third Angle performing at The Old Church in cordination with the series. I have only seen Eluvium once and it was the almost the loudest thing I have ever witnessed (second only to Yellow Swans at PDX Pop last year). It really turned me off. But he makes such beautiful music that I am more than willing to give him another chance.
• Exit Only is also having a show on Friday. I want to check out this venue. All I know about it so far is that it is ALL AGES and is in a wherehouse. It sounds awesome. Alexis Gideon will be playing with Travis Wiggins (of Please Step Out of The Vehicle) and Bombs Into You. This should be a fun show. There is no mention of a cover. The show starts at 8 PM.
• There is a show at Artistery too. They have Team Evil (members of Point Juncture, WA), Swim Swam Swum, and target=_blankPatterns. I have seen Swim Swam Swum before and I dug it. Which is why I am suggesting it. The show costs $6 and is ALL AGES. The music begins at 8 PM.
• Friday is also your second chance to see Daniel Johnston and Gregory Miles Harris. This show is ALL AGES at the Wonder Ballroom. I think it is SOLD OUT. So unless you are savvy enough to deal with ticket scalpers (I am not), I suggest going to one of the shows that I listed above.

Saturday, April 19th

It is kind of slim pickings as far as shows I am interested in (again if I am missing something please feel free to comment):

• Holocene is having Blitzen Trapper play with Fleet Foxes (WA), an Au. Pitchfork is basically in love with Blitzen Trapper. I think they also love Fleet Foxes. So this show will be chock full of these people. But I have heard both and think they have some actual good songs. Plus Au is opening. Checkout what Stereogum had to say about the band a couple weeks ago. The show costs $8. The show starts at 9 PM.
• Or at the Aladdin Theater you can catch Amelia. While Amelia is good in their own right, it is opener Richie Young (mastermind of Loch Lomond) that caught my eye. It should be cool to see him in a solo setting. Tickets are $12-$15 for this ALL AGES show. The music begins at 8 PM.

Sunday, April 20th

There is some shows going on to wind out weekend. Check them out maybe?:

• KPSU is having Pledge Drive stuff all this week (check here for details). As part that push, they are putting on some pretty good shows. Like at Someday, they are having Soriah, Metal, Eet, and Childhood Friends play. While I have only seen Metal (they were good and ambient with projection of films over them), I can say that it will probably be good. Plus KPSU is very supportive of local music. So, if you are supportive of them, you are supportive of local music. Are you following me? The show costs $5. the show starts at 9 PM.
  
• KPSU is also putting a show at Town Lounge featuring Souterly, Yoyodine, and William Carpenter's Towering Trees. Southerly is pretty good, and is a busy guy. This will be the last time you can see him perform before he goes on a European tour. This show is also $5. The show starts at 9 PM.
• Or you could not support them and see a show at Valentine's. This show features Oregon Painting Society, Pixie Storm and the Stand-up Shaman, and Plastic Pussy. All fantastic band names. All FREE. The show starts at 9 PM.
  

So that is what looks good to me this week. If you can make it to even just a fraction of these shows, you will most likely be in a good place in your life. Right? Anyway, if you see me at any of these shows, please say hello. Have a great week.

-Ben


Fall of Snow plays with Why? and Starfucker on Friday. Kick Ass.
photo from the Fall of Snow myspace page

Read More >>

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

Read More >>

Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for March 31st to April 6th

Dear Readers Sunday Night was awesome. I had such a good time and was so amped that I didn't sleep until 3 AM. Which was fine except that I had to wake up at 6:30 AM. This amount of sleep made it very difficult to concentrate my thoughts most of Monday. Do much so that I did not the post out on time. Sorry. Below is the post including shows on Monday that you may or may not have seen:


Monday, March 31st

This is what is going down:

• The show I would like to see the most is going down at Someday Lounge. We're From Japan! is playing with fellow Zankyo Label-mates You May Die in the Desert (Seattle) and Colt Vista. We're From Japan! has a new album recorded and will be playing songs from it. No word on whether it will be for sale at shows, but I know one way you can find out. The show is $5. The show starts at 9 PM.
• The show that I would consider going to though I generally would never go to the venue is Starfucker and Atole at the Tube. DJ Nate C will also be DJ-ing as well. The Tube is small and crowded, but Star Fucker and Atole are both pretty great. There is a $3 cover. The music starts at 9:30.
• As per usual, Valentine's has a good show lined up. Tonight they will be host to Hornet Leg, Las Artificiales (members of New Bloods and Magic Johnson), and I Copy Your Copy. I know that I have seen the name Hornet Leg before. I know I have seen I Copy Your Copy before. They made cute boy/girl vocals music if I remember correctly. This is a FREE show. The show starts at 9 PM.
  
• There is also a free Bluegrass show at The World Famous Kenton Club featuring Podunk. This show is at 8 PM.

Tuesday, April 1st

I know that most of you will be at 311 at the Roseland but...

• There is the Tuesday open mic at Zilla Sake. This is hosted by the very talented Y La Bamba. The music starts at 8 PM.
• Someday Lounge is also having an open stage event on Tuesday as well. There biweekly event, The Incubator, hosted by CIMTB contributor Gabriel Darling.
• A lot of people seem to like Little Wings. You can decide if you like them by going to Mississippi Studios. They are sharing the stage with Lee Baggett and some mysterious "special guests". There is a $8-$10 cover. The show starts at 8 PM.
• Just down the street and a few hours earlier, you can see Gregory Miles Harris , Matthew Gilligan, and Tony Suitcase play at Mississippi Pizza. They all play quirky pop songs. Gregory will have the distinguished honor of opening for Daniel Johnston when he plays in town next month. The show is ALL AGES and FREE. The music starts at 6 PM.
  
• If you are inSE, you could stop by the Chaos Cafe for what will probably a night of blues and bluegrass influenced song. Ali Ippolito, Jay Cobb, Mimi Naja, and Fruition are all playing. It is FREE and ALL ages. Plus Chaos has a delicious menu. Show starts at 8 PM.

Wednesday, April 2nd

I am going to list four shows. They are all very good. Which ever you choose, you can't go wrong.

• One show I have been very excited about since I first saw it listed about a month ago. Loch Lomond is headling a show featuring some of my favorite newer musical discoveries The Ruby Suns and Le Loup at Holocene. The Ruby Suns (New Zealand) just put out a record on Subpop. Le Loup (D.C.) put out a record last year on Subpop sub label Hardly Art. I really love both of these records. And it is really great to see Loch Lomond headline such a good lineup as I really like them as well. I am really excited. Can you tell? The show is $7. The doors are at 9 PM.
• One of the other good show with good people is happening at Chaos Cafe. Alix Sun, Like Deities, and Y La Bamba will be playing music (probably with each other and separately). I am sure that it will be good. I am also sure that it is FREE. The show gets under ay at 8 PM.
• Someday Lounge looks like it has a very interesting show in Wednesday as well. It is the CD release for Colin Jones. Check out the description form the Someday Lounge webstite: This is the release show for Colin Jones' Dancebook Vol.2 (CD & book). Colin Jones is best known as the rapper for Portland based hip hop duo Brokaw, but he broke out of the hip hop realm last spring with his debut solo release Dancebook Vol. 1 on Diss Company Records. More electro / dance / pop than hip hop, the Dancebook series continuesnow with 9 new songs, 2 new videos and a full color storybook created by Colin and a few close friends. Like volume 1, Colin Jones' Dancebook Vol 2 is a limited run of 100 copies. The live set currently features Armatronix on effects,backing vocals and hype duties. Expect a loud and energetic multimedia and multi-genre show. Sounds cool, right? Plus Paperbacks (Ryan of Starfucker), Guidance Counselor, Sixteen Switches, and Staley play. All of this for $6. The doors are at 9 PM.
  
• The Artistery is having a cool show too. This one involves Evangelista, on tour, and Ghost to Falco. I think Ghost to Flaco makes very interesting and cool music. Evangeslista , does the same. There for this should be an interesting and cool show, right? The lead singer for Evangelista is Carla Bozulich (of Thee Geraldine Fibbers), who I saw put on quite a show with A Silver Mount Zion a while back. The cover for this show is $6. The doors are at 7 PM.

Thursday, April 3rd

Some interesting things are happening of Thursday:

• The Doug Fir is putting on a show featuring Holcombe Waller & The Healers and The Golden Bears. Holcombe Waller and co. are known to be very dramatic. Like he is working on on putting on a touring theater show sort of dramatic. It is also the CD release show for the Golden Bears. Plus out of town folkster Tom Brosseau will be playing some songs. The show has a $10 cover. The music starts at 9 PM.
• The Towne Lounge has a line up full of local fun. Check out Tenslon Fort, Timecat, Laz-D, and New Finesse. I basically don't know much about any of these bands but I enjoyed the ad that New Finesse put here. The show is $5. The music starts at 9:30 PM.
• E*Rock will be DJing at Tiga as part of an art reception for Charlie Salas-Humara of Panther fame. This event is FREE.
• Backspace is having a show on Thursday too. They are having the indie-pop of Swallows, Kusikia (Tacoma), and Chores. It should be fun. It cost $5. It is ALL AGES and starts at 9PM.
• There is also a show happening at Dekum Manor. Love Menu will be playing with June Madrona (Olympia), and Purrbot. The show probably is on a donation basis for the Touring band. The show starts at 8 PM.

Friday, April 4th

There are several very good shows tonight:

• First thing you can do is tune into KPSU at 1450 AM on you radio or online here. You see, The Morals are playing on the radio for your listening pleasure. Do this between the hours of 6 PM and 7 PM. It is good, and FREE, times.
• Why stop the free times there? You shouldn't. You can go to Chaos Cafe and see one of the best live bands in Portland, Westfold, play. They are sharing the bill with Hughdowner, and Ah Holly Fam'ly. This FREE show starts at 9 PM.
• One of my favorite new non-Portland area bands, Pattern is Movement, is coming and playing Friday night at The Know. Local William Holley, also very good, is opening. Pattern is Movement make catchy kinda mathy pop songs, while William Holley does a Will Oldham-esque thing. There is no indication of whether there is a cover. I think the show starts at 8 PM.
• Mississippi Studios is having a show with The Old Believers, and Shane Tutmarc & The Traveling Mercies. This should be a good and folky night of music. The cover is $8-$10. The show starts at 7 PM.
• Kelly's Olympian has started getting decent shows lately. Friday night they have The Brilliant Channel, Eux Autres, and The Village Green. It would be well worth your cover (though it is not listed anywhere). The show is scheduled to last from 6 PM to 10 PM. We shall see about that.
• At the Doug Fir, that show that happened at The Artistery on Wednesday, Evangelista and Ghost to Falco, is playing at a bigger venue. Also American Music Club is playing. The cover is $12. The show starts at 9 PM.

Saturday, April 5th

Saturday is the night of a thousand shows (several of them kick ass):

• The Towne Lounge is having The Morals play on Saturday, just in case you missed them on KPSU the day before (or if you caught them and wanted to see what you were hearing). They are playing with The Rainy States and At The Spine. But there special thing about this show is the super secret guest. I am told that the guest is "big" and very "relevant". I am going to try to make this show. The cover is but $5. The music starts at 9 :30 PM.
• Exit Only, the newest all ages venue, is having a show featuring Southern Belle, Pegasus, Bodhi, and Transformers Kick Your Kids. I have heard many good things about Southern Belle, and I really enjoy the name Transformers Kick Your Kids, so this should be a pretty solid show. This ALL AGES show is FREE. The show starts at 8 PM.
• Wait, I made a mistake. The Coop (3535 N Lombard: formerly Brainstains) is the newest ALL AGES venue. As Saturday marks the first show under the new management. The Taxpayers, Atomic Butter Babies, The Hand That Bleeds, Tibetan Beef Garden, and Monster Sized Monsters are providing the music for the evening. This is also the kick off show for The Taxpayers/Atomic Butter Babies tour. There is a $2-$5 cover for this ALL AGES show. If starts at 7 PM.
• The Artistery has a show with out of towners (who seem to have been in town quite a few times) Lake. Their friends P.E.T.S. (no idea what it stands for) are opening along with the local outfit Upsidedown cat. I really like the sounds of Lake. The show costs $6. The ALL AGES show doors are at 7 PM.
• Castle Grayskull (11 SE 19th), I believe is a house/venue. They are putting on a show featuring Almost Nearly, Craig Salt Peters, Shelby Sifers, Blanket Truth, and a special acoustic performance by Ghosties. The cover of the show is $. The ALL AGES show gets started at 5 PM.
  
• The Doug Fir is having a super fun local line up on Saturday with the likes of Starfucker, Dat'r, and Dykeritz. The show is only $7. The music starts at 9 PM.
• Kelly's Olympian is having Newspapers, Leonard Mynx, Old Money, and Jared Mees & The Grown Children play. The shows at Kelly's are usually $5. The music starts at 10 PM.
• Produce Row is having Barons in Trees playing a show on Saturday too. I have not seen them, but I have a feeling that they are good. This is a FREE show. It all begins at 9 PM.

Sunday, April 6th

I only have one show listed for today:

• It is at Valentine's and it has Fruitface, Gulls, Strategy, American Haircut, and DJ Pete Swanson (half of Yellow Swans). It will be so awesome if your into that sort of thing (good music).

So Sorry for te delay. Have a good week. And if you see me at any of these shows, say hi.

-Ben


Loch Lomond plays Holocene on Wednesday wit Le Loup and The Ruby Sons
Photo from their myspace page

Read More >>

Ben Meyercord's live music picks for Feb. 19th to Feb. 24th

Hello dear readers, how are you?

Last week I kind of fell behind. I missed one entire day (Monday)* and I neglected a really cool show at the Funky Church (Paleo, Kele Goodwin and Loch Lommond). I will do better this week.

Also I thought that maybe this weekly post should have a name. However, I can't really think of anything write now. Perhaps you guys could come up with something better than Ben Meyercord's live music picks. Anyway here are some shows:

Tuesday, Feb. 19th

There is not much happening that I am interested in but what is happening is good.

• Every Tuesday, Zilla Sake has a really good open mic. It is hosted by the amazing Y La Bamba. You should come out. I will play a few songs as Meyercord. The sign up starts at 7:30. The music starts at 8 PM.

Wednesday, Feb. 20th

Here are two shows worth seeing (I think).

• The White Eagle Saloon is having an "Unfiltered: Indie-Rock Showcase" featuring Quaker Gun, Jared Mees, and Andrew Gorny. Basically I want to check out Jared Mees cause I haven't yet. The show is FREE. Music starts at 8:30 PM.
• The other thing happening tonight is at Mississippi Pizza where Barons in Trees is playing an early show. Their Bio includes this paragraph which makes me want to see them. "Barons in Trees creates a nostalgic blend of indie, folk, and classical music. With influences that conjure Paul Simon, a hint of Sufjan Stevens and a dash of DeVotchKa, their unique polyphonic sound is just the kind of performance for which Portland’s musical palette yearns." The show is FREE. The music starts at 6 PM.

Thursday, Feb. 21st

There is some good shows happening on Thursday. They look like this:

• There is a show going on at a place that, if I am not mistaken, is called Extreme Cowboy Tennis (14 NW 3rd Ave). It will feature Caves, Gejius, Disgustitron, and Dance Terror. I don't know most of this music, but I do enjoy Gejius' music quite a bit. The she is $8. The doors are at 9 PM which is weird for an ALL-AGES show.
• Lola's Room is having a (kinda) Metal Show on Thursday night. Danava is playing with SubArachnoid Space, Dark Black, and Torn to Pieces. I am not that into metal, but I figured that some people (Brandon) are so I listed it. The show is listed as $6-$8. The Music starts at 9 PM.
  
• Rererato, the super awesome art space that sometimes has music, is having music on Thursday. On the bill are Fields at Night, Church, and The Newspapers. I saw Church play at Valentine's last Sunday and was really impressed with their arrangements produced y the three piece. Should be pretty cool. I believe donations are excepted. The music starts at 8 PM because it is ALL-AGES.

Friday, Feb. 22nd

There is a lot going on Friday. Some hard decisions must be made. Fortunately, I won't have to make any decisions because:

• I am playing a show as Meyercord with Y La Bamba and Mimi Naja at Zilla Sake (fitting becasue we all met via the Zillas Sake open mic). This will be a good show (I realize that it is hard to lend this show any credibility because I am playing it, but Y La Bamba is so good and Mimi is really good too). All I 'm saying is that there will be guitars and a banjo and a lot of singing. This show is FREE. It starts at 9 PM and is ALL-AGES.
• There are a two shows (one early and one late) at The Mississippi Studios tonight both of which feature Nick Jaina. The early show features Karli Fairbanks and Kaylee Cole opening up. They are both female songwriters from Spokane, WA. This show costs $8-$10. The start time of the early show is 7 PM.
  
• The late Nick Jaina show at The Mississippi Studios will have Pancake Breakfast of White Salmon, WA (that is the Washington bands in one night. Say WA?) and Portland's own Au (pronounced Aay You). This show also costs $8-$10. The show starts at 10 PM.
• Another good show is going down at the Funky Church. The line up is Ohioan & Native Kin, The Ocean Floor, Adam Gnade, and Johanna Wright. The show seems kind of mysterious, as there is no other listed inform (like cost, or time or if its all ages or not). My guess would be to show up at around 9 PM.
• Another good show is at the Urban Grind (on the Eastside). They will be having Starfucker, Rature (France), Doubledutch, and Breakfast Mountian. This is part of the Meow Meow presents series put on at the Urban Grind. The show will most likely be FREE. The show starts at 8 PM because it is ALL-AGES.
• Or there is another cool show that is happening at Kelly's Olympian. I am referencing The Rainy States CD release show (their debut album is called Basement Air). The show will have performances by The Rainy States and Church (who I have already mention in this blog). The show probably costs $5. The music starts at 10 PM.

Saturday, Feb. 23rd

There are a lot of shows on Saturday as well. Except this time I don't have the luxury of playing a show and not having to make a decision. At least I have band practice. That will probably weed out a few of the shows. Here they are:

• The one that I am most likely to attend is the final show at Brainstains a house show venue that has become quite popular on the house show circuit. Check out this little thing that David Evan posted: john brains, the man who has hosted so many amazing shows at his home/venue, brainstains, is leaving us! he needs money to move, so we are throwing him a benefit to say "thank you" for all he’s done for this community....also, i’ll be debuting my new band! dusty richards on bass, emillie rose currin on violin and keys, joshua polk on drums...all ages!...$5 (all proceeds go directly to john’s sweet ass pocket)...the line-up is as follows: Julie Rose 3pm...Bob Moricz 3:45...betacrack 4:30...autry 5:15...Sleepwalkers R.I.P. 6...advisory 6:45...gulls 7:30...LKN 8:15...hand that bleeds 9...david evan with his new band 9:45...jonny x and the groadies 10:30...shitfit 11:15...taxpayers 12...then bubble wrap dance party :)...this will be a night to remember. All of this for a measly $5. It is advertised as entertainment from 2 PM to 2 AM ALL-AGES.
  
• Speaking of house shows, The Artristery puts on shows in their basement. On Saturday they will be having a show that will most certainly reach capacity. Fast. Pitchfork aprroved and Sup Pop signed band Blitzen Traper are playing with Starfucker (who also played on Friday Night). You can order tickets here. The Show starts at 8 PM.
• Or there is an excellent folk show at Towne Lounge. Justin Ringle of Horse Feathers will be playing with Ryan Sollee of Builders and Butchers, Justin Power, and Nic Delffs of The Shaky Hands. With Horse Feathers recently signed to Kill Rock Stars this might be one of your last times to see those songs in an intimate setting. The show costs $6. The music starts at 9:30 PM.

Sunday, Feb. 24th

I could only find one show that I want to see on Sunday. But it actually looks to be a really good show. This is it:

• The Towne Lounge has a Portland Lounge Series ( yeah, I didn't know either). This Sunday will be the 16th on if I read my roman numerals correctly. From what I can tell the Portland Lounge Series entails getting some really good musicians to play the Towne Lounge for free (also, I learned that the bands are interviewed). This edition includes Nick Jaina (which is great cause I can't see either of his shows on Friday), Michael Apinyakul (of Shoeshine Blue), and Michael The Blind. This show is FREE. The music starts at 9:30 PM.
  

So there you have it. I hope you enjoy the shows. I know I will. Please come up to me and say hi if you see me at a show.

-Ben Meyercord


Nick Jaina on Friday and Sunday photo by Melani Brown

*it happened again

Read More >>

Ben Meyercords Live Music Picks Feb. 4th to Feb. 10th

Hey everyone, guess what. I made it to some shows last week. It actually felt pretty good. You know what else? There are some shows that I will definitely attend this week as well. I think I'm back. Check it out:

Monday, Feb. 4th

There are a couple of freebies for this Monday. You what they say, "if the price is right...". Anyway, I think that the price is right.

• Valentine's is having MBilly, William Holley, and The Moon in Light play on Monday. All I can say is listen to the links. It would appear Valentine's has put together a nice little folk show. Show is FREE. Music starts at 9PM.

• Doug Fir is also having a free show on Monday. The headliner is a boy/girl rock duo from Cambridge who have brilliantly named themselves Drug Rug. The local openers are a some what collective based around Ryne Warner called Ohioan and Native Kin. In fact the myspace page states that "Native Kin is the community of musicans that exists autonomously and symbiotically" . I guess that makes Ryne "Ohioan". The show is FREE. The music starts at 9PM.

Tuesday, Feb. 5th

Pay Day! Here is what is happening.

• Valentine's is having a show consisting of Blue Cranes, Strangers Die Every Day, and Sam Cooper. I have missed Strangers Die Everyday every single time they play. Tonight will probably be no w exception. But it does look to be a good show. The show cost a mere $5, pretty good deal considering the caliber of music. The show starts at 9 PM.
• Your other option, and an option to hear me(yercord) play music, is to go to Zilla Sake. They have a pretty good open mic hosted by friend and amazing songwriter Y La Bamba. The sign up is at 7:30. Music starts at 8PM.

Wednesday, Feb. 6th

Normally Wednesday is chock full of shows that I want to attend. That is not the case this week.

• Holocene is having this thing called Beat Off beat battle. It is described as a live sample-based beat battle. It sounds like it coul be cool. It costs $5. Doors are at 9PM.

Thursday, Feb. 7th

Is Thursday the new Wednesday? From the list of shows below, it definitely could be a contender.

• Kelly's Olympian is having a Portland Radio Authority presents show. It will feature Junkface and Team Evil (Skyler from Point Juncture, WA)as well as some Pirate Radio. I have heard nothing but complimentary things about Junkface and Team Evil have a pretty good name. There might be something there. It only costs $3. Show begins at 9 PM.
• Ground Kontrol, the awesome video arcade/sometimes music venue, will be having the out-of-towner's, Glass Elevator (Olmpia, WA), along with locals Root Beer and French Fry, and Delightful Young Man. I will be honest with you, the only reason I am mentioning this show is because of the name Root Beer and French Fry. Show costs $4. Music starts at 9 PM.
• The other day I went to an awesome store called Tender Loving Empire. It is a store I have been meaning to visit for quite some time and as I expected, it was quite cool. They also run a small music label and do custom silk screening. One of the bands that had silk screening by Tender Loving Empire is Newspapers. I noticed that they are playing on Thursday at The Ash Street Saloon along with Sea Weasels and Cereal. It might be worth checking out. The cost is $5. The show starts at 9:30 PM.
• It is also 1st Thursday. Portland Center Stage is having LA -based songwriter Wisely perform. He did a video starring Jenna Fisher of The Office. But more importantly, Local gal Per Se will be playing as well. It is all ages and FREE. The event takes place between 5:30 and 7 PM.

Friday, Feb. 8th

There are a few shows that are good tonight but I am going to:

• Talkdemonic is playing the Doug Fir. I love this band. They have finished recording a new record so I am guessing they will play some of it on Friday. Plus the opening acts, Tu Fawing (Corrina Repp and Joe Haige of 31 Knots plus two) and Starfucker are both local and very good. The show is $12 and is worth every cent. The music starts at 9 PM.
• But there are other good shows. There is even an all ages show at The Modern Age, KPSU's all ages venue. Per Se will be playing, in case you didn't see her the previous night, with Swimming, The Janglies and Dhani The Champion of the World. It is a sliding scale of $3 to $5. The show starts at 8 PM.
• The Someday Lounge is also hosting a mostly local show. Except this one is for free. Chores (featuring Lou of A Weather), Klicitat, H is For Hellgate (Seattle, WA), and Ferocious Eagle are all playing. A good time will be had by all who attend. That is four bands for FREE. Show begins at 9 PM.

Saturday, Feb. 9th

Just like Wednesday where there are usually too many shows, this Saturday has been parred down to only a small handful of shows. This is what they are:

• Local group, The Helio Sequence, just released their new album KeepYour Eyes Ahead on Sub Pop Records. To celebrate they are playing and instore at Music Millennium. Like most instore performances it will be FREE. The music starts at 7 PM.
• The Artistery will be having a pretty kick ass indie pop show on Saturday. We got the orchestrated arrangements of The Online Romance, the very good but not local Lake (they have a split 7 inch with locals Typhoon), and other locals World's Greatest Ghosts. I have seen two of the three and highly recommend this show. The ALL AGES show costs $6. The music starts promptly at 8 PM.
• David Evan is a guy who writes songs and then sings them. The thing that sets him apart is that the songs he writes are quite good. I sure that he gets it all the time but his voice is reminiscent of Colin Meloy of the Decemberists except better. Anyway you can go to The Daily Planet (superman reference?) this Saturday to catch him play a FREE set. The music starts at 8 PM.
  

Sunday, Feb. 10th

There is only one show I see that I want to go to:

• Cars and Trains is a guy who I found out about by making this weekly blog listing. I still haven't seen him but I really want to. I will try my darnedest to see this show. He plays with Demune at Mississippi Pizza this Sunday. There is no listed cost. The show starts at 9 PM.

So there you go dear reader. I want to remind everyone that this is by no means a comprehensive list of every show that is happening in Portland. I want to extend an invitation to comment on this post of other shows you think I left out. Or, by all means, start your own blog (and link it to this blog). Say hi to me if you see me at a show.

-Ben


Talkdemonic plays Doug Fir on Friday the 8th. Sweet!

Read More >>