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 28th to May 4th

Hello dear Readers,

Last week I only ended up making it to like three shows. But they were all good. Really Good. Friday I caught the end of Strangers Die Everyday (Gorgeous music) at Ground Control and stayed for Dance Terror (Fun music). Sadly I missed New Century Schoolbook (features CIMTB contributor Amber Dawn), but I had a nice conversation with Steve of that band and I am assured they will play again. Soon.

Enough of the pas though. Lets focus on whats happening this week:

Monday, April 28th:

I got two good ones for you to check out:

• Valentine's,the undisputed King of free awesome music, is having a really good show tonight. William Holley and Tex Winters The Holy Mountain Band are playing. I have wanted to see William Holley since I first checked out his myspace page some time ago. He makes that oh-so-good kind of folk-pop. Tex Winters has his own enjoyable take on pop music too. 'Cept now that he has a band it might be more rocking. The show is FREE. It starts at 9 PM.
• Towne Lounge is also having a good show. Theirs features We Vs. The Shark (Athens), Alexis Gideon, and The Escapists. A diverse show for those with a diverse musical tastes. We vs. The Shark is kind of spazzy punk, Alexis makes kinda weird hip-hop, and The Escapists make spaghetti western type of instrumental rock. Nice. The show is $5. The music starts at 9:30 PM.

Tuesday, April 29th

There is a lot going on for a Tuesday. In fact, there is even a out of town act that is very tempting too (Nina Nastasia at Mississippi Studios). But here is whats happening with the local acts:

• Rotture has some good shows this week. They kick off the week with D Numbers (Santa Fe), Strangers Die Everyday, and Blue Cranes. This is part of the Mancampus series of shows held at Rotture. You may have seen D Numbers last week at Artistery as I listed it there. As I said earlier I caught the end of Strangers Die Everyday at Ground Control las Friday and it was gorgeous (2 violas, on cello, drums and bass=awesome). And the Blue Cranes play the kind of jazz that is suitable for rock clubs. This isn't loungey cocktail singing fair. In fact there is no singing at all. All three bands for $5. The show starts at 9 PM.
• Did you know that Pix Patissere (North) sometimes has shows? Well, they do. They call the series of shows Guitar Pix (get it?). On tuesday, they have both Super XX Man and Ali Wesley playing sets. Super XX Man is Scott Garred's band which plays endearing soft-pop music. Looks like Super XX Man will be playing this every Last Tuesday of the month for the foreseeable future. It is FREE too. The music is scheduled to last from 8 PM until 10 PM.
• Towne Lounge is hosting Ferocious Eagle as they play a show with His Mischief (St. Paul), Low Red Land (San Francisco), and Wax Fingers. All of these bands have different interpretations of Rock. I do not have the vocabulary to describe them all, but they are all valid. The show is $5. The music starts at 9 PM.
• Of course, there is also the Incubator at Someday Lounge (hosted by CIMTB contributer Gabriel Darling). This get started at 9-ish and goes until 12-ish. So get your open stage on.
• And don't forget Zilla Sake if you want a variety of music in a pretty chilled atmosphere. Their open mic is every Tuesday and is hosted by Y La Bamba. Sign up at 7:30, music at 8 PM.

Wednesday, April 30th

Only a few things of note. But they are certainly worth noting:

• Rotture is having a benefit for Darcy Davidson featuring Reporter, Sukey Tawdry, Dragging an Ox Through Water,and Luis Soto. I looked into who Darcy Davidson and I found out that she is battling cancer for the second time. Report urges people to "please support this cause even if you don’t know Darcy because she is a sweetheart and this is all for her." Fair enough. Especially with that lineup. I have heard nothing but amazing things about all of these bands except Luis Soto whom I have never heard of. He seems to keep good company though. The benefit cost only $6. The show starts at 8 PM.
• It looks as though there is going to be a show in one of Portland's recording studios on Wednesday. Vampire Hands (Minneapolis), Experimental Dental School, William Carpenter's Towering Trees, and Cotillion play at The Color Lab (NW 19th and Lovejoy). I have not been inside Color Lab and I don't think all that many people have. This is the first show I have heard of being held at the studio. You may have read about how I enjoyed Experimental Denatl School when they opened up for 31 Knots a while back. They play kind of Deerhoofy music. The guitar guys has like six pickups in a guitar bass hybrid that appears to be homemade from a Gibson SG. It is crazy. The show is ALL AGES and FREE. It starts at 8 PM.

Thursday, May 1st

There is some quality stuff happening tonight:

• The big show that is happening on Thursday is Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks. This is awesome. But there is more awesome because Joggers are opening the show. Although there are only two bands I can safely say that they will bring enough rock for like... I don't know, ten bands. Plus Joggers have a tour only ep full of rarities and such. They will play at the Wonder Ballroom. The ALL AGES show costs $17 (plus service charge?). The show starts at 8 PM.
• Towne Lounge also has a choice show of Fall of Snow, Morose Ghost, and Hide & Go Hustle. This marks the end of the FOS/Morose Ghost tour. She started the tour off hot (with Starfucker, and so it will end hot (with Hide & Go Hustle). Well done Fall of Snow. Well Done indeed. The show is $5. The music starts at 9:30 PM.
• Something that you might have noticed about Thursday is that it is the first one of the month. That means a bunch of crazy art stuff is going on. For example at the Tender Loving Empire store, there will be live performances by The Online Romance and Electric Blanket (I think this is the correct band). It should be interesting to see how they will fit TOR in the store (last I checked the store was kinda small and there were six people in the band). There will also be prints and comics by the Robopocalypse Collective. This ALL AGES event is FREE. The music is scheduled to start at 8 PM.
• Other First Thursday events include a bit of Portlantronica (a word I just made up to describe music that is both local to Portland and electronic in nature) via Strategy at Ground Kontrol. This event is FREE. The music starts at 7 PM.
• There is more Portlantronica at Holocene. Since The Field (Sweden) canceled their performance (USA did want them), Holocene has decided to put on a FREE show full of Portlantronica. Arohan (half of mori), Atole, and DJ Philip Sherburne. Come get your dance on. Its FREE. The doors are at 9 PM.
• Rotture has a good show too. They have Crypticize (CA) playing along side The Dead Science (Seattle), and Ghost to Falco. Let me just break this show down like this. Cyptocize has Chris Cohen (ex-Deerhoof and current of The Curtains) and Ghost to Falco just about rules it. This show is $7. The show starts at 9 PM.

Friday, May 2nd

There is music to hear. Here it is:

• Folk phenomenon, Vetiver (San Francisco), is having a show here in Portland. Kelly Stoltz (San Fransisco) and The Battle of Land andSea are opening. I saw The Battle of Land and Sea play along side Y La Bamba and Kele Goodwin just before they moved here. They were really good. I glad things seem to be going well for them. They are all playing at the Roseland Grill. The show will cost $13 (possibly a service charge as well). It is an ALL AGES show, so it starts at 8 PM.
• The Doug Fir is having the indie-rock orchestra, Dark Meat (Athens), play with local Folk Rock outfit Musee Mecanique. I have been wanting to see Musee Mecanique for probably a year now. Who knows may be I will make it this time. The show is $8. The music starts at $8 sharp.
• Guess what. There is another Portlantronica (i love making up words) show at Holocene on Friday too. This one is features Strength, Flaspar, Hard Place, and Linger and Quiet. Long live Portlantronica! The show is $5. It starts at 8 PM.
• The Know is having a really good show on Friday. Dragging an Ox Through Water, Jippedo, and The Steven Lasombres. I say that having only hear Dragging an Ox Through Water. But seriously, the last I heard he was creating his own instruments. How cool is that? The show is probably FREE. It starts at 7:30 PM.

Saturday, May 3rd

Tons of shows and hard decisions = my life:

• The obvious local show is the Colin Meloy (Decemberists) and Laura Gibson show at the Wonder Ballroom. They are both super good. Especially Laura (no offense Colin). They also both have tour only eps chock full of covers. I really want to get my hands on both of these. The ALL AGES show costs $20 (plus service charge). The doors are at 7 PM the show starts at 8 PM.
• Over at the Doug Fir Laura Gibson's guitar teacher, Laura Viers, is playing with Liam Finn (New Zealand) and Let's go Sailing (LA). Laura Viers is nice. I bet those other people are too. The show costs $15 at the door ($13 in advance). The music starts at 9 PM.
  
• The Coop is having a benefit for Alux Dulux. I have no idea what that might be, but again benefits with good bands attract me. This one has Southern Belle, The Rainy States, White Fang, Ghosties, A Ghost Face Two Inches From Your Own Face, and Purple Rhinestone Eagle. It only costs $5. The ALL AGES show starts at 7 PM.
  
• The Someday Lounge is having ton of noise bands play as an event they've dubbed Cacophony. This is its third inception. Here is the lineup: Robedoor, Yellow Swans, The Better to See You With, Behalf, Oscillating Inards, Honed Bastion, Tecumseh, Pulse Emitter, Pittman/Woolf, and Instinct Control. All of these bands for $7. The show starts at 9 PM.
• At Mississippi Studios there are two very good shows happening. The first is Dolorean and Jack Straw. I can tell you that Dolorean is well worth the admission alone. But there is more. Mayoral candidate Sam Adams will be speaking between sets. The admission is $8-$10. This show starts at 7 PM.
• The later show at Mississippi Studios is Norfolk and Western and Chris Robley and the Fear of Heights. Again I don't know of the opening act , but Norfolk is worth the $10-$12 to get in. This show starts at 10 PM.
• And at the White Eagle Saloon there is one more spectacular show you could check out. This one features two of my favorites Weinland and A Weather. They apparently have been getting all buddy buddy (ie they have played more than one show in a row together) for Weinland's Lamentor tour. That is fine by me. They are both great. The show is worth every penny of the $8 they are charging to see this event. The music starts at 9 :30.

Sunday, May 4th

After all those shows you went to, or tried to go to, or didn't go to, it would probably be nice to take it easy. But I will say that:

• Modernstate is playing at Rontoms at 9 PM. Its FREE.

So I hope you make it to at least a fraction of the shows I have listed. And please say hi if you see me at any of these shows. Have a good week.

-Ben


Dragging an Ox Through water plays twice this week. Nice.
photo courtesy of urbanhonking

Read More >>

Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks Feb.25th to March. 2nd

Hello dear Readers,

How are you? I would like again to beg of your help for a better name that Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks. Maybe I can raise the stakes a little. If you come up with the new name of my weekly post, then I will make it worth your while (I am unsure of what this entails at this point, but it will be good). In the meantime, you might garner some inspiration by attending some of the many shows that are going down this week:

Monday, Feb. 25th

Usually Valentine's is the only place with something happening on Monday, but I'll be darned if there aren't three shows happening this evening.

• I have never been to McMenamins Edgefield as it seems like it is really far away, but guess what. I am going to go on Monday. Because Fall of Snow is playing a special acoustic set with the aid of two cellist courtesy of The Portland Cello Project. Edgefield looks like it has a lot to offer. Plus it has been a while since I have hung out in a stately Manor. Best part of the whole thing is that it is FREE. There will be two sets between 7 PM and 9 PM.
  
• Valentine's has what looks to be a very promising show featuring Dragging an Ox Through Water, Anni Rossi(LA/Chicago) , Bird Costumes, and Mad Gregs(LA). If you have read this column at all, you know that I highly recommend Dragging An Ox. But I also find that Bird Costumes looks and sounds really interesting (from the looks of it, he sometimes actually wears a bird costume). The show is FREE. The thing starts at 9 PM.
• Or the Someday Lounge seems to have a cool show that night too. Calabi Yau (North Carolina), Alexis Gideon, and Night Wounds will all be playing I am unfamiliar with two of them, but Alexis Gideon has been on my radar. He makes cool music that draws from a variety of influences. Plus he told me that he had made claymation videos for all of his new songs (and I know Someday has a good screen. I'm just saying). This will cost you $5. The show starts at 9 PM.

Tuesday, Feb. 26th

Traditionally show goers options are limited on Tueday nights. Not this Tuesday look at all of these shows:

• I first want to mention the open mic at Zilla Sake. I know open mics are supposed to be wretched. Y La Bamaba apparently didn't get the memo because she runs on of the most talent drenched open mics I have ever seen or heard (she is also is one of my favorite people making music right now). Check out Open Mic Scout for a preview. The sign up starts at 7:30 PM. The music starts at 8 PM.
• The other Open Mic that actually has talent is of course CIMTB contribuer Gabriel Darling's own Incubator hosted at the Someday Lounge. Not really fair to call it an open mic though. It is really more of an open stage (most anything goes). There is no price of admission for this event. Things will get going at 9 PM.
• Valentine's is having a pretty awesome show tonight as well. Castanets, who recently taped a Blogotheque show (if you have not seen the Take Away Show series you are in for a treat), and Death Songs will be playing. The price is FREE. The doors are at 9PM.
• Over at the Towne Lounge, Pop Tomorrow! (not to be confused with PDX Pop Now!) is presenting a show featuring Natural Bridges, Raise the Roof Beams, and Sunshine. The price is right (FREE). The music starts at 9:30 PM.
• Do you like the place where blues and gospel and bluegrass meet? Don't laugh, some people do. If you are in that crowd, you might want to check out the Chaos Cafe on Tuesday. Mimi Naja (you may recognize them name as I played a show with her last week) will be playing a free set starting at 8 PM.

Wednesday, Feb. 27th

There are only a couple show I find interesting for Wednesday.

• So there is a great show at the Chaos Cafe (I am playing it but honest to goodness it is a great show). It will feature myself as Meyercord, Y La Bamba, and David Evan. If you have read this blog at all you know that I think that Y La Bamba is the Bomb (say that aloud, its fun). Also I believe I have spoken about how great David Evan is (he is great). He is great and also he is now playing with a full band which he debuted on Saturday. Check out what Local Cut said about him here. The show is FREE; though you should bring some money for CDs as both Y La Bamba and David Evan will have some available (I have both and think they would make a fine addition to anyone's music library). It is also ALL AGES. The show starts at 8 PM.
• The other show going on Wednesday is at the Holocene where Ethan Rose, Yellow Swans (quite possibly the loudest band in Portland), Unrecognizable Now, Very Stereo, Linger and Quiet will be playing as part of the "Landmarks" event. "Landmarks" is a multimedia portrait of Portland's landmarks and is presented by Vision+Hearing project. The show will be $6 at the door. The show will start at 9 PM.

Thursday, Feb. 28th

Quite a few shows are going down on Thursday though:

• The elusive Dunes is hosting, the newly signed to Kill Rock Stars, New Bloods with Agent Ribbons(CA), The Vaginals(CA), Magic Johnson, and Alas Alak Alaska(CA). I believe that the shows at Dunes are FREE (but bring some dough for the touring bands). The show starts at 8 PM.
• Laurelthirst Public House is having a three band bill featuring Audie Darling, Shoeshine Blue, and Autopilot is for Lovers. The show should be good as it appears that all of the bands are friends. The cost is $5. The music starts at 9:30 PM.
• The East End is holding a benefit show for Team Awesome who are basically two dudes from Portland who are riding bikes across our nation by bike spreading the gospel of cycling. The bands playing are Oh Captain My Captain, Highway, DJ Zach Brooks, and DJ A Train. The benefit costs $6. The show starts at 9 PM.
• There also appears to be a pretty cool show at Rotture. They will have Fist Fite, Starfucker, DJ Tobias, DJ Metronome, and The Paperbacks as part of the Risk Vs. Reward series of shows (it takes place every 4th Saturday or the last Saturday of the every month). The show is $6 at the door. The doors are at 9 PM.

Friday, Feb. 29th

Did you see that date? That means its a leap year! Why no celebrate by going to a local show tonight? You have options. Maybe too many of them (all really good).

• The Alberta Street Pub is having Ezra Carey play with one of my favorite locals, Westfold. Westfold puts on a hell of a show. I highly recommend this show.
• And yet over at the Someday Lounge, Strangers Die Everyday (who I have been meaning to see forever), are having a CD release party form their new album Autopilot is for Lovers are playing with one of my other favorite bands to see, We're From Japan! What the hell. Thats a tough decision.
  
• And theres more at the Fine Grind Coffee House (2035 SE 39th Ave Portland, OR 97214) is having a fine show that includes the like of The Ocean Floor, Jambo Land, Down South Sallie, and Y La Bamba. If you have heard Down South Sallie it is incredible. Her speaks like a normal person, but when she sings it is very hard not to stare. She sounds like Billie Holiday I swear. The show is FREE and ALL AGES. The thing starts at 8PM.
• Or there is a show at a place I have not heard of before called Work/Sound. They are having a CD release show for Gulls. It will feature them and friend Michael Bruce of Sonic Lozenge with instillations by Erik Blad. A price is not listed. The thing starts at 10 PM.
  

Saturday, March 1st

Happy New month! Empty your bank accounts for rent and then spend the rest on either of these shows:

• The Doug Fir is having an opbmusic.org sponsered CD release show for Weinland who have a new record out, La Lamentor, on the Badman Label. Death Songs and Musee Mecanique will also be playing sets. The show costs $10. It begins at 9 PM.
• Slabtown is having Soft Tags, So Many Dynamos(MO), and Wax Fingers play a show. I have not heard of any of these bands but...the description of Wax Fingers list their "Musical Cues: Akron/Family, Animal Collective, Mogwai, Slint, Don Cab, Battles, etc..". Those are the kind of musical cues I like to see. The show is $6. The doors ar at 9 PM.

Sunday, March 2nd

There are some big shows going on tonight:

• The first big show is not big in the number of bands playing(there are only two), but rather for the size of the bands playing . I am of course talking about The March Forth Marching Band and Kazum(acrobats?) show that is happening at the Crystal Ballroom on Sunday Afternoon. It is part of the big-ass celebration of a big-ass band (3 days of celebration). Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for ages 5-12 and free if you are younger than that. The doors are at 1 PM. The show begins at 2:30 PM. ALL AGES.
• The other big show just has a shit-ton of bands. The Holocene is having, "An evening of music, dance, theater, tiny stages, regular size stages, no stages. It's a party, dudes,
  with some party dudes. Some of our favorite bands/collaborators will be in the backroom:Tara Jane O'Neil, Cex Fucx, Evolutionary Jass Band, Starfucker, Bryce Panic (Mirah's awesomelydancing/rapping drummer)--interspersed with a special
  presentation of Ten Tiny Dances (4 Tiny Dances) in thefront room. On the Tiny Stage will be Fever Theater,Rush-N-Disco, local heroes Linda Austin and KarenNelson presenting The Tuning Score (whose originator, Lisa Nelson, will be in residency in Portland at the
  time of this event!), and dear little Woolly Mammoth(that's us). We hope Fred Nemo shows up, but we can't get through at the phone number we have for him. In asilent auction you can place bids on gift certificates galore from places such as Tiga, Podnah's, Lovely Hula
  Hands, Hi iH Gallery, The Fresh Pot, and items such as delicious wine, massages, a Gyrotonic session, and yoga classes, just to start." While I am not exactly sure why Wolly needs the benefit, I think with that line up they will get my help. The show costs $10. The thing begins at 7 PM.

So that is it. A whole mess of shows. Do yourself a favor check some of them out. And if you see me at a show, please say hi.

-Ben


Woolly Mammoth play with many many bands on Sunday.
photos: Chris Mullikan; costumes: Diana Lang

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 >>