PDX Pop Now! 2008 related show Tonite!

So there is a last minute show happening at Rontoms tonight. I think maybe you should go? I'm gonna go.

• It will feature the music of Nick Cacares and Y La Bamba. Both do variations of folk. The fun and exciting kind, not slow and boring (though I like that kind too). Its just a fun show that the PDX Pop Now! 2008 folks thought you might be interested in. It is basiclaly to introduce you to some local Portland musicians that maybe you not familiar with. I know that Both Nick Cacares and Y La Bamba are on the PDX Pop Now! 2008 CD. I also know for a fact that Y La Bamba is playing the actual festival which takes place July 25 to July 27th at Rotture. But again, this post is about Rontoms tonight at 8 PM. This show is FREE.
  

PDX Pop Now! 2008 July 25-27th

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why do portland bands always have to be the coolest?

My favorite thing about the Portland music scene is the number of amazing musicians that also happen to be incredible, nice, and interesting folks. Seriously, it amazes me. This weekend, I had the pleasure to see one of my favorite bands and friends play: Autopilot is For Lovers. If you haven't seen them or listened to them yet, I assure you you're missing out. Autopilot is For Lovers play dirge-like, multi-instrumental eclectic folk. A lot of words to describe them, but every syllable is worth it. With a seemingly consistent rotating cast of musicians, Stirling Myles joined them on bass this weekend. You never know who will show up. One of the most appealing qualities of Autopilot's music is that the songs have many possibile instrument pairings to perform them. One show you may see Adrienne playing accordian, Paul playing drums, and Matt playing violia and the next see Adrienne playing banjo, Mathew playing drums, Emily on violin, and Paul playing glockenspiel. All combinations rock.

Autopilot has just released a new EP, titled: "Sore Eyes". You can pick it up on the net or even better yet, see them live, strike up a conversation with them, and get one personally from them. You can catch Autopilot is For Lovers tonight at Slabtown with I Was Totally Destroying It. Paul will also be doing a short tour with The Builders and The Butchers next week.

Also playing with Autopilot on Friday at The Waypost, Wooden Indian Burial Ground. Another band which I would describe as multi-instrumental eclectic folk. This was the first time I saw WIBG live, they fuckin rocked. My roommate and I had an opportunity to duck out from the cops at a party with them later that night and struck up a conversation. We came to the conclusion that they are indeed "cool cats". They have also just released a new album titled: "My Bones They Are Naked". Catch them live at Rererato on June 16.

Finally, this brings me to Explode Into Colors. Explode Into Colors have quickly become my favorite Portland band, I saw them play at Dekum Manor during the Summer Of Love concert series and was blown away. They are the band I was looking for in town, the band that will play the percussive, japanese noise influenced, dance, awesome-out-of-this-fuckin-planet tunes that I love. I'm a big fan of OOIOO and The Boredoms, so this is best shit ever. My roommates and I were on a holy grail quest to catch them live this weekend, but was not able to do so. They werent able to play the Hot Boat show Friday and we werent really into hanging out at Worksound on Saturday. Fortunately!!! We were able to meet up with them and talk. I feel like such a fanboy. Definitely, come see them play on June 18th with The New Bloods and Yellow Fever at Dekum Manor, again!

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The Great Northwest: When it Reigns is RULES!

From The Golden Plates:

... Brian Coates gave himself permission to fall in love with a couple of musical motifs. He then gathered a brotherhood spanning the North American continent (Randall Alton, Josh Kalberg, Brent Fellows, Joseph Kaczmarek, Geoff Cecil, Peter Holmstrom, Jefferson Baldwin, Caleb Spiegel, Andy Olmstead, Michael Faith, Rev. Dand Lee Strickland...) around a picnic table under a fig tree and told them:

"Be not afraid. We will immerse ourselves into the chords and tones we love. Our love will give birth to a theme. We won't stop until we've given that theme a solid chance to express itself fully."

The brotherhood rejoiced at the opportunity to embrace a familiar sound and explore it's potential without having to say goodbye too soon. That is how The Great Northwest was created.

photo of Josh and Brian by Joel Didriksen

Like the Cascade volcano's that lay dormant and ready to drop Seattle into the ocean and shake the I-5 and I-205 bridge into the mighty Columbia river, The Great Northwest's album The Widespread Reign of, is ready to blow Every Ones mind. -- Ste. Goldie

PS - The album comes out July 29th. You can buy a copy here that will be shipped to you by July 29th: Kora Records

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for June 30th to July 6th

Hello Dear Readers,

Did you go to Kelly's Olympian on Friday? 'Cause it was seriously off the chain. All three bands (The Hand That Bleeds, Westfold, and AristeiA) played so well. I believed people were truly moved. I know I was. Highlights: a)Sarah, from The Hand That Bleeds, singing while wrapping her mic cord around Guitarist Orion's neck while he played on his knees as there set came to a dramatic close. b) Simon, of Westfold, using Brandon's, of AristeiA, Orange amp and 4x12 cab. He was so loud and the tone was so good. c)Debut of the Hanz intro for AristeiA. Imagine a smoke filled Kelly's (I realize the irony, but seriously it was even more smokey thanks to the smoke machine) pierced by beautiful soumdtrack music as the band members slowly crawl on stage in the haze. Sweet.

This week we got some more sweet shows going on. This is what I'm talking about.

Monday, June 30th

I only got one for you, but it looks pretty interesting.

• The Artistery is having Thanksgiving play a show with Grouper and O Paon (Canadian?). The "O" is supposed to have a "^" over it, but I don;t know ho to do type that. Adrain Orange aka Thanksgiving hasn't, to my knowledge, played under that name in years preferring variations of his own name (A.J.O.) or Adrian Orange and Her Band. I wonder if that means he will perform with just an acosutic guitar or something. The change of names intrigues me regardless. Grouper is the project of Liz Harris. 4AD’s Cocteau Twins and This Mortal Coil are often brought up in coversation when describing her music, so if you are into theat sort of dream-pop you might want to check this show out. O Paon is the new recording name of Geneviève Castrée aka WOELV (married to Phil Elvrum aka Mt. Eerie). Like all Artistery shows is $6, ALL AGES and starts at 8 PM sharp.
  

Tuesday, July 1st

There are a few things going on Tuesday.

• The thing that I really realy want to and probably will go to is the Shelby Sifers, Sarcastic Dharma Society, and We Play Quiet (Vancover, WA) show happening at The Grind Coffee House. I am absolutely nuts about both Shelby Sifers and Sarcastic Dharma Society. They are both kinda folky so if you are sick of the whole acoustic guitar thing I suggest you skip this. However, if you like that sort of thing, then check out Shelby's "Are you Devo?" and Sarcastic Dharma Society's "We Were". I have had both of these songs in my head for a while now and yet to tire of either of them. The show is part of their cross-country tour kick off. It is ALL AGES and starts at 8 PM. There is a requested donation of $3 to $5 (tour kick off ie collecting gas money).
  

• There is also the Incubator at Someday Lounge which is an open stage event hosted by CIMTB contributor Gabriel Darling. This is a FREE event. Some do your thing. It will be filmed and eventually be put on the Internet (no pressure though). It starts at 9 PM.

• Or you could go to the Zilla Sake open mic which happens every Tuesday night. It is hosted by Y La Bamba and there are usually some very pleasant surprises in who plays here. Plus they are now serving sushi. Very good sushi at that. The music gets started at 9 PM.

Wednesday, July 2nd

I could only two shows that are happening on Wednesday but they both look great.

• You know how I mention Shelby Sifers and Sarcastic Dharma Society before, well this time they are playing in Portland with their tour mate Jordaan Mason (Canadian) and Purrbot and Randy B (of Junkface) at the Green House. I played a house show with Jordaan like a year ago and was blown away. This show, in this man's opinion, is not to be missed. This is the final part of the tour kick off events for these people. They leave on Thursday for the cross-country tour. The show is ALL AGES and starts at 8 PM. There will be donations excepted (so please make them).

• The other show is at Rererato and features Carcrashlander, Odessa Chen (San Francisco), and Millions of Birds. It is cool to see Carcrashlander play live because they generally "rock out" a little bit more than they do on record. Millions of Birds list themselves as experimental indie-pop. The Willamette Week labeled them as post-rock. It would probably be fun to see where you think they fall on the music spectrum. The ALL AGES show is $4 and starts at 7 PM.

Thursday, July 3rd

Shows are happening on Thursday. Shows like these:

• It is first Thursday, which means there will be a lot of art stuff happening in the downtown area. One of the things happening is live music by the self-proclaimed "lyrical" band Almost Nearly at Tender Loving Empire. TLE is hands down my favorite store in Portland. They have so much cool stuff(local music, local prints, local clothes,local comics, etc...) that I don't beleive I have ever left without purchasing something awesome. There is no cover. The music gets started at 8 PM.

• Rotture is having Dat'r play with Brother, Sister and The Beauty. This should be a high energy show with lots of dancing and general "getting down". All three groups specialize in making people shake rumps. The show costs $6 and will start sometime after 9 PM.

• Towne Lounge is having a show with a band that used to live here, White Hinterland, and a band that currently lives here Bapstist Arms. When Casey Dienel of White Hinterland lived in Portland she recorded an album under her own name for local-hip label Dead Oceans. Baptist Arms is the Southern Gothic project of Alicia Rogers, trumpeter of Evolutionary Jass Band. In this project she sings and plays piano while band mate Anna plays viola. There is a $8 cover charge. The show starts at 9:30 PM.

Friday, July 4th

Its America's Birthday (the important part of it anyway)! Why not celebrate by seeing some live Independent Portland music on Independence Day?

• There are a couple all day shows happening on Friday. For instance, The Coop is having an all day show that features Neckties Make Me Nervous, The Lost Boys (CA), Flat Out (CA), The Rainy States, Hockey, and Transformers Kick Your Kids. There will probably be a lot of fun things going on. I don't know what they are but for $4 (and FREE airhockey), I might be willing to find out. The ALL AGES event is happening ALL DAY.

• There is another ALL DAY event at Work/Sound for Johnny X and The Groadies 12th Birthday Party. Said band will be playing along with Fist Fite, Experimental Dental School, Sei Hexe, and Nicole Georges (a zinester, I'm not sure what she will be doing). There will also be a Veggie BBQ thing going on and a vegan chili cook off. I have even heard that there will be kiddie pools. Classy. This ALL AGES event did not have a cover listed. It was listed as being ALL DAY. The food is at 7 PM.

• The Waypost is having a show where Wooden Indian Burial Ground, Autopilot is for Lovers, and Run On Sentence will all play sets. I am not familiar with the two that are not Auto Pilot, but I remember liking Autopilot when I saw them play the one time I saw them play. I have heard good things about Wooden Indian Burial Ground from good people so there is probably some truth to those statements. This show is FREE. It is ALL AGES and starts at 8 PM.

• The Doug Fir is also having a show on the 4th with Nick Jaina, Fernando, and Wallen Pash. I like Nick Jaina's songs. I really do. But the last two times I have seen him they have been solo affairs. It will be nice to see the songs in their fully arranged splendor. There is an $8 cover. The music starts at 9 PM.

Saturday, July 5th

There are a couple of good ones on Saturday. Its kinda refreshing to only have to pick from two shows. Though they both look good.

• Exit Only is having a PDX indie-pop-rock filled show featuring Newspapers, The Morals, Paper Brain, The Rainy States, And Project Eldridge. I have like d what I have heard of Newspapers. I first heard them make music when they covered Starfucker's "German Love" on local cut. I then was impressed by what they have on the myspace, but I have yet to see them. I love The Morals. They write and sing songs with a passion that is missing in a lot of bands. And I don't mean that they scream. I mean, they sometimes wail a bit but its not with any heavy music. They mearly have two dudes, one with an acoustic guitar and one with a harmonica, who don't hold back when they perform. I am not really familiar with the otehr acts but it seems like The Rainy States play out quite a bit, so it is only a matter of time before I see them. The show is ALL AGES and $5. It will start at 8 PM.

• The other show is happening at Holocene. It too seems to be indie-pop-rock oriented. In fact is is part of a PDX Pop Tomorrow! Showcase. The line up for this one is New Century School Book, The Grokkers, The Gentry, Disgustion, and House of Badger. All of these bands for $6. Plus I beleive that CIMTB contributor, Amber Dawn, is in New Century School Book. The show starts at 9 PM.

Sunday, June 6th

I have three shows lined up for you to attend.

• Valentine's is having a show with all experimental music maker Adam Forkner (White Rainbow etc...), Pulse Emitter, Acre and DJ Scott. I can almost guarantee that this will be an ambient blissed out sound experience. So if you are in to that sort of thing (I sometimes am), then this show is for you. Its FREE!. It will begin sometime after 9 PM.

• Slabtown is having a show with I was Totally Destroying It (Chapel Hill, NC), Tennis Pro (Seattle), Autopilot is for Lovers, and Sean Brooks (of Minmae)I will be honest, I want to say that what grabbed my attention was Autopilot, but really it was the name I was Totally Destroying It. I am a sucker for a dumb name like that. I think they are totally awesome. This show is only $5 and starts at 9 PM.

• Hawthorne Theater kinda sucks. But on Sunday they are having Tilly and the Wall (Omaha, NE) play with our own Southern Belle, and World's Greatest Ghosts. I have seen Tilly and the Wall live before and I loved it. They are definatley a gimmick band but its a pretty good gimmick. Instead of a drummer, they tap dance. I know, Genius. On another note, I listened to World's Greatest Ghost at Tender Loving Empire the other day and really liked it. The show is a bit pricey at $12 to $14, but it will be fun. The ALL AGES show starts at 9 PM.

So have a great week, and say "Hi" if you see me.

Ben


World's Greastest Gnomes er... Ghosts play on Sunday at Hawthorne Theater.

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Ha Ha, Ben.

OMG My Fave Site Is Don (WTF)

PS
Look what Adam Steinfink showed me before Alia Grace was going to:

file under "pee'd in pants".

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Service Announcement: There's No Place Like Home

Would you be shocked to find out that people actually read blogs? Okay then would you be shocked to know that there is a lady named Evy who wants to get to know your band and then possibly write about you and/or do a podcast interviewing you?

Well both are true. Do the math.

The following is a message from one of CIMTB's favorite friends, the wonderful Evy Metal. Evy runs an 'online guide to kick ass rock and roll in your own backyard'. -- Ste. Goldie


Photo of Portland band, Prize Country at an interview for Evy Metal


----------------- Bulletin Message -----------------
From: Evy Metal
Date: Jun 29, 2008 2:31 PM


The name does not limit the types of bands Evy wants to talk to - looking to hear from any bands who are actively playing shows, recording, touring and interested in a little promotion. THERE ARE NO STRINGS ATTACHED - NOT NOW - NOT EVER.



Evy Metal is at full speed with her own recording/editing set up. Plans are to post 2 interviews a month. If you have an upcoming tour or CD release you would like to promote, or if you just want to get your name out there - get your band on the schedule now; the timing of your interview posting will be in conjunction with whatever you are promoting.



Evy Metal is all about the music ~ there are no fees ~ no strings ~ no obligations.

You show up for the interiview prepared to talk about your band and your music - Evy does the rest. Okay, one thing and one thing only is requested ~ promote the interview on MySpace or through whatever methods you have available.



Are you ready? Contact Evy here on MySpace or at evymetalpdx@gmail.com

IF YOU HAVE NOT LISTENED TO ONE OF THE PODCASTS - PLEASE GO TO THE WEB SITE - www. evymetal.

com - LISTEN TO ONE OF THE AWESOME INTERVIEWS WITH PRIZE COUNTRY ~ MORA TAU ~ MADRASO

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Ben Meyercord's Live Picks Sunday, June 29th

Man, sometimes I drop the ball. I just wanted to bring attention to the fact that there is a really awesome and FREE show this Sunday.

Sunday, June 29th

• The Willamette Week's Lounge Series XX is happening tonight. If you don't recall, The Lounge Series happens the last Sunday of every month at the Towne Lounge for FREE. Three bands are chosen by the music editors of the Willamette Week to play the show. The cool thing is that the music editor interviews the artist live in front of the audience (heckles are welcomed). The interviews and performances can later be downloaded via local cut. The absolute coolest thing about this series though, is that it is completely FREE for the audience. This month they have a really good line up featuring Cory Gray (Carcrashlander), Shelly Short, and Adam Shearer (of Weinland). If you have ever seen a Weinland show, then you know that Adam is a very entertaining person when he gets to talking, so I am looking forward to his interview. Again, the show is FREE. The music/interviews start at 9:30 PM.

So yeah, I'm gonna be there.

Ben


Cory Gray (Carcrashlander) plays Sunday Night on the FREE
photo by anna leach

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for June 23rd to June 29th

Hello Dear Readers,

Good Lord, last week was ridiculous for me. I ended up playing five shows. I think I only saw one show I didn't play. That was the Per Se show at Doug Fir. I love her songs. But I really wish St Goldie was there for the second band, Sophie Lux. They put on a performance that was like a
musical. They were all wearing white. The drummer had on a viking helmet. The keyboardist had a helme with antlers on it and a white wig underneath. The bass player had a big white fur lined cape and some sort of animal mask. The guitar player had a disco ball material ascot. The violinist was dress like a airline attendant. It was kinda great. I am pretty sure that Goldie would love this band.

Anyways, there are a lot of good shows this week, including one good post-rock show for every day of the weekend.

Monday, June 23rd

There is not a whole lot that I am interested in locally. I might check out Hayden at the Aladdin Theater, but am most tempted by RZA at Hawthorne Theater (thats gonna be crazy).

• The one show that I would be interested in seeing is Gregory Miles Harris at White Eagle. Daniel Johnston had him open both shows him when he played in Portland last. I guess I am just curious about his indie-pop. James Coates opens the show. Besides, it is part of the Pop Tomorrow series which means its FREE.
  

Tuesday, June 24th

You have quite a lot to choose from if you want to see a local show.

• The one I think I want to see the most is at Holocene, where AU will be having a CD release show for their new album Verbs. I think the experimental pop that they create is pretty cool. But what I am really excited about is the Parenthetical Girls. I love the endogenous delicate pop that those "girls" make. Ah Holly Fa'mly opens. I really want to see their set too. The show is $6 at the door. There show starts at 9 PM.
  

• Pix Patisserie (North) is having its Guitar Pix show with acoustic indie-popper Super XX Man that they have every last Tuesday of the Month. I was talking to Brianne (Tender Loving Empire) and she was saying that the new Super XX Man album that will be coming out is really good. I trust her taste in music and so should you. Josh Nielson will be opening up. The show is ALL AGES and FREE. It starts at 8 PM.

• Chaos Cafe will be having a sweet show on Tuesday too. Flote (a modern flute quartet), Homesick Elephant(LA), and Down South Sallie are all all playing. While I am not all that familiar with Flote or Homesick Elephant, I know that Nick Ceceres and Down South Sallie are great. Nick Ceceres plays well honed folk. His new band Gratitillium is going to put out a CD on the Tender Loving Empire label. He is also featured on the PDX Pop Now! 2008 compilation. Down South Sallie has an incredible voice. It is like she is channeling the voice of Buddy Holiday or something. She is well worth seeing. The show is well worth seeing. It is ALL AGES and FREE (unless of course you want to do the right thing and tip the touring band). The show starts at 8 PM.

• Valentine's is having a show with Ora Cogan (Vancouver, B.C.), Marisa Anderson, and Kele Goodwin. I have seen the name Ora Cogan before, I have never heard of Marisa Anderson (that I can recall), but I love Kele Goodwin's music. He writes hushed and delicate folk music that totally sounds like Nick Drake (a very good thing). Update! Marisa Anderson plays guitar in CIMTB fave Evolutionary Jass Band (she also apparently plasy ambient folk). So it would appear to be folk night at Valentine's if you like folk check it out, if not I suggest you stay clear. The show is FREE. It starts sometime after 9 PM.
  

• When I played at Valentine's last week a girl came up to me after the show and introduced herself as Kristin and told me she was going to be playing at Ash Street. She plays under the name Sunshine. It is kinda of trippy folk. I am not sure what she would sound like live, but it might be cool. Soft Morning City, and Match Castashadow (New Orleans) also will be playing this FREE show. The music starts at 9:15 PM.

• And of course there is always the open mic at Zilla's hosted by Y La Bamba. It is FREE and starts at 8 PM.
  

Wednesday, June 25th

There are only two shows that I was interested in.

• The Someday Lounge is having a CD release party for Rollerball's newest album. Just ask St Goldie how good they are. I am sure she would love to unload her opinion of them onto you. You know that you are great when Goldie thinks you're good. The Someday Lounge usually writes up little summaries of all of their shows. This what they said about this one. "Portland Oregon's Rollerball are the very definition of a cult band. Their image is shrouded by aliases & self sustained mystique and their discography packed with hidden gems and genre warping artistry. In the decade plus since Rollerball first formed, this highly prolific family of musicians have conjured up staggering amount of recorded material; 12 full lengths albums, another dozen eps and singles and countless compilation appearances. Whether slipping between vampy cabaret numbers, horn drenched future-funk or pulsing darkwave melodrama, Rollerball always pushes their ideas and musicianship to the edge and beyond. Tonight celebrates the release of their newest album, AHURA, available through Italian label, Wallace Records." Vilka (France) and Powernap will also be playing sets. The show is $6. It starts at9 PM.
  

• The other show is happening at Dante's and though it is mostly bands I am unfamiliar with, it is darned cheap. I am referencing Frankie-Palooza Which is 15 bands playing for $3 dollars (thats five bands per dollar, you aren't going to beat that price anywhere.) from 5 PM until 2 AM. Here are the bands : THEE LOYAL BASTARDS, THE NICE BOYS, KLEVELAND, THE FAMILY GUN, FIREBALLS OF FREEDOM, GODDAMN GENTLEMEN, THE DARLINS, THE HELLSIDE STRANGLERS, DISGUSTITRON, RED HOT PISTOL, GODS & KINGS, JULIAN'S RIDE, THE NIGHT, LONDON & THE LOOK, and SOCIETY OF AGES. Most of these bands appear to be of the rock variety. Again 15 bands $3, from 5 PM to 2 AM.
  

Thursday, June 26th

There are some shows on Thursday. These are the ones I want to attend.

• Holocene is having a benefit (Benefit of the week alert!) for Umbrella. You may ask yourself, "What is Umbrella and why should I support it or give my money to benefit it?" To which I would answer, "Umbrella is just the name of the event where $2 of your admission goes to Planned Parenthood and Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls." I might also add that Sad Horse, Sarah Winchester (of A Weather), Sarah Dougher, Janet Pants, Matress, Rush-N-Disco, TJO, and DJ Mike McGonigaln (founder of Yeti Magazine and co-founder of Halleluwah Fest). The last time I saw Sarah Winchester play was at Holocene benefiting her bandmate Louis Thomas. She has a really distinct smokey voice that just gets me every time. TJO is alwasy great. I saw Sad Horse play at Holocene once too. They are a pretty fun/loud two piece consisting of drums guitairs, and vocals. It should be a blast regardless. You may donate the suggested $5 or go all the way to $10 (or whatever you feel like giving). The show starts at 9 PM.
  

• Speaking of Louis Thomas, one of the bands he plays in , Chores, is playing on Thursday as well. They are playing a show with Les Faneurs at the Alleyway Cafe. Both bands seem to share a energetic quirky rock sound. It should be fun. Especially since it is FREE. The show starts at 6 PM.
  

Friday, June 27th

There are many good shows. I normally would be conflicted, except...

• I am playing in AristeiA along side CIMTB faves Westfold and The Hand That Bleeds (post-rockers Nannda Devi were set to play, They are awesome, but had to drop out). This is the first of three awesome post-rock shows. AristeiA is instrumental and awesome (think blissful noise). Westfold is one of the best Portland rock bands in my opinion. This show is happening at Kelly's Olympian. It will probably blow your mind. You really can't lose. The show is probably $5. The music starts at 10 PM.
  

• What kills me is that there is a show happening at The Waypost that I really want to see. It is The Fields at Night, Orange Jam, Jordaan Mason (Toronto), and Shelby Sifers. I know nothing of the first two performers, but God do I love Jordaan Mason's music, and God do I love Shelby Sifers' music too. I wish I could be there too. There is no cover listed but bring money for CDs. The ALL AGES show starts at 8 PM.
  

• The Towne Lounge is also having a show of note. The Subcons are playing a show with Quiet by Ten, and The Ascetic Junkies. I first heard of The Subcons when I was supposed to play a show with them. I remember thinking how strange it was that I haven't heard of them (because it was really good). Unfortunately, they ended up not being able to play the show. More unfortunate though, is that I haven't been able to see them play yet. Let me say this, they have a lap steel and sometimes pedal steel guitarist. If you know that sound then you are probably sold (lap steel/pedal steel sounds sooooo good). This show is $5 at the door. The music starts at 9:30.
  

• The Red Room is a nice little oasis on 82nd (FREE Guitar Hero and Nintendo). It has a nice atmosphere and you neve know who might play there. For instance, David Evan and band may play there with some bands I don't know. Bands like Geographer (CA) and Bad Trees. If you like well penned tunes about assassins and chickens boys. I suggest you come to this show. It is FREE (all Red Room shows are FREE). The show starts at 9 PM.
  

Saturday, June 28th

There are some really great shows tonight. Luckily I don't have to make any choices because...

• I am playing a show as Meyercord with Leonard Mynx and Telescope Eyes at Chaos Cafe. This should be a good time. I don't know what to say about my music except that I think you might like it? Leonard Mynx on the other hand I would say makes really nice Americana/Folk. He describes the songs as "ambitiously optimistic, yet fearful.". I like the sound of that. I have written about him before (even in this post). But this will be my first time to see him play. "Beach Boy "woo-hoos" meld with shimmering, reverb-drenched guitar lines to quilt a trip-pop excursion that proves a fine soundtrack for the emerging Portland summer." - Casey Jarman (of Local Cut) said of Telescope eyes. Sounds pretty good to me. The show is FREE. It is ALL AGES so it starts at 8 PM.
  

• The Second kick ass Post-Rock show of the weekend is also happening at Kelly's Olympian. This time around The Friendly Skies, You May Die in The Desert, and We're from Japan!. The Friendly Skies are coming back from a Summer tour. You should check out the loop-crazy dou's 7 inch (its swirled color vinyl!). Plus We're From Japan just never ceases to amaze me. Check out their myspace page because they just added a song, "Black Bag Work", from their forth coming album, Now Breathe. It kicks it up a couple notches. The show will cost you $5 and starts at 10 PM.
  

• The Aladdin has some of the best quality shows in town. It is always nice when the quality comes from home. Like Saturday Night's Weinland, Norfolk & Western, and A Weather show. All of these bands are incredible and are from Portland. Wanna know what else, besides being based out of Portland, these bands have in common? All of the bands were recorded by Norfolk & Western front man Adam Selzer at his Type Foundry recording studio. They are also all very good, but I think I mentioned that before. The ALL AGES show is $12. The music starts at 8 PM sharp.
  

• An ALL AGES show in a smaller venue is happening at Artistery. Typhoon, Evolutionary Jass Band, and Eskimo & Sons are all playing. I have seen the first two bands listed and was honest to goodness blown away by both. Typhoon had about twelve members that make a rather large sound. Very Cool. The Evolutionary Jass band also has an impressive amount of members (I think eight) and make really cool Jazz based music. I have not heard much by Eskimos & Son but what I have heard was good. This ALL AGES show i s$6. The show starts at 8 pm.
  

• Also there is some sort of all day show happening at someplace called the Orange Room (10818 NW St. Helen's Rd). It will have a grip of bands playing: Rifle, Reporter, Fist Fite, Old Growth, Science of Yarba, Vanishing Kids, Dudelord, and Experimental Dental School. That is all I know. Oh and I think its FREE.
  

Sunday, June 29th

There are two shows I am interested in. They are as follows:

• The third of three Post-Rock shows I mention is happening at Holocene. This one has Strangers Die Every Day, Colt Vista, and AAN. All of these bands are Super good and unique. I would suggest checking out all of these bands. I am especially fond of SDED's string based instrumental rock. I think it is gorgeous. The show is $5 at the door. The show starts at 9 PM.
  

• Mississippi Pizza is having a show with Melissa Ruth (Eugene), Emma Hill, and Down South Sallie. I am not familiar with Mellissa , but I know that Emma has good songs and as I told you earlier Down South Sallie has an incredible voice. Like I'm gonna go ahead and list her twice this week and would list her more if she were playing more shows. It is a FREE show (maybe some donations?). The show starts at 9 PM.
  

So there you have it an awesome week for shows. I hope you make it out to some of them. Amd of course if you see me say

"Hi". Have a great week,

Ben


AristieA will not be so still on Friday at Kelly's. They will be loud and animated.
photo by Fense

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