Photo's from AristeiA/The Sea and Cake 11/29/08 @ Doug Fir

11/29/08 The White Stage sign was in fit form boasting "MAD IN OREGON"


AristeiA rocked and blew the ear drums of a sold out crowd


Did you know drummer John McEntire was born in PDX?


Archer Prewitt takes an encore recommend from Ben Meyercord


Ben Meyercord giving an excellent recommend (what was it again?)


Eric Claridge and I talked turkey and shit about The Aladdin Theater


Much to the excitement of Adam, Ben and I -- Andy, "The Boy", from Lift to Experience is working at Doug Fir! Rumor has it he is working on a project with Josh T. Pearson called "Rocker Texas Ranger":



All Photo's by Ste. Goldie taken with her phone

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for November 28th to 30th

Hello Dear Readers,

It's Black Friday. What did you buy? Do you have any money left? I f you do, you might consider going to some local shows. What shows? These shows.

Friday, November 28th

There is some really good stuff happening tonight. Really good stuff.

• I can't lie. I am very excited about the show at Doug Fir Lounge tonight. AristeiA (with me on bass!) is opening up for The Sea and Cake (they have a new album out and you can stream it from their myspace)! Actually, so is Sad Horse, the local yell-y garage-y duo. Congrats to them as well. So basically you got garage, instrumental post-rock, and post-rock-pop. Pretty crazy line up, but it should be really cool. The show is $15 and starts at 9 PM.

• The Waypost is having a show with Alan Singley and Pants Machine along with a set by The Moon in Light. I have enjoyed Alan's music ever since I moved here and have enjoyed his progression to the lush arrangements he has been cooking up recently. Plus, I am interested in The Moon in Light. They just came onto my radar last week but they got on my radar by being good. The show will be ALL AGES and FREE and starts at 8 PM.

• Valentine's will be having a night of dancing with DJ Copy and DJ Hostile Takeover. DJ Copy is Copy spinning really good records. DJ Hostile Tapeover is Joe Von Appen playing really good cassette tapes ie "typically pretty up-tempo, high-energy Miami jams". This thing is also FREE. It starts at 9:30 PM and ends at 2:30 AM (that's so much dancing).

Saturday, November 29th

Here is a list of alternatives to the Wu Tang show that is happening on Saturday.

• The big show that is happening is at the Crystal Ballroom, where The Decemberists are kicking off their tour with other Portland act Loch Lomond. This show will be really cool. If you have seen either of these bands you know that this is not to be missed. I am excited for Loch Lomond to get the national exposure that is sure to come with this tour. The show is a somewhat steep $27.50 -$30 (actually it might be more as I just found out it is a sold out show). It is ALL AGES and starts at 8 PM.

• The Pink House (4805 N. Albina) is having a benefit show for Stump Club. The bands playing it are Westfold, Tabitha and the Bittersweet, Blake Mackey, Pegasus, and Inside Voices. All of these bands are pretty rad, a) musically and b) because they are donating their time and energy for this cause. Check out the Stump Club CDs while you are there. I bet you will want to buy them. I know that I do. The ALL AGES show starts at 7 PM.

• There is also a pretty cool show over at Holocene. The show is in celebration of the Cartune Xprez DVD. The DVD will obviously be available for sale, but I am listing this because Hooliganship, MEGA*CHURCH, and Explode Into Colors are playing. The DVD has show has several animations by some crazy cartoonists (many of them from Portland). The event is presented by PICA. It is not to be missed if you are a fan of animation or of cool sorta electro-rock. The show is $6 and starts at 9 PM.

• Twilight Cafe Bar and Grill is having an awesome show of some great Portland bands. Namely the Blue Horns, St. Frankie Lee, and AAN. I have seen those first two bands and enjoyed the energy that they bring to their live performances. As for AAN, I have been meaning to catch for like, forever. The show is only $4 and starts at 9 PM.

• The Artistery is having a show for its own Metal. It is a release show for the new album "Fearful". The show is FREE with some refreshments provided. I think it might be a ploy for to make you want to buy the LP + CD package that will be available for the small price of $12. When you think that you can get a refreshment, a live show, a record, a cd, and an overall good time, then $12 doesn't seem to bad. The FREE ALL AGES show starts at 8 PM.

• The Waypost is having a show with some people I have heard of and one that I think is really good. I have heard of Ryan Dolliver (aka DBL DRGNZ). I have also heard that this will be a special solo piano performance. To add to the list of things I have heard of, I want to throw out the name Bryan Free. I have a split ep he put out with Day of Lions. a long time ago. Kelli Schaefer is just plain perfect in what she does. Listen to her recordings. Then go see her live and see how good she is. This is a FREE ALL AGES show that starts at 8 PM.

Sunday, November 30th

Last day of the month. Go out in style by attending one of these shows.

• The show I absolutely have to recommend is happening at Valentine's. It is a show of all very talented ladies. Not that kind of show, but y'know the kind that has Sarah Dougher, Laura Gibson, and Saw Whet. I have seen both Laura Gibson and Saw Whet on a number of occasions and and always leave very satisfied. In fact, last week when I saw her play there were new songs. Maybe this week she pull out some more new numbers. Sarah Dougher hasn't played a show in what seems a lifetime so this is kinda a big deal. Plus the show is FREE. The show will start at 9 PM but come early as this show will be packed.

• There will be a show at Kelly's Olympian with The Friendly Skies (it should be noted that they are also Friendly Guys), Chinese (Seattle), Rollie Fingers, and The Ax. I list this show mostly because I enjoy the instrumental post-rock jams that The Friendly Skies kick out,. I have also seen and rocked out to The Ax as well (they are a rawk tow piece from the area). The show is $4 and starts at 9 PM.

• Speaking of skies, Black Hearts for Blue Skies are playing the FREE Rontoms show that happens every Sunday Night. The first time I saw them I was like, "whatever", but then I was listening to the radio the other day and heard this song called "Siouxsie Please Come Home" and I was like,"Hey, what is this? I like this". It sounded like an oldies song but better recorded. It turns out it was Black Hearts for Blue Skies. So I am willing to give them another chance. They have the FREE show listed as 5 PM (which does not sound right to me, but whatevs).

• Andy Combs and the Moth will be playing Sunday night at Back Space. I saw him play solo and was impressed with ho well he pulls it off solo (with the aid of a looping pedal). But I have seen him play with the full band and it is super fun. The Ugly Suit (Oklahoma City) and Quail Lungs ate also set to play. I know nothing of them. The ALL AGES show is $7 and starts at 9 PM.

So if you see me at any of these shows, please say, "Hi".

-Ben


AristeiA will "Bring It" to the Doug Fir tonight! It should be noted that The Sea and Cake will be there too.
photo by Patrick

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for November 24th to 27th

Hello Dear Readers,

Last night I actually made it to a show. And guess what. It was awesome. I went to the Music and Art Vs. Cancer show at Doug Fir. As it rurns out, people hate cancer but love art and music. That is to say that the place was packed. Every single band was good. Though truthfully my favorites were Eluvium and Menomena. However, there were some pleasant surprises in there as well. For instance, I had forgotten that Tractor Operator is really good. Also Laura Gibson, who was not billed, played a set which included a couple of songs I hadn't heard which I thought were very good (she also maade a cameo during Dolorean's set). So I am very glad I went out. I might try to do it more often. Speaking of shows. Here is what is going on this week.

Monday, November 24th

Here's the hap's for tonight.

If you want to stay in you can tune into KBOO at 11 PM and hear Why I Must Be Careful do their crazy thing that they do live on the radio. It doesn't cost you anything (save the energy used by your radio. or computer). If you want to listen online you can click here. If you want to use your actual radio, KBOO is 90.7 FM.

If you like your live music in person, I suggest you head out to Rotture tonight. They have Lake (Olympia), Desolate Wilderness (Olympia), and Ah Holly Fam'ly playing sets. Lake is coming back to the NW after being on tour. Ah Holly Fam'ly is just really good from what I understand (I still haven't seen their live show and I feel stupid because I haven't). The show is a mere $5 and starts at 9 PM.


Tuesday, November 25th

Here are a few suggestions of how you could spend your Tuesday night.

Valentine's is having a Closing Party for the photography show they currently have up "Steeped In Dream". Adrian Orange will play a set as will DJ Jello Prism. The artists are: May Juliette Barruel, Lacy Davis, Jake Arcularius, and Alicia Lynn Carrier. Rumour is that they will "be on hand to talk about their work (if pressed), and vibe out". Also, you should check out Valentine's new blog. The show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

Dunes is hosting an event presented by Circuit Breaking Silence featuring J. Hanson, Crab Cannon, and Perspectives on Science. It is electronic based music that ranges from dancey to experimental. For only $2, it is probably worth checking out even if you are only mildly interested. The show starts at 9 PM.

Wednesday, November 26th

Things pickup the day berfore you stuff you pie hole.

Jade Lounge is having its third installment of the Y La Bamaba curraated Wednesday nights. This one will feature Grey Anne, who just released her excellent new album Facts N Figurines, and Andy Combs and the Moth. I think that Anne Adams is one of the best Portland has to offer both in song writing and performance. Each performace is actually a performance (you know
something that will captivate your attention and entertain you) instead of a person just singing some songs at you (which can be enjoyable, but is makes no gaurantees). Andy Combs is a fun show too. This is a FREE event that starts at 8 PM.

Camp Rainbow ( 604 N Beech Street) looks to have a big-ass show on Wednesday with a butt-load of bands. They include: Pegasus,
Alaskas (Seattle), Casey and Brian (San Fran), Religious Girls (East Bay), and Mike Bell and The Archbishops of Canterburry. Not only is this a house show (that means ALL AGES), but this is a Vegan Potluck bring what you got and then some. The show is on a donation basis cover. The Potluck begins at 6 PM.

Dante's is having Michael Dean Damron play a set. It lists the show as part of a songwriters in the round type thing with some TBA people. Honestly,I don't think they need anyone else. I couldn't find any mention of a cover, so this could be a freebie, but I am not sure. It starts at 9 PM.

Thurday, November 27th

Happy Thanksgiving. Portland music is thankfully giving you a break. You won't be missing any awesome shows if you want to spend thanksgiving with you loved ones (or whoever). But if you truely want to go to a show. Doug Fir is having M83 (France!) play a show that night.

So have a Good Thanksgiving and all that. If you see me at any of these shows, come up and say "Hi" and I will be back with the weekend show listings in a few days.
There are a lot of good shows this weekend.

-Ben


Ah Holly Fam'ly gets down at Rotture. Tonight.

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Home for the holidays? Party with friends at Voicebox!

Have something planned for your friends who are coming home for turkey day! If your friends are fans of karaoke I highly recommend going to Portland's fanciest karaoke bar, VOICEBOX. (There is finally something fun to do in Northwest Portland that doesn't involve standing inline at Cinema 21 and or paying huge sums of money for food and drink!)



Reminiscent of "Lost in Translation" this Asian style karaoke joint has cozy rooms friends can bust loose in. The art on the walls is by Portland celebrity graphic novelist The Pander Brothers who's first feature length film won Best Feature, Screenplay and Editing at the BendFilm Fest. There are no KJ's to oppress you with their shitty renditions of all things country! You have a remote control and a big book of songs to chose from. No tipping the KJ to get your song on the top of the list! But tip the beautiful and friendly waitress Delilah. This shiksa has moxie!

Call Reservations: 503.303.8220

Hours:
Sat & Sun: 1pm — close
Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri: 4pm — close
Closed Mondays

Location:
2112 NW Hoyt @ NW 21st
(1/2 block from Cinema 21)

Email:
info@voicebox.com

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Photo's: The Taxpayers and Spinning Wheels @ Moxies 11/14/08

There were about 30 kids inside and another 10 outside for a show at Moxie's on Main Street in downtown Vancouver.


Noah from The Taxpayers watching Spinning Wheels


Spinning Wheels piano driven indie rock band from Portland, OR plays Moxie's in Vancouver

When The Taxpayers went on the spaz with glasses took all the chairs away from the crowd. With a gentle hug he pulled people who were sitting down and lifted them on to their feet. Everyone was up and bobbing along...


"Get up! Get up!"


The sound inside is a little harsh. The floor and walls are cement. The bands play against a glass window. If you go to a show at Moxie's BRING EAR PLUGS! If you play a show at Moxie's bring some moxie and you will connect with Vancouver's all ages crowd!

all photo's by Adam Steinfink

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for November 21st to 23rd

Hello Dear Readers,

Hey ho Portland/Vancouver! How you feeling? Perhaps like seeing some live and local music? Well ummm...I could probably help you out by pointing you in the right direction. See.

Friday, November 21st

Some really good stuff today.

• The Artistery is having live debut of Gratitillium the somewhat psychedelic project of Nick Caceres. Jared Mees and the Grown Children are playing a set as is Tune Yards (Vermont). I saw Jared Mees and Co. the day they returned from their tour. I thought it was pretty lively, but afterwards he apologized for not being energetic enough. So I am curious about what full blown Jared Mees sounds like. It should pretty crazy. Plus Tune Yards sounds good. The ALL AGES show is $6 starts at 8 PM.

• Dante's is having a Arena Rock Recording Company showcase featuring some of its Portland talent. That talent being the improv skills of Stiffwiff, the whatever-folk of Sabertooth, and the experimental ambiance of Wroom. It is also serving as a LP release show for all the previously mentioned bands. LP means vinyl. Vinyl means higher quality sound and bigger artwork. It will be awesome. The best part though is that this is a FREE show. The music starts at 9 PM.

• Tonight is also the celebration of the one year anniversary of The Modern Age the ALL AGES venue located in the heart of the PSU campus (the basement of the Smith Center). They have set up an impressive line up which includes the very danceable Copy, Panther, and Guidance Counselor. I would have listed this show if any of these groups were on the line up. The fact that they are all awesome is a testimant to how good The Modern Age is a booking. If they keep up this pace, I can't wait to see what anniversary dos will bring. The All Ages show is $3-$5 and starts at 8 PM.

• Someday Lounge is having a show that will now doubt get the kids dancing as well. Well not all the kids (21+), but at least the ones old enough to drink. The show is comprised of Starfucker, Flaspar, Iretsu, and Serendipity Musik (Seattle/Paris). Well, maybe not Serendipity Musik. But that musik is pretty damn beautiful. The show will be $5 and starts at 9 PM.

• A while back a band called Caught in Motion sent me their CD in hopes of a write up regarding the release of said CD. I guess it worked. You can pick up your your copy if you so choose at the FREE Music Millennium in-store performance today. The ALL AGES event starts at 7 PM. Or you could wait a couple hours and see them at their official CD release show at Fez. They will be playing with Dominic Castillo and the Rock Savants, and Parlour Steps (Vancouver, B.C.). It will be a night of good clean indie rock. This show is $5 and starts at 9:30 PM.

Saturday, November 22

Here are the shows for Saturday night. S A T U R D A Y....Night!

• The Artistery is having a show with The Ocean Floor, Polka Dot Dot (Olympia), and Firs of Prey. All of these bands particular quirky pop sensibilities. I have heard nothing but good things about Polka Dot Dot (if O' Jordan is with them they are Polka Dot Dot Dot) and The Ocean floor, but not have the pleasure of seeing either of them. Plus this show is also the split cassette for The Ocean Floor. The ALL AGES show is $6 and starts at 8 PM.

• There is a venue that I am not too familiar with called Airplay Cafe hosting Sam Cooper and and Providence Plantations and Audie Darling show. This is an americana show. It will be FREE as far as I can tell. It starts at 8 PM.

• Over somewhere else, the Banana Stand Media will be putting on and recording Dr. Something & the Poppin' Fresh Love Engines and Mr. Fredrick Kill Hollywood. It will be crazy and zany Pop music at its best. You have to email bananastandmedia@gmail.com in order to get the location of the show. I can tell you it is FREE and that it will start at 8 PM

• Backspace is having a show with Love is All (Gothenburg, Sweden), Vivian Girls (Brooklyn), Nodzzz (San Francisco), and Romancing. I have heard nothing but good things about Vivian girls. I can list this show because the Romancing is making a rare live appearance. Romancing being one of the many Charlie Salsa-Humara projects. In fact this project might be considered a side project to his side project of his main project Panther. The ALL AGES show is $10-$12 and starts at 6 PM.

Sunday, November 23rd

There are some really good shows going on tonight.

• The big show tonight is at Doug Fir. It is a benefit called Art & Music vs. Cancer. There will be live life drawings and comic artists and these bands: Menomena, Dorlorean, Eluvium, and Tractor Operator. That, if you don't know, is an amazing line up. This show will have a sliding scale, but the suggested price is $12. The show starts at 8 PM.

• Someday Lounge will be hosting the Super XX Man CD release show for "Volume XII: There'll Be Diamonds". This marks the first full length for local label Tender Loving Empire. The cool thing about this show is that both openers are worth seeing too. If you have not seen or heard the blues influenced Shoeshine Blue, you are missing out. Also, Team Evil which features members of Point Juncture. The show is $6 and starts at 9 PM.

• Valentine's is having a show with Minmae, Pony Village, and Autopilot is for Lovers. Should be pretty good as the bands that are playing are pretty good. I yet to see Pony Village despite the fact that I have been meaning to for quite some time. This show is FREE and starts at 9 PM.

• The Hush (above Tube) is one of the venues that I have yet to visit despite my knowledge that it generally books really good ALL AGES shows. On Sunday they are having Evolutionary Jass Band, DWL, Naked Future, Use Valve, and Linda Hagwood all play sets. I think this will be a very jazzy time. I know that five acts seems like a lot of acts. Actually that does seem like a lot of acts. But you know what? It is basically like getting a real good deal considering the price of admission in $3-$5. The ALL AGES show starts at 9 PM.

• Holocene is having a show with El Guincho (said to be the Spanish version of Panda Bear). And guess what. The Openers are both from Portland. Atole and Breakfast Mountain are those openers. I know that Atole likes to groove. I caught their set at PDX Pop Now! 2008, I know that Breakfast Mountain knows how to make jamz, but I have yet to see them live in action. This show is $8 and starts at 9 PM.

So these are the shows I am interested in this weekend. Be sure to say "Hi" if you see me at any of these shows.

-Ben


Menomena ready to kick Cancers ass on Sunday at the Doug Fir.

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My favorite '90s nostalgia trip of 2008!

In preparation for the inevitable and much needed '90s revival I have thought about what I want to revel in. There is one thing that has unexpectedly beat out grunge, earnest self-effacing people who didn't turn into Conor Oberst or junkies, Britpop and baggy jeans. That one thing is gorgeous, glamorous* black and white videos/films!:













*or possibly low budget

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Ben Meyercord's Live Music Picks for November 17- 20th

Hello Dear Readers,

I just wanted to check in with you. Are you there? Have you been to any shows lately? Did I list them? If not, what shows should I be checking out? There are plenty shows I think you should be checking out. In fact I made a list for you.

Monday, November 17th

Valentines is having Michael Kitson play a set. Usually Michael heads the full band versions of his songs in Make Nice. The Moon In Light and Galveston will also be playing. I think Michael is a good songwriter who generally keeps good music company. Case in point I have heard nothing but good things about Galveston. This is an early show for Valentine's as it will start at 8:30 PM (rumour has it that one of the members of Michael Kitson's band has a date). This mother is FREE.

Tuesday, November 18th

My Mom is in town so I doubt I will be able to make it to any Tueday or Wednesday shows which is a shame cause look:

Workssound is having the tour kick off show for Blue Cranes. The Jazzy Blue Cranes will be performing with the Portland sextet (of The Portland Cello Project). I should have sold by now. What? You want more? Quiet Countries and Gavin Castleton will also be playing. You want even more? There will be a screening of St. Helens Road by Jim Blashfield.
There. Are you happy? The ALL AGES show will have a suggested donation cover of $8-$12 (but nobody will be turned away) and start at 8:30 PM.

Backspace is having a show with Adam Stephens (of Two Gallants). Not local. But, The Old Believers are opening. Local. This should be a great show if you like folk influenced music. This may give you the opportunity to see if Two Gallants are better than one. And, if you have not picked up the latest CD from The Old Believers, I suggest that you do (because it is good). The ALL AGES show is $8 starts at 9 PM.

Valentine's is having a show with Guidance Counselor, Chrome Wings, and Wild Kingdom. Guidance Counselor is a lot of fun to dance to (if you are in the vicenity of a Guidance Counselor show and are not dancing, then there is most likely something wrong with your nervous sytem and should consolt a physician). I have Missed Chrome Wings on a number of occasions and have been told I am missing out. This show will be FREE and start at 9 PM.

Wednesday, November 19th

There are a lot of good shows on Wednesday. Good thing I don't get to choose (thanks mom).

Jade Lounge is having its second in a series of Y La Bamba currated Wednesday night shows. This week will feature Adrienne of Autopilot is for Lovers and Jesse and Josh from Oh Captain My Captain. It will be a rare treat to see these musicians play in this intimate and stripped down version. The best part though, is that it is FREE. The music will start at 8 PM.

The Hawthorne Theater, a place I normally avoid at all costs, is having a Big Time Entertainment, a promotion scheme that I hate even more than the Hawthorne, show that I actually show interest in. They will be having The Sarcastic Dharma Society, Times New Roman, Project Sign, Satellite, The Melodic Arts, False Signal, and Dan Duval all play in one night (7 bands in one night another thing that kinda makes me vomit in my mouth). Despite all these negative things, I love me some Sarcastic Dharma Society and reccomend cathing at least that part of the show if you are able. I am not familiar with any of the other bands (but there is a good amount of the 'Cove being represented), so I will not comment on them. The ALL AGES show is $10 and starts at 7 PM.

Kelly's Olympian is having a show with the both very talented Saw Whet and The Harvey Girls. It would be a treat to see either. And a delight to see both. This show will cost you $3 and starts at 9 PM.

Thursday, November 20th

Several things are happening this Thursday. Things like this:

Icebreaker (1109 West Burnside) is a store that is celebrating its one year anniversary. The reason I am listing this is because The Subcons, a good local band, are playing as part of the celebration. THis is a FREE ALL AGES event, that starts at 6 PM.

Holocene is having an Amazing Local show featuring Point Juncture, WA, A Weather, and Deer or the Doe. Point Juncture is using this show as their CD release for their new album Heart to Elk (though I have not heard it, I am told it is good).
Plus A Weather is one of my top favorite Portland Bands ever. This show is $7 and starts at 9 PM.

Dekum Manor is having a show with Holy Smokes!!!!!!!!, Syrup, Nurses, Curious Hands, and Stag Bitten. Though I have not seen any of these bands except Nurses (who were awesome), I am familiar with all of the names except Stag Bitten (sorry Stag Bitten). For those of you not familiar with Dekum Manor, it is one of the primeire place to see a house show. That being said, I expect this to be a pretty kickass show. It is ALL AGES, FREE (I think), and starts at 8 PM.

There are more shows that I am interested in, but in order to save time (I believe I am already a day late), I streamlined my picks. I hope you guys make it out o some of these shows.

-Ben


The Sarcastic Dharma Society - We Were from sarcasticdharma on Vimeo.

The Sarcastic Dharma Society will Play Wednesday night!

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