Portland, OR

Today’s post is a little bit of everything.

Firstly, I did in fact go to Doug Fir last night to see Tim Finn. Awesome show, and I am so happy I went. I was sitting at home writing an article on rising sea levels in Africa, and watching the Republican National Convention. All the sudden, it was 9pm, and the show was set to start at 9pm. I had a little debate with myself, and said, you know you have waited your whole life to see Tim so just go already. I hopped in the car. Upon arrival at Doug Fir (my first time), the door guy asked me if I was by myself, and being a loser with no friends, I said yes. He said it was my lucky day, as he had an extra ticket for me. It is like I was meant to be there…

The cutest, most adorable little thing, Jasmine Ash, opened. Just her and an acoustic guitar. She has a sweet, soft voice, which usually isn’t something I dig, but she was really quite good. I checked out her myspace page, and she is a local Portland act. I will definitely try to catch her again. I told her I was going to put her in my pocket and take her home. She didn’t seem adverse to the idea.

Here’s a video she has out on her myspace page.

Tim Finn came on, and wow, what an amazing show. The man has been performing since before I was born, and he is very comfortable in front of an audience. He was exceedingly charming, and I must say, Mr. Finn has only grown more handsome over the years. He opened with “Parihaka,” a song off the self-named album that he released in 1989. I still have that cassette, but alas, no cassette player, so I have not heard that song in forever. He played a really nice blend of old favorites and newer stuff, and a lot off of the Crowded House album, Woodface, on which Tim was a full-fledged member of that band. I was starting to think, wow, there is a lot off Woodface, when he explained “we are in Woodface kind of mood tonight.” That makes sense, and the 40 of so people in the audience seemed to respond best to those songs, so as long as everyone is happy. I would have liked a few more early, solo-career songs, but it is always difficult to please everyone. Tim Finn did a great job and ended the show with a promise to be back next year (promoting a new album). Also, props go out to his band members, maybe Greg on electric guitar and Simon on keys. I didn’t quite catch the names, but talented young men, and Greg did a nice job singing along on some of the harmony-based Crowded House and Split Enz songs.

Funny side note, actually two: Finn mentioned that he went to Powell’s, like everyone who visits Portland does, and he said it was just too much for him. I couldn’t agree more, that place is totally sensory overload. You have to be in the proper mood to battle the crowds, and have plenty, and I mean plenty, of time to wander. Also, Finn said that Doug Fir had a very “Twin Peaks” feel about it. Exactly what I thought when I got there. More red velvet and it would be uncanny.

Moving on to Music Fest Northwest, I know a bunch of bands are playing this weekend. I am going to try and catch as many as I can, but I say that now, and I tend to get very comfortable at home, so we’ll see what I get out of my house for. I wouldn’t mind seeing Built to Spill…

To end, I have to say that Portland has an incredible music scene for those of us that really love music. And when I say music, I don’t mean corporate-committee-overly-produced-whatever-sells-the -most-singles music for the masses. I spent my last two teenage years in Chicago during the early-to-mid nineties, which was a great time for music, and Chicago was a hub for that scene then. Lots of small venues, great relatively unknown bands, you could see a great show any night of the week. I had a radio show on WHPK (the pride of the South Side, University of Chicago’s station with a range of maybe nine miles), so I got a lot of free tickets and never got carded for some reason, despite my baby face. Portland reminds me a lot of that time. Not only are there some pretty awesome local acts, but it seems that Portland is always a stop on bands that matter tour schedule. Small venues make such a difference if you want to feel connected with your favorite bands.

If you cannot find something to do in Portland, it’s your own fault.

Tim Finn, Jasmine Ash, Portland, Doug Fir, Crowded House, Split Enz, Music Fest Northwest, MFNW, Built to Spill, Chicago, University of Chicago

Continuing on my Portland media kick (my first few posts of the month were all about Getting to know Enko Photography (part 1) (and part 2), today I’d like to address Portland PodCasts.

For those who don’t know, a podcast is something akin to internet radio. However, it’s better described as a “collection of digital media files which is distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and personal computers.” It’s like TV shows without pictures on your iPod.

The only Portland podcast that I listen to is Delta Park Gets Lost where Jason and Anna dissect that LOST show I was talking about yesterday.

On a non-Portland-podcast related note, my favorite podcast of all time is Keith & the Girl and I’ve included YouTube video of them at the end of this entry to prove they are freaking hilarious!

Using The Podcast Directory I found a list of other Portland-based podcasts. You can also use iTunes to do a search and find your own Portland podcasts.

>Northwest Noise - life. podcasting. northwest noise.

>DVD Talk Radio - “DVD Talk Radio has an interview with Scott Dacko director of the indie thriller - The Insurgents. Winning raves at a number of film fests including a best of show nod at the Oldenburg Film Festival, The Insurgents is an explosive thriller that asks the question, “What if the terror thread came from within?”.”

>Clusterflux Anomaly Podcasts - Two Geekish-Freakish Myriad Entities discuss everything from Life, Love, Sex, and Current Events to Movies, Music, Comics, and Podcasts in this weekly show from Portland Oregon to the World.

>SexGeeks Podcasts - “Lindsay and Rob are geeks about sex the same way other people are geeks about technology. In this series we will be talking about all aspects of sex and relationships.”

>Weekly Davespeak Dave Matthews Band Podcast Podcasts - Our podcast covers news and views on Dave Matthews Band. With special guests from the DMB fan community and actual crew interviews planned for this summer. We’ll be talking about show reviews and critique of the new album songs as they’re played.

>Black Samba Rides Again Podcasts - Black Samba Rides Again is a Podcast program about life as a jazz artist, a monk, a philosopher and poet, among other things. Interesting background music and links to articles are provided on the blog.

>The Timely Beaver Podcasts - Skits and improve will keep you rolling on the floor while the independent musicians will have your head-a-banging.

>Post Modern Rock Show - KPSU, Portland Podcasts - The best new indie releases along with classic alternative. Hour-long show. Airs Friday nights at 7 on KPSU, 1450 AM in Portland, worldwide at kpsu.org, on-demand at postmodernrock.com.

Enjoy this KATG video and check out their podcast on iTunes if Keith and his magics make you laugh!

If you’re into independent music (or any other type of music, actually) you should absolutely keep your eyes on The McMenamins The Crystal Ballroom webpage. There are always concerts going on a The Crystal, and some of the upcoming ones are featured here today!

Thursday, October 25 The Aladdin Theater presents VHI You Oughta Know Tour, featuring Brandi Carlile (first video featured) and A Fine Frenzy (second featured video). Doors open at 7pm and show begins at 8pm. $24 tickets at the door, and if anyone wants to purchase my ticket, I will sing your praises in a post! Personally, I love Brandi Carlile’s scratchy, raspy, sometimes-even-screamy voice.

The Story is also infamous already for the crack in Carlile’s vocals on the title track, a “technically wrong” but “emotionally right” accident kept on the record since it’s so indicative of the intensity and raw vulnerability of the singer’s performances.

The Story is definitely one of my favorite songs as well as Follow and Tragedy. There is just something about her that hits home with this Portland woman. I first heard of Brandi Carlile while watching Grey’s Anatomy. The new artist has had three songs featured on the hit TV show (which is quite unheard of for newbies!) including Tragedy, What Can I Say and Throw It All Away

I purchased A Fine Frenzy’s album (One Cell In The Sea) soon after seeing a clip of her on (the oh-so-dreaded) MTV. Almost Love, on the video featured, is my favorite song from the album she describes as “a soundtrack to a fairytale gone wrong,” and following closely behind is Rangers. I absolutely recommend this album if you’re into moving lyrics and a powerful voice.

So, if you don’t have anything to do on Thursday night, and are interested in seeing two up & coming female solo artists, I absolutely recommend heading over to The Aladdin Theater to check out Brandi Carlile and A Fine Frenzy for an evening of spectacular music!

About Portland OR, Portland OR, Portland, The Crystal Ballroom, McMenamins, The Aladdin Theater, Brandi Carlile, A Fine Frenzy

Last Tuesday I spent some time talking about bands from Portland, and I said that I would continue the list, but then yesterday I was incredibly overwhelmed, so I’m working on it for today. Tunes on Tuesday on Keep Portland Weird Wednesday. Eventually I’ll get caught up. For now, I apologize!

This week, I’d like to feature:

Pink Martini: Pink Martini consists of a full dozen members doing vocals, playing the piano, the trombone, trumpet, violin, the vibraphone, doing percussion, the drums playing a harp and a bass. Pink Martini was originally brought together to play political functions in Portland and made their European debut during the 2003 Cannes Film Festival. Sympathique, their debut album has sold over 1.3 million copies worldwide thus far! Their music shows up in many movies (In the Cut, Nurse Betty, Josie & the Pussycats, Tortilla Soup, Shanghai Kiss and Mr. & Mrs. Smith) as well! I have embedded my first YouTube video here just for you to hear my favorite Pink Martini song!

Next, I’d love to write about The Shins! The Shins are another Portland-based band. Playing mostly indie rock (along with some folk & alternative country stuff). James Russell Mercer (singer/songwriter/guitarist), Martin Crandall (keyboardist/bassist/guitarist), Dave Hernandez (bassist/guitarist), Jesse Sandoval (drummer) and Eric Johnson (of the Fruit Bats). I adore their song Slang which was featured on the Garden State soundtrack. (Check it out! Another embedded video!)

Finally for today, I’d like to mention Elliott Smith. I’ve never been a huge Smith fan, and my first exposure to his music was actually in the Oregon State University craft center while learning I’m not a potter. Smith wasn’t born in Portland (Omaha, Nebraska, instead!) but he lived a long time here in my beautiful city. He lived in Portland when he first started gaining popularity, as well! Smith’s “Miss Misery” was written and featured on Good Will Hunting and was nominated for an Oscar in the 1997 Best Original Song category. Smith lived with alcoholism, drug addiction and depression for years; with all topics appearing in his lyrics. (Smith allegedly committed suicide in 2003.) Since I’m not a fan, I didn’t feature a video by him, but would LOVE to know which songs I should listen to (again) to see if I can get into this fellow Portlander. I have also been recently informed that another musician, James Mercer (from The Shins) currently lives in the deceased Smith’s house. Interesting!

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Are you ready for your first The Kingsmen, who are best known for the oldies rock classic “Louie, Louie” were originally from Portland. Formed in our city in 1959, the young group of teenagers copied Elivis, The Ventures, country music, R&B hits while playing at supermarket openings, fashion shows, school parties and even teen dances. During this era, The Kingsmen were one of Portland’s most popular bands! The first recorded song, in 1963, happened to be their huge hit; “Louie Louie.” Portland Northwest Recorders (no longer around, from what I can tell) charged the boys $36 to produce their tape!

The Dandy Warhols all grew up in the Portland area. Members Pete & Courtney have been friends since high school, Brent is Courtney’s cousin & Zia worked at a local coffee shop. The original band idea was from Pete; after moving back from New York he thought it would be “an easy way to meet some people with better taste in music to drink to than the people we were currently drinking with.”

The Decemberists frontman & songwriter Colin Meloy (along with band mates Chris Funk (multi-instrumental), Jenny Conlee (keyboards), Nate Query (bassist) & John Moen (drums)) spent time in a Portland bookstore (the biography doesn’t clarify which bookstore it is, but I wonder if it was Powells?) when he first discovered a Japanese folk tale named The Crane Wife (the album title). The simple story inspired this Portland band to create an album that has quickly risen to the top of the indie-rock charts!

Everclear’s lead singer, Art Alexakis moved him and his pregnant girlfriend Jenny to Portland in the very early 90’s. He placed an ad in a local newspaper (Willamette Week perhaps?) and received TWO responses for band mates (Craig Montoya & Scott Cuthbert). Thankfully, those two were the only responses he every needed. The first album Everclear put out was actually done through a Portland record label, as well - Tim/Kerr Records!

Come back next Tuesday when I feature Pink Martini, The Shins, Elliott Smith & others Portland bands!

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So, you have plans all scheduled for tomorrow night, right? If your plans don’t include Ugly Betty, Grey’s Anatomy (I stay in JUST for Grey’s Anatomy on Thursday night, so someone has to go out and enjoy some music for me, right?), CSI, The Office (such a bummer this is on opposite Grey’s Anatomy) or ER

Thursday Night ‘Head Outs’ from the Willamette Weekly will give you some great ideas on what you can take your sweetheart (or your insane group of friends) out to do on Thursday evening.
I was pleased to see that Portland’s karaoke scene begins on Thursday night. You can enjoy yourself at Gemini Bar & Grill (456 North State Street) with Karaoke From Hell! I am still (almost proudly) able to say that I have yet to torture anyone with my own karaoke-ing skills here in Portland. I save it for my car & the shower!

If you like to pretend that you are already an adult, and you wait to go out until Friday night, check out this Friday night ‘Head Outs’ list instead! You could show up at the Roseland theater (8 North West 6th Avenue) for Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Elvis Perkins in Dearland with your pals. “Go ahead, hate on Clap Your Hands Say Yeah for the whiny, out-of-key vocals and repetitive beats that make up its self-titled debut album. But you have to respect the New England five-piece for reaching this level of success with a self-released, self-distributed indie-rock record.” Bring $15 per person in your group and enjoy rocking out with people of all ages!

If you’re more into dancing, check out Lola’s Room at the Crystal Ballroom (1332 West Burnside Street) and dance the evening away to non-stop 80’s music during the “80’s Video Dance Attack” VJ’ed by Kttyrox. Dress up in your finest bangles and neon and bring back the shopping cart moves!

So, it’s Tuesday morning, you have a date tomorrow night, and no idea what you’re supposed to do? Good thing you read this blog, huh? Want a huge list of places you can head out & enjoy your Wednesday evening.

Take your date to the Aladdin Theater (3017 SE Milwaukie Ave, Portland OR) for Arte y Pureza & Solo Flamenco as they present MAESTRIA: an evening of Flamenco Dance & Music. “For one night only, Arte y Pureza Flamenco Company will present an incredible display of improvisation and mastery within the oldest styles of gypsy dance and singing. This performance consists of a seven member company led by the legendary Miguel Peña Vargas “El Funi”, who both dances and sings. “El Funi” is a true legend of flamenco.”

Check out Neftali Rivera at the Bar Mestizo at Andina (1314 NW Glisan St.) at 7pm

The Neil Masson Trio will play at the Benson Hotel (309 SW Broadway)

Danny Hay Davis Band: The Blue Diamond, 22016 NE Sandy Blvd.

Brandon Chandler and the Revival: Buffalo Gap, 6835 SW Macadam Avenue

Jam Band PDX: Cascade Bar & Grill, 15000 SE Mill Plain Blvd

Acoustic Jazz & Gypsy Swing Jam (7 pm): Clinton Corner Cafe, 2633 SE 21st Avenue

Xotica-Go-Go: DJ Kenoy, Knotty DJ Barrett, Mr. Mumu: Dante’s, 1 SW 3rd Avenue

Matt Vrba: Dublin Pub, 6821 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway

Open Accordion Night: Equator Coffee Cafe, 510 SE Morrison Street
Everyone should go to an open accordion night! How fun would that be!?!?

J*Malem: Gemini Bar & Grill, 456 N State Street

Plays Monk, Scott Amendola: Goodfoot Lounge, 2845 SE Stark Street

Crush Drum and Bass: Greek Cusina, 404 SW Washington Street

Stephen Ashbrook: The Green Room, 2280 NW Thurman Street

TRONix: Mixed Signals: Ground Kontrol, 511 NW Couch Street

Day of Lions, Cameron Hull, Eskimo & Sons, Salt & Samovar: Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison Street

Hank Hirsh Jazz Jam: Jax, 826 SW 2nd Avenue

Cronin Tierney: Kells Irish Pub, 112 SW 2nd Avenue

TWO concerts; one location! David Reisch Jihad (9 pm); Reggie Houston’s Box of Chocolates (6 pm): LaurelThirst Public House | 2958 NE Glisan Street

Hanz Araki at 7pm: McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SW Halsey Street

Jon Koonce & One More Mile (7 pm): McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern, 10000 Old Cornelius Pass Road

Rogue Bluegrass Band (7:30 pm): Raccoon Lodge & Brew Pub, 7424 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway

and last but not least:

Paolo Nutini: Roseland, 8 NW 6th Avenue

About Portland OR, Portland OR, Portland, musicians, concerts, October music, Paolo Nutini

Wanna go to a concert this week? I did some scouring to find out who’s coming to town and wanted to share!

The Aladdin Theater
*Monday, October 1, 8pm: George Winston - “…best known for his melodic rural folk piano style, has made no secret of the debt his playing owes to the musicians of New Orleans. Creole Moon, a pensive version of the title tune from Dr. John’s 2001 album, is full of emotions that residents of The Crescent City might have felt in the aftermath of the storm.” $35 at the door

*Wednesday, October 3, 8pm: the subdudes w/Liz Barnez - “Welcome to STREET SYMPHONY, it’s the kind of an album that stirs the consciousness and galvanizes the soul with an array of songs that are underlined by the band’s trademark music: a vibrant cauldron of sounds that brings together the meaty grooves and jazzy dynamics, soulful R&B swagger and easy vocal harmonies.” $20 advanced tickets & $22 at the door.

*Sunday, October 7, 8pm: Nellie McKay - “…Nellie McKay is an incredibly talented youngster of nineteen. Her acerbic wit and prickly banter pepper her live shows in between renditions of her ever growing, self-penned repertoire and a standard or two. No song is performed the same way twice, partly because Ms. McKay has difficulty remembering lyrics, particularly her own, and partly because she pledges allegiance to no rule other than to keep her live show and her music as fresh and non-repetitive as possible.” $18.50 advanced tickets $ 20 at the door

There are plenty of other concert venues in Portland that are worth checking out! Here are just a few shows at a few ballrooms during the month of October! I will be featuring more venues as well as more concerts that will be in town!

McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, The National, 80’s Video Dance Attack, M Ward, Pat Monahan, David Crowder Band & Brandi Carlile are all on the list!

The Wonder Ballroom, Metric, Rogue Wave, Harry Shearer, Dashboard Confessional and Augustana, Aesop Rock & Tiger Army will be in town!

The Doug Fir Lounge will show Gruff Rhys, Her Space Holiday, XOXO Panda, Black Francis, East Coast Champions, The Slants, Logan Lynn, Dat’R, The Aliens, Augie March, Derby, Boy Eats Drum Machine and many many more. Oftentimes, the Dough Fir has multiple shows in a single evening!

At the Portland Rose Quarter, Widespread Panic, Casting Crowns, Andrew Rieu, Women of Faith, Australian Pink Floyd, Interpol, Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus share their love of music with our fair city!

About Portland OR, Portland OR, Portland, musicians, concerts, October music

photo courtesy of Sarah Gould

On my drive home from work today I got to thinking about the things in Portland that I love, so I mentally made a list!

10. I love the weather, whether it’s sunny or rainy, I love the weather. If it rains I wear different clothes. If it’s sunny I roll my windows down while driving.

9. I love driving in Portland. Yes, I love driving in Portland. Most people bitch & moan about the traffic, but I don’t mind it. I like to drive on the freeways, the highways, the main streets, the back streets and down golf cart paths. (Okay, I’ve never tried that last one!)

8. I love SEEING Portland. This is probably why I don’t mind driving in town. I get to see my beautiful city.

(more…)

Ever heard of STORM LARGE AND THE BALLS? Well she appeared on the reality show Rockstar Supernova.

She didn’t win the competition prize of being able to be in a band comprised on Tommy Lee, and a couple other famous rockstars, but we should did get is national recognition while still retaining her identity.

She has a voice like Janis Joplin combined with a look of rock n roll seduction.

Check out her music

She plays at the Historic Wonder Ballroom on AUG. 18th.

She is a joy to watch and I had the privelege of seeing her in Los Angeles. It was one of the best shows I have ever been to!!!!

Check out the pages I have linked to above, or here are some videos from youtube to convince you.

Did you love the movie “School of Rock” and wish your kids had an opportunity like that? Well, it’s here, right in PDX! Portland is a great place for young musicians, bands, and aspiring vocal artists to explore and refine their musical talents. With the right training and enthusiasm from friends and family, your young musicians could be a future rock star!

With each year being a growing success, the 2007 year is kicking off this summer with it’s third year. Let’s Rock- an annual rock n roll band camp for boys and girls ages 10 to 18, at the Metropolitan Learning Center during July and August. Check out their website for details, or contact MLC’s Site Director, Sylvia Linington, or Camp Director Sam Densmore at Portland Parks and Recreation, MLC SUN School by calling directly, 503-916-2912.

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While writing about Voodoo Doughnuts yesterday, I came across this really cool YouTube video about what makes their doughnuts so special. Some people are willing to go through just about anything to wrap their lips around one of the bizarre doughnut concoctions.

I got a personal kick out of the interview with Tres Shannon, co-owner of the peculiar shop, when he was asked about some of the more memorable people who come into Voodoo Doughnuts. A few years ago, I worked for one of the most successful indie record labels in L.A., Dimmak, owned by Steve Aoki, who also owns Cold Crush Records. So i got a kick out of it when they mentioned The Coup and Livesavas (a hip-hop trio based right here in Portland,) as some of the really cool people who come into the shop to satisfy their nighttime munchies! But that wasn’t even my favorite part of the interview, it was actually the part where Tres was saying that he “was looking at the hole one day, and just really understanding it.” Yep, you’ve really got to love the inherent weirdness of Portland!