Posts from — July 2010

This is the second installment of my weekly video posting. Here are five bands that are essential to listen to before hitting the streets for MusicfestNW this September. Both Ra Ra Riot and The Thermals will be releasing new albums this fall and you can expect to hear brand new material. Super-producer Chris Walla (of Death Cab for Cutie) has worked on producing both of the forthcoming albums. Be excited people, be VERY excited.

1. Okkervil River- Lost Coastlines

2. Ra Ra Riot- Can You Tell?

3. The Thermals- Now We Can See

4. Male Bonding- Years Not Long

5. Panda Bear- Comfy In Nautica

PDX Pop Now! will host “PDX Pop Now! at Portland City Hall” on July 22nd from 5:45-8:45pm. This lead-up to the PDX Pop Now! festival is free to the public and will feature performances on the steps of Portland’s City Hall (1221 SW 4th Avenue) by the Andrew Oliver Quartet, Kelli Schaefer, Atole, and Nick Jaina Band.

The PDX Pop Now! show at City Hall is being presented conjunction with the “Fixed Spans: City Hall” exhibit from the PDX Bridge Festival where a collaborative team of artists are creating a 3D “optical illusion”in the south atrium of City Hall, using only masking tape and the Willamette River Bridges. Check it out between sets to see how that’s possible.

Portland’s mayor, Sam Adams, discussed the event today, saying “The breadth and depth of musical talent in Portland is a tremendous local resource that plays an important role in making our city great. I am proud to work with PDX Pop Now! for the fourth year to showcase that talent right here at City Hall with a free concert open for all to enjoy.”

Mayor Adams recently announced the launch of Listen Local, a program that replaces the City’s previous on-hold music with music by Portland-based musicians. The program seeks to highlight the vibrant, diverse and creative character of Portland to callers near and far, and shine a spotlight on local musicians. It was developed as part of Mayor Adams’ overall arts and culture strategy, which aims to improve access to the arts and arts education, invest in the creative talent that will drive the economy of tomorrow, and strengthen our cultural infrastructure and public arts funding.

Special support for the 2010 PDX Pop Now! City Hall event comes from a generous Community Cultural Participation Grant by the Multnomah County Cultural Coalition and the Oregon Cultural Trust”

The All Ages Festival kicks off on July 30th at Rotture in SE Portland. You can find the daily festival schedule HERE.

Hosted by Scott Law & guests will include Darol Anger, Tao Seegar & more!