Posts from — November 2011

DECEMBER

12/1 : Thee Oh Sees, Total Control, The Mean Jeans

12/2 : MOsley WOtta, Tango Alpha Tango, Symmetry/Symmetry, Ben Union

12/3 : The Sea & Cake, Lia Ices, 1939 Ensemble

12/4 : The Cave Singers , My Goodness

12/5 : The Kooks, Ava Luna – LATE SHOW: Doors at 9:30pm, Show at 10:30pm

12/6 : The Black Heart Procession, Chelsea Wolfe, Dramady

12/7 : Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers, Jon McLaughlin

12/8 : Cass McCombs Band, White Magic, Michael Hurley

12/9 : Marco Benevento, Fulero & Day: A Tribute to Elliott Smith

12/10 : Lost Lander, Radiation City , Bright Archer

12/11 : The Dandy Warhols – All Ages Matinee!

12/12 : Tennis, Miniature Tigers, Devon Williams

12/13 : Mansions On The Moon

12/14 : The Knux, Jordy Towers

12/15 : Howe Gelb, Tracy Shedd

12/16 : The Angry Orts, Tennis Pro, HelloKopter

12/17 : The Low Bones, The Tumblers, Rob Stroup & The Blame, Ed & The Red Reds

12/18 : The Fling, Yukon Blonde, Battleme

12/21 : Sons of Huns, Mongoloid Village, The Ax

12/22 : Amigo/Amiga presents Holiday Party 2011 with: Drew Grow & The Pastor’s Wives, Kelli Schaefer, Birds & Batteries, Jason Dodson (of The Maldives)

12/23 : AgesAndAges

12/28 : Oh Darling, We Are Not Shadows, Adventure Galley

12/30 : Ramble On

12/31 – WEINLAND NYE Supergroup, with guests

JANUARY

1/7 : Casey Neill & The Norway Rats, Sassparilla, Jackrabbit

1/12 : Emily Wells

1/13 : Pickwick, Bryan John Appleby, Jessica Dobson

1/14 : Throwback Suburbia, Stereovision, Frame By Frame

1/21 : Youth Lagoon, Pure Bathing Culture, special guests

1/22 : Augustana, Graffiti 6

1/25 : Atomic Tom

1/28 : Alabama Shakes – EARLY SHOW!

1/31 : Graveyard, Radio Moscow

FEBRUARY

2/2 : Teitur

2/19 : See a Little Light with Bob Mould

2/23 : Craig Finn

APRIL

4/10 : Metronomy

No one would dispute that Portland has a vibrant music scene but too often the young people who crave music the most are shut out; unable to attend live events for reasons ranging from financial to age restrictions.

Hello PDX Pop Now!

Founded in 2004 by a group of musicians, fans and industry professionals, PDX Pop Now! works hard to connect everyone with music. Successfully registering as a nonprofit in 2007, PDX Pop Now! has expanded their reach with innovative school outreach programs that take the music into the schools, making it more accessible to a new generation.  PDX Pop Now! sees students as valuable resources to keep the music scene diverse and dynamic. Kids can be appreciative supporters of music, creators of music, and organizers of music in their communities.

OMN caught up via email with Benna Gottfried, Communications Coordinator, and Lydia Mazer, Outreach Coordinator, to learn more about the creative school outreach program, and the event at Boise-Eliot school on November 14th.

For readers who don’t know about PDX Pop Now!, please share a little background information.

Benna: PDX Pop Now! works to promote and enhance Portland’s local music community and break down common barriers to accessibility. We fulfill this mission through three primary projects–an annual three-day, free, all-ages music festival [find OMN's coverage of the 2011 fest here], an annual 40-track compilation, and our school outreach programs. All of our projects are 100% volunteer run and curated by committees of volunteers.

Why do you think reaching out to schools is important?

Lydia: As anyone who grew up in Portland can tell you, the OLCC has really limited kid’s access to live music, and while that may be a helpful way of keeping alcohol out of minors’ hands, it also denies their experience of the extremely vibrant, powerful and inspiring music scene. By going into the schools, PDX Pop Now! is bringing local music, live performance, and music nonprofits to students who wouldn’t otherwise have access to this kind of programming.

What goals do you hope to accomplish in the schools?

Lydia: Our goal in doing in-school outreach programs is to get the students really pumped up, not just about making their own music, but also about being part of Portland’s music scene.

What does it take to organize an all-day event like the one scheduled for November 14th?

Lydia: Basically it goes like this: We choose a school and then ask if they would like us to come in on a school day and run a program. If they say yes, we start to ask local nonprofits (mostly ones that are musically themed, but sometimes not in the case of Hollywood Theatre) if they’d like to teach workshops on that day. Our booking committee then goes ahead and works on finding bands that they think would be of interest to the demographics at the school (for instance, you may have a different band play to an elementary school than you would at a high school). We then coordinate with the school about the organizations and bands that will be coming, call in some of our fantastic volunteers, and make it all look effortless.

Check out a video from last year’s outreach at Parkrose Middle School:

What does a typical school event look like?

Lydia: There are two parts to the day. When students arrive at school, they meet for their homeroom class and then immediately move on to doing workshops. Each student will get to participate in four 45-50 minute workshops each led by a different organization with a different theme. On November 14th, Hollywood Theatre will be leading a workshop where the students will hand color film strips that will be attached together and used as a visual element behind the bands during the concert in the latter half of the day. Ethos will engage kids in a one-time only live rock band performance with each student trying out different instruments. Vibe of Portland will teach the kids hand drumming. My Voice Music is going to lead a songwriting class, and Matt Berger from Laura Gibson’s band will also be leading a very special workshop. After workshops are over the students will then have a break for lunch and recess and will reconvene for the concert portion where we will have Radiation City and Cloudy October performing.

When did your school program outreach begin?

Benna: We did our first school program at Parkrose in 2008. Since then, we’ve done two additional programs at Parkrose, as well as programs at Boise-Eliot School in North Portland, and HB Lee Middle School in the Reynolds School District.  We are working on plans to expand the reach and impact of our school programs.

What will it take to expand the school outreach program?

Lydia: Each program does take a few months to plan, and since our board is entirely staffed by volunteers we are limited in how many we can do. Additionally, since it’s free to schools we’re also limited in that way. All public schools are eligible.

To learn more about PDX Pop Now! click here, and if you’d like to become a volunteer, get in touch with PDX Pop Now! at volunteer@pdxpopnow.com.

A Pickathon favorite, The Deep Dark Woods return to the Doug Fir (Tues, 11/29) this week all the way from Saskatoon! Come on down & make them feel welcome.

BIO: The timeless sound of the aptly named “The Deep Dark Woods” belongs to the depressing winters of the north. Pulsing with human warmth, these original songs echo through the lonesome night. Ryan Boldt’s plainspoken lyrics offer a strong but gentle tone which understates poetry, oftentimes as startling as hot blood in fresh snow. Despite the dark themes, the heaviness never overwhelms the music’s playfulness. An utterly fun rhythm section, brilliant guitar work, and eerily rich harmonies drive the songs. One could easily be forgiven for mistaking their songs as treasures of decades past, as The Deep Dark Woods approach their instruments with studied respect for the honoured traditions of the shadowy side of roots music.

They have shared the stage with The Sadies, Magnolia Electric Co., Utah Phillips and The Stills, toured extensively from Canada’s west coast to New York City, and have had the good fortune to have collaborated with Shuyler Jansen, and Ruth Minnikin.

The DDW’s first studio effort, a self-titled 10 song release was recorded live-off-the-floor entirely on analog to capture the band’s earlier live sound. Their second full-length release Hang Me, Oh Hang Me, takes a different approach, with intricate arrangements, more substantial production and diverse instrumentation.

The Deep Dark Woods‘ newest release Winter Hours is a collection of their best recordings yet. Working with Juno award winning producer/musician Steve Dawson at Vancouver’s famed recording studio “The Factory”, they managed to truly bring out an energy that the new songs deserved, recording the album live off the floor. What was created was an album full of raw emotion, sadness, beautiful vocals and harmonies, new sounds, and well thought out arrangements.Winter Hours represents the ever changing sound of the band, and a step forward from their latest Black Hen release Hang Me, oh Hang Me(WCMA Nominated).

The DDW are fronted mainly by Ryan T. Boldt, who splits lead/rhythm guitar duties with Burke Barlow. The rhythm section is rounded out by C. S. Mason (bass) and Lucas Goetz (drums), who also provide the gorgeous 3-part harmonies which have become one of the band’s defining characteristics. The constantly growing sets of original material are always evolving, and together with just enough improvisation ensures the songs are always fresh for the band and crowd.

The Deep Dark Woods – West Side Street by Sugar Hill Records

Tuesday November 29 @ Doug Fir Lounge

Alt-country from Saskatoon quintet The Deep Dark Woods Doors at 8pm, Show at 9pm $10 advance, $10 day of show

From Bend, OR – Larry & His Flask – are currently touring behind their new release All That We Know. After starting as a punk band, Larry & His Flask has found their niche as a trash/americana outfit and have been making waves! Larry & His Flask tour dates are currently booked from coast to coast in 2012 supporting The Reverend Horton Heat for most of February/March next year. We are lucky to get a PDX show before the end of the year!

MP3/Download: Larry and His Flask – End of an Era
MP3/Download: Larry & His Flask – Land of the F(r)ee

Tuesday November 22 @ Doug Fir Lounge

Jack Daniels presents the Black & Blue series Larry & His Flask Sassparilla Third Seven Doors at 8pm, Show at 9pm $5 advance, $5 day of show

Recording engineer: Steven Kray, with assistance from Randy Layton

Video: Jarratt Taylor / Anthony DelCalzo

Photos: Inger Klekacz– see the full photo set

From the outset of Alela Diane‘s third release, Alela Diane & Wild Divine, it’s obvious that the album’s title, which is also the name of her band, is no accident. It’s the sound of a full band that permeates throughout, the folksinger-with-guitar template so much at the center of her first couple of albums giving way to Alela Diane, frontwoman and band leader. It’s a shift that works well, the band still keeping things mellow, but less delicately so and less in the folk realm than Diane’s past work. It’s an evolution not unlike that experienced by Joni Mitchell during her early output, with efforts like Clouds and Ladies of the Canyon coming before the likes of Court and Spark and the live and band-heavy Miles of Aisles.

We talk to Diane about her new sound, the unique make up of her band (which includes both her husband, Tom Bevitori, and her father Tom Menig), and about recording with producer Scott Litt (R.E.M., Nirvana). Currently in the midst of a European tour, look for an upcoming Portland date from Alela Diane & Wild Divine June 4th at Mississippi Studios.

PDX’s Blind Pilot will play the Crystal Ballroom this week (Wed 11/23) and then continue to tour in 2011/2012 in support of their new CD, We Are The Tide. Check below for dates/music/video!

Wednesday, November 23

Blind Pilot Point Juncture, WA 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show All ages welcome

Wednesday, November 23 Crystal Hotel & Ballroom Crystal Ballroom $18 door, $20 day of show Buy Tickets

November 23, Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
December 1, The Wild Buffalo, Bellingham, WA
December 2, Neptune Theatre, Seattle, WA
December 3, Venue, Vancouver, BC
January 27, Knitting Factory, Boise, ID
January 28, Urban Lounge, Salt Lake City, UT
January 30, Boulder Theater, Boulder, CO
February 1, The Waiting Room, Omaha, NE
February 2, Blue Moose Tap House, Iowa City, IA
February 3, Majestic Theatre, Madison, WI
February 4, The Canopy Club, Urbana, IL
February 6, Newport Music Hall, Columbus, OH
February 7, The Crofoot, Pontiac, MI
February 9, Beachland Ballroom Tavern, Cleveland, OH
February 10, Mr Small’s Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA
February 11, The Haunt, Ithaca, NY
February 12, Pearl Street Downstairs, Northampton, MA
February 14, Bearsville Theater, Woodstock, NY
February 16, Rams Head Live, Baltimore, MD
February 17, Jefferson Theater, Charlottesville, VA
February 18, The NorVa, Norfolk, VA
February 21, Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NC
February 22, The Grey Eagle, Asheville, NC
February 23, The Pour House, Charleston, SC
February 24, The Social, Orlando, FL
February 25, Crowbar, Tampa, FL
February 27, Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine Beach, FL
February 28, Club Downunder, Tallahassee, FL
February 29, 40 Watt Club, Athens, GA
March 2, Plush, St. Louis, MO
March 3, The Granada, Lawrence, KS
March 5, Varsity Theater, Minneapolis, MN
March 6, The Aquarium, Fargo, ND

# with Gregory Alan Isakov
~ with Point Juncture, WA

We Are The Tide

upcoming in-store performances & events:

ALL IN-STORE PERFORMANCES ARE AT MUSIC MILLENNIUM 32ND & E BURNSIDE, 503-231-8926

SEVEN INCH STITCH
Thursday, 11/17 – 7 PM
Seven Inch Stitch calls themselves experimental surf music, but that could be for lack of a proper description. Consisting of looped guitar lines, fractured keyboard drones, slide guitar licks, and found sounds, the duo have made a name for themselves playing uniquely flavored shows. They have performed in a dog kennel, at an art gallery, in theaters accompanying digital imagery, with a dance company, and at various nightclubs.

THE SECRET WHISTLE
Friday, 11/18 – 6 PM
The Secret Whistle is an instrumental electronica duo based in Portland, Oregon. With over 40 recordings under their belt in just a few short years, Dan Friedman and Forest Gallien combine subtle elements of hip-hop, lo-fi, dub, ambient, and electronica into a unique synthesis of experimental organic sounds and textures, using various recording methods unique to their genre such as recording live drum samples, layering multiple live bass tracks over each other, and manipulating samples from old vinyl records.

A PREVIEW OF THE NEXT WALTZ with Jeremy Wilson, Joe McMurrian, David Lipkind,
Morgan Geer, Kris Deelane, Adam East, Steve Kerin, and Berthaline
SATURDAY, 11/19 – 3 PM
The Portland music community has always been defined by camaraderie and generosity as well as amazing talent, and that community deserves a celebration every bit as great as The Last Waltz, the party The Band threw for its musical community back in ’76. So the Saturday after Thanksgiving, many of Portland’s favorite players are joining together at the Alberta Rose Theatre for The Next Waltz – paying tribute to that legendary concert, and raising funds for people lacking adequate food and health care via the Jeremy Wilson Foundation and Oregon Food Bank. Get a preview of The Next Waltz on 11/19 at Music Millennium. Performers will include Jeremy Wilson, Joe McMurrian, David Lipkind, Morgan Geer, Kris Deelane, Adam East, Steve Kerin, and Berthaline.

POOR BOY’S SOUL
Sunday, 11/20 – 5 PM
Poor Boy’s Soul is Trever Jones, who makes bone-rattling acoustic stomp music for those pissed off and left behind. Songs on his new album, Burn Down, such as opener “Burn Down This Old House” or “Movin’ To The City” are caught up in the currents of fate and myth; gratifications and torments of the flesh; today’s news and tomorrow’s final reckoning. It is the perfect drinking music for a sobering nation, full of kick drum, tambourine, and the chattering riffs of an old National guitar.

THE ROLLING TONES
Monday, 11/21 – 7 PM
Portland’s own premiere tribute band, The Rolling Tones (featuring Andy Madson as “Mick Swagger”) are kicking off a celebration of the deluxe re-issue of The Rolling Stones’ 1978 classic, Some Girls. It’s the 50th Anniversary of the Rolling Stones in 2012! Band lead Andy Madson (a.k.a. Mick Swagger) delivers his professional style with non-stop energy as the consummate entertainer, frontman and vocalist. Andy and Bob Louthan as “Keith” bring a special chemistry to this performance as they have performed together for over 30 yrs; the music is truly an extension of their craft and long time friendship. The rest of the band delivers spot on renditions of Stones classics to give audiences the closest thing to experiencing a Stones concert!

MOONLIGHT MILE
Monday, 11/28 – 6 PM
Moonlight Mile brings a fresh twist to traditional Americana, adding a dash of slide guitar and a sprinkling of flute over a hearty blend of vocals, rhythm, and soul. Founded by guitarist Robert Richter and singer/multi-instrumentalist Dana Fontaine, Moonlight Mile knows how to whip up a good time!

Eric McFadden • Omar Torrez • Brian Copeland @ Alberta Rose Theater
Thursday Nov 10, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
Doors open at 7:00
$12 Advance | $15 At the Door | BUY TIX ONLINE!

Eric McFadden has played at the Alberta Rose Theater with Storm Large, and he plays in Stockhom Syndrome with another Portland hero, Jerry Joseph. Omar Torrez has toured with Tom Waits and Brian Copeland is this show’s local boy.

Omar Torrez

Seattle native Omar Torrez describes his music as “equal parts rock, Latin, blues, classical, and performance art.”His latest release, A Night of Serious Drinking, was produced by Tony Berg (Michael Penn, Aimee Mann, Bob Dylan, Pink, Public Image Ltd.) and recorded in Los Angeles. “I drank because I wanted to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” — Frida Kahlo”Life is beautiful. Let the future generations cleanse it of all evil, oppression, and violence and enjoy it to the full.” — Leon TrotskyThis album will be released in the Fall.Omar has toured extensively in the US, Mexico, Russia and Europe. He has performed with music giants, including Tom Waits (as Waits’ guitarist on the worldwide Glitter and Doom tour), Kinky, the Buena Vista Social Club, Jethro Tull, Pancho Sanchez, Susana Baca, Mumiy Troll, Francisco Aguabella and many more.Torrez’ heritage is as diverse as his music, ranging from Basque (via Mexico) to Norwegian, Native American and Russian roots. In Seattle he received national attention when he won the National Jimi Hendrix Guitar Competition at the prestigious Bumbershoot Festival. After this victory, Omar embarked on a musical, spiritual and physical journey, traveling the world, studying Cuban and Andalusian gypsy music. Learning form the Cuban and Spanish musical masters such as Carlos del Puerto, Jr. and Juan Serrano, Omar immersed himself in classical and Flamenco guitar. Endorsements include: Fender, Carlos Amplification, Acoustic Image, Breedlove Guitars, and L.R. Baggs. Placements for Omar’s music include NBC’s “Heroes”, “Felicity”, “One Live to Live” and “Gross Point”. Omar is about to start a tour of Russia with famed troubadour Eric McFadden. Russian fans and media are full of curious anticipation of the new music and Omar/Eric curious combination. more >>>

For his latest record, Oh Fortune, Vancouver, BC songwriter Dan Mangan enlisted jazz and classical violinist Eyvind Kang to arrange the songs. Kang — originally from Corvallis, Oregon — created stirring, almost orchestral sounds for a band drawn from Vancouver’s experimental jazz scene. Mangan’s songwriting has also taken on large themes, dealing with isolation and living in the open spaces of the Canadian plains (“Leaves, Trees, Forest”), war and PTSD (“Post-War Blues”) and the rare moment when world attention is focused on a singular event or person (“Oh Fortune”).

Mangan was in Portland in September for Music Fest Northwest and to tour with Blind Pilot. He stopped by OPB’s studios for this solo set and conversation.

Dan Mangan at OPB, 9-9-11.

Recording by Steven Kray with technical assistance from Randy Layton.

Video production: Lana Bui. Shooters: Nate Sjol, Molly Gard and Jeremy Petersen.