Dolly Parton Hoot Night! Yes!

I collect records and would have to say that among my favorites are a couple of early Dolly Parton albums. Not many people know this, but Parton has written and published over 600 Read more

Tony Smiley

Tony Smiley is one of the most entertaining and talented musicians in the Portland area. He is dubbed the loop-ninja and, when you witness his verbal throwing stars and his black belt in smooth riffs, you’ll understand why. Tony plays every instrument by himself, one at a time, while his assistant Kevin helps loop and mix the new sounds. OK, I know it doesn’t sound that difficult but until you see him live, don’t knock it. He makes it look easy but I can assure you it’s not. His wide range of sounds can have you feeling good, like on “My Love” and “Storybook” or have you up out of your seat rockin’ with “Neighbor” and “Thea Thea”. Either way, watching him at least once in your lifetime and/or picking up one of his CD’s (Sand Paintings or Driving Myself Sane) is recommended. He plays anywhere from the Buffalo Gap in Portland all the way up to the 15th St. Pub in Vancouver. If you go see Tony be sure to give him lots of love and he will be sure to give it back.

http://tonysmiley.com/
http://www.myspace.com/tonysmiley

Oregon Zoo Summer Concert Series

Summer’s just around the bend, which means it’s time to get your tickets for the 2008 Oregon Zoo Summer Concert Series. And, as always, there are some great acts lined up, Read more

Atmosphere at the Crystal

I’m from the Midwest, Wisconsin to be specific, where independent hip hop has made a steady climb towards respectability due in large part to the efforts of rapper Slug and DJ/producer Ant, the Minneapolis, Minnesota duo who make up Atmosphere. Slug and Ant, who have been making music together since 1993, are one of the biggest success stories in the history of hip hop, achieving commercial success while continuing to produce independent music. The group now works under its own label, Rhymesayers Entertainment, and are on tour in support of their new album When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold.

ATMOSPHERE: Crystal Ballroom
Monday, May 12
w/ Abstract Rude and DJ Rare Groove
7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show | $20 advance, $23 day of show | All ages

Duff’s Garage

Duff’s Garage is all about Americana. This is the type of place where a High Life tastes just right and the girl smoking across the room looks like a young Linda Ronstadt. Duff’s is a bar/live music venue that knows its niche and fills it well. The walls are plastered with pictures of country outlaws and early rock ‘n roll icons, as well as relics and memorabilia from halcyon days of the American roadside diner. It’s a great place to hang out and see some of Portland’s finest roots musicians–from country to blues to surf and garage. A Portland gem.

Duff’s Garage
1635 SE 7th Ave
(503) 234-BEER

Portland’s Wonder Ballroom

As we walk up in the dark, I don’t really notice how large the building actually is. The front looks fairly unassuming with its humble community center feel and small, almost undetectable neon sign. This building has served many purposes since its inception in 1914 as a meeting place for the The Ancient Order of Hibernians, an Irish Immigrant reform group. Since then the building has been used for just about everything under the sun: a Catholic Youth Center, a sports and events facility, a boxing school, an American Legion Navy Post, a WWII news center, a community and child care center, etc. In 2002, the building was shut down, only to be renovated and restored to its current glory as the Wonder Ballroom. They have done a great job turning a once utilitarian building into a beautiful ballroom. This building itself never had any of the baroque splendor of the Crystal Ballroom or the Bagdad Theater, but what it lacks in ornateness it makes up for in humble charm, warm sound and perfect views from anywhere in the room. The huge brightly-colored murals on the walls give the space a touch of class and would fit in with just about any kind of music or event. The drinks are reasonably priced (especially compared to the Crystal or Roseland) and the staff is friendly. The Wonder Ballroom is a great addition to the Portland music scene. I can’t wait to see another show there.

Portland’s Cinco de Mayo

Portland’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is the first big celebration of the year at Portland’s Waterfront Park. Attracting more than 300,000 people a year, Portland’s Cinco de Mayo Read more

What is the 3900 Festival?

33 indie bands. Camping. All ages. The 3900′ Festival is a novel idea–you take a bunch of unsigned or indie label bands and you put them all together. Throw in some camping and a beautiful location and you have all the ingredients for a magical weekend. And this has to be the cheapest festival around Portland all year. For $53 you get a two-day pass which includes camping–not bad at all! Granted there are no marquee bands on the bill, but admit it, the headliners are always disappointing anyway. This is the festival of the opening acts-a scrappy, hungry lot that takes nothing for granted and always aims to please. In other words, this should be good!

3900′ Festival : June 27th & 28th : Horning’s Hideout : North Plains, OR

For more info, the band lineup and for tickets, visit the festival website.

Colin Meloy - Wonder Ballroom

Fresh off the release of his first sans-Decemberists album, Colin Meloy Sings Live! (Kill Rock Stars, 2008), Mr. Meloy is wrapping up a mini-western US tour with a show in his home base of Portland, Oregon. He will be playing the Wonder Ballroom on Saturday May 3rd w/ Laura Gibson, a fellow Portland-based singer/songwriter.

Wonder Ballroom and Cafe Wonder : 128 NE Russell St. : (503) 284.8686
May 3rd, 8pm (doors at 7) $20 advance, $23 door

National Record Store Day

Remember the last time you moved and swore you would never buy another record again for the rest of your life? Well it’s time to forget all that nonsense, because this Saturday (April 19th) is National Record Store Day! So get out and support your favorite local record store! God knows they need all the help they can get these days. In the age of free downloads and pirated music, fewer people appreciate the unique experience that a record store can offer. Below are a few of the events planned in Portland for this sacred day.

Jackpot Records Downtown (203 SW 9th Ave)

Local Portland band, MENOMENA will be challenging Jackpot Records customers to free foosball for National Record Store Da If your lucky enough to beat the band, your name will go in a hat and one lucky winner will win free special gifts. The band will also be bringing their private collection of vinyl and DJ’ing during the event.

Music Millennium (3158 E Burnside)

Music Millennium is celebrating this landmark event with a day of celebration, including free live music, giveaways, and prizes. Chris Margolin is performing at 1 and 2 PM, and Dylan May is performing at 4 and 5 PM.

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