Quick Pick: Two Cow Garage @ Dante's 10/26

Photo By Mark A Lawrence IV

Saturday, October 26th
Two Cow Garage
I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House / Barons of Industry
Dante's
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$8 /Day Of:$8
21 & Over

This band of Midwest troubadours are some of the the greatest unsung heroes of modern rock "n" roll. Driven by the purest of punk rock energy and blessed with the poetic heart of song writers Two Cow Garage travel the roads of America like the angry love children of Bruce Springsteen. Whether in the studio or on stage this band goes all in shedding more blood, sweat and tears than any other band you'll ever know.
Lucky for us, they'll be playing a show this Saturday night at Dante's. Touring in support of their latest album The Death of the Self-Preservation Society.and playing with local favorites and long time friends I Can Lick any Sonofabitch in the House this show should be one for the record book. Also on the bill is the rustic sound of Barons of Industry.
So clear your schedule and get a sitter for the kids, because you don't want to miss this show.    

Quick Pick: Austin Lucas @ Dante's 10/15

Photo By Mark A Lawrence IV

Tuesday, October 15th
Austin Lucas
Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires / Eric Schwieterman / Jeremy Wilson
Dante's
350 West Burnside
Doors: 8PM/ Show: 9PM
Adv.: $8/ Day Of: $8
21 & Over

Born with a coal miners soul, the music of Austin Lucas has a certain honesty to it. As though told through the revealing golden light of bourbon his songs are achingly beautiful tales. Able to possess you, there is something comforting to them  like the creek of hardwood floors or your Grandfather's voice. 
Three years ago I caught his set at the White Eagle and I haven't been able to get that show out of my head ever since. The depth of his voice and the purity of his guitar left an impression I can't easily explain. If I'm lucky,  that same magic will fill the air of Dante's this Tuesday night.
With his latest album Stay Reckless out on the New West label, Lucas should be flush with new material. Joining him on stage is a list of great supporting acts, so even though it's a weeknight make sure you don't miss this show.

Cure for the Mondays: Guitar Wolf - "Jet Generation"

Guitar Wolf - "Jet Generation"

Japanese guitar rockers will save us all!!!


The guitar frenzy of Japan's Guitar Wolf is precise and driven like a six string katana attack. Their bold rock'n'roll is wildly vicious and is awe inspiring so make sure that you catch them this Friday at Dante's. Here's the details.    

Thursday, October 10th
Dante's
350 W Burnside St
Doors:8PM / Show:9PM
Adv.:$13.50 /Day Of: $13.50
21 & Over

Tuesday Double Feature: The Black Belles "What Can I Do?" & The Coathangers "Derek's Song"

With two boldly powerful female acts, this weeks Tuesday Double Feature is dedicated to the women. So ladies show us how it's done.

The Black Belles - "What Can I Do?"


Oozing with the gothic sensuality of Elvira and late night horror flicks The Black Belles play a mean garage blues-rock that's filled with tell-tale beats and wailing guitars. Having caught the attention of Jack White, he was quick to put this quartet of dark beauties on his Third Man Records Label and produced their Debut self-titled album in 2011. The last we heard of the Belles was the 7" release of their "Wishing Well" in 2012 so I'm crossing my fingers that we'll hear from them soon.


The Coathangers - "Derek's Song"


Based out of Atlanta, the all female punk band The Coathangers is know for the strength of their live performance and their playfulness. But don't be fooled, these girl know how to play around but their music is all guts and no fear and they'll kick your ass on or off the stage. Currently touring with the Japanese rock gods Guitar Wolf, the girls will be gracing our fair city in just under a week, so guys put on your big boy pants and come see how the women do it.

Here's the Details:

Thursday, October 10th
Dante's
350 W Burnside St
Doors:8PM / Show:9PM
Adv.:$13.50 /Day Of: $13.50
21 & Over

The Triple Crown: 07/15 - 07/28

This installment of The Triple Crown has a wide range of bands to check out, form one of Portland's leading Hip Hop bands to the French pioneers of electro-swing. So whether you are fans of one of these bands or just looking for something  new, you'll find what your looking for.

Friday, July 19th
Bad Habitat (Duel Album Release)
Monster's Ink / Load B / Eminent
The Blue Monk
3341 SE Belmont St
Show: 10PM
Cover: $7
21 & Over

The three prong attack of Portland's Underground hip hop act Bad Habitat is unrelenting and awe inspiring. This band alone has not only excited in me an interest in Portland's vibrant underground hip hop scene, but has also revitalized my faith in the genera as a whole. Celebrating the release of their latest album Paper People, the guys will be sharing the festivities with Monster's Ink who are also releasing their own new album. This show should be amazing tucked into the intimate setting of the Blue Monk. With music this powerful, the venue is sure to be bursting at the seams and exuding an wildly addictive energy that is certain to be  felt blocks away. You can't miss this show, and as an added incentive the first 50 people to pay admission will get a free physical copy of Paper People.

Sunday, July 21st
Deadstring Brothers
Root Jack 
Dante's
350 West Burnside
Door: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Cover: $8
21 & Over

The ghost highway country of Detroit based Deadstring Brothers has just enough blues rock to rattle the crossroads bones a bit. At times stoically mournful without tipping into full on depression, this band has the songwriters sensibility of wandering blue-collar spirits; While still possessing the ability to conjure a danceable strut of a Chicago blues man. On the road in support of their latest Bloodshot Release Cannery Row the Deadstring Brothers will be playing an early short set before Dante's Sinferno Cabaret.  Sharing the stage will be Portland's own three piece country-rock band Root Jack.  So eek out the last little life out of your weekend and check out this show.   

Wednesday, July 24th
Caravan Palace
GlobalRuckus
Star Theater
13 NW Sixth Ave
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Cover: $18
21 & Over

Ripe with a playfully Parisian attitude, the electro-swing of Frances' Caravan Palace has all the wonderful energy of a vertigo inspiring cabaret extravaganza. The music of this digital big band is wonderfully addictive, laced with a fun danceable energy that's hard to deny. Touring in support of their latest album Panic, which saw US release late last month this band is conquering hearts one city at a time. Warming up the crowd will be the boundless DJ styling of Portland's GlobalRuckus.  Certainly something unique, this show is great for anyone looking for something new to add to their musical arsenal. So celebrate the hump and come on out and get your dance on, because what's the point of a well rested Thursday if your life sucks.       

Quick Pick: Eddie Spaghetti @ Dante's 07/14

Sunday, July 14th
Eddie Spaghetti
Dante's
350 West Burnside
Show: 9PM
Cover: $8
21 & Over

Eddie Spaghetti, the hard rocking front man of Seattle’s Supersuckers and bad boy country convert will be playing his drunken-style country-kung-fu at Dante’s this Sunday July 14th. No stranger to the seedier bars and venues of our fair city you can guess this show should be a good one.

Spaghetti’s country songs have a great hair of the dog feel to them. Certainly composed in the blurry eyed hangover of many a rock show, they have the painful honesty and bitterness of to life hard lived and hard played on the road. Carrying the sweet burn of half whiskey and half diesel you can only wonder which might kill you first.

Celebrating the release of The Value of Nothing, his latest album on the Bloodshot label. The night should be memorable. If we’re lucky we might even have a few surprise appearances by some of Portland’s own country outlaws. So make your weekend last a little longer and ward of the Sunday-nighters with a little bit of country and what ever poison makes you smile.

Cure for the Mondays: Youthbitch - "I'm In Love With Girls"

Youthbitch - "I'm In Love With Girls"

I'm not confirming anything, but there might be too many pictures of me in drag to run for public office.



The raunch-rock of Youthbitch is ripe with gain distorted guitars and bare bone rhythms. Their latest 7" I'm in Love With Girls was released on Dirtnap Records, the same label that brought us the immortal Exploding Hearts. Luckily, we won't have to wait long to see their lusciously fuzz-drenched garage madness in person as they will be playing Dante's this Friday for the triumphant return of My Life in Black and White.Check out the details in the Triple Crown and make sure you get their early because this show is sure to sell out.

The Triple Crown: 06/03 - 06/16

This installment of The Triple Crown is stuffed full of goodies including some wonderfully potent outlaw country, the celebrated return of one amazing Portland band, and the release of another local act's latest EP.. No matter how you line it up, it won't be hard to earn your triple crown if you don't mind missing a little sleep to catch some great  music. So cheers and have at it.

Tuesday, June 4th
The Parson Red Heads
Desert Noises / Said The Whale
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside St
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Adv.: $8 / Day Of: $10
21 & Over

The urban folk of Portland's Parson Red Heads is rich with a rustic sound. Acoustically masterful in their instrumentation  this band skirts the boundaries between pleasantly spars and perfectly layered. Vocally their lyrics are delivered in a warmly comforting manner that has the feel of a late summer evening. Refreshing in a  classical style this band and their wonderful sound are a joy to experience both recorded and live. A fact made sweeter by the celebration of the release of  their latest E.P. "6."
Just as exciting is the return of Desert Noises to Portland. Boldly powerful, this band 's music wonderfully pieces together grand elements of sound to form awesomely unforgettable songs. I had the pleasure of catching them last time they were in town and their performance blew me away. Also on the bill is the vibrant rock energy of Said the Whale making for a great night of music.    

Friday, June 7th
My Life in Black and White
Youthbitch
Dante's
350 W Burnside St
Show: 9PM
Adv.: $7 / Day Of: $7
21 & Over

This show at Dante's marks the triumphant return of Portland's blue collar punk band My Life In Black and White. This isn't the adolescent angst of your run of the mill mall punk .With a working class ethic, Dylan Summers' lyrics are the anthems of the hardworking masses with dirt beneath their nails and hearts filled with calloused handed dreams. This is the kind of rock n roll that makes you feel alive played by some of the best guitar slinging bastards that this town has to offer. This band could smoke a long list of internationally touring and radio played acts all without breaking a sweat. In my opinion this group is one of strongest bands to ever play this rainy city our. If you've ever seen them you know what I'm talking about and if you haven't and are reading this preview then trust my eleven years of musical coverage.
After a two year hiatus, this show is a must. Come and watch them shake off the cobwebs because it sure to be a joy to see. Sharing the stage is the is the rambunctious Youthbitch and their wild rocking energy.    


Saturday, June 15th
Whitey Morgan & the 78's
Denver
Dante's
350 W Burnside St
Show: 9PM
Adv.: $7 / Day Of: $7
21 & Over

Like the rebirth of outlaw country, Whitey Morgan digs deep from the influences of Haggard and Jennings. Rejecting the deluded travesty of the current CMT hick pop sound, Morgan plays true honky-tonk Country. Best heard in bars where the smells of cigarettes, whiskey and blood mix into a potent bouquet that is uniquely American in nature. This is the soundtrack to hard living, hard drinking and hard luck. Filled with heart ache and the wreckage of broken promises and dead dreams these songs still hold hope for the hard headed working class dreamers that make this country strong.
Opening the night is Portland's own Denver who's haunting petal steel and mournful vocals are the perfect musical companion to Morgan's headlining set. So order up some whiskey for you and your friends and chase it with a pitcher of beer or a bottle of wine. If you got it in you, take them both and earn your own triple crown.

The Triple Crown: 05/20 - 06/02

This installment of the Triple Crown has a little bit country and a little bit rock n roll, but is all soul. Filled with some amazing acts this Triple Crown also has a the added bonus of being kind to the billfold. So take your pick or see them all, either way it's a great selection of music to choose from.

Tuesday, May 21st
The Detroit Cobras
Pangea / No Good Lovers
Dante's
350 W Burnside St
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9:30PM
Adv.: $13 / Day of: $13
21 & Over

If you love music but don't know about The Detroit Cobras, something is drastically wrong. Having spent nearly the last two decades dusting off forgotten soul gems and revitalizing them with a rock perfection only they are capable of, The Detroit Cobras have earned their place as queens and kings of the musical underground.  Rachel Nagy and her band of merry men and women truly do create some of the greatest soul rockin' music around. Live, the band has few equals, bursting with an energy that attacks with the speed and force of a Bruce Lee movie.
Sharing the night is the garage magnificence of Pangea from LA and Portland's own freak rockers the No Good Lovers.Together this show should be a must, and as for the next morning. The week's already half over, why not make the hump worth getting over.       

Photo By Mark Lawrence IV

Friday, May 24th
Thundering Asteroids!
Pitchfork Motorway / The Vacillators
Katie O'Brien's
2809 NE Sandy Blvd
Show: 9PM
Donation of $3 - $5
21 & Over

Like a good meal, rock shows are always better when bands are perfectly paired. Such is the case with this punk rock show at Katie O'Brien's. The triple threat of these top tier Portland punk bands should make this night memorable. Headlining the festivities is the fabulously fun nerd-core of the Thundering Asteroids!. Righteously energetic their set is always a riot, with songs so drenched in pop culture reference that it's know to cause bouts of 80's retrograde flashbacks. Also on the bill is the all-power, no mess of  Pitchfork Motorway. Their high octane speed rock will red-line your senses and will make you beg for more . While opening the night is the garage tease of The Vacillators with their crunchy guitars and front woman Camille's sultry vocals. If you're looking for good thrills to fill your Friday night I can't think of anything better and the price line is unbeatable.     

Friday, May 31st
Patterson Hood
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi
Doors: 8PM /Show: 9PM
Adv.: $14 / Day Of: $15
21 & Over

All the best song writers are story tellers at their core. Van Morrison, Ronnie Van Zant, Springsteen and certainly Patterson Hood. As one of the front men for the Drive-By Truckers Hood has brought dignity to character back to Southern Rock. As a solo artist Hood reveals a deeper side with songs that are filled with honest stories that are revealing of the wonderful and at times heartbreaking nature of the human experience. Touring in support of this years earlier release of Heat Lighting Rumbles in the Distance, Hood will be bringing his solo act to the warm environs of our own Mississippi Studios. This rare opportunity should not be missed and with tickets still available you should move fast. Make sure you take a second and check out the interview and review of Heat Lighting Rumbles in the Distance we did earlier this year, and I hope to see you at the show.

About Last Night: Two Cow Garage @ Dante's 11/10/12

Last Night Two Cow Garage left everything but a severed limb and the kitchen sink on Dante's stage. For those of us who braved the cold, bore witness to one of the greatest rock shows to roll through Portland in months.

Starting off the night was the blue coller rock of Portland's Truckstop Darlin'. I love the work ethic of this band. There was no messing around. Using every second of their 45 minute slot John Phelan and the boys played every song they could fit. This is how every opening band should be.  Plowing through their set list with a systematic focus Truckstop Darlin' is sure to have please their fans and won some new ones. A perfect introduction into the night, there salt-of-the-earth set lead wonderfully into the aggressively raw performance of fellow Portland favorites I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch In The House. 

The boldly aggressive rock'n'Roll of Micheal Dean Dameron and the irreplaceable crew of SOB is some of the best damn music you will ever hear and this goes twice as true live at Dante's where they hold home court advantage.  Last night was a particularly amazing show even as short as an opening slot in a four band line-up. A perfect balance of the flesh pounding force and heartbreaking vulnerability that is SOB at its best, Dameron's gravel raw vocals seemed more poignant than ever. The band was also in rare form, as though re-energized from a long hiatus and chomping at the bit.  The concussive rhythm of Flapjack Texas's no nonsense drumming and the punctuating precision of Mole Harris's bass poured from the stage with a true physical presence. While the playful guitar flairs of Jon Burbank and harp mastery of David Lipkind gave even familiar songs new life.  As the minutes clicked away I have to admit that I felt a little cheated. I could listen to these guys all night but thankfully the best was yet to come.

Like a punk rock machine gun The Copyrights' followed with a rappid-fire delivery that was unrelenting. Undeniably this band has a hand on that great punk rock energy that can spill from a stage a excite an audience. What they don't have is songs that sound different. Their  performance on stage was powerful  and fit wonderfully in the mix of the bands. Unfortunately, half way through their set it felt as thought they were playing one song the whole time. The one redeeming factor of their show was that their no breaks delivery maintained the momentum of the show and spring-boarded the night in to the mind blowing performance of Two Cow Garge.     

And what a performance it was. Bounding across the stage with uncanny punk rock dexterity Shane Sweeney and Micah Schnabel flew about like balls of rock'n'roll fury. It's been a long time since I've seen a performance this unyieldingly powerful. Fueled with an energy formulated from one part small town frustration, one part artistic hunger and a good helping of pure joy to be on a stage in front of a crowd that loved them; there was no stopping these boys. Driving through one song to the next, the crowd howling along the red hewed walls of Dante's never felt this familiar. Near Primal, Two Cow Garage gave there all and we loved every moment of it.
Combined these bands gave one of the best concerts I've seen and reminded us beyond party lines what America is really about.

Quick Pick: Saturday, November 10th

Saturday, November 10th
Two Cow Garage
Truckstop Darlin' / The Copyrights / I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House
Dante's
350 W Burnside
Doors: 8PM /Show: 9PM
Adv.: $10 /Day Of: $10
21 & Over

With a line-up of some of the greatest working class rock bands in America, this might in fact be one of the best concerts of the fall, if not the year.
Topping the bill is the awesome talent of Ohio based Two Cow Garage. With the lyrical soul of Springsteen and the punk rock heart of Fugazi these boys have been making some of the most honest rock' n 'roll on the road today. What the Black Keys have done with electrified broken blues, these boys have done with Midwest blue-collar rock' n 'roll and deserve as much credit and attention. If this band isn't already on your radar than here's your chance to catch then at their best.
Filled out the rest of the bill is some of Portland's own amazing working class bands including the labor-worn lyricism of Turckstop Darlin' and the hard rocking power of  I Can Lick Any Sonfoabitch in the House which in my opinion is easily the greatest undiscovered talents in the US today.
Don't miss this show. It's been a long time since I've seen a lineup that paired bands this successfully and is sure to make the show unforgettable. So leave your post election worries at home and come out and see what the real America is all about.     

The Triple Crown: 08/20 - 09/02

Friday, August 24th 
Night Beats
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors: 8PM /Show: 9PM
Adv.: $10 / Day Of: $10
21 & Over

The Go-Go freak-a-delic groove of the Night Beats is a wonderfully sinful treat. Rich in fuzz coated guitars and a sultry pulsing rhythm that can make you ache this Seattle band will be tearing at the wall of the Doug Fir this Friday night. Like a dreamy trip of graphically vicious proportions their garage flavored rock is instantly addictive. A great way to start off your weekend and embark on an awesome Triple Crown.    

Saturday, August 25th
I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch In the House
Brothers of the Last Watch / Root Jack / Burn The Stage
Dante's
350 W. Burnside St
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9:30PM
Adv.: $7 / Day Of: $7
21 & Over

What more can I say about this band but that they are one of the hardest rocking working class bands in America . Next to Otis Redding their one of my favorites and believe me when I tell you that they have earned it. With the songwriting mastery of Micheal Dean Damron translated the way God intended through the ensemble of Handsome John Burbank on guitar, Mole Harris on Bass, the drums of Flapjack Texas, and the sweet  harp of David Lipkind; SOB is truly one of the greats. Their recorded material is amazing but it's their live show that truly shines. Like a hard rock tent revival a night with this band is unforgettable. Word from the band is that this will be the last Portland show in a while so make sure you don't miss it.



Sunday, September 2nd
Gotye
McMenamins' Edgefield
2126 SW Halsey St; Troutdale
Doors: 5PM / Show: 6PM
Adv.: $49.50 / Day Of: $52
All Ages

You would have to have lived in a very deep cave not to have heard Gotye's song "Someone That I Use to Know" sometime over the last year, but there is so much more to this artist. With diversely stylized and boldly imaginative music that's reminiscent of  Peter Gabriel and The Police era Sting, Gotye is a master of crafting the auditory medium. The way he sees sound and is able to form it is like Picasso and his paint brush. Having spent the last few years making a name for himself internationally, it's nice to see that here in the states we're coming around to see the light of his genius. This concert on the lawn at the wonderful Edgefield should be a perfect way to finish out the last few days of summer.  

The Triple Crown: 04/23 -05/06

I know April is all about the environment, but I'd like to petition that the latter part of the month and the first part of May should be dedicated to the amazing women of  rock'n'roll. So this Triple Crown is has three concretes that showcase some outstanding female acts gracing Portland.

Saturday, April 28th
Thundering Asteroids!
48 Thrills / The Food / The Vacillators
Club 21
2035 NE Glisan
Show:9PM
Free!!
21 & Over

If you are anything like me you have those moments where you realize that an unfair amount of your brain is filled with unprofitable pop culture trivia rather than rocket science. If that's the case, then you're going to love the Thundering Asteroids!. Littered with enough TV, movie and video game references to make your head spin this Portland band has a unique style they have affectionately dubbed:  geek-core.   Lead by the skater vixen Minn this band is having a blast putting the fun back in punk rock.Whether you're already a fan or just curious, make sure you don't miss this show as the band says goodbye to their drummer and will be taking the next few months off. Populated with a line-up of bands that all love playing with each other this is certain to be a night to remember. Heck it doesn't cost a thing, so how can you say no. 
 







Friday, May 4th
Girl In A Coma
Pinata Protest/ Sara Radle
Dante's
1 SW 3rd Ave.
Doors: 8PM /Show: 9PM
Adv.:$10
21 & Over

Darkly brooding and viciously wild at times the band Girl in a Coma seems like a wounded beast; ready to bite at anyone who ventures too close. If you've ever caught them live, it's no mystery why Joan Jett, signed them to her Blackhearts Records label. I'm sure they reminded her of her younger self, all spit and vinegar and hell bent to take on the world. It's a treat to see three women as talented as these rocking the crap out of their instruments and leaving the bloody wreckage of their hearts on the stage. Playing at Dante's, I can't think of a better venue to see this band. I caught them one of the last times they were in town and they were truly worth the money.
Join them on stage is the one woman tour de force Sara Radle and the Mexicali boarder punk of fellow Texans Pinata Protest. With music like this you got to shake off those working blues and get your weekend started right.       

Sunday, May 6th
Katie Herzig
Andrew Belle
Aladdin Theater
3017 SE Milwaukie Ave
Doors:7PM/ Show:8PM
Adv.:$15 / Day Of:$15
Minors Accompanied By Parents

Katie Herzig is a sweet souled songwriter of the highest caliber, and any time you can catch her wonderfully honest live show is a must. Finding the perfect balance between compelling song writing and pop-playfulness Herzig's music is mature enough for a more discerning audience and yet ripe with a child like wonderment potent enough to put a smile on any ones face. Blessed with a beautiful voice and a job she loves. it's apparent she loves to me on stage as much to sing as connecting with the people in the crowd. I can't think of an artist that seems to be as genuinely as nice when performing. It's that kindness and human quality that makes it such a joy to see her live. I can't wait to see her soar in the wonderful settings of the Aladdin Theater, not to mention this all ages show will allow my 12 year-old daughter, a huge fan, the opportunity to see her live. So bring the family and take in this terrific artist.    

Birthday Binger-Part 1:Let's hear it for the ladies

It's been 4 years since I drank enough to howl at the moon. In those days I use to be famous for celebrating my birthday with a little more than the needed amount of friendly libations. Now sober, I still have a tendency toward toasting another year of life with a little binging. These days it's with a whole lot of live music in the two weeks leading up to my birthday. So this is the first of two articles previewing the six awesome shows I'm hoping to catch in the next two weeks. I hope to see you at a few.


Thursday, August 18th
Avengers
Roxy Epoxy & The Rebounds/Defect Defect/Ari Shine
Dante's
350 West Burnside
Doors:8PM /Show: 9PM
Adv.:$10 /Day Of:$12
21 & Over

Penelope Houston is a pivotal figure in Punk rock whether the world knows it or not, and a concert by the Avengers is better than a visit by royalty. Having originally existed in a short span of time between 1977 to 1979 this band ran with the likes of the Sex Pistols, X and the Dead Kennedy's and created some of the most meaningful punk rock that ever existed. Their music was not just rage and rebellion, it was raw emotion given purpose and their brief run might in fact have, in my opinion, legitimized punk rock as a musical form. The ground work they laid has shaped all the music that followed. Whether you like punk rock or not this is a show you don't want to miss.
Blessed with the opportunity to support this band is Portland's siren of synth-punk Roxy Epoxy and her band the Rebound. Energetic and powerful in her own right she is a perfect compliment to these trailblazers of punk. Also on the bill is the berserker assault of Defect,Defect and the unique pairing of Ari Shine's rock'n'roll. If your withing 400 miles of Portland or Seattle this weekend you need to make this show.


Sunday, August 21st
The Ettes
Hans Condor/My Goodness
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$10/Day Of:$12
21 & Over

The musical equivalent to the perfect storm, The Ettes have a power and energy that can lift cars and up root trees. Their fuzz rich guitars and strutting groove makes a raw sexy sound that feel lusciously dirty and is delivered with a speed that causes whiplash in those improperly secured. With the tornado fury of Poni on drums and the deceptively aggressive precision of Coco and Jem; live, this three piece might have no equal.Touring in support of their latest audio masterpiece Wicked Will; Coco and the crew reveal a new unshakable confidence and the slightest effects of the outlaw country of their new home town of Nashville.
I saw this band 2 years ago at Slabtown and have been jonesing for a chance to see them again ever since. Joining them on stage, like two brothers, is the bluesy aggression of Hans Condor whose powerful music is a thunderously sweaty beast while the broken blues of My Goodness has a smoother yet just as effective come on.



Monday, August 22nd
White Mystery
Shannon & The Clams/The Men/Milk Music/Hurry Up
East End203 SE Grand Ave
Show:9PM
Price: $8
21 & Over

The bold fuzztastic rock'n'roll of Chicago based White Mystery is a powerful thing made of an audio force that can topple buildings. Their crunchy garage madness is an assault of viciously raw guitar and a blunt force attack of brutal drumming. Like a page out of Phil Specters "Wall of sound", this brother and sister duo make the music that melts the brain and infects your body with an unforgiving rhythm. Live their energy is highly unstable and verges on volatile. Like their wild locks of vibrant red hair Alex and Francis are barely containable when on stage which will make this night at the East End outrageously fun.
Sharing the bill is four other awesome bands. Headlining is the 50's garage flashback phenomenon of Shannon and The Clams. While the supporting slots are held by the wild sonic freakout of The Man, the boldly raw force of Milk Music and the freshly birthed super-group of Hurry Up. Jammed pact with music there's no better way to spend this Monday night.

The Triple Crown: 05/17 - 05/30

This Triple Crown is filled with some fun shows, so get off your couch and enjoy yourself.


Wednesday, May 18th
Kasey Anderson & the Honkies
Gasoline Silver/Lincoln's Beard
Mississippi Studios
3939 N. Mississippi
Doors: 8:30PM/ Show: 9PM
Adv.: $5/Day Of: $7
21 & Over

The bluesy rock'n'roll of Kasey Anderson and the Honkies is a thick brew of raw guitars spread over a rhythm of industrial beats. With echos of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, Anderson revels himself as a blue collar troubadour of extraordinary caliber. Brimming with amazing stories that translate into vibrant living songs, his music is the confession of a man who carries the long miles in his shoes and the memory of loss in his chest. Live Anderson and his tightly astute band controls the stage like a crossroads preacher who's fighting for souls with his words of common mans' truth. This amazing showmanship is sure to captivate and overwhelm the audience in the quaint atmosphere of Mississippi Studios, so make sure you don't miss it.
Joining Kasey and his Honkies will be Gasoline Silver who's music is an oddly fascinating mix of Dylan and the Ramones, giving it the artsy feel of late 70's Manhattan. Finishing off the opening line up is the energetic folk of Vancouver's Lincoln's Beard who's sound lends heavily from the likes of The Band.
This a perfect show to celebrate hump day and start this Triple Crown, so breakout of your weekly rut in style. Add dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants in the area, and this will make the weekend that much sweeter once it arrives.


Friday, May 20th
Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers
Hillbilly Hellcats/Honey Wars
Dante's
350 West Burnside
Doors: 8PM/Show: 9PM
Adv.:$20/Day Of:$25
21 & Over

If you know about Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, then you already have your tickets. But, if you still haven't discovered this amazing band and their fun filled live show then you need to get your ass down to Dante's for this Friday night show. Known as much for their punchy liquor fueled rock'n'roll as their loyal family of fans. A Peacemaker concert has the feel of a great party. With music richly influenced with south of the border elements that have blown across the Rio Grande on dry Arizona desert winds. Clyne and his men are road worn rockers of near legendary status with enough desert hippie and hard drinking surfer in them to make their songs wildly fun and soulfully honest.
Sharing the stage will be the raucous rockabilly of the Hillbilly Hellcats whose swinging music is wonderfully energetic and infectiously danceable. Also on the bill is an opening set by the folksy country of Portland's own Honey Wars. This is sure to be one of the funnest shows to hit Portland this month so make sure you don't miss it.

Thursday, May 26th
Guitar Wolf
Cheap Time/The Flip Tops
Dante's
350 West Burnside
Doors: 8PM/Show: 9PM
Adv.: $13.50/ Day Of: $15
21 & Over

The sound of Guitar Wolf is the angry growl of motorcycles through the over crowded streets of Tokyo and the primal scream of a people who have clawed their way out of the ashes time and time again. Aggressively powerful and abusively fast these gods of Japanese rock play their music like a physical assault; vicious and unrelenting. Blending the personality of 60's Garage rock with the fury of punk, this band has a style all of it's own. Live they are a force of nature clad in leather and speed and if you're lucky enough to survive the show you'll wear your scars with pride, showing them to anyone you can.
Opening the show is the speed punk of Portland's The Flip Tops. Their gritty garage fuzz is a perfect compliment to Guitar Wolf and an amazing way to open up the show. Additional support comes in the form of the new wave psychedelic of Cheap Time.
A chance to see a band this good in a small venue like Dante's doesn't come around too often so make sure you don't miss it.