"Cannibals Week" Wrap up

It's been an awesome week with the Summer Cannibals as they took BLS on the maiden voyage of band take over. Thanks goes out to the band for all their great additions.
Don't miss the chance to catch there amazing live show this Wednesday at Mississippi Studios for The Mercury's free Ear Candy show. Joining them is the spacey pop of fellow Portland band Grandhorse.

Here are the details:
Wednesday, February 5th
Mississippi Studios
3939 N. Mississippi
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Free Show
21 & Over

Here's another little taste of what you'll see.

The Triple Crown: 12/31 - 01/12

Thursday, January 9th 
Summer Cannibals
Hurry Up / Spookies
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Door: 8PM/Show: 9PM
Cover: $5
21 & Over

The gritty mood rock of the Summer Cannibals is a breath of fresh air and further proof that Portland is truly a magical place if you love great music. With their boldly powerful songs and a dynamic stage show, this band is certainly one to watch in the new year. Celebrating the release of their Make You Better EP the band is commandeering the Doug Fir Lounge for an all out rock 'n' roll joyride. Joining them on stage is the ferocious power of Thermals side project Hurry Up and the throwback mod-garage rock sound of the Spookies. In all, this should be an amazing night of awesome music. So start you weekend a little early.  


Friday, January 10th 
The Reverend Horton Heat
Thw Nekromantix / Old Man Markley
Wonder Ballroom
128 NE Russell St
Door: 8PM/Show: 9PM
Adv.: $22 / Day Of: $25
21 & Over

Like a rock 'n' roll tent revival, this show at the Wonder Ballroom should be a near religious experience. Headlined by the amazing Reverend Horton Heat himself, he has surrounded himself with a lineup of awesome supporting acts including the phychobilly saints, The Nekromantixs and the Twangy rockabilly of Old Man Markley. With a line up like this how can anyone not have fun; surrounded by pompadours and dolled up rockabilly girls, one might consider this the perfect formula for a Friday night. 


Sunday, January 12th
Maria Taylor
St. Even / PJ Bond
Mississippi Studios
3939 N. Mississippi
Door: 7PM / Show: 8PM
Adv.: $12 / Day Of :$12
21 & Over

Th angelic voice of singer/song-writer Maria Taylor is a sonic slice of heaven.Compelled by a song birds heart her music is richly human, breathtakingly honest and has just a touch of the southern charm of her Alabama upbringing. You could easily spend a lifetime listening to her records but watching her in concert is so much more rewarding. Always a fun and comfortable experience her live show has the feel of a family affair. Touring in support of her latest album Something About Knowing, Taylor has brought along fellow artist St. Even and PJ Bonds to join her on the stage of the amazing Mississippi Studios. This is a perfect way to spend a Sunday night and with this sweet music still in your ears, it just might make Monday a little easier to deal with. 

The Triple Crown: 08/12 - 08/25

Tuesday, August 13th
The Heavy
The Silent Comedy
Mississippi Studio
3939 N Mississippi
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Adv.: $12 / Day Of: $12
21 & Over

Like the bastard sons of James Brown, The Heavy have a sounds that's equal parts Detroit back ally attitude and crossroad's devil-deal  blues. Blessed with a bad ass soul that feel strait out of a Shaft movie, these boys from the UK are powerful and bold. The way they administer their cold-cocked funk makes you want to shake your money maker in a ways that's illegal in fifteen countries. Best known for the use of their song "How You Like Me Now?" in numerous commercials and other arenas. We're lucky to have the chance to catch then in such an intimate venue as the Mississippi Studio.  Joining them is the folk rock of  San Diego-based The Silent Comedy. Even though it's a work night this should be an awesome show so make sure you get there early. 




Thursday, August 15th
JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound
Brownish Black
Lola's Room
1332 W Burnside
Doors: 7PM / Show:8PM
Adv.: $15 / Day Of: $17
All Ages

The soulful crooning of JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound is like the caress of a good lover. Telling in its urgency, it is both comforting and exciting and always leaves you wanting more. Based out of Chicago this neo-soul group has a sound that transitions the heydays of it's influencing genera. From 50's doo wop to the grooving funk of the 70's, their sound is bold and rich. Touring in support of their latest album Howl, their show at the Crystal Ballroom's little sister venue Lolo's Room should be awesome. Opening the night is the funky grove of Portland's Brownish Black. If you grew up listening to your folk's soul LP's this is the show you want to catch. So get yourself dapper and pull that lover close to you on the dance floor.

 
Monday, August 19th
Mother Falcon
Mississippi Studio
3939 N Mississippi
Doors: 7PM / Show: 8PM
Adv.: $8 / Day Of: $10
21 & Over

Paring symphonic instrumentation with the pop sensibility of an indi-rock band Mother Falcon is truly unique. Based out of Austin this group has truly developed a signature sound with boldly sweeping strings, punctuating horns and multiple other instruments creating a vibrant collage of sound. Consisting of a cast of 17 artist it will be interesting just to see how they fit them all up on the stage. If you are looking for something totally different this is a safe bet. Great music preformed in a wonderfully interesting way Mother Falcon is a awesome way to shake off the painful grind of your Monday. Don't make an early morning an excuse because with a 7PM start time there'll be enough time to get your beauty rest.     

The Triple Crown: 07/29 - 08/11

Thursday, August 1st
Summer Cannibals(Record Release)
Grandparents / XDS
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Adv.: $5 / Day Of: $5
21 & Over

In my opinion one of the best new bands in Portland the Summer Cannibals will be celebrating the release of their debut album No Makeup, at Mississippi Studios this Thursday evening. Their grungy fuzz rock is raw and boldly rhythmic.  Fronted by the sultry voice of Jessica Boudreaux the cannibals have a sound that melds  DIY punk with garage rock a-go-go. Like an L7 for a new generation this band is taking all the right strides to stardom. If the album is any sign, this band has a lot of awesome music to share with the world, but you're going to have to get your own copy at the show to find out.
Also on the bill is the uniquely different psychedelic styling of Portland based bands the Grandparents and XDS. It's sure to be a great show so come on out and make sure you pick up a copy of the new album.  

Saturday, August 3rd
Blown Fuses Bloody Ears Comp. Release Party
Stumblebum / 42 Ford Prefect / The Thornes / The Anxieties / Dartgun and the Vignettes/ Thundering Asteroids
Tonic Lounge
3100 NE Sandy
Show: 8PM
Cover: $6
21 & Over

The Portland punk event of the summer, if not the year, this show at the Tonic is not to be missed by lovers of the local music scene. Celebrating the release of Blown Fuses Bloody Ears, an amazing new compilation on the local Volume Bomb Records label. This show has a line up of some of the best punk bands our town has to offer. From the nerd core of the Thundering Asteroids! to the speed frenzy of 42 Ford Prefect, there is sure to be something for everyone. With six bands for six bucks this show is easy on the wallet and there's no better bang for your buck this weekend.So make your way down to the Tonic and be sure to tuck a little extra money in your shoe to pick up a copy of this great compilation at the end of the night.     

Wednesday, August 7th
Bobby Bare Jr.
Mike Coykendall / Gabriel Mintz
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Adv.: $12 / Day Of: $12
21 & Over

The son of country music royalty and the pupil of Shel Silverstein, Bobby Bare Jr. has all the makings of a songwriting prophet. Awkwardly honest and painfully heartbreaking at times he is a survivor of drugs, sex and rock 'n' roll.  Blessed with a touch of the whimsical, the songs of Bare Jr are snapshots of the world in all of it's laughable chaos. Live, their are few equals. Able to tap an energy that boarders on madness you will never forget your first Bobby Bare Jr. show and ever after, will crave any chance to see him again. Topping off the show will be the Neil Young-styled rock of Gabriel Mintz and the concrete-folk of Mike Coykendall.
Still a great price at $12 bucks this show is certainly a must do, so  make a night of it with dinner at one of Mississippi's great eateries and stay for one of the best shows you'll ever see.

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: Kate Nash @ Mississippi Studios 05/13

Photo By Mark Lawrence IV

Last night was the most fun I’ve ever had at Mississippi Studios, which is saying a lot for a Monday night show. It helped that it was sold out and the crowd was brimming with excitement at their chance to see Kate Nash, but it’s still a note worthy fact.

Opening the night was the feel good cotton candy guitar pop of Peach Kelli Pop. Their lighthearted garage romp was energetically upbeat and infectiously danceable. There was nothing weighty about this band; they were just having fun up there on stage, and all of us in the audience could tell. Like the sun baked surf rock of the sixties this optimistic set seemed to mimic the beautiful weather outside. Allie Hanlon and her band must dine on sun rays and rainbows because their playing lacked any form of pretention. I admit this music might not save the world but it sure makes you feel good while you’re in it. Peach Kelli Pop was a perfect compliment to the performance awaiting us in Kate Nash. So as an opening act, they did their job stunningly.

Photo By Mark Lawrence IV

Now to say that Kate Nash was amazing would be a horrendous understatement, because she was so mush more than that. From the moment she took the stage Nash was an unstoppable ball of energy. Bounding across the stage with all the wonderful joy of a child in a bouncy house; at times you had to wonder if she might not be affected by gravity in the same manner as the rest of us. Projecting a powerful confidence that switched between a sensual punk rock mystic and the lovingly approachable girl next door, Nash filled the night with aggressively preformed songs and laughter inspiring stage banter.

Visually the show was uniquely compelling with the incorporation of a multimedia element that made it feel like a U2 concert, but without the pomp and high ticket prices. Not to be overlooked, Nash’s band was equally energetic throwing themselves into each song with a joyful abandonment. It was clear that they were having the time of their lives and they grew more and more excitable, feeding off the energy of the audience. 

Photo By Mark Lawrence IV


At the end of it all this show was overwhelming to the senses. Visually exciting, energetically tactile, and filled with some unforgettable musical performances, this concert will certainly rank high with all those lucky enough to have caught it. Having had little previous exposure to Kate Nash before the show I can tell you that without a doubt that next time she swings through town, I will certainly be one of the many tucked into the crowd anxious to see her again.

About Last Night: Hurry Up @ Mississippi Studios 05/05

Last night’s show at Mississippi Studios was a showcase of some of the amazing female musicians this city has to offer.

First on deck was the thunderous rock n roll of the Summer Cannibals. The newest group on the bill, this band is truly developing into a local powerhouse. Oozing a boldly aggressive sensuality Jessica Bourdreaux and the crew play their garage dirty tunes with a strutting confidence that builds with each song. Calculating and controlled their performance had a baser feel like a hunter stalking prey. Coordinated guitar attacks and uncanny stage awareness added to the visual aesthetic of their set. While forcefully dive into songs without losing control, proved them to be masters of their art. I swear this band gets better with each show and it’s getting me excited for the release of there debut album, rumored for this July. If you haven’t seen them yet, make it a priority.

Next to the stage were Kim Baxter and her band. Enjoyably confident they performed their dreamy mod rock with a polished crispness that spoke volumes of the experience of these musicians and the bond between them. Radiating a euphoric optimism, Baxter seemed at home on stage and the resulting effect it had on the music was apparent. Beautifully energetic, the clarity of the bands fuzz lovely songs spilled from the stage lightening hearts and limbs while leaving us all doe-eyed for the rock n roll sweetheart that is Kim Baxter. As an audience member it’s nice to see artists that are good at what they do and enjoy doing it. If you loved her in the All Girl Summer Fun Band then make sure you check out her solo material, you won’t be disappointed.

Last up was the local super group Hurry Up. Though the shortest set in the night it truly was the most energetically wild. True to their name, the Hurry Up played fast and furious songs, bringing the punk aesthetic to the night. Trading off vocals between Maggie Vail and Westin Glass gave a unique dynamic to the show making it truly feel like collaboration instead of the Thermals with a different bass player. Musically tight, this band had the work ethic of steam engine punching through one song after another. Ultimately I would have liked to a longer set, but I was happy with what I did see. Hopefully the band will be releasing some material soon, but until then I’ll settle for the occasional show.

Without a margarita or a cerveza I guess it wasn’t much of a Cinco Di Mayo, but with all this good music on stage made for a great Sunday night.

Quick Pick: Hurry Up @ Mississippi Studio 05/05

Photo By Mark Lawrence IV

Sunday, May 5th
Hurry Up
Kim Baxter / Summer Cannibals
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Adv.:$5 /Day Of:$5
21 & Over

For those of you that are in need of your weekly music fix but want to avoid the downtown madness of Cinco De Mayo, this cheap show at Mississippi Studios tomorrow night is perfect. With an amazing lineup of local acts, there might not be a better bang for your buck in town. Headlining the show is the fitful energy of Hurry Up. A dynamic three piece that plays a raw crunchy rock n roll made of tightly woven full throttle chaos. Consisting of Maggie Vail and Thermals' alum Kathy Foster and Westin Glass this threesome are known to make some ruckus.

Photo By Mark Lawrence IV

Equally deserving of mention are the two opening acts of Kim Baxter and the Summer Cannibals. Long time Portland music staple Kim Baxter is well remembered as a member of the All Girl Summer Fun Band. Now a solo artist under her own monicker, Baxter is playing a boldly atmospheric electro-mod-rock. Finishing off the line up is the Summer Cannibals. The youngest group on the bill, this band of new comers to the Portland scene has some of the greatest potential I've seen in years. Having caught one of their recent shows I was blown away by the powerful nature of their crunchy fuzz rock and the Honestly raw sensuality of front woman Jessica Boudreaux. This is one of those show where you'll want to get there early to catch all the great music. So come on down and have dinner at one of the many amazing eateries lining Mississippi and make a night of it before you have to start another week of the grind.  

Tuesday Double Feature: Bleached "Next Stop"& Kim Baxter "Devil On My Side"

This week's Tuesday Double Feature focuses on two female garage pop acts coming to Portland this week. So take a listen, dust off your mod wear and get yourself to a show.

Bleached - "Next Stop"


Made up of Jennifer and Jessie Calavin, the LA sister act Bleached are cruising high with their sun baked garage pop. Having just released their debut album Ride Your Heart on the Dead Oceans label, the ladies are on the road in support. They'll be playing the Star Theater this Friday, May 3rd.
Details:
Doors:8:30PM / Show:9PM
Adv.: $5/ Day Of: $5
21 & Over


Kim Baxter - "Devil On My Side"


No stranger to the Portland music scene, Kim Baxter spent ten years in the All Girl Summer Fun Band. Now on her own, Baxter released her first solo album last spring The Tale of Me and You with the recent vinyl re-release on the German label Expect Candy. She'll be playing Sunday, May 5th at Mississippi Studio with Hurry Up and the Summer Cannibals.
Details:
Doors: 8PM/ Show:9PM
Adv.: $5/ Day Of: $5
21 & Over

Quick Pick: King Dude @ Mississippi Studios 03/27

Wednesday, March 27th
King Dude
Of The Wand And The Moon / A Story of Rats
Mississippi Studios
3939 N. Mississippi
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Adv.: $8 / Day Of: $10
21 & Over

Channeling elements of Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison, the tombstone country folk of King Dude is a darkly mournful sound filled with the ache of train whistles and ghost tow wails. A purely organic musical form this is rock'n'roll before it found its danceable rhythm.  Fresh on the heels of his latest album Burning Daylight he is playing a few limited west coast dates including a show this Wednesday evening at Mississippi Studios. Joining him on stage will be Of The Wand And The Moon and A Story Of Rats, two equally dark acts. So if you're like the rest of us and the idea of spring break is a distant memory buried under a 9 to 5 job and responsibility, take this opportunity to rebel against the system with a late night and some live music. 

Quick Pick: Crushed Out @ Mississippi Studios 01/31

Thursday, January 31st
Crushed Out
Desert Noises / Summer Cannibals
Mississippi Studios
3939 N. Mississippi
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Adv.: $6 / Day Of: $8
21 & Over

The bare bones garage rock of Crushed Out is an energetic whirlwind of building momentum. Ripe with gain lovely guitar and wildly driving beats, their music has all the groove and attitude of Mick Jagger's hips in 1963. Based out of New York this duo should not be underestimated. Powerful and sassy, Frank Hoier and Moselle Spiller make fun sexy songs. Not just another White Stripes,Crushed Out has a classic feel that tributes both two part blues and the Endless Summer sway of 50's beach rock.
Luckily Portland will get the chance to see them live this Thursday, January 31st at Mississippi Studios. Joining them on stage is the thick sultry go-go rock of Portland's own Summer Cannibals and the broad-sky highway rock of the Desert Noises. Combined this should be an awesome night of great music and a wonderful way to get your engines revved up for the weekend. So get your party shoes on and don't forget to support the music with a few buck at the merch booth.       

About Last Night: Birds of Chicago @ Mississippi Studios 01/16

Last night was like a locomotive ride, the slow scenic beginning has it's charm, but once you get moving is when things really get interesting.

Starting off the night was the gravel road serenade of the Huck Notari Trio. Ripe with a back porch mystique the mournfully eloquent songs of their set held the wonderful ache of honesty. Introspectively moody, their set lead perfectly into the earthy duet of Jenn Rawling and Basho Parks.  


Once the Birds of Chicago took the stage, they awakened a new presence in the room. Like the first break of sun on a rainy day, the energy of their live show is undeniably infectious. Paired downed to the bare minimum of JT Nero, Allison Russell and and their hired gun Joe Faulhaber on electric guitar . The fun near-danceable set this trio brought to the Mississippi Studio Stage was a great boost of life after the beautiful melancholy of the opening bands.


JT's white mans blues was richly indicative of his home town while Allison's soulful singing was a sweet mixture of Carol King's power and the lite island energy of Phyllis Dillon. Combined they livened up the trudging weight of a Wednesday night until you could almost forget that you had to work the next day. Their set list was mainly populated by songs from their self-titled album with the occasional gem from one of their individual projects. In particular was the phenomenal rendition of the JT & The Cloud's song "I Have Heard Words." The way that JT and Allison dug so deep and played off each other made this song amazing. I hope that someday they'll take the time to put it down on tape.


As the night wrapped up,you couldn't help but feel like the band had reached out on a personal level. The fun and liveliness of the band seemed to lighten the wait of the week. While the live treatment of their album tracks made me excited to listen to the CD on the ride home. In all, the night was wonderful and Birds of Chicago used their gracious charm to win over a few new fans on a cold Wednesday night. 

Living Room Performance: JJAMZ "Heartbeat"

JJAMZ - "Heartbeat"
Jimmy Kimmel Live
August 15th, 2012



This Indie-collective is a super group of sorts with members Jason Boesel(Rilo Kiley, Bright Eyes),James Valentine(Maroon 5), Alex Greenwald (Phantom Planet), Z Berg (The Like) and solo artist Michael Runion.

If you like what you see, come out tonight and catch them at Portland's Mississippi Studios. They'll be helping to get Musicfest NW off to a great start.

10 Questions: JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound

The amazing retro soul sound of Chicago's JC Brook and the Uptown Sound is some of the best music out there right now. Still gaining momentum from 2011's Want More this band is sure to be a household name in no time.  Guitarist Billy Bungeroth and bass player Ben Taylor took some time to sit down with BLS and answer our questions. Make sure you catch them at our own Mississippi Studios this Friday.

BLS: JC you have a love for acting and the stage. What dramatic elements have you been able to incorporate into the band's live show?

JCB:  Heightened sense of emotionalism or playing emotional extremes when it suits the build of the song. I also play JC as slightly mentally disturbed...

BLS: The rawness of your live show is one of your strongest selling points. Do you feel you were able to better capture that raw feeling in Want More compared to the Beat Your Own Drum Album?

JCB:  I feel that Beat is far rawer production-wise and content/performance-wise. We were just feeling our way through our sound at that point and we recorded it in 2 days.

BLS: What were some of the studio techniques used in the making of Want More that gives it that live feel?

 JCB:  We all played live in a room together for starters. Revolutionary concept, right? As far as studio trickery goes, we mic'd the drums through the heating duct for Sister Ray Charles.

BLS: Having grown up on my father's Motown LP's I can understand the power of soul. Can each of you remember the first soul album you ever heard?

 JCB:  I remember watching the Motown 25 special on TV, and later on, my high school jazz teacher teacher lent me James brown's greatest hits, which I taped on the other side of my Public Enemy "Nation of Millions" cassette

BLS: Chicago is a large part of your bands identity. Can you describe what it's like to be a band from Chicago and what is it about the town and specifically the Uptown neighborhood that has shaped your sound?

 JCB:  Curtis Mayfield and Wilco are both major influences. We have also had the pleasure of playing with Chicago Soul Men Syl Johnson and Renaldo Domino. Outside of that Chicago has great venues and a very encouraging music scene.

BLS: Your music has gained the attention of the blues audience, which is known for loyalty and passion. What has it meant to the band to gain this sort of attention?

 JCB:  The blues have the first and last word in all modern music. Being from Chicago the blues are incredibly important to many of us. If blues fans dig it were honored by the compliment.

BLS: If it was 1980 - who would win in a cage match between James Brown and Rick James? Would it make any difference if it was officiated by Prince and Bootsy Collins?

 JCB:  This is irrelevant both parties would be coked to the gills so the outcome would be erroneous.

BLS: Why did you choose to make Bloodshot records, a label more well know for Alt-country, your home?

JCB:  Good music transcends genre. So does a good label.

BLS: What can we expect from the band for the second half of 2012?

 JCB:  More touring, then recording in the fall/winter

Exactamundo!

BLS: Name 5 bands you love but who few people have heard of?

JCB:

JD McPherson

Vitek

Josh & Mer

Aaron Novik

Freddie T & the People

Sound Art: Dolorean / The Parson Red Heads @ Mississippi Studios

Created by Tyler Stout, this amazing poster for the Dolorean / The Parson Red Heads show, April 28th at Mississippi Studios is definitely Sound Art. Stout's done some amazing work for the likes of The Black Keys and Phish, check out his work at tstout.com.
Make sure you catch this show because with these two Portland bands on the bill, it's sure to make for an awesome concert. While you're there don't forget to pick up a copy of the poster for yourself. It would be a shame to miss it, but if you can't make the show, no worries. You might still be able to get your hands on a copy of the poster if you sign up for the mailing list at his website. This will also put you first in line to get your hands on his other great posters.

Sound Art: Witch Mountain @Mississippi Studios

Sound Art is a new feature at BLS that will highlight the amazing work of visual artists that create gig flyers/posters, t-shirt designs and album covers. The music would be there with out them but it just wouldn't be as cool.

So to launch this segment off right, we have this awesome Poster for the February 17th Witch Mountain show at Mississippi Studios.



Designed by Witch Mountain drummer Nathan Carson. He used this awesome image from the 1968 Sci-fi B-thriller The Green Slime.

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.