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.       

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.