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: 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: 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: 05/06 - 05/19

In this edition of The Triple Crown we're highlighting some of the amazing bands that are playing opening slots in the next two weeks. With richly vibrant music and top-notch live shows, these bands are worth the price of admission on their own. So get to the shows early because the you'll not want to miss a note. 



Saturday, May 11th
Super Water Sympathy
Redwood Son / Cody Beebe & The Crooks(Headliners)
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside St
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Adv.: $10 / Day Of: $12
21 & Over 

The dreamy self-styled water pop of the Louisiana based Super Water Sympathy is boldly ripe with emotions. With the ability to rage like flood waters or fall hapless like soft rain, the music of this band is a wonderfully malleable thing that has the beauty of a waterfall and the cleansing properties of a baptism. Fronting the band is the wonderfully fluid sirens call of Ansley Hughes whose luscious tones are unforgettable. Touring on the heals of their sophomore release Hydrogen Child the band will be opening for the roots-rock powerhouse of Cody Beebe & the Crooks. Known for their working class anthems and the lovely crunch of their blues guitar rock the band will be celebrating the release of their own latest album Out Here. Finishing out the lineup is the folk pop of Portland's own wonderfully talented  Redwood Son. With a pairing like this the night should be unforgettable.






Wednesday, May 15th
Hanni El Khatib
Wall of Death / The Black Angels(Headliners)
Wonder Ballroom
128 NE Russell St
Doors: 7:30PM / Show: 8PM
Adv.: $16 / Day Of: $18
21 & Over

The fuzzedelic garage rock of LA based Hanni El Khatib has all the guitar crunch and unabashed rhythm you want to in your music. Boldly aggressive and wildly energetic this is the soundtrack of crime sprees and dive bar brawls. Dirty in all the right ways the concussive power of Khatib will grab your attentions with an evil eye and an switch blade smile. A perfect compliment to the headlining act The Black Angels whose murky dredge rock holds all manner of hidden secrets and buried bodies.You might want to tuck a little money in the bottom of your shoe, cause with a show like this who knows where you'll wake up. While you're their make sure to pickup a copy of Hanni El Khatib's new album Head in the Dirt .
Make no mistake, the damage your going to sustain from this show will last for years but the stories will make you a legend. 
      




Friday, May 17th
Sassparilla
World's Finest / The Quick & Easy Boys(Headliners)
Wonder Ballroom
128 NE Russell St
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
Adv.: $11 / Day Of: $12
 21 & Over

If you haven't seen Sassparilla  live, it's a damn shame. Quite easily one of the best stage shows in Portland, this wild roots rocking jug band is unforgettable. Their sweet mix of juke-joint blues and prohibition jazz is fueled by authentically potent emotions. Armed with the instruments of a by gone era including a wash board, cigar box guitar and washtub bass, Sassparillia brings their classic sound to the modern day with clear and powerful amplification. Like a roving band of carpet-baggers Sassparillia, seems hellbent on finding some sort of salvation in the loving embrace of an audience.Their set, no matter how short should be a highlight of this uniquely eclectic show at the Wonder Ballroom. Also on the bill is fellow openers World's Finest with their broad musical influences and the wildly fun Quick & Easy Boys holding the headlining slot. This show is the perfect ending for an amazing Triple Crown so make sure you pace yourself so you can make it through three of these awesome shows.

The Triple Crown: 01/07 - 01/20

We stretched our musical boundaries in this Triple Crown to cover a little bit of it all.  From locally grown rock and Hip hop to the comforting sound of a touring folk band. Take a gander and I'm sure you'll find a show that tickles your fancy. It's a new year and if you haven't made a resolution or goal yet, can I suggest supporting more music by catching more live shows. Just a thought.

Friday, January 11th
Crown Point (Album Release)
Western Aerial / Threebit Bourbon
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors: 8PM /Show: 9PM
Adv.: $8 /Day Of: $8
21 & Over

You know you've been part of the music industry for a while when you get as excited about the opening bands as you do the headliners. In this case the dynamic bar rock extravaganza of Wetern Aeiral and the blues drenched thickness of Threebit Bourbon. Both bands will be opening for the artsy radio rock of Portland's Crown Point. Celebrating the release of their Curtains EP, Crown Point will be showcasing their new material with their signature high energy live performance. With new wave elements mixed with the energy of arena rock, this band has been able to distill and down size some awesome elements into a wonderfully enjoyable sound and live show. Teamed with a great opening lineup this should be a great show, and a wonderful way to start a new year by supporting live and local music.    

Wednesday, January 16th
Birds of Chicago
Jenn Rawling & Basho Parks / HuckNotari
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi
Doors: 7PM / Show: 8PM
Adv.: $10 / Day Of: $12
21 & Over

This line up of richly organic folk should make for such an amazing show,  that they'll talking about about it for weeks. Topping the bill is the freshly formed Birds of Chicago that pairs Allison Russell and JT Nero. Separately amazing artist of their own, their songs play like modern day echoes of Jim Croce's Pennsylvania farmhouse jam sessions. The ways that Russell's bluesy and emotionally rich vocals mixes with Nero's own earthy tones makes for warm comforting songs. The end results is a fulfilling musical tapestry ripe for discovery by the masses.
Sharing the stage for the evening  are two more equally fantastic acts. The artisan folk of Jenn Rawling and Basho Parks is a fluid creature that seems to drift through a forest from a different time.  While, Huck Notari plays a back-to-basics guitar folk in the vein of Dylan and Guthrie. No matter who you come to see you won't be disappointed.

Friday, January 18th
Bad Habitat
Two Planets / New Pioneers / Cray
Mt. Tabor Theater Lounge
4811 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Show: 9PM
Cover: $5
21 & Over

This showcase is filled with some of the best grassroots hip hop acts this town has to offer and the music they're playing is the truest, purest of it's kind heard in the clubs today. Topping the bill is the powerhouse of Bad Habitats. With tight beats and rhymes that are pieces together with a brilliant architecture, this band is creating powerful and positive Hip hop. Harking back to the days when this music was a celebration of life instead of a weapon, this band is setting themselves apart from the hordes of gangster rap. Another brilliant element of this band is their unique use of some interesting 80's songs for sampleing, making for a totally original sound. Also playing, is a who's who list of Portland's thriving hip hop scene making for an unforgettable lineup. So if you've yearned for the days of Biz Markie, Doug E. Fresh and Big Daddy Kane this is the show for you.      

The Triple Crown: 05/21-06/03

I thought I'd make it easy on every one and so this Triple Crown showcases three shows at the awesome Doug Fir Lounge. With great food and drinks and a rustically beautiful performance space the Doug Fir is the perfect place to catch some music, so I tried to pick some great bands playing their the next two weeks.  




Tuesday, May 22nd
We Are Serenades
Yards
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors: 8PM/ Show: 9PM
Adv.: $10/ Day Of: $12
21 & Over

You can't help but to feel good listening to the music of Sweden's We Are Serenades. I don't know if I've heard such optimistic music since the synth drenched 80's of my childhood. With a wide range of styles you're sure to find something about this band and their music to love. With instrumental and vocal elements that gravitate with all sincerity towards bands like Big Country and Ah-ha, We are Serenades have chosen to focus on the silver lining. Fortunately the band dose so with an evolved artistic integrity that should provide this duo with a more lasting presence. Touring in support of their debut album Criminal Heaven this pair of highly-regarded Swedish songwriters should charm the masses. Joining them on stage is the sonic tidal-wave of the band Yards.This is certainly a wonderful start to another Triple Crown.    



Thursday, May 31st
Wintersleep
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors: 8PM/ Show: 9PM
Adv.:$10 /Show:$12
21 & Over

The phasing atmospheric sound of Wintersleep is filled with misdirections and audio magic that leaves the listener entranced and amazed. Their heady style of alt-rock perfectly balances energy and artful subtleties that is sure to sound amazing off the earthy wood walls of the Doug Fir Lounge. With a danceable rhythm that is near infectious and vocal harmonies sweetly layered into music that  teeters towards psychedelic madness, this band has made a name for itself. Set to release their third album Hello Hum in early June this show should highlight some of the awesome material off the forthcoming album.       




Friday, June 1st
Redwood Son
Gavin Wahl-Stephens / Cody Beebe & The Crooks/ The Wheeler Brothers
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors:8PM/ Show: 8:30PM
Adv.: $8 /Day Of: $10
21 & Over

This evening of Progressive American should be amazing. From bluesy rock to acoustic storytelling there's a wide range of styles that fall under the the title of Americana and you'll get to see a little bit of them all. Headlined by the rich west coast American-soul of Redwood Son whose songs are ripe with musical emotions. Josh Malm plays music that lies somewhere between rusty blues and  groovy acoustic funk and has the ability to convey the ache of long months of rain and the joy of perfect Oregon summers.
Filling out the rest of the line up is an amazing collection of bands including fellow Pacific Notherwesterns Gavin Wahl-Stephens and Cody Beebe & The Crooks and The Wheeler Brothers all the way from Austin Texas. This should be an awesome night to take in some new music and to start off the new month so come on down and finish out The Triple Crown strong.

The Triple Crown: 01/16 - 01/29

Filled to the brim with some amazing shows this Triple Crown is sure to have a concert for everyone. There's an old favorite, a local favorite, and a little bit of soul to make it all so good.



Tuesday, January 24th
Concrete BlondeMenkena
Star Theater
13 NW Sixth Ave
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$25/Day Of:$30
21 & Over

Like most, the first time I heard the Concrete Blonds was in a dorm room, the pungent mix of incense and bad beer thick in the air. There was something beautifully primal about the voice of Johnette Napolitano that blew my mind, something in her music that echoed of the tarnished industrial sprawl of the real Los Angeles. Like the Novels of John Fante set to a post-punk soundtrack the Concrete Blondes have spent the last 3 decades telling musical stories wonderfully tragic and rich with details. Thankfully time has only seasoned Napolitano to perfection not only as a song writer but also as a singer making this rare opportunity to see her with the band that much more wonderful. Opening the night is Menkena whose dream like music is rich with bold instrumental strokes.
So whether you're a long time fan or are just in need of a good concert make sure you get your tickets early.



Friday, January 27th
Michael Dean Damron
The Blue Monk
3341 SE Belmont
Show:9PM
Cover:$5
21 & Over

The soul and music of Micheal Dean Damron lies somewhere in the mix of Barkersfield country outlaws, LA punk clubs and the rain drenched streets of Portland, Oregon. With heartbreaking songwriting that is both beautifully brutal and painfully honest Damron's songs walk a thin line between a survivor's story and cautionary tales. He is quite possibly the greatest of musical diamonds in the rough of Portland's amazing music scene. Live, Damron is wonderfully unpredictable. With a show that can range from the hardest howling rock show you'll ever see to a mournfully acoustic set that feels like the best whiskey soaked conversation you've ever had. This show should be extra special as it's being recorded for a live album so Damron is sure to be joined by some of his amazing musical friends. The pure anticipation of it all, makes this intimate show at the Blue Monk that much more exciting and a perfect candidate for this Triple Crown.





Saturday, January 28th
Alabama Shakes
Quiet Life
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$9/Day Of:$10
21 & Over

For those of us raised in ear shot of our parent's Motown vinyl there's something wonderfully comforting about the music of the Alabama Shakes. Powerfully reminiscent of 60's area Aretha Franklin, Carol King and Mister Otis Redding himself, the Shakes play that sweet smooth soul that makes you ache deep down in your bones. Brittany Howard's voice is a compellingly raw thing that over takes your scenes and when paired with the tightly constructed groove of her band takes on the strength of a force of nature. No matter your taste in music this band is one not to miss. So even if you can't make it to this show, though hope you can, keep your eyes peeled for their debut album slated for an April release.
Sharing the night is Portland's own Quiet Life whose rustic rock has a classic feel of it's own like tracks from a record by The Band or early Grateful Dead. Unique in their own way this match up should lend itself to a great night of music. So grab a friend and finish off this week of music strong.

The Triple Crown: 01/01 - 01/15

Thursday, January 5th
Shut Your Animal Mouth
P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S/Hairspray Blues
Ash Street Saloon
225 SW Ash Street
Doors:8PM/Show:9:30PM
Cover:$5
21 & Over

This night of homegrown garage punk is sure be one heck of a good time with three amazing Portland bands who have perfected the art of melding together the grit and grind of garage rock with the street and sleaze of punk. Headlining the night is the band Shut Your Animal Mouth whose sounds is a sultry robust creature with a speed and swagger that could make a monk weep. With aggressive instrumentation topped with dominating female vocals, this band makes the kind of bar rock that's sure to hit the sweet spot when echoed off the walls of the Ash Street Saloon. Filling out the rest of the bill is the amazing duo of Hairspray Blues with their awesome live show and unforgettable sound and the mind blowing fury of P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S.. Combined these three bands are going to rip the studs from the wall and if you're not there to see it your going to hate your self so grab a friend and stuff enough cash for a taxi some where you won't spend it on drinks and start your weekend off with a bang.


Monday, January 9th
The Resolectrics
Mike Midlo/Sam Fowles(of Parson Red Heads)
White Eagle Saloon
836 N Russell St
Show: 8:30PM
Free!
21 & Over

The Resolectric play a bluesy roadhouse soul that spills over with an organic groove that's perfect for the bare brick and seasoned timbers of the White Eagle. A joyfully gritty beast that mixes the sound of 50's, 60's optimism with the dirty tarnish of the 70's, their music is filled with a potently retro flavor. Ripe with a confident attitude these boys play songs that don't need to be loud or aggressive, but that are more powerful in the subtleties of their full bodied performance. If this doesn't get you out on the dance floor you might want to check your pulse.
Opening the night are sets by Sam Fowles and Mike Midlo, two musicians well know in Portland circles for their work with amazing local bands but who are stepping out on their own for the night. This show is certain to be awesome, so turn off your televisions and order yourself a beer, cause nothing cures a case of the Mondays, like good music and a drink or two.





















Wednesday, January 11th
Dick Dale
Star Theater
13 NW 6th Ave
Doors:8PM/Show:9PM
Adv.:$20/Day Of:$25
21 & Over

The Godfather of Surf Guitar himself Dick Dale will be gracing our city for one amazing night a the new Star Theater. Vicious with six strings, this master of the guitar has single handily defined a genra of music that captures the white tip curls of the Pacific Ocean and the sun tanned dreams of the California coast. With out Dick Dale the 50's and 60's would have lacked much of their distinct flavor. In recordings his music is mind bending with jaw dropping licks but live his music takes on a whole new level for which there is no equal. It's near mystical what this man can do with a guitar, he truly is an a American treasure that should be experience buy all that have a chance, and this show at the Star Theater is yours so make sure you don't miss it.

The Triple Crown: 06/28 - 07/11

As June gives way to July this Triple Crown has a bit of everything to make this summer a little more enjoyable. So head out and have some fun cause summer might not be the same since the day you started working but it doesn't mean we can't put up a fight to enjoy ourselves.


Friday, July 1st
Truckstop Darlin'
The Tumblers/McDougall
Doug Fir Lounge
830 East Brunside
Doors:8PM / Show:9PM
Adv.:$8 / Day Of:$8
21 & Over

Take cheap cigarettes, bad coffee, and the open road and mix in enough Old #7 to raise Jack Daniels himself from the grave and you'll have the sweet gravel sound of Truckstop Dralin'. Balancing the powerful growl of rock'n'roll with the country wail of Telecasters and the petal Steel makes this band, in my opinion, one of the premier country-rock acts of the Northwest.
Storyteller songwriting that drips of blue collar honesty, this is the music of the rough handed underdogs and the blessed losers we all love to rout for.
Having caught the band several times as the opening act, I'm excited about seeing what the guys will do with a headlining slot. Joining them is the strutting groove of the The Tumblers' dust bowl country swing. Their swaying twang feels like listening to old Hank Sr. 45s on a Wurlitzer jukebox. Finishing out the line up is the train yard folk of McDougall. All dust and gravel his songs have the chugging power of a steam locomotive and sometimes strike you like a steel spike through the heart. I can't think of a better way to start this Triple Crown so grab a friend and make your way to the Doug Fir for a great night of music.


Saturday July 2nd
Thundering Asteroids!
Abolitionist / No More Train Ghosts
Ash Street Saloon
225 SW Ash St
Show: 9:30PM
Cover:$5
21 & Over

Between all the political posturing and teen angst, sometimes we forget that punk music can be about having fun. Thankfully the Thundering Asteroids! haven't forgotten.With songs about classic video games and Rowdy Roddy Piper movies, this is music you don't have to anguish over or heavily ponder to enjoy. Energetic and wildly fun this band is a true joy to see live. Led by the bouncing hyper-power of Minn and backed by three of the tightest punk rockers to grace the dim neon of some of Portland seedier bars.I doubt you can find a better formula for a good time. I'm certain that three chords into the second song you'll find yourself bouncing off the walls of the Ash Street and is the reason that this band has quickly climbed to the top of my list of favorite live bands in Portland.
Also on the bill is the primal echo of No More Train Ghosts who's thunderous punk rock is powerfully aggressive and forcefully accurate. While the molodic punk of Corvallis' Abolitionist is catchy enough to be enjoyable and political enough to be relevant. No matter how you stack it this should be a great night at the Ash Street and with their normally low cover it makes it easy on the pocket book. So shake off the week and claim this second jewel of your Triple Crown.

Friday, July 8th
Neko Case
Edgefield
2126 SW Halsey St.
Doors:5PM /Show:6:30PM
Adv.:$35/Day Of:$38
General Admission
All Ages

Neko Case, no matter where she calls home, will always be a Northwest darling. Raised in Tacoma Washington, the high mournful pitch of her voice is the wind off the Puget Sound whispering through a stand of Fir trees. Through it she channels the spirits of some of the best musical matriarchs to ever walk this earth. Eerily beautiful, the music of Neko Case has been skirting the line between classic and timeless since her first album hit the shelves. Wonderful in recording, she is even more amazing live, and this concert at McMenamins historic Edgefield is a wonderful chance to see her in the purest form. This in fact might be one of the first not-miss concerts of the summer. We can only hope that the weather will cooperate but you might want to pack a poncho, cause this girl is use to the rain and I doubt it will deter her one bit if we are blessed with a little bit of the Northwest sunshine. If you have kids this might be a great opportunity to introduce them to some great music, and with the hotel right there you could make a little vacation out of it. Or leave the kids at home and make it a romantic get away for the two of you. Either way, make sure you don't miss this great opportunity to give Case a warm welcome home and to finish off your Triple Crown with a bang.