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.
