Become a Rockstar @ Klevland's Jamuary

Wednesday, January 12th, 19th and 26th
Kleveland
Tiger Bar
317 N Broadway
Show:10PM
$3 Cover
OPEN BAR 9-10PM!!!!!

As the new year dawns do you find yourself looking at that electric guitar and amp staring across the room from you collecting dust? Do you want to see the world, not just the I-5 corridor? Is it your resolution to finally join a band and let your inner rock star live somewhere other than your living room or garage? Well here's your chance. For the last three Wednesdays in January Portland's own Kleveland will be holding court at the Tiger Bar looking for a new guitarist.

"With a an extra guitarist I can unstrap my guitar and just do my thing." Says Stephanie Smith the powerhouse leading lady of the band, and with the April release of their latest album in Europe and a tour to follow this spring their a lot to look forward to. Interested? Then here is the 411:

Step 1) Head on over to the Klevland MySpace page and learn a few of their songs.

Step 2) Grab your guitar and make it down to Tiger Bar on one of the aforementioned nights

Step 3) Sign up at the door with your name and what song you want to play.

Step 4) Belly up to the bar and drink yourself some courage.(Oh, did I mention the Open Bar from 9 to 10!!!!)

Step 5) When they call your name rock your heart out.

Step 6) The next morning when your boss complains that your late and hung over, just remember their jealous.

The Triple Crown: 01/11 - 01/24

As the first Triple Crown of 2011 we got a little bit of everything, from the evolved reincarnation of a Portland favorite to the melancholy moan of southwest country apparitions. This might be the year you lose some weight or quit smoking, but wouldn't a resolution to catch more live music be so much more fun.

Friday, January 14th
Scrimshander
Pigeons/Wax Fingers
Backspace Cafe
115 NW 5th Ave
8PM
$5

The term Folk pop might seem like a oxymoron to some but the powerfully atmospheric music of the Scrimshander's lends nothing to contradiction. The powerful earthy elements Andy Furgeson and Peter Valois carried over from their former incarnation of Bark, Hide and Horn still ring true but are now enhanced into an exotically lovely beast by new electronic accents. Like the hymns of a digital forest the phoenix that has risen in this new band is fresh with life and without bounds; a definite must see. Joined by fellow PDX'ers the Wax Fingers, with their energetic electro-dream pop, and the Pigeons whose emotionally complicated music is both aggressive and relatable, this should be a night of dynamic moods and great music.


Saturday, January 15th
Wayne "The Train" Handcock
The Red Hills(formerly The Runaway Boys)/Truckstop Darlin'
Dante's
350 West Burnside
9:30PM
$10 Adv./$12 Day of

Possessed by the sprites of the Grand Ole Opry, Wayne "The Train" Handcock sings like Hank Williams and plays his guitar like the godfathers of country and rockabilly. His music is the sound of dog eared copies of On the Road, rag-top Studebakers and the long stretches of ol' Route 66. Vintage as your grandfather's pocket watch and fresh as the air after a thunderstorm these songs make you want to pull your best girl close and dance until the echo of last call has faded and chairs are on the tables. So grab your dancing shoes and make sure you make it their early, because if "The Train' wasn't enough, opening up for him will be a rare performance by The Red Hills, formally The Runaway Boys. I'll have to admit that I'm almost as excited about this opening set because by my reckoning they are one of the best band of troubadours to call Portland their home. Finishing off this great lineup is the country-fried rock of Truckstop Darlin' who's gravel rough tones will make you whiskey thirsty before the first song is over. So grab your girl and leave your car home cause you might walk away from this but you sure won't want to drive.


Saturday, January 22nd
My Life in Black and White
Spittin' Cobras/Last Watch/Cathead and The Blistering Sun
Tonic Lounge
3100 NE Sandy Blvd.
Show:9PM
$6

The honest hard working blue colloar punk of My Life in Black and White is played by men with grease beneath their finger nails and whiskey polished souls. In my opinion one of the top ten bands playing in Portland at this time and one of the best live shows you'll ever see. Any chance to catch these boys live is a must. Part Johnny Cash, part Social Distortion and all revved up with the speed and power of a runaway train this band is unstoppable, a fact that might be leathal in the confined quarters of the Tonic lounge. Oh, but what a way to die. Joining the boys is an awesome lineup that's sure to blow the plaster off the walls and includes the Spittin' Cobras, Last Watch and Cathead and The Blistering Sun. At these prices you can't afford not to catch this show, so grab your friends, head on down to the Tonic and raise a toast to the new year and great music.

The Civil Wars @ The Woods

Saturday, December 11
The Civil Wars
Great Wilderness/The River Empires
The Woods
6637 Milwaukie Avenue
Door: 8PM/Show:9PM
$10 Adv./$10Day of

Stark as a gray winter sky over the South Dakota Badlands the music of The Civil Wars is beautifully spars and lingers like the early morning ghosts of waking dreams. Tomorrow night this duo will bring their amazing music to the intimate setting of Portland's The Woods.

Built over a canvas of acoustic instrumentation with accents of Tennessee sunsets and the Blue Ridge Mountains, John Paul White and Joy Williams tell mournfully honest tales. Doing so with such a graceful manner, White's deeply rustic dirge dancing a slow waltz with the voice of Williams that is at times both sweet and sultry. This is the music of heartbreak and love lost brought to you by one of the rising stars of the music world.

The good press on the band is piling up and this is one of those amazing opportunities to see them before they get too big to play the smaller intimate venues. I foresee this show will be one of those you can tell your grand children about, so make sure that you get there early to secure a seat.

Ingrid Michaelson @ The Wonder Ballroom

Saturday, October 30th
Ingrid Michaelson
The Guggenheim Grotto
Wonder Ballroom
128 NE Russell Street
Door:8PM/ Show:9PM
$16 Adv./$18 Day Of
All Ages

Blending a vibrant energy with a song writer's craft the music of Ingrid Michaelson brims with a fresh youthful energy. With wide sweeping melodies, an exuberant beat and awkwardly honest lyrics her song have a way of nesting themselves in your head, overwhelming your central nervous system and making you dance at inappropriate moments.The wonderful mix of the sweet-hearted playfulness of a young girl and the worldly confidence of an old soul makes this music easily accessible to a broad audience both young and old. Lovely and fun Michaelsone is sure to set the Wonder ballroom to life this Saturday night and since the show is sold out the people of Portland know it.
Joined by the Irish based duo of The Guggenhein Grotto who's artistic styling have an appealingly diverse flavor, this concert should be a showcase of songwriting mastery. If you don't have tickets, there might just be one or two out there if you look hard enough, but if you do make sure you wear your dancing shoes because there's no doubt you'll need them.

A Special Night With Western Aerial

Friday, September 17
Western Aerial
Rogue Shot/Cellar Door
Berbati's Pan
231 SW Ankeny St
Doors: 8PM / Show: 9PM
$7
21+

Tonight at Berbati's, the walls will be shaking from the pure rock energy of Portland's own Western Aerial as they mark a changing of the guard. Having rocked venues here and abroad since 2004 Western Aerial will play their last show with long time drummer Anthony Tripp. Known for their powerhouse live shows and infectious music this three piece is one of the best rock band in the northwest. Tripp's abusive behavior behind his kit is one of the defining elements to Western Aerial's power. Like a king of pain he batters his drums so ferociously one can feel the aftershock blocks away. If you can make it to this show, do so because if you don't you'll just hate yourself in the morning.

I've been lucky and have followed Western Aerial nearly as long as they have been around and first met Anthony when I was pouring drinks at the Driftwood Room in the once great Mallory Hotel. I'd just escaped a cooperate job and was writing a zine called Audio Meatus covering mainly independent bands I found on My Space. Anthony dropped in one Sunday Morning and over a gin and tonic told me all about Western Aerial and their goals to conquer the world. Here it is six years later and every day they get closer their goals of world domination. The band promises to continue,and I'm sure they will but this is the last chance to see this awesome band in their natural form. So make sure your their and give Tripp a proper send off because he surely will be missed.

The Triple Crown: 6/28 - 7/11

With three shows in three night and a total of 6 bucks out of your wallet this Triple Crown ain't no fuss. So make sure to tip your bartender and buy the merch 'cause there's no excuse at these prices.

Wednesday, July 7th
Cory Branan
Austin Lucas /Truckstop Darlin'
The White Eagle Saloon
836 North Russell Street
Show: 8:30PM
$6
21+

You won't want to miss the musical antics of this unsung Memphis troubadour. With the songwriting genius of a diner napkin philosopher and the heart of a loyal hound dog, Branan is the voice of the common man, though be it with a Southern drawl. Able to croon comforting ballads that feel like a hot Tennessee night or harness the speed of a mid-west twister his live performances are filled with energy, humor, and a heartfelt fascination that is sure to impress. Supporting Austin Lucas whose heart breaking bluegrass swoon is like the creeping dance of shadows across the Appalachians, while the opening southern rock of Truckstop Darlin' is sure to get the night started off right.

Thursday, July 8th
Sara Jackson-Holman (Free Show!)
Music Millennium
3158 East Burnside Street
Show: 6PM
Free
All Ages

Early Thursday night, Sara Jackson- Holman will be stopping by Music Millennium for a free concert in thanks for their support of her debut album "When You Dream." Blessed with an angelically smokey voice, Sara Jackson-Holman weaves soft lovely tunes that dance with the grace of a ballerina. Quickly making a name for herself in the industry, she has been mentioned in the same breath as Feist and Nora Jones. So make sure you don't miss this opportunity to catch a rising star in the infancy of her growing success. One day you'll be able to talk of this intimate little show with honor, confident in the knowledge that you were one of the first to recognize the talents of this amazing artist.

Friday, July 9th
Derby (Free Show!)
The Blue Horns / Kelli Schaefer
The Woods
6637 Milwaukie Avenue
Show:9PM
Free
21+

Finishing out this triple crown is a show case of some of Portland's greatest indi-bands hosted by the people of Rumblefish, our own hometown heroes of independent music licensing and sonic branding. Headlining the night is the living room pop of Derby, energetic and beautiful their organically rich tunes are easy on the ears and have just enough beat to them that you'll be hard pressed not to tap you foot. Opening the night is the bold atmospheric sounds of Kelli Schaefer who reveals a gallery of dynamic auditory landscapes that range from bustling city-scapes to hauntingly sparse deserts visages. In contrast the jangling excitement of The Blue Horns who will fill out the rest of the bill with fun danceable songs that will make you bounce about the room like the walls were made of rubber. Set in the intimate locale of The Woods this show will have the feel of the best house party you've ever been to.

The Triple Crown 6/14 - 6/28

This installment of The Triple Crown serves up the CD release parties of 3 of Portland's greatest bands. In the mix is a little junkyard blues, some hard hitting radio rock and the return of the best band ever. Make sure you hit them all, because what's the point unless you can walk away with the crown.

Friday, June 18th
Hillstomp (CD Release Show)
Yogoman Burning Band/Sassparillia/DJ HWY 7
Wonder Ballroom
128 NE Russell Street
Door 8PM / Show 9PM
$10
All Ages

Kicking with the power of copper coil moonshine the junkyard blues of this Portland duo will have the Wonder Ballroom shaking with the stomp of a hill country gig in no time flat. Built with the rawest of bare bone elements, mastered to the brink of perfection and charged with wild youthful energy, the music of Hillstomp is as rich as the Willamette Delta and sung from a soul as old as the river itself. Celebrating the release of their latest studio album "Darker the Night" the boys have planned a party that's sure to be the talk of the town. Joining them on stage by way of Bellingham, Washington is the Jamaican-style soul of the Yogoman Burning Band with danceable cuban beats and reggae like vocals to groove away any residual stress of the week. While the lively jug blues madness of Portland based Sassparillia rounds out the lineup and will get the crowd all limbered up and ready to go. Don't miss it and before the show swing into Russell Street BBQ for some to the best pulled pork in town.


Saturday, June 19th
I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch In the House
(CD Release Show)
Drag The River / Dry County Crooks
Dante's
1 SW 3rd Ave
Door 8PM / Show 9PM
$11 Adv./ $12 Day of
21+

Like a child of divorce, I've been waiting a long time for this reunion and finally it's here. After 5 years the boys of SOB are doing what God intended and making some of the best damn rock and roll music in the world. As for those of us familiar with the band, we can attest that every I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House show has the power of a sonic Mack truck capable of altering the earth's rotation and draining the whiskey reserves of Lynchburg, Tennessee. Saturday night should be no different and marks the release of "The Sounds of Dying" an album some of us feared we would never see. Joining them will be their long time friends and new label mates, Drag the River whose world renowned country-rock is the music of beer drenched dive bars and the aching loneliness of the open road. Filling out the bill is Portland's own Dry County Crooks whose roadhouse cow-punk has more Johnny Cash to it than Clash and will start the night off on the right foot. Sure to be filled with a few surprises this show cannot be missed. After the show make sure you swing by Voodoo Doughnut, because it's not a night at Dante's without a bacon maple bar.

Saturday, June 26th
Western Aerial (CD Release Show)
Marv Ellis / Merrill / DJ Sexarkana
Dante's
1 SW 3rd Ave
Door 8PM /Show 9PM
$10
21+

If there's one thing these boys know how to do, it's put on one hell of a rock show. Whether in a packed venue or in a prison yard they 'll make it fun and they'll make it loud. Portland's favored sons of hard driving radio rock, Western Aerial is making the down and dirty guitar screaming rock that drives the ladies crazy and makes all us men wish we were rock stars. They might be pretty, but don't be mistaken this is one of the hardest working bands in town, having honed their music into lean muscular things that run clean and punch hard. Saturday night the 26th their going to be lighting up the stage and tearing down the walls at Dante's in honor of their latest CD "Try to Keep Up." Make sure you get your tickets early, but the night has a very odd line up with the NW hip-hop of Marv Ellis and the self-described "Happy Hardcore" of Merrill; so if you just want a dose of rock'n'roll goodness you might want swing in a little later .