I knew you all along, John Roderick

Mississippi Studios is still an intimate venue, even after the big remodel. I was a big fan of the airstream trailer and the white canvas outside where they used to beam flickering black and white movies in the summer. But what I loved most about the small little venue was the cozy red interior that made it feel like you were in North Portland's living room. The little pillows on the chairs and the long red curtains that served as the backdrop to so many musicians over the years. The pillows and the curtains are gone, but it's still cozy and red, albeit a little more spacious.

On a Sunday night not long ago, I went to Mississippi Studios for dinner and talking and music and inspiration. Michael Hebb made dinner for 30 and John Roderick and Kathleen Edwards were there, in conversation and song, celebrating Roderick's newly published book of tweets, Electric Aphorisms.

It was a lovely evening. I found myself pulled into the conversation on stage between Publication Studio's Matthew Stadler, the book's publisher, and Roderick and Edwards. They talked and sang about truth and lies and fans and Twitter and crying and death and murder while I ate winter salad, beef stew with creme fraiche and dinner rolls. The red walls aided the stew in keeping me warm and feeling homey.

Roderick said he had written a song about a public tragedy, one that was displayed over and over on TV. The space shuttle disaster. He talked about how humbled he was when he heard that people at NASA had listened to the song. Then, he started playing the song.

I hadn't heard The Long Winters prior to the week of the dinner - I had heard of them, but never listened to their music. I did no research before I went - I like to discover in person. But the amazing thing was, as he started playing the song, The Commander Thinks Aloud, I recognized it. In fact, it was a song that I loved and had listened to hundreds of times for years on a random CD that I had because it felt emotional and hearty to me, but I never knew who sang it or what it was about. It felt intense and powerful in a sing-your-guts-out kind of way. I love those kind of songs. And when he started playing it, I got all choked up because now it all made sense. And I loved it even more.

I began feeling amorous towards everyone on stage, towards the people around me, as I experienced the moment with them. Of course, they had no idea and I swallowed my emotional reaction. I left in a hurry when it was over, as there was going to be mingling and heaven knows I'm awful at mingling and I didn't want to ruin the spirit of my moment.

It was awesome. And I still love my moment.

Granny Turns 100 and Rocks.

My Grandma turned 100 this week. As we've done for the past 10 years, we had a big fat party for her. This year, it was in Eugene, at my aunt and uncle's house.

My favorite part of the party was when Michael Conley played his guitar and harmonica and sang. He ended with the song Rock Me Mama, there were only a few of us left listening and it was sweet. I wish he had played the whole time, because I could have listened to him for a few more hours.

I hope he makes it up to Portland sometime and I hope I hear about it when he does. Because I will be a fan and sit in the front row.

Talented and gifted.

When I was 15, I remember hearing about the Middle East, poverty, war-torn countries. Did I think they were real? Eh. Not as real as the zit on my face. Or the rejection I felt from the boy I had a crush on.

Was I talented? Eh. I could play a sonata on the piano or write an overly dramatic story. But with the confidence and posture of a wet rag, I didn't really pursue any of my talents, or believe that they were real, anymore than those world tragedies I'd heard about.

Tonight I attended a benefit concert for Mercy Corps, put on by four kid bands from Portland. Seriously. These kids watched the movie Slumdog Millionaire and put a benefit together to help kids in underprivileged countries. And these kids are not 17 or 18. They are 7th, 8th and 9th graders. Can you imagine being so empowered, so confident and so talented at such a young age?

Oh. And these kids freaking rocked the Crystal Ballroom tonight. They were good! It was really fabulous to see whole families there, rocking out to kids covering Pink Floyd, Nirvana, Franz Ferdinand and even songs that the kids had written. I would go to see any of these bands play again at any venue and pay money. These kids have enormous talent and having the compassion and determination to use their gifts for good at such a young age... well, it's amazing.

Great job, guys. I think all of you are ROCK STARS.

Social Appetite - my cousin Nate plays in this band, and I have to say, they were my favorite!

The Vibrations - four brothers, including a 4 year old, who, incidentally, ripped off his shirt on the last song.

Blind Einstein - stylish dudes - very entertaining.

Still Pending - their music is going to be in a movie. So cool!

P.S. The next time someone shakes their heads and says "Kids these days!" remind them that kids like this will be running our country someday. How awesome is that.

Kids Rock 4 Kids

My cousin Nate is playing in one of the bands at Kids Rock 4 Kids tomorrow night at the Crystal Ballroom. It's a pretty great project and it would be great if they could get a good turnout. It's from 6-9 and all ages welcome. It's only $10 and it benefits MercyCorps.

It's so cool that these kids put this together.

Get off the couch and go.

I am going to Texas this next weekend, which puts my week in a panicky, unprepared state of non-entertainment. If I was going to be around, I would be attending these events.

Che - Steven Soderbergh will be at Cinema 21 for the screening of this 4-hour event, followed by a Q&A. Tickets are only $11. Friday and Saturday, March 13th and 14th.

Super XX Man - at the new Mississippi Studios - Thursday, March 12th.

Live Wire - always entertaining! Saturday, March 14th.

Bridge Over Troubled Water

I watch the ABC drama Brothers and Sisters pretty faithfully. Tonight, they played this beautiful cover of Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water by Quincy Coleman. I bought it immediately on iTunes and can't stop listening to it. It's been kind of a rough few days, and I really appreciated it. Hope you enjoy it.

A Gift from Me to You

Happy Friday! May this song get stuck in your head like it is in mine. I love it!

I told you to be patient. I told you to be kind.

Bon Iver. I love this song.

My Kind of History

Eight years before I was born, there was a benefit at the Kiel Opera House in St. Louis for the Dismas House, a half-way house for ex-cons getting out of prison. Joey Bishop was sick that night, so he had to defer his hosting duties to a young Johnny Carson. Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Frank Sinatra entertained, sang and got drunk for the crowd.

On my 25th birthday, TV Land aired this benefit. I taped it. Then watched it so many times over the next few years that the tape is now warped. I can't watch it anymore - I'm afraid if I put it in a VCR that I won't be able to get it out and then it will be lost forever.

Sammy Davis, Jr. sang, danced and did a whole bevy of impressions before he turned the stage over to Dean Martin. King of the Road - the way Dean Martin sings it - it tickles my toes. As he's singing it, Frank Sinatra is heckling him from backstage.



It's this little piece of history that comes alive. I remember watching a white-haired Johnny Carson tell jokes at night, but to see him when he's young and dark-haired and cavorting around with the Rat Pack, well, it's a little bit magical.

My two favorite pieces from this concert are Frank Sinatra singing My Kind of Town and the end collaboration with all the participants, which someone so fabulously put up on YouTube.

Someday I'm going to figure out how to transfer my warped video to a DVD, but until then, this clip from the concert will have to do.

My Infinite Playlist

The new song by The Killers asks "Are we human or dancer?" One of the DJs on 94.7 said that line made no sense, but I disagree. I like the phrase - are we on autopilot, dancing the steps, but not thinking about it, or are we embracing our faults, our looks, our passions, our strengths, our weaknesses, living as humanly as possible.

In Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, a movie I saw twice this weekend, Nick and Norah clumsily take the New York night, discovering themselves and each other in a very honest way. They celebrate their teenage humanity with confidence, insecurity, intelligence, and heart. All while bonding over music. A playlist that provides the soundtrack to the movie.

I am making my Infinite Playlist. Elizabeth: The Soundtrack.

The Killers - Human
Cake - Short Skirt, Long Jacket
Swell Season - Leave
The Killers - Smile Like You Mean It
Nirvana - Come As You Are
Beck - Loser
Cake - I Will Survive
Aimee Mann - Save Me

That's all I have so far. But I intend on adding bunches of music in the next few months and creating a soundtrack for my life on a regular basis. What's on your playlist?

Te Quiero

Tonight I went to the Viva Comunidad event for Hacienda CDC at the Wonder Ballroom. So much fun. Tamales and the best Salsa music I've ever heard. I've never liked Salsa music that much, but I fell in LOVE with this as soon as I walked in the door. It was a band from Seattle - Picoso.

I bought their CD and I'm listening to it right now. In my imagination, I'm a really great Salsa dancer. And in real life, I'm a really good Salsa maker. Mmm. I think I have all the ingredients. Buenos noches!

MFNW Day #4: Mimicking Birds, Blitzen Trapper and Fleet Foxes

I can't believe I did it. I went to Musicfest NW 4 days in a row. I am officially music-ed out. But I'd say that we saw some pretty great shows. And last night was no exception.

We went to the Crystal Ballroom again. Mimicking Birds were playing when we got there. They were good, catchy and I quite enjoyed it. They were rather mellow - which was good for the mood I was in. I would definitely go see them again.

Then came Blitzen Trapper was some serious rock. The bench that I was sitting on became a massage chair of sorts as the vibrations from the bass and the percussion ran up and down my back.

Luckily, Mimicking Birds and Blitzen Trapper are both from Portland, and I'm looking forward to seeing them perform longer sets so I can get to know them more.

Verdict: Definitely.

I heard a bunch of buzz about Fleet Foxes just a couple of days before the show last night, though I had never heard their music before. Everyone said they are amazing. But they were better than that. The harmony and quality of sound was really really good. Their music was complex and rich and one of the few bands I saw this week that I would purchase an album from without hearing more. I'm pretty sure their album is going to rock.

Verdict: Can't wait to hear more!

We were too tired to stick around for Menomena and Helio Sequence. I've heard Menomena before and they are pretty good. Helio Sequence - haven't seen them. I'll have to check them out next time they're in town.

It's been quite a busy week. I've enjoyed getting to know more music and hearing some new stuff. I've loved the people watching and the bartender at the Crystal, who always put two limes in my diet Coke instead of the usual one.

MFNW Day #3: Lackthereof, John Vanderslice, and Vampire Weekend

I am getting tired. The sound of silence is sweet at this late hour. I'm not sure, but I think I am getting burned out on live music on this the third day of my musical venture into Musicfest NW! At this moment, if I hear one more note of music, I might throw up.

I arrived at the Crystal Ballroom shortly after 8 tonight. We got in and got our seats in the back corner of the 21+ side. Thank heavens. For the next two hours, I zoned out. I had earplugs to dull the bleeding in my ears. (Please don't be alarmed. There wasn't actual blood. That I could see anyway.)

I wish I could give you a review of the first two bands (Lackthereof and John Vanderslice). But I can't really remember them. Except that they were both really loud. And I didn't really care about either one.

Verdict: Your guess is as good as mine.

By the time Vampire Weekend came on, I was ready for bed. Why does music wear me out so terribly? Perhaps it's the compulsion to stay up late and blog about it three nights in a row. Hmmm. That might be it.

I woke up though as they started singing. Don't laugh, but from where I was standing, I swear when the drummer smiled I could see a sparkle coming from his teeth. Like in an Orbit gum commercial. That was enjoyable, even if it was an illusion.

Vampire Weekend's music can only be described by words ending in y, like happy or poppy. Right as they started playing their last song, Ansley turned to me and said with a smile: "I like this song. But it has swears in it!" Oh that makes me like it even better, I thought to myself. It was called Oxford Comma. I've since read the lyrics. And I like it very much. Very much indeed. I do love a smartie with a guitar.

Verdict: Gimme more.

Tomorrow: Can't really fathom spending another evening at the Crystal, though that's what the plans are, to see Menomena, Fleet Foxes and The Helio Sequence. Some part of me, though, wants to park it at the Doug Fir all night and listen to the mellow music of Weinland, Matt Sheehy and Loch Lomond. That sounds nice.

MFNW Day #2: Crystal Ballroom - Eskimo and Sons, Calvin Johnson and M Ward

When going to the Crystal Ballroom for a concert, it is necessary, if you love your feet, to get there early and snag a seat on the benches in the back corner, right under the air vent. But now I shouldn't have told you that. I'll have to fight you for it when I'm there next.

Since the Crystal Ballroom was an all ages show tonight, it was sure to be crowded, so we got there early, when Eskimo and Sons was playing. They were happy and loud and grateful to the crowd. Also enthusiastic about their music: "We're going to jam on this shit so hard!" They are also apparently breaking up the band and this was one of their last shows. ("We are never ever ever playing this song again!") They have one more show on Saturday at the Towne Lounge. Go. They were delightful. And drunk.

Verdict: So glad I heard them, sad I won't hear them again.

Calvin Johnson was next. He had a good strong voice, but it was so noisy that I couldn't really make out what he was saying or singing and I could barely hear the guitar. He sounded like my brother does when he breaks out into song in the car. I did catch that he said he was from Olympia, which is where I grew up. Wikipedia said that he is one of the major figures of the Olympia indie rock scene. I could have known who he was if I hadn't been sequestered in my house listening to Whitney Houston and Broadway musicals in the late 80s. But that's neither here nor there. I didn't really like him when he started playing. I perked up when I started hearing some good strong music and I turned to Ansley and said, "Now we're talking - I like this." Then I looked up on stage and realized that he wasn't playing anymore. It was the music between bands coming over the speakers.

Verdict: Maybe in a small bar, over some drinks and fries, but not in the Crystal Ballroom.

Let's play a word association game. M Ward. Rich. Sweet. Maple Sugar Candy. Melted and poured on my head. Entrancing. Deep. Lovely. Baseball hat. Cool shirt. Genius. Entertaining. Pleasant.

This show rocked. The crowd yelled and stomped and clapped when he said, "Hello Portland. It's good to be home." I love that. I love when I'm at home with an artist in Portland. What can be better than that. This was the best I've seen in a long time. It was mellow and rich, then upbeat and complex. Entertaining at all levels. I could have listened to him forever. In fact, it's time for bed and I think I'll just pop on one of his albums to fall asleep to. I want to dream about the magic voice.

Verdict: Hell yes. The best.

Tomorrow: Vampire Weekend at the Crystal again. Don't even think about stealing my seat.

MFNW Day #1: Berbati's Pan - The 1900s and Norfolk and Western

I bought a wristband to MusicFest NW this year. That means that I have to go to every possible show to get my $50 worth. And you can bet that I will. By the time I get to Sunday, I'll be beat.

Walking to Berbati's Pan tonight, some guy said to us, "How you doin, sexy?" And funny, the lead singer girl for the 1900s sang like she was responding to that comment for the whole 40 minutes of their set. She looked like Bess Armstrong and sang and played the tambourine with the same intensity as the lead guy singer, whose jaw clenched as he sang, his head shaking and spitting the words out. They are from Chicago and it sounded like this was their first time to Portland. "You live in a really nice city," said the lead girl, "Everyone smells like pot."

Verdict: Yay

Norfolk and Western came on next. I haven't seen them before. My first impression was: Well aren't they adorable Portlandy people. Cool glasses, funky shirts, drummer girl in cool skirt. The one guitar guy with the glasses looked like it was the easiest thing in the world to play the guitar. He had a kind of "laaaa la laaaah" look to him, like "laaa la laaaah, I'm just strumming along because I do this every single day and I quite like it." They were mellow at first, then they really rocked out, although the la-la guy still looked like he was strolling along.

Verdict: Yay

Tomorrow: We'll attempt to attend M.Ward's show at the Crystal Ballroom, with Berbati's Pan as our backup plan - Port O'Brien is playing!

Still Have Open Dates on Your Calendar?

PDX Pop Now!
July 25-27
Rotture
315 SE 3rd Ave
Portland
(There will be great local bands here, including: Loch Lomond, Rainy States, Norfolk and Western and Liv Warfield.)

Bite of Oregon
August 8-9
Waterfront Park
(Mediocre food and the March Fourth Marching Band on Saturday night - great people watching.)

Save the Date(s). Part Two

Climber + Derby + Tango Alpha Tango. August 5th. Doug Fir. $5.

Priscilla Ahn. August 27th. Lola's Room. $12.

Sondre Lerche. August 28th. Doug Fir. $13.

Musicfest NW. Need I say more? September 3-6th. A few bands I am excited about: Port O'Brien, M. Ward, Vampire Weekend, Nada Surf. $50 for the whole damn weekend.

The Raconteurs. September 16-17. Roseland Theater. $35.

The Kooks. October 22nd. Crystal Ballroom.

Is there a reason to EVER leave Portland?

All We Could Do Was Sing

I have a confession to make. For a while now, I've had this fantasy of moving to Alaska and having a wild, torrid affair with a handsome fisherman. I wasn't really sure why until this past Friday night, when I went and saw Port O'Brien at the Towne Lounge.

We walked past the sandwich board that said Towne Lounge and then underneath in cursive writing, "For Urban Sophisticates". I think that is some kind of a joke. When you walk into the smoky dive, there is really nothing sophisticated about it. The vinyl on the booths is torn, the tables look like they haven't been wiped off in a while and various types of people, from yuppies wearing stylish summer clothes to the everyday Portland people, wearing cut-offs and t-shirts, are standing around, waiting for the music. It is an intimate setting and that's why I like it - it's like going over to your friend's house for a concert in the family room (and it's not really any bigger than a family room).

I was so glad when I saw the second band take the small stage. The lead singer, with long stringy blonde hair and the winning-est smile I have ever seen, the bass player I think, with hipster glasses and a plaid shirt, another guitar player with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth - they were all playing intensely, energetically and singing with a mighty force. Somewhere in there was a really pretty girl playing the banjo along with them, though I couldn't see her at all from where I was standing. For the last song, which is apparently a favorite with their fans, they passed out washboards to the some of the audience and they all busted out this amazing jam session of a song. I wish I would have bought their album that night, because I've been wanting to re-live it, just a little bit.

Check out Port O'Brien's website and see if you don't want to move, too. Or at least buy their album.

Port O'Brien
www.portobrien.com

Towne Lounge
714 SW 20th Place
Portland
www.townelounge.com

Songs I Am Digging Right Now

I listen to KNRK while I'm at work. They play excellent music. I am obsessed with these songs that they play regularly. Sometimes the best thing is discovering music that you missed when it first hit the airwaves.

White Stripes - My Doorbell
Harvey Danger - Flagpole Sitta
Blind Melon - No Rain
Smashing Pumpkins - Landslide

Voices for Silent Disasters Concert Series (various McMenamins locations)

I am always a sucker for charity events. Especially when it's combined with something that I love, like the Portland music scene.

Last Friday I had the opportunity to go see the second concert in a series, called Voices for Silent Disasters, at the Mission Theater.

The series is a benefit for MercyCorps and the people of Uganda. Really great cause. They showed a video of Stephanie Schneiderman's trip to Uganda and even videotaped the audience doing an enthusiastic yell so they could send it to the people they met in over there. Very cool. They brought back Ugandan coffee to sell at the concerts, along with beads and other handmade items from Uganda. I like that. It makes it real and tangible. Someone in Uganda made this with their hands and now I am going to support them by buying it. Love it.

The lineup for the concert was stellar: Stephanie Schneiderman, the Joe McMurrian Quartet and Richmond Fontaine. And although Stephanie was sick, she sounded great along with the band and backup singing by Breanna Paletta from Rye Hollow. Shout out to Todd for awesome guitar moves! It was a good show. The Joe McMurrian Quartet was a blues-y band and they really kicked it (that means it was awesome). I had to leave early, so I didn't hear Richmond Fontaine, but I have no doubt they were as excellent as the others.

The Mission Theater is set up so that you feel like you are in a giant living room, listening to a band play. It's just so cozy. So it didn't feel at all unusual to me when this guy came and sat next to me and started talking a nonsensical blue streak. "Do you smoke weed?" he asked. "No, not really at all," I said. "Oh, that's why. I smoked three bowls last night and I'm still toasted. I'm feeling linguistically challenged. Are you? Linguistically challenged, I mean?" I was so comfortable, I just leaned back in my chair, "Whatever, man..." and listened to him chat away.

I really wanted to hear the Singer/Songwriter night in the series this Saturday, but am going to a friends wedding reception. So I'm going to catch the Liv Warfield/Storm Large show next Thursday, the 15th. Should be very entertaining.

This is a great cause for everyone to support. Tickets are cheap - only $12 for most shows. And it's totally worth it. Portland has some of the best musicians anywhere. And they are all volunteering their time and efforts to support MercyCorps in their endeavor. Go to a good concert. It's the least you could do. http://www.voicesforsilentdisasters.com/