Sunday, September 27, 2009

datarock info-rocks holocene oct 2

Who wears dark, wrap around sunglasses in a dim nightclub? Datarock does. Who dons red track suits and concocts a track featuring only Talking Heads' song titles as lyrics? Datarock does.

Who brings their Revenge of the Nerds vs. Transformers-inspired rock to Holocene on Friday, October 2nd? Datarock does.

The bouncing Norwegian electro-rock duo is cultural scavengers borrowing from the past 30 years of our information society influenced by Devo, the Happy Mondays and Talking Heads. "But for some reason," as singer/guitarist Fredrik Saroea says, "we're constantly going back to the years between 1977 and 1982."

Datarock has taken those 30 years and smashed them into two 40-minute releases chock-full of catchy guitar hooks, electronic beats, and synthesized rhythms... with an ode to Molly Ringwald. "We are more like cultural researchers, with a shared fascination for events and phenomena that have changed popular culture and music," states Datarock on their MySpace. Now they're taking their musical experiment on the road touring in support of Red released in June.

Known for high-energy live shows, the pair has combined forces onstage with black metal bands and acrobats, a traditional men's choir and a high school marching band. At Holocene we can at least expect a legendary multimedia, disco rave backing our boys.

So whether you're into The Sims or a gregarious dancefest with some geek-rock stars, Datarock does it right.

---
Friday, October 2, 2009
Datarock
Esser
Kav
Holocene : 1001 SE Morrison, Portland, Oregon 97214
Doors at 8 PM, show at 9 PM
Cost : $12 advance or at Jackpot Records, $14 day of show
21 and over

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

sept 28-oct 4 : free, live music bonanza : reporter, wayward vessel, serious business, walking home, colin lake

Issue No. 4 : September 28 – October 4, 2009

All the free concerts around Portland that you need to ease your addiction.

28 Monday
Wayward Vessel plays the violin, harmonicas and guitars at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 8:30 PM. 21 and over.

Two cellos, two voices with Walking Home at McMenamins Edgefield, 7 PM. 21 and over.

29 Tuesday
Rockabilly with The Troublemakers at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 8 PM. 21 and over.

Rainstick Cowbell, Autry, and Slow Paramedics play acoustic/alternative/indie rock at Ash Street Saloon, 9 PM. 21 and over.

30 Wednesday
Electro-fest at Someday Lounge with Serious Business, Breakfast Mountain, and Babies Got Rabies, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Sax + synths + guitars + drums = Levator at Music Millennium, 6 PM. All ages.

October
01 Thursday
Lewi Longmire Band plays folk and rock at LaurelThirst Public House, 6 PM. 21 and over.

Blues, soul and rock'n'roll with Colin Lake & Wellbottom at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 8:30 PM. 21 and over.

02 Friday
Hipster indie-rock at The Blood Bank's Sound Judgement Festival at 6 PM. All ages.
Reporter
Wampire
Blue Skies for Black Hearts
Yoyodyne
Yeah Great Fine
Zoo Girl
Sarcastic Dharma Society
Pardee Shorts

James Low strums love songs at LaurelThirst Public House, 6 PM. 21 and over.

03 Saturday
Lullabies in French with Eric John Kaiser at McMenamins Edgefield, 7 PM. 21 and over.

Dejha Colantuono plays soulful rock in the lounge at the Hawthorne Theatre, 9 PM. 21 and over.

04 Sunday
Hankering for harmonicas and roots rock? Jon Koonce plays McMenamins Edgefield, 5 PM. 21 and over.

McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern presents Irish Sundays with Cary Novotny and fiddler Django Amerson at 6 PM. All ages.

---
It is my mission to provide a comprehensive listing of free, local performances in Portland. Please help this compilation grow by contributing your favorite free shows and by spreading this list around.

For more free shows check out the Portland Concert Co-Op.

Ciao ragazzi.

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

Friday, September 25, 2009

perez hilton presents ladyhawke + natalie portman's shaved head at wonder ballroom sept 29

Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton brings the fine public of Portland a Kiwi princess and a quintet of handclappers with his first national music tour.

Co-headlining Perez Hilton Presents on Tuesday, September 29 at the Wonder Ballroom are two handpicked Perez delicacies: New Zealand's Ladyhawke with her synth-infused rock and Seattle's catchy, electro-rockers Natalie Portman's Shaved Head, who are into beards and side ponies.

Ladyhawke's electrically inclined rhythms are easily danceable and pay homage to decades past but not before blending them with her own contemporary flair. Her self-titled debut, released a year ago, recreates a vintage sound with a Ladyhawke twist that evokes what she calls "big production, big synths, and big guitar riffs" of the 80's.

Heavy synthesizers provide the strength behind dance-anthems like "Paris Is Burning," and tracks like "Dusk Till Dawn" and "Back of the Van" just beg for extended remixes, which are abundantly available.

On the other half of the bill, you can clap and chant alongside art school, hipster electronica from Natalie Portman's Shaved Head. Nerdy/sexy lyrics married with alluring keyboards galore will make you wanna convulse as NPSH blares odes to facial hair and a song for your girlfriend's parents.

NPSH was strictly formed to get chicks and they've succeeded in at least attracting one female to join their entourage. And as they sing on "Iceage Babeland," "Girl, just let me know / I don't get star struck anymore." See what sparks fly for you.

And what would Perez Hilton be without some glamorous gents? Openers include NYC's gender-bending, glam rockers Semi Precious Weapons and Perez's favorite boyish, Brit-pop star Julian Perretta.

---
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Perez Hilton Presents :
Ladyhawke
Natalie Portman's Shaved Head
Semi Precious Weapons
Julian Perretta
Wonder Ballroom : 128 NE Russell St, Portland, Oregon 97212
Doors at 7 PM, show at 8 PM
Cost : $25 advance
All ages

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

sondre lerche charms the doug fir sept 28

Pronounced Lair-kay, I think. That's what a Norwegian told me once. But hell, what does it matter, they all speak perfect English anyways.

Or in this case, sings it with delightful variety from poppy tunes to jazzy ballads.

Singer-songwriter Sondre Lerche brings his musical bag of tricks to the Doug Fir on Monday, September 28th touring in support of Heartbeat Radio released in September. Listen to his new song "Good Luck," full of building strings and flowing notes.

The past has shown Sondre adept at writing and performing catchy songs across genres, spanning pure pop on his sophomore effort Two Way Monologue to hip jazz on Duper Sessions and melodic, indie-rock with 2007's Phantom Punch. Ever the romantic, Sondre always includes a lovely serenade or two for good measure, which he continues on his latest release.

This boyish Scandinavian executes an up-beat, intimate live show full of love songs and poppy refrains that'll leave you smiling back and tapping your toes along.

Sondre has toured in the past with Elvis Costello and fellow Norwegian Thomas Dybdahl as well as recorded a duet with Regina Spektor for the 2007 score of Dan in Real Life.

Take a date to this one, she'll swoon.

---
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sondre Lerche

JBM
Doug Fir Lounge : 830 E Burnside, Portland, Oregon 97214
Doors at 8 PM, show at 9 PM
Cost : $13 advance, $15 day of show
21 and over

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

sept 21-27 : free, live music bonanza : meat puppets, mimicking birds, deer tick, ravishers

Meat Puppets
Meat Puppets warm up at Music Millennium on Tuesday.

Issue No. 3 : September 21 – 27, 2009

Free, free, free. Loud and live in PDX.

21 Monday
Langhorne Slim bring folk rock to Music Millennium at 7 PM. All ages.

Jazz guitar with Dan Balmer at Jimmy Mak's, 8 PM. 21 and over.

22 Tuesday
Meat Puppets punk up Music Millennium at 6 PM. All ages. Download "Rotten Shame" from Stereogum or "Disappear" from their 2007 album.

Mimicking Birds plays stripped down melodies at McMenamins Olympic Club Hotel & Theater, 7 PM. All ages.

23 Wednesday
Deer Tick plays Bend at McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 7 PM. All ages. Download their current single "Easy" thanks to Pamplemoose.

Celilo rocks at LaurelThirst Public House at 6 PM. 21 and over.

24 Thursday
In Music We Trust presents indie-hipsters The Hugs, Ravishers, and New York Rifles at the Doug Fir, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Explode Into Colors at Jackpot Records Downtown, 6 PM. All ages.

25 Friday
Cool, acoustic rhythms with Lizzie Huffman at Wine Unwind, 7 PM. 21 and over.

Lynn Conover plays acoustic folk at McMenamins Hotel Oregon, 7 PM. All ages.

Late night Dance Party with DJ Mestizo at Dante's at midnight. Contiunes Saturday. 21 and over.

26 Saturday
Beer, polka and sausages. Yes, it's the Polish Festival featuring traditional dancers and busting with polka bands and accordions including Oregon Polka Beats, Leonard Kosadka, Eric & Kristin, and Pola Gadowski from 11 AM to 10 PM. Continues on Sunday noon to 6 PM. Check the schedule and location off 3900 N. Interstate Ave.

Lynn Conover and Little Sue swoon acoustic, folk stylings to the LaurelThirst Public House at 6 PM. 21 and over.

The marathon is almost over. Deer Tick @ McMenamins Grand Lodge, 7 PM. All ages.

27 Sunday
Oktoberfest actually happens in September. So get your booty to der Wiesn at McMenamins Edgefield and brew ha-ha to folk, americana, rock, and belly dancers with Deer Tick, Mimicking Birds, The Old Yellers, Whiskey Puppy, Caleb Klauder Country Band, and Gypsy Caravan. See the complete schedule and band list. All ages and 21 and over.

Freak Mountain Ramblers jam at the LaurelThirst Public House at 6 PM. 21 and over.

---
It is my mission to provide a comprehensive listing of free, local performances in Portland. Please help this compilation grow by contributing your favorite free shows and by spreading this list around.

Adiós chicos.

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

sign up for free tickets to scion's garage fest


Garage Fest will bring 40+ bands to four venues in Old Town Portland on Saturday, October 17th. And Scion is giving away this indie, rock'n'roll jackpot for free, just sign on the dotted line.

Visit the Garage Fest site and RSVP for the event before September 29th for your free pass.

Some of the festival's highlights include:
Jay Reatard
Dutchess & The Duke
Black Lips
King Khan & BBQ Show
Roky Erickson
The Dirtbombs
The Deadly Snakes
Gino Washington
Pierced Arrows
Japanese Motors
Gris Gris
Jack-O & The Tearjerkers
The Spits
The Almighty Defenders
Simply Saucer

Arrive early because space will be limited to venue capacity.

---
Scion Garage Fest
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Complete Artist Listing
Satyricon : 125 NW 6th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97209 : All Ages
Berbati's Pan : 231 SW Ankeny St, Portland, Oregon 97209 : All Ages
Someday Lounge : 125 NW 5th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97209 : 21 and over
Dante's : 1 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, Oregon 97209 : 21 and over
Will call 1 PM, doors at 2:30 PM, shows begin at 3 PM
Cost : Free with RSVP by September 29, 2009

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

sept 14-20 : free, live music bonanza : arctic monkeys, the helio sequence, deer tick, march fourth marching band, portugal. the man

Issue No. 2 : September 14 – 20, 2009

More free concerts in PDX. Get yours while it's hot.

14 Monday
Bob Shoemaker plays blues at McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern, 7 PM. All ages.

Or jazz with Kung Pao Chickens at LaurelThirst Public House, 7 PM. 21 and over.

15 Tuesday
Portugal. The Man live and unconventional at Music Millennium at 6 PM. All ages. Get some free tracks from Portugal. The Man and their current tour mates.

Deer Tick drawls at McMenamins Olympic Club Hotel & Theater at 7 PM. All ages. Try a couple Deer Tick tunes courtesy of Pamplemoose: Easy, Art Isn't Real (City of Sin), and Baltimore Blues No. 1.

El Grito in honor of Mexico's independence is celebrated with live Latin music, food and cervezas in Pioneer Courthouse Square from 11 AM until 10 PM.

16 Wednesday
Deer Tick scores again. This time at McMenamins Kennedy School at 7 PM. All ages.

SexyWaterSpiders, The Blacklights, Nodding Tree Remidies soul, psych-rock, ambient, whatever you want at Someday Lounge, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Now the following 3 shows take some effort on your part. MusicfestNW presents Bandz n the Hood at the Wonder Ballroom. For admission you must get your buns to Jackpot Records starting at 10 AM on the day of the show for a wristband. Or already have a MFNW wristband. BUT SHOWS ARE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE, so get there early before the Wonder fills up.

17 Thursday
MFNW Bandz n the Hood : The Helio Sequence and Dr. Dog @ Wonder Ballroom, doors at 4:30 PM and show at 5:30 PM. All ages. Check out a few The Helio Sequence tracks on Sub Pop.

Will West Band plays acoustic roots at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 5:30 PM. All ages.

Jon Hecox strums acoustic pop at Camellia Lounge @ TeaZone, 9PM. All ages.

18 Friday
MFNW Bandz n the Hood : Arctic Monkeys and The Like @ Wonder Ballroom, doors at 4:30 PM and show at 5:30 PM. All ages. Download the Monkeys' single "Crying Lightning" here.

Paula Sinclair twangs her acoustic guitar at McMenamins Grand Lodge, 7 PM. All ages.

Elite Band plays R&B and soul at Clyde's Prime Rib, 8:45 PM. All ages.

19 Saturday
MFNW Bandz n the Hood : F***ked Up, The Bronx, and Mariachi El Bronx @ Wonder Ballroom, doors at 3 PM and show at 4 PM. All ages.

Hopworks Urban Brewery brings Biketobeerfest starting at noon until 10 PM. All ages.
March Fourth Marching Band
The Ascetic Junkies
Chronicle
Boy Eats Drum Machine
The Student Loan

And if you're a real bonehead, here's your another chance: Deer Tick at McMenamins Hotel Oregon at 7 PM. All ages.

20 Sunday
McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern brings you Irish Music Sunday with Hanz Araki and Cary Novotny at 6 PM. All ages.

And in Bend, McMenamins Old St. Francis School brings Oktoberfest with Leif James, Those Darn Accordions, and The Sweet Harlots. All day, all ages.

---
It is my mission to provide a comprehensive listing of free, local performances in Portland. Please help this compilation grow by contributing your favorite free shows and by spreading this list around.

Knock 'em dead cowgirl.

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

Friday, September 11, 2009

musicfestnw returns to portland sept 16-20 with arctic monkeys, edward sharpe, the get up kids

MusicfestNW

This weekend sees the triumphant return of MusicfestNW. Nine years running, this year's festival brings over 200 bands to 18 venues around Portland.

From Wednesday, September 16th through Sunday the 20th, local acts will share stages with international stars, up-and-comers and unknowns will play alongside renowned rock legends.

Five day passes for all MFNW shows are still available for $60 at both Jackpot Records locations, Music Millennium, Willamette Week offices, and TicketsWest. Individual tickets are available at some venues or on the day of the show.

It's hard to pick a concert and stick to it with so many phenomenal artists playing concurrently so here are my venue picks for the weekend.

16 Wednesday : Berbati's Pan
Portland Cello Project
Will Sheff of Okkervil River, Damien Jurado, Fences
Doors at 7 PM, show at 8 PM
Cost : $15 or MFNW wristband
21 and over

17 Thursday : Holocene
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Amazing Baby, The Entrance Band, Local Natives
Doors at 8 PM, show at 9 PM
Cost : $10 or MFNW wristband
21 and over

18 Friday :
Free Early Show : Wonder Ballroom
Arctic Monkeys and The Like
Arrive early!! Doors at 4:30 PM, show at 5:30 PM
Cost : Free wristband from Jackpot Records (available at 10 AM) or MFNW wristband
All ages

Late Show : Someday Lounge
The Shaky Hands
BOAT, Jared Mees and The Grown Children, Inside Voices, Tanning
Doors at 7 PM, show at 8 PM
Cost : $8 or MFNW wristband
21 and over

19 Saturday : Roseland Theater
The Get Up Kids
Portugal. The Man, Youth Group, Pretty and Nice
Doors at 7 PM, show at 8 PM
Cost : $18 on TicketsWest or MFNW wristband
All ages

20 Sunday : Crystal Ballroom
Modest Mouse
Love As Laughter, Mimicking Birds, Morning Teleportation
Arrive early!! Doors at 6 PM, show at 7 PM
Cost : Sold out, entrance with MFNW wristband accepted up to capacity
All ages

A word of advice: If using a MFNW wristband, arrive at the venue early because some shows do fill to capacity and you will be turned away. Or worse, forced to wait in line while everyone else dances their asses off to Girl Talk.

---
MusicfestNW 2009
Wednesday, September 16 – Sunday, September 20, 2009
Complete Schedule
Complete Artist Listing
Complete Venue Listing
Cost : $60 Wristband; Individual Tickets Available at Certain Venues or on Show Day
Complete Ticketing Information
Some venues and shows 21 and over

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

edward sharpe + the magnetic zeros bring their enchanting revival to holocene

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Edward Sharpe is the second coming. He enters prophetically, bare-chested and shoeless, backed by his disciples: The Magnetic Zeros.

The gang brings their folk-rock revival to Portland's Holocene on Thursday, September 17th as part of MusicfestNW.

Altogether, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros stand 10 strong with tangled locks that shroud painted faces brimming with whimsical grins.

Shows are divine events with crowds singing along to anthems like "Janglin" and "40 Day Dream" that recall a foregone time of folky optimism, also visible in the band's hippie ethic: touring in a revamped school bus with their name emblazoned on the side.

Forming in L.A. in 2005, the band released their debut album Up from Below in July after lead singer Alex Ebert ditched his rock star lifestyle and former band Ima Robot, met fellow vocalist Jade Castrinos, and started something more organic.

Ebert and Castrinos bounce lyrics back and forth on duets like "Home" with its catchy twang that'll make you whistle along feeling warm inside.

Keeping with their peace and love mantra, the album's recording also harks back to another era. It was recorded live with 12 artists playing together on a 24-track tape machine from the 70's creating a raw performance in a familial atmosphere.

So come all ye faithful for $10. Show starts at 9 PM with Local Natives followed by The Entrance Band and Amazing Baby culminating with the la-la-la's of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros at the stroke of midnight.

---
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros @ 12 PM
Local Natives @ 9 PM
The Entrance Band @ 10 PM
Amazing Baby @ 11 PM
Holocene : 1001 SE Morrison, Portland, Oregon 97214
Cost : $10 or MFNW wristband
21 and over

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

sept 7-13 : free, live music bonanza : yacht, u.s.e, ohmega watts, may ling, little sue, alyse black

Issue No. 1 :
Let's launch my inaugural weekly installment with gusto. Nothing but free shows around PDX.

Picks for the week of September 7–13, 2009.

07 Monday : Labor Day
Community Day & Songwriter's Circle at Music Millennium features Breanna Paletta, Ryan VanDordrecht, and Jack McMahon. All ages.

Soulful, acoustic singer-songwriters play Mississippi Pizza at 9 PM: Alyse Black, Aly Tadros, and Jonathan Brinkley. 21 and over.

08 Tuesday

Portland Rumble

The Portland Rumble is at Holocene and features digital beats from Hello Electric and United State of Electronica with Dr. Helicopter. Show starts at 8 PM. 21 and over.

Open Bluegrass Jam at McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern at 7 PM. All ages.

09 Wednesday
The LaurelThirst Public House presents rock from Celilo at 6 PM and Piano Throwers at 9 PM. 21 and over.

AAN strums at Berbati's Pan restaurant at 10 PM. 21 and over.

10 Thursday
Yes, we all know PDX loves PBR. But now we know PBR loves PDX. Pabst is showing its reciprocal desire with an All-Star Tribute to 1977 at the Doug Fir. A whole gaggle of bands will be in attendance playing rockin' folksy, americana-esque fare. Show's at 9 PM but the beverages start flowing at 8 PM. Sorry kiddos, 21 and over. Available on tap:
Jim Brunberg
Blue Skies for Black Hearts
The Leaders
Sean Croghan
Rachel Taylor Brown
Dave Camp
The Neat
Ezra Holbrook
The Threads
PDX Punk Rock Collective
Adrian H. & The Wounds

Dance to the darkness at the Fez Ballroom's Shadowplay while DJ Ghoulunatic, DJ Horrid, and DJ Paradox spin starting at 9 PM. 21 and over.

11 Friday
Boogie Bone live at Music Millennium at 6 PM. All ages.

A Tribute to Elliott Smith at McMenamins Edgefield at 7 PM. 21 and over.

East End brings Friday punk with Meercaz, Buzzer, and Impediments at 9 PM. 21 and over.

12 Saturday


Old Town Block Party outside Someday Lounge with music from 3 to 10 PM. All ages.
YACHT
M64 (featuring Ohmega Watts and Ragen Fykes)
May Ling
The Fix DJs (Ohmega Watts, DJ Kez, Rev. Shines, and Dundiggy)
Tony Ozier

Lynn Conover and Little Sue swoon acoustic, folk stylings to the LaurelThirst Public House at 6 PM. 21 and over.

Bluegrass all over town with McMenamins.
The Student Loan @ McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 4:30 PM. All ages.
Whiskey Puppy @ McMenamins Grand Lodge, 7 PM. All ages.
And blues with Renegade Minstrels @ McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Rotture celebrates 3 years in action with electro-dance beats at 9 PM. 21 and over.
Fleshtone
Fist Fite
Hot Victory
Diamond Liars
DJ Linoleum

13 Sunday
Freak Mountain Ramblers jam at the LaurelThirst Public House at 6 PM. Followed by folk from Billy Kennedy with Tim Acott at 9:30 PM. 21 and over.

McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern brings you Irish Music Sunday with Hanz Araki and Kathryn Claire at 7 PM. All ages.

Rotture continues its birthday dance-a-thon at 7 PM with Rabbits, Blood, and Selector Mancampus. 21 and over.

---
Every week I will continue with a listing of free, live music around Portland. If you've got an event to add, shoot me a message or list it in the comments below.

Viva Portlandia.

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

the killers need an opening band

Think you're ready for your big debut? How about performing in an arena chock-full of future fans? You can win the chance to open for The Killers at the Memorial Coliseum on September 24th.

The contest sponsored by 94.7 FM has only two requirements: be a local, Portland band and submit a video of your band performing an original song by September 20th.

Five finalists will be selected by 94.7 FM, and then The Killers will choose their favorite band to open. Size up the competition while reading the official rules and entering at 947.fm.

The Killers are touring nationally in support of their third album "Day & Age," which was released in November 2008 and features the singles "Human" and "A Dustland Fairytale." Listen to these tracks and more on The Killers' MySpace.

Tickets for the Thursday, September 24th performance at the Memorial Coliseum can be purchased through the Rose Quarter ticketing for $32.50 to $37.50. The show begins at 7:30 PM.

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.