free, live music bonanza : feb 22-28 : quasi, mattress, tan sister radio, ben darwish, laura ivancie, tony ozier, james faretheewell, parson red heads

Issue No. 25 : February 22 – 28, 2010

Indie rock and cassette tapes.

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

Indie-folkers The Parson Red Heads continue their February Monday residency at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon with Ezra Carey and Cabinessence, 8:30 PM. 21 and over.

23 Tuesday
PDX indie darlings Quasi celebrate their album release with an in store performance at Jackpot Records Downtown, 6 PM. All ages.

Female vocalists rock as the Ash Street Saloon brings indie alt with Tan Sister Radio, power pop from Minty Rosa, and something punky from Thundering Asteroids!, 9:30 PM. 21 and over.

Northwest Fresh hip hop fusion with Marv Ellis and his live band The Platform along with guest rappers, DJs, live painting, and more at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 9 PM. 21 and over.

24 Wednesday
Whiskey stomp, indie folk with The Ascetic Junkies as they play their final February Wednesday residency at LaurelThirst Public House with special guests Leigh Marble and Ezra Carey, 6 PM. 21 and over.

Tony Ozier's Dookie Jam with funk-rock-soul-jazz-blues-impromptu at Someday Lounge, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Acoustic seamstress Laura Ivancie brings her Her Baaad Lambs for an evening Camellia Lounge @ TeaZone, 9 PM. All ages.

25 Thursday
Tapefest 2010... a celebration of cassette tapes at Holocene featuring:
White Fang
Mattress
Hammer of Hathor
Strategy (tape set)
Pete Swanson
DJ Hostile Tapeover
And tapes for sale from Portland's booming tape industry, 8 PM. 21 and over.

Roots with Blue Turtle Seduction as they make the rounds when McMenamins' Great Northwest Music Tour comes to the Kennedy School, 7 PM. 21 and over.

26 Friday
The Cowboys From Sweden playing the classy classics at Valentine's, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Scat, blues, roots, americana and The Reverb Brothers at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 5:30 PM. All ages.

27 Saturday
James Faretheewell & The Foolhardy tell folky, poppy stories at McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Rock, rock, rock at Ella St. Social Club's Rock and Roll Karaoke with Chariots of Rubber and Jeffrey Wonderful, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Portland's folk princess Little Sue at the LaurelThirst Public House, 6 PM. 21 and over.

28 Sunday
Intimate jazz stuffs--indie jazz, experimental jazz--at Rontoms with Joe Manis Trio, Why I Must Be Careful, and Lindsey Stormo with Ben Darwish, 9 PM. 21 and over.

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.

---
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.

Sparks.

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

free, live music bonanza : dec 21-27 : soft metals, the sale, nick jaina, incredible yacht control, marv ellis, smoochknob

Issue No. 16 : December 21 – 27, 2009

These presents don't come wrapped and you can't find them under just any old tree.

21 Monday
Electro-techno-experimental-80's synths will vibrate your heart with Soft Metals, Arohan, and Sex Life at Valentine's, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Jazz guitar with Chance Hayden at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 8:30 PM. 21 and over.

22 Tuesday
Northwest Fresh hip hop fusion with Marv Ellis and his live band The Platform along with guest rappers, DJs, and more at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 9 PM. 21 and over.

The Sale strum pop at Camellia Lounge @ TeaZone, 9PM. All ages.

23 Wednesday
Indie, shoegaze with Incredible Yacht Control and A Glass of Milk at Berbati's Pan, 10 PM. 21 and over.

Nick Jaina Band plays melodious indie at LaurelThirst Public House, 6 PM. 21 and over.

Reggae Night at Mt. Tabor Theater, 8 PM. 21 and over.

24 Thursday
Black Christmas Cheer and dancing at the Fez Ballroom's Shadowplay while DJ Ghoulunatic, DJ Horrid, and DJ Paradox spin at 9 PM. 21 and over.

25 Friday : Christmas
Costumes, decadence, and naughty elves, Dante's brings A Very Smoochy Xmas with Smoochknob and The Smoochgirls, 9:30 PM. 21 and over.

26 Saturday : Boxing Day
Some experimental noise with Camping Party at Camellia Lounge @ TeaZone, 9 PM. All ages.

Electro-acoustic with Justin Jude at McMenamins Edgefield, 7 PM. 21 and over.

27 Sunday
Reggae Night at Berbati's Pan, 9:30 PM. 21 and over.

McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern brings you Irish, folky ramblings with Hanz Araki and Cary Novotny 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.

Ho, ho, ho.

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

free, live music bonanza : dec 14-20 : boy meets club, blue horns, fix djs w/ maseo, incredible yacht control, nucular aminals, priory

Issue No. 15 : December 14 – 20, 2009

Start counting down the 12 days of Christmas now.

14 Monday
Blue Horns are poppy and catchy like at Berbati's Pan, 10 PM. 21 and over.

Psychobilly with Season of Nightmares, The Arkhams, and Reap The Weak at Ponderosa Lounge, 8 PM. 21 and over.

15 Tuesday
Northwest Fresh hip hop fusion with Marv Ellis and his live band The Platform along with guest rappers, DJs, and more at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Poppy, bluesy rock with Tree Frogs at LaurelThirst Public House at 9 PM. 21 and over.

16 Wednesday
Indie, shoegaze with Incredible Yacht Control and Beck-esque sounds from Travis Wiggins at Berbati's Pan, 10 PM. 21 and over.

Indie and/or electro shizz at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon with A Cautionary Tale, Priory, and Sea Caves, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Reggae Night at Mt. Tabor Theater, 8 PM. 21 and over.

17 Thursday
Someday Lounge presents The Fix with special guest Maseo of De La Soul and DJs Ohmega Watts, Lifesavas' Rev. Shines, DJ Kez, and DJ Dundiggy, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Dance baby, dance at Branx with Vibe Cop, The Baron, and DJ Linoleum, 10 PM. 21 and over.

Power indie with The Oregon Donor, Ugly Colors, and And I Was Like What at Ponderosa Lounge, 9 PM. 21 and over.

18 Friday
Drum machines and dance beats with Boy Meets Club, Cory O, CMNHTN, and DJ Avery at Branx, 10 PM. 21 and over.

Just rock Bottles and Cans and Badrock City Council in the lounge at the Hawthorne Theatre, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Pop stuff with Nucular Aminals, Total Noise, and Karen at Kelly's Olympian, 10 PM. 21 and over.

19 Saturday
Little Sue croons over her acoustic guitar at LaurelThirst Public House, 6 PM. 21 and over.

Ben Macy gets West Coast jazzy at Camellia Lounge @ TeaZone, 9 PM. All ages.

20 Sunday
Celtic folk with Nancy Conescu and Brongaene Griffin at McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern, 6 PM. 21 and over.

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.

---
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.

Deck the halls.

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

free, live music bonanza : dec 7-13 : fix djs, incredible yacht control, floating pointe, wayward vessel, marv ellis, poncho luxurio, joshua slamp

Issue No. 14 : December 7 – 13, 2009

Getting your weekly fix is free. Just don't overdose.

07 Monday
Portland Cello Project's Skip vonKuske hosts his weekly The Guest List at McMenamins Edgefield featuring Cellotronik, 7 PM. 21 and over.

Wayward Vessel plays the violin, harmonicas and guitars with The Hot Strings at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 8:30 PM. 21 and over.

08 Tuesday
Northwest Hip Hop fusion with Marv Ellis and his live band The Platform along with guest rappers, DJs, and more at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 9 PM. 21 and over.

The Sale strum pop at Camellia Lounge @ TeaZone, 9PM. All ages.

09 Wednesday
Indie, shoegaze with Incredible Yacht Control and Soft Tags at Berbati's Pan, 10 PM. 21 and over.

An acoustic world of Stringed Migration at Biddy McGraw's, 9 PM. 21 and over.

10 Thursday
Someday Lounge presents The Fix with DJs Ohmega Watts, Lifesavas' Rev. Shines, DJ Kez, and DJ Dundiggy, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Poncho Luxurio funk up jazzy R&B at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 8:30 PM. 21 and over.

11 Friday : Hanukkah begins
Floating Pointe brings aural, ambient at 7 PM followed by richly picked acoustic business from Joshua Slamp at McMenamins Edgefield, 10 PM. 21 and over.

Gruff blues-rock with Woodbrain at LaurelThirst Public House at 6 PM. 21 and over.

12 Saturday
Little Sue croons over her acoustic guitar at LaurelThirst Public House, 6 PM. 21 and over.

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

13 Sunday
Jazzy, bluesy rock from Troubled Boots at McMenamins Edgefield, 7 PM. 21 and over.

Ron Steen's Jazz Jam at Clyde's Prime Rib, 8:30 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.

Light a candle.

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

free, live music bonanza : nov 30-dec 6 : the dimes, marv ellis, dj bj, the very foundation, wampire, nick jaina, skip vonkuske, the green pajamas

Issue No. 13 : November 30 – December 6, 2009

With so much free Portland music, the week needs 9 days. That makes 4-day weekends.

30 Monday
Portland Cello Project's Skip vonKuske hosts his weekly The Guest List at McMenamins Edgefield featuring folky, acoustic love from Chris Kokesh, 7 PM. 21 and over.

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

01 Tuesday
The Dimes get all historical on acoustic guitars at Music Millennium, 7 PM. All ages.

Northwest Hip Hop fusion with Marv Ellis and his live band The Platform at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 8:30 PM. 21 and over.

Funk Night with Julian's Ride at Someday Lounge, 9 PM. 21 and over.

02 Wednesday
Nick Jaina Band plays melodious indie at LaurelThirst Public House, 6 PM. 21 and over.

Reggae Night at Mt. Tabor Theater, 8 PM. 21 and over.

Indie jam band Time To Spare rocks as Shorty Tonedeaf & the Screachers growl and spit at Twilight Cafe, 9:30 PM. 21 and over.

03 Thursday
DJ BJ (aka Atole) and Nate C host Let's Go Crazy (80's Dance Night) at Berbati's Pan, 9:30 PM. 21 and over.

Funky, jazzy Seven Year Tango rock at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 8:30 PM. 21 and over.

04 Friday
Richly picked acoustic business from Joshua Slamp first at his Xmas CD release party at Music Millennium, 6 PM (all ages), then at McMenamins Edgefield, 10 PM. 21 and over.

Poppy songs about the ugly side of sex and heartbreak, plus horns, from The Very Foundation at Langano Lounge, 9:30 PM. 21 and over.

05 Saturday
Electro-dance-love at Berbati's on Solid Gold night two with Nathan Detroit, DJ Rhienna, and Wampire, 10 PM. 21 and over.

Indie-pop at at Music Millennium with The Green Pajamas and Boatclub, 1 PM. All ages.

06 Sunday
The Very Foundation again at Music Millennium, 5 PM. All ages.

Portland Makes Music with Adam Gnade and Castanets at Someday Lounge, 9 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.

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

Almost Chanukah.

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

free, live music bonanza : nov 23-29 : mattress, the nightgowns, asa ransom, tony ozier, fall brawl, skip vonkuske

Issue No. 12 : November 23 – 29, 2009

I'm thankful for mattress, nightgowns, brawls. Stuff like that.

23 Monday
Portland Cello Project's Skip vonKuske hosts his weekly The Guest List at McMenamins Edgefield featuring soul singer Tahoe Jackson, 7 PM. 21 and over.

Voltronic jams funky, soul fusion at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 8:30 PM. 21 and over.

Brenden John and The Porcelain Dolls make indie, acoustic at Twilight Cafe, 9 PM. 21 and over.

24 Tuesday
In Music We Trust brings indie, pop, rock to the Doug Fir with From Words to Blows, Chris Tsefalas, and Jon Davidson and Russell Stafford, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Mmmm, Funk Night with Julian's Ride and Barry Hampton and The Triple Grip at Someday Lounge, 9 PM. 21 and over.

25 Wednesday
Reggae Night at Mt. Tabor Theater, 8 PM. 21 and over.

Mattress and Magic Johnson electro-lounge in the Restaurant Residency Series at Berbati's, 10 PM. 21 and over.

Rotture's Fall Brawl DJ battle with Rude Dudes, Holla ‘N Oates, Club Crooks, and Matt Nelkin + Dundiggy, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Tony Ozier's Dookie Jam with funk-rock-soul-jazz-blues-impromptu at Someday Lounge, 9 PM. 21 and over.

26 Thursday : Thanksgiving
Mellow folk and acoustic strumming from Aundria and Richard at McMenamins Edgefield, 7 PM. 21 and over.

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

27 Friday
Wicked guitar work from Gavin Wahl Stephens at McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern, 9 PM. All ages until 10 PM.

Indie-pop with The Nightgowns and Terra Firma at Twilight Cafe, 9:30 PM. 21 and over.

28 Saturday
Odd ball, indie mash-ups with Asa Ransom, Crosstide, and Reverse Dotty & The Candy Cane Shivs at Berbati's Pan, 10 PM. 21 and over.

Folk, strings jam with Shannon Tower Band at the Sellwood Public House, 9 PM. 21 and over.

29 Sunday
Brittany Shane plays pop-rock at Music Millennium, 5 PM. All ages.

Eye Candy with VJ Norto and The Phantom Hillbilly spinning classic MTV videos and dance at Beulahland, 9 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.

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

Mimosa.

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

free, live music bonanza : nov 16-22 : fanfarlo, parallels, very international love, girls, michalangela, nico vega, just lions

Issue No. 11 : November 16 – 22, 2009

We start giving a week before Thanksgiving.

16 Monday
The Mood of Monday Jazz Series with Chance Hayden and Michalangela at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 8:30 PM. 21 and over.

Community Day & Songwriter's Circle at Music Millennium featuring Craig Carothers and Don Henry. Hosted by Jack McMahon at 7 PM. All ages.

17 Tuesday
Rock'n'roll/electro gang bang at Ash Street Saloon with The Hand That Bleeds, Mr. Frederick, Boozer, and Saucy Yoda, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Costello-esque singer/songwriting from Grant Hart at Music Millennium, 5 PM. All ages.

18 Wednesday
Parallels and Very International Love electrify Peter’s Room at the Roseland Theater while Diamond Liars rock and DJ-duo Rude Dudes spin at 9 PM. 21 and over.

Girls give indie love at their instore performance at Jackpot Records, 6 PM. All ages.

Banjo'd bluegrassin' ha-ha with Hillstomp at the LaurelThirst Public House at 6 PM. 21 and over.

Unfiltered: Indie-Rock Showcase means non-confrontational tunes from Just Lions, Yoyodyne, and Almost Dark at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 8:30 PM. 21 and over.

19 Thursday
Not Beirut but Fanfarlo!!! Free instore at Music Millennium before their evening gig at the Doug Fir, 6 PM. All ages.

What's that you say? A massive-electro Boogie Down! Branx and Rotture make a great team for all you 21'ers bringing you hot dance/rock at Branx from :
Dangerous Boys Club
Howie and the Hotknives
DJ Vibecop
The Baron
DJ White Stag

And at Rotture :
Vinnie the Squid
Cory O
Mr. Wu

20 Friday
Donate a book to SMART and you'll get Nico Vega live in Lola's Room at the Crystal Ballroom, 7 PM. 21 and over.

Strong blues with Redwood Son at McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern at 9 PM. 21 and over.

21 Saturday
PDX Jazz At The ArtBar presents sultry Shelly Rudolph at the Antoinette Hatfield Hall Rotunda Lobby, 8 PM. All ages.

Instrumental rock with Ninth Moon Black, Life Coach, and Wizard Rifleat at Berbati's Pan, 9 PM. 21 and over.

22 Sunday
Bluestar Express plays melodious rock at Music Millennium, 5 PM. All ages.

Blues and rock with Sonny Hess and Lisa Mann at McMenamins Edgefield, 5 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.

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

Dirty bird.

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

free, live music bonanza : nov 2-8 : the cribs, mission 5, very international love, olina, tori sparks

Issue No. 9 : November 2 – 8, 2009

Mmmmhmmm. This week is delightful.

02 Monday
Twangy jazz with The Kung Pao Chickens at LaurelThirst Public House, 7 PM. 21 and over.

Flowing indie/americana with Olina at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 8:30 PM. 21 and over.

03 Tuesday
P-p-p-powerpop with End Transmission at Music Millennium, 6 PM. All ages.

Folk and americana at LaurelThirst Public House with Kelly Blair Bauman, Al James, and Mike Coykendall, 9 PM. 21 and over.

04 Wednesday
Low-fi, electro-experimentation with Mattress and surf rock from Orca Team at Berbati's Pan, 10:00 PM. 21 and over.

Catchy acoustic rock with Josh Nielsen at Twilight Cafe, 9 PM. 21 and over.

And in Bend, didgeridoo, harmonica and drums. Ruins of Ooah jams experimental roots rock at McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 7 PM. All ages.

05 Thursday
Knockout, story-telling blues from Tori Sparks at Music Millennium, 6 PM. All ages.

Funky, jazzy Seven Year Tango rock at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 8:30 PM. 21 and over.

06 Friday
Scat, blues, roots, americana and The Reverb Brothers at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 5:30 PM. All ages.

Relax to James Low at LaurelThirst Public House, 6 PM. 21 and over.

Acoustic roots with Kate Mann at McMenamins Edgefield, 7 PM. 21 and over.

07 Saturday
Mission 5 came home to rock Dante's at 9PM. 21 and over.

Banging Solid Gold electro night at Berbati's with Nathan Detroit, Very International Love, and Freaky Outy, 10 PM. 21 and over.

PDX Jazz At The ArtBar presents Blue Cranes at the Antoinette Hatfield Hall Rotunda Lobby, 8 PM. All ages.

08 Sunday
The Cribs with Johnny Marr in tow play an instore performance at Jackpot Records as well as release the limited edition disc of their new album Ignore the Ignorant: The Roses Edition, 2 PM. All ages.

Jazzy piano tunes from Rachel Efron in the lounge at the Hawthorne Theatre, 9 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.

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

Dance, dance, dance.

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

a starfucking scary halloween at wonder ballroom

Get dolled up for Starfucker's spunky
Halloween costume party.

Some things haunt you for the rest of your life. Haunts of "SELL-OUT" shouted at shows, or despondent, isolated devotees wandering the moonless night in shock, never to find peace again. Haunts like changing the name of your band from Starfucker to Celine Dion's Shaggy Penis.

Or some things aren't scary at all. They just make sense. So congratulations to the hometown boys who are able eke a living out of an artistic passion.

Whatever you wanna call them, Starfucker/PYRAMIDDD plays a spooky Halloween show at the Wonder Ballroom. We all know the boys love to don drag and stage dive so try to outdo their kinky costumes as the band will be personally judging a costume contest.

Enter the gymnasium on Saturday, October 31st like you're attending some haunted prom where alcohol is no longer taboo (eerie, huh?).

On a stage crammed with gadgets, Starfucker presents a low-fi, digital indulgence plump with candied beats, sweet and sour drum machines, and chocolate turntables. Somehow their smorgasbord of audio, from echoing voices to bleeps and zaps, sped up, slowed down, is so precisely pieced together that you wanna get topsy-turvy.

And as ever, this year's treat is sprinkled with the delectable double-drummer technique known to kick ass at Starfucker shows.

So whether you're restless or confused or pissed they "sold-out," get off your high horse. The music is still the same even if this is their last show under the Starfucker moniker. As Josh Hodges, SF general and commander, believes: making music should be fun so if you can make money doing it... fuck it.

Drinks, decadence and dance music prevail. Get all three treats this Halloween.

Trick or treats : Get your mitts on Starfucker's "German Love" and download opener Deelay Ceelay's album Thank You here.

---
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Starfucker / PYRAMIDDD
Deelay Ceelay
Nice Nice
Wampire
Wonder Ballroom : 128 NE Russell St, Portland, Oregon 97212
Doors at 8 PM, show at 9 PM
Cost : $14 advance and day of show
All ages

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

free : hockey + natalie portman's shaved head warm up halloween wkend at u of o

Hockey bring audacious dance
rock to the EMU in Eugene.

It's just an excuse for slutty costumes and drunken lewdness. Why not make that debauchery a university sanctioned event with an on-campus concert?

As Halloween descends upon the University of Oregon, so does the best dance music of the Northwest: PDX new wave rockers Hockey in cahoots with hip Seattle electronica from Natalie Portman's Shaved Head on Friday, October 30th.

Prepare for waves of luxurious, bouncy beats from Hockey who will blaze through tracks from their debut album Mind Chaos released this month. Singer Ben Grubin dances with wild flair to synths and rapid drumbeats breathing energy across the stage and into dance-rock rhythms like "Too Fake" and "Song Away."

As noted in "Wanna Be Black," Hockey's been making dance music since 2002 when "we wanted to make music that people could have fun to at the parties we played," says Ben.

"We wanted to make dance music that was infectious," says bassist/artwork guru Jerm Reynolds. "Almost like: this is a band but it might as well be a DJ." Infectious it is, but Hockey is much more than a DJ with a combined live presence full of stamina and dance mojo.

Seducing synths sugared with handclaps spell Natalie Portman's Shaved Head with hipster lyrics and lo-fi, electro-beats. The co-eds will jiggle and wiggle to NPSH's salutes to side ponies ("Sophisticated Side Ponytail") and love for facial hair ("Beard Lust"). And I'm willing to bet the Halloween crowd will be sporting a few of the aforementioned epidermic trends.

Beware ladies!! Don't be bewitched by the shaking maracas and tambourines. NPSH was strictly formed to get chicks as they sing on "Iceage Babeland," "And if you wanna shack up after show / Girl, just let me know / I don't get star struck anymore." Take a ride on this broomstick if so enticed.

Come costumed and ready to get sweaty. There's nothing scary about dance music.

Trick or treats : Download Hockey's "Too Fake" and "Wanna Be Black" from their most recent tour sampler with Portugal. The Man.

Check out NPSH's "Me + Yr Daughter" here.

---
Friday, October 30, 2009
Natalie Portman's Shaved Head
Hockey
Chilly Willy
University of Oregon EMU Ballroom : 1228 University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon 97403
Doors at 8 PM, show at 9 PM
Cost : FREE
All ages

the sounds electrify hawthorne theater oct 28

This is not the first time, nor will it be the last, that The Sounds are dubbed the modern reincarnation of Blondie. It just works.

A sexy, blonde diva? Check. Backed by her skinny, new wave boys? Check. Sewing infectious synthesized dance jams between the occasional romance-laden ballad? Check. Live at the Hawthorne Theater on Wednesday, October 28th? Check.

Following the tradition of explosive Swedish rock acts, The Sounds, lead by knockout Maja Ivarsson, radiate vivacious heat on stage. Chic and feisty, Maja's powerful voice provides the soul behind the group's peppy indie blend.

2009 marks a decade together, their third album Crossing the Rubicon, and Maja's continued challenge to all the Blondies out there: "I want to be the best female vocalist around... of at least this century."

Crossing the Rubicon sees The Sounds mellow out their frenetic pace with a few moody, melancholic tracks like the album's first single "No One Sleeps When I'm Awake." But don't fear, the downtempo will give you a breather and time to get lubed up with another Champagne of Beers before blowing an effervescent cork as the band rips through another sweaty, hyperactive dance set.

So you decide who will be remembered: NYC's originator Debbie Harry or new school, Swede Maja Ivarsson? My vote goes to Maja's looks and moxie today while she lays the legacy for tomorrow.

---
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The Sounds
Foxy Shazam
Semi Precious Weapons
Hawthorne Theater : 1507 SE 39th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97214
Doors at 7 PM, show at 8 PM
Cost : $15 advance, $18 day of show
All ages

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

oct 26-nov 1 : free, live music bonanza : pink martini, madgesdiq, monarques, mark twain indians, terracoustic

Issue No. 8 : October 26 – November 1, 2009

Free + Concerts + Halloween = Bliss.

26 Monday
Chill to some uplifting reggae/hip-hop with Yogoman Burning Band, Madgesdiq, and The C4 Influenza and Reggae Rockers at Peter's Room @ Roseland Theater, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Tap your toes to the twang with country from Emily Herring at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 8:30 PM. 21 and over.

27 Tuesday
Punk, rock the DJ at the PNCA Halloween Party at Berbati's Pan with C.O.C.O., LSD&D, and DJ Paula B at 8 PM. 21 and over.

More punk, punk, punk with Stash Black at Ash Street Saloon, 9 PM. 21 and over.

28 Wednesday
A veritable menagerie of electro-goodness on Labelmates night at Holocene at 8:30 PM, 21 and over, featuring DJ sets:
Selector Dub Narcotic
DJ Selector Demonic
E*Rock
DJ Hot Air Balloon
And live performances from Congratulations and Rob Walmart.

Ambient, electro-pop from Kotogoto at McMenamins White Eagle Saloon, 8:30 PM. 21 and over.

When in Bend, check out wicked guitar work from Gavin Wahl Stephens at McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 7 PM. All ages.

29 Thursday
Lullaby Celtic strings from Terracoustic at McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern, 7 PM. All ages.

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

30 Friday
PDX sweethearts Pink Martini record release party! Music Millennium, 6 PM. All ages.

Eclectic rock from The Quick & Easy Boys at LaurelThirst Public House, 6 PM. 21 and over.

Blues rock with Sonny Hess and Lisa Mann at McMenamins Hotel Oregon, 7 PM. 21 and over.

31 Saturday : Halloween
Indie electro at Camellia Lounge @ TeaZone with Naming Names and Monoliths, 9PM. All ages.

Leaves Russell plays sentimental rock in the lounge at the Hawthorne Theatre, 9 PM. 21 and over.

November
01 Sunday
Smooth funk-rock from Jacob Merlin at Music Millennium, 3 PM. All ages.

Pop, rock with Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside, Monarques, and Sean Flinn at Rontoms, 9 PM. 21 and over.

Portland Makes Music presents indie from Throwback Suburbia and Mark Twain Indians at Someday Lounge, 9 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.

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

Trick or treat.

this gossip's been around the block

Beth Ditto has an icy, trilling prowess. Wooing and coaxing, jarring and brassy.

A succulent, orgasmic voice that swirls high wails against raspy lows backed by Brace Paine's burly guitar and dance-ready, thumping drumbeats from Hannah Blilie.

They call this Gossip. But it's no secret that it's coming to the Wonder on Saturday, October 24th.

Beth, a self-proclaimed "fat, feminist lesbian from Arkansas," and her crew call the NW home but are tromping around the world with their circus show. Ms. Ditto's presence is immense in more ways than one with shrieks stacked on top of her already feral stage show known for disappearing garments and wild bouts of agitation.

Touring in support of their fourth album Music for Men, released this June, the kids finish off the west coast this month before colliding with sweet Paris.

Bending gender with delightfully outspoken lyrics and intermixing synths into their dance-punk formula, Beth's passionate voice sends chills down your spine as she gracefully bawls.

Behind the kicking dance beats, this babe can belt it out with the best.

---
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Gossip
MEN
Boy Joy
Wonder Ballroom : 128 NE Russell St, Portland, Oregon 97212
Doors at 8 PM, show at 9 PM
Cost : $20 advance, $20 day of show
All ages

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

the cribs all but ignore portland

I'll forgo the warning since most people sit while using the internet.

The brothers Jarman of the The Cribs teamed up with the potentially post-Modest Mouse/ex-The Smiths' guitarist Johnny Marr for their fourth studio album Ignore the Ignorant.

Old news, yeah.

Okay, well now that the boys call Portland home, they've chosen to sell their limited edition Ignore the Ignorant: The Roses Edition in only three thorny cities in the world. Our fair Rose City included. (The others being Yorkshire and Lancashire, the Jarman's and Marr's respective home counties.)

Tell me something I don't know.

Here's your cue to stand up and jump around: The Cribs, with Mr. Marr in tow, crash Jackpot Records for an in-store set on Sunday, November 8th. Also your one of about three chances to see them in the western hemisphere this year. And it's free.

Come ready, in Marr's words, for "a two-headed beast" with double the guitar.

Ignore the Ignorant: The Roses Edition includes a live disc of The Cribs at The Ritz in Manchester, a DVD documentary of the album's recording, and The Serpent and the Peach–a silent short mostly filmed on a hand-held camera.

---
Sunday, November 8th, 2009
The Cribs
Jackpot Records : 203 SW 9th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97204
Show at 2 PM
Cost : FREE
All ages

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

may ling rings rotture oct 23

"What do you about think when you are onstage?" asked SOMA Magazine.

"What Gwyneth Paltrow's severed head must have looked like in Se7en."

Sounds like my kinda Chinese pop star. Or at least the kinda girl I'd like to clap my hands to as she vibrates like a Mexican jumping bean around the stage at Rotture on Friday night.

May Ling stirs up home stewed electro-pop with two-thirds of the electro-rockers Reporter in tow: May Ling (Alberta Poon) on voicebox and Dong Ning (Dan Grazzini) playing electrician.

May Ling's cool, hexing voice lulls you under her spell engineering lovely music for when you're slogging through a rainy Portland afternoon but with just the right pinch of pizazz to make you drool and dance.

Hypnotic beats, breathy vocals and luscious synths combine ringside with everything from Lee's Lion Dance Team to fur covered hula hoops. When you're not on the floor shakin' it like a seizure, you can have this much fun at a May Ling show shakin' your ass.

Bring your glow sticks and drinkin' pants because this little bouncing bundle is joined by a slew of PDX party machines including Breakfast Mountain, DJ Copy, DJ E*Rock, DJ BJ.

May Ling's debut effort Threats dropped on August 28th and you can snatch the Threats Remix album for free.

---
Friday, October 23, 2009
Supernature
May Ling
Breakfast Mountain
DJ Copy
DJ E*Rock
DJ BJ
Rotture : 315 SE 3rd Ave, Portland, Oregon 97214
Cost : $5 day of show
21 and over

---
Read this article on Examiner.com.

praise for pretty lights at the crystal

"Sunday School" started right on time and I wasn't late.But as the beat dropped and the drum kicked, this sabbath day gathering was not about praising a ritual deity but rather about reviving musical lore.

The instantly recognizable drone from Biggie coupled with the raging, harsh lyrics "Fuck Him, I didn't wanna go to Heaven anyways" let everyone know what kind of church we were in.

This Sunday's best included short skirts, sparkly face paint, and fanny packs congregated in the nave of the Crystal Ballroom under impish frescoes and colonnades topped by cackling jokers all to exalt the Pretty Lights.

Derek Vincent Smith of Pretty Lights beamed life back into old vinyl cuts but not just by spinning and sampling. Hunched over the glowing lights on his Monome 128, he organically mixed and meshed delicate sounds with deft accuracy.

Complemented by live drummer Cory Eberhard, the pair resurrected hammered beats while forging new material and playing with osmotic precision as Smith manipulated the electronics and Eberhard the sticks. The duo simultaneously, continuously changed tempos and transformed rhythms fueled by the bouncing crowd.

Backed by a multimedia show teeming with acidic oscilloscope visualizations, blinding strobes, and yes, a rainbow of pretty lights. He took the audience for a zooming joy ride strapped to the fender of the big red PL bus cruising through the city lights of Chicago, NYC or maybe even Denver—showing us the companioning cityscapes to his immense soundscapes.

The west coast was not neglected as the kids grinded to snippets of "Shake, shake it baby" from "California Love" buzzing to afros and disco hustle above.

Stating there'd be no encore, Pretty Lights continued to smash through cut after cut of tantalizing dance anthems with the crowd sweating along and the Crystal's windows clouded by a moist haze like after a steamy shower.

Absorbed in the keypad before him, a Rubik's Cube of color and rectangles blipped behind the band, and a classic Jordan finessed his way along the baseline and onto the screen for a flash on "More Important Than Michael Jordan."The finale of Wreckx-N-Effect's "Rump Shaker" vs "Paper Planes" by M.I.A. tastily blended the choral lyric "All I wanna do" to the delight of manic mob.

At the close, Smith humbly thanked Portland for coming out and asked the people to buy a t-shirt or hat to support the free music.

Check out all of Pretty Lights' tracks for free on his website.

---
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Pretty Lights
Chicharones
DJ Rootz
Crystal Ballroom : 1332 W Burnside Portland, Oregon 97209

---
Read this article on CWG Live And Direct.
Read this article on Examiner.com.

it's on

Check it : Pretty Lights - Let Em Know It's Time To Go

PL @ The Crystal tonight.

Read some more.