Shovels & Rope @ Doug Fir Lounge 4/6/2013
Back in 2010, probably like many others, a track grabbed me at the end of a popular, vampire-themed television episode. It had raw beats, a dirty guitar hook, and threatened to beat the mistress.
The artist behind the song was Cary Ann Hearst, and as I dug a little deeper I found video after video of songs played in tiny clubs in collaboration with musician Michael Trent. That “Hells Bells” track had made it to HBO, but the singing/songwriting duo(who at some point got hitched and took on the name Shovels & Rope) traveled like gypsies only within their stomping grounds of the Southeast. Their music was deeply planted in life experience and parables, abundant with endearing vocals and so much heart. There is also a lot of sass- that kind of Southern sensibility that knocks you down a notch if you’re getting too big for your britches.
This entry was written by , posted on April 8, 2013 at 4:43 pm, filed under Live and tagged Dine Alone Records, Doug Fir Lounge, ELEVEN PDX, Live Music, Portland Music, Shovels & Rope. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
Jamie Lidell @ Doug Fir Lounge 3/30/13
A few people were donning their spring best for the Easter Eve show at the Doug Fir Lounge. After all, it was the warmest weekend so far and we were all feeling ready to revel in some sweet soul from the angelic voice of Jamie Lidell. After musingly viewing the openers and wandering the watering holes of Lower East Burnside, a sold-out crowd encroached upon the stage.
What is different about this tour is that it is much more of a DJ set. There was a huge spaceship of a soundboard, with jutting, mirrored angles. There was no band this time. Jamie was solo, face lit by the glow of a laptop, sans spectacles and wearing a splattered trench coat, looking like a time traveler navigating techno with flecks of neon geometrics and lasers that made me wish for 3D glasses as part of the program.
This entry was written by , posted on April 5, 2013 at 12:06 am, filed under Live and tagged 2013, club music, Doug Fir Lounge, electro funk, Eleven, ELEVEN MAGAZINE PDX, ELEVEN MUSIC, ELEVEN PDX, Eleven PDX Magazine, ELEVENPDX, funk groove, Jamie Lidell, Live, music, PDX, Portland, Show. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
Native + Caspian @ Doug Fir Lounge 3/6/2013
More photos on Flickr.
This entry was written by , posted on March 8, 2013 at 6:30 pm, filed under Live and tagged 2013, Caspian, Doug Fir, Doug Fir Lounge, ELEVENPDX, Native, PDX, Portland, Sargent House. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
1939 Ensemble, Wovenhand @ Doug Fir 1/29/2013
Jose Mendeles might be the coolest guy in Portland. His knowledge of all things drum translates directly through all of his appendages. It only makes sense, as he surrounds himself with beautiful vintage kits and toys at his NE Prescott shop Revival Drums. Alongside David Coniglio, the duo known as 1939 Ensemble got an otherwise typical Wednesday night warmed up in funky, polyrhythmic fashion. Then came Denver, Colorado trio Wovenhand.
This entry was written by , posted on January 31, 2013 at 11:11 pm, filed under Live and tagged 1939 Ensemble, David Eugene Edwards, Doug Fir Lounge, ELEVEN PDX, Live Music, Portland Music, Rachael Haigh, Ryan Dornfeld, Wovenhand. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
What’s Going On: 05/23 – 05/30
1. Starfucker w/ Unknown Mortal Orchestra & Wampire
Where: Branx
How Much: $15
When: Thursday, May 24th – 8pm
Why: Taking a little break from hibernation/recording to play a few shows over the next month, Starfucker joins forces with Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Wampire for an all ages show. As a trifecta of such radness might suggest, advanced tickets are sold out. There will be a limited number of tickets available at the door so get there early if you wanna dance your butt off.
*1B. TYCHO w/ Active Child
Where: Doug Fir Lounge
How Much: $13/$15
When: Thursday, May 24th – 9pm
Why: If the show it Branx is maxed to the teeth, or if you want a little more subdued-but-still-dance-party action, San Francisco’s Scott Hansen (TYCHO) takes the ambient-electronic and visual-design arts factor up a notch. This one is likely to sell out also, but the Doug Fir usually holds some extra tickets for when the box office opens at 7:30.
2. Spiritualized w/ Nikki Lane
Where: Wonder Ballroom
How Much: $18/$20
When: Friday, May 25th – 9pm
Why: In support of his seventh studio album, Sweet Heart Sweet Light, J. Spaceman and company will grace our fair city for the first time in 5 years. I highly suggest picking up tickets if you haven’t already done so, unless you want to wait another 5 years. You can expect a couple of backup singers, swirling projections, and possibly floating in space.
*2B. Deer Tick w/ Turbo Fruits
Where: Mission Theatre
How Much: $20
When: Friday, May 25th – 8pm
Why: Deer Tick is coming to town in support of their acclaimed 2011 record, Divine Providence, and their EP Tim. The EP, released free in February, is four tracks from the same sessions as the full length. The Mission provides an intimate and historic setting for the roots rockers, and they will be accompanied by Nashville four-piece Turbo Fruits. Doors at 7pm
3. Dum Dum Girls w/ Young Prisms & Ghost Animal
Where: Doug Fir
How Much: $13/$15
When: Sunday, May 27th – 9pm
Why: Continuously building buzz over the last couple of years, the sultry garage-pop quartet stops by the Doug Fir their second visit. This time around the love ladies have snatched up the San Francisco dream-pop group Young Prisms for these spring west coast dates. Kicking off this dream party is Ghost Animal, who has recently added Cole Browning (Prescription Pills) to their live shows.
This entry was written by , posted on May 23, 2012 at 11:11 am, filed under Upcoming and tagged Branx, dance party, Doug Fir, Doug Fir Lounge, dream pop, Dum Dum Girls, electronica, ELEVEN PDX, Ghost Animal, J. Spaceman, Jason Pierce, Live Music, Nikki Lane, Portland live music, Psych pop, space rock, Spiritualized, Starfucker, STRFKR, TYCHO, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Wampire, Wonder Ballroom, Young Prisms. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
Tanlines w/ Rewards @ Doug Fir Lounge 04/25/2012
In recent months Tanlines have been seen a lot of places. They snagged on a slew of song/album/band-of-the-weeks across the independent music blogosphere, landed a spot in the pages of The New York Times and even grazed the Billboard album charts. Since last month’s release of their second album Mixed Emotions there’s a high probability they’ve crossed your path.
Though their sound is nothing unique, a faultless mixture of international beats and pop choruses is what makes Tanlines so charming. Their vibe deviates between easy listening melodies and tropical soundscapes. It’s simple lyrics and guitar topped off with the kind of eclectic, organic percussion you can only expect from talented producers. Mixed Emotions is calm and collective while simultaneously energetic and colorful—and that’s one way to describe last night’s show at the Doug Fir.
This entry was written by , posted on April 27, 2012 at 9:55 am, filed under Live and tagged 04/25/2012, Aaron Pfenning, Brooklyn Music, Doug Fir Lounge, ELEVEN PDX, Eric Emm, Jesse Cohen, Live Music, Megan Gex, Portland Music, Rewards, Tanlines, Tropical Pop. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
What’s Going On: 01/04 – 01/11
1. Hairspray Blues w/ Shut Your Animal Mouth
Where: Ash St. Saloon
How Much: $5
When: Thursday, January 5th—9:30pm
Why: Kyle and Leslie Stabile make up the grimy broken blues duo with a heavy metal edge. With his scorching riffs and her animalistic drumming, the pair definitely takes their music outside the box and gives it one heck of a kick. They play first, so get your butt there on time.
2. Archeology w/ Tango Alpha Tango & Adam Shearer (Weinland)
Where: Doug Fir
How Much: $5
When: Friday, January 6th—9pm
Why: Bacardi presents the Back To Basics series—a mere five bucks at the door gets you a night filled with lush arrangements and spot-on harmonies with local indie folk acts Archeology and Tango Alpha Tango. Opening the evening is Adam Shearer of PDX’s supergroup, Weinland.
3. Fundraiser for Ethos Music Center & My Voice Music w/ performances by Fruit of the Legion of Loom, K-Tel ’70, Bombs Away! and DJ HWY 7
Where: Tonic Lounge
How Much: Bring your wallets—it’s for the kids!
When: Sunday, January 8th—7pm
Why: Fancy cocktail party starts promptly at 7pm with DJ HWY 7 spinning tunes and a silent auction throughout the evening (art, music, massages, etc) with proceeds benefitting these two amazing organizations. That’s not all, folks—Tonic Lounge will be donating 10% of food & drink sales for the whole night! For more info: http://www.facebook.com/events/318277158199970/
This entry was written by , posted on January 5, 2012 at 10:12 am, filed under Upcoming and tagged Adam Shearer, Archeology, Ash St. Saloon, Bombs Away!, DJ HWY 7, Doug Fir Lounge, ELEVEN PDX, Ethos Music Center, Fruit of the Legion of Loom, Hairspray Blues, K-Tel '70, Live Music, My Voice Music, Portland Music, Shut Your Animal Mouth, Tango Alpha Tango, Tonic Lounge, Weinland. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
What’s Going On: 12/21-12/28
1. Sons Of Huns w/ Mongoloid Village & The Ax
Where: Doug Fir
How Much: $6
When: Wednesday, December 21st –9pm
Why: A delicious mid-week treat! Emanating unabashedly raw energy and down right killer tunes is garage-accented rock’n’roll trio, Sons Of Huns. These dudes know how to bring it all the time, every time. For a mere $6, come see what all the ruckus is about!
2. Hawkeye w/ 1776 & The Shivas
Where: Backspace
How Much: $6
When: Thursday, December 22nd –9pm
Why: It’s time to let yourself fall down the rabbit hole and get lost in the psychedelic haze of not one, not two, but three fantastic bands! Featuring swirling guitars, super-sonic fuzz, and 60s pop-infused riffs—you won’t know what hit you, but you’ll definitely dig it.
3. Best Supporting Actress w/ Hooded Hags & Tiny Knives
Where: Club 21
How Much: Free!
When: Friday, December 23rd –9pm
Why: Starting as a duo in 2008, BSA self-recorded and self-released a few tapes while playing shows around town with the likes of Explode Into Colors and Guidance Counselor. This year they added bass into the mix and laid down some noisy bubblegum rock tracks with Kennel Jitters recordings. Get there and buy it!
This entry was written by , posted on December 23, 2011 at 12:01 am, filed under Upcoming and tagged 1776, Backspace, Best Supporting Actress, Club 21, Doug Fir Lounge, ELEVEN PDX, Hawkeye, Hooded Hags, Live Music, Mongoloid Village, PDX, Portland Music, Sons of Huns, The Ax, The Shivas, Tiny Knives. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.
What’s Going On: 10/19 – 10/26
1. Boom Chick w/ Root Jack
Where: Dante’s
How Much: $5
When: Thursday, October 20 – 9pm
Why: If you’re still sad about The White Stripes calling it quits, dry those eyes and get ready for this Brooklyn-based duo. Yes, we’ll never tire of the guitar and drum mash-up, but Boom Chick exudes bluesy rock’n’roll to perhaps it’s finest.
2. Blouse w/ Vice Device
Where: Mississippi Studios
How Much: $5/$7
When: Friday, October 21 – 9pm
Why: Portland has found a sparkling gem, and her name is Charlie Hilton. On the brink of their self-titled debut on Captured Tracks, Blouse is dream-pop trio we won’t soon forget. Wispy and atmospheric, the music penetrates through your heart and into your soul.
3. Fruit Bats w/ Parson Red Heads
Where: Doug Fir Lounge
How Much: $15
When: Saturday, October 22 – 9pm
Why: Touring in support of their fifth album, Tripper, Eric Johnson and Co. make a stop home for an evening of melodious storytelling tunes. Joining them are the harmonious Parson Red Heads. Bandmates and friends, the indie-folk group has been playing together since their teens.
This entry was written by , posted on October 19, 2011 at 9:30 am, filed under Upcoming and tagged Blouse, Boom Chick, Dante's, Doug Fir Lounge, ELEVEN PDX, Fruit Bats, Live Music, Mississippi Studios, Parson Red Heads, Portland Music, Root Jack, Vice Device. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.