What’s Going On: 05/30 – 06/06

1. MFNW KICK-OFF PARTY: Gardens & Villa, Swahili & Grandparents
Where: Holocene
How Much: $10
When: Wednesday, May 30th – 8:30pm
Why: A little taste of what’s to come at MFNW this year with two of Portland’s finest local bands. Swahili’s tribal psychedelic sound, hypnotic drums, and krautrockian patterns will captivate you. Grandparents psych-pop shoegazy delicousness makes your body move without even realizing it. And then there’s Santa Barbara’s art synth-pop group Gardens & Villa, whose sweet Californian vibe will make you ache for summertime.

2. Gospel Music w/ Surfsdrugs & Fine Pets
Where: Ella St. Social Club
How Much: $5
When: Thursday, May 31st – 9pm
Why: Hailing from Jacksonville, FL, the last time we heard from Owen Holmes (aka Gospel Music and Black Kids’ bassist) was his collaboration with members of The Magnetic Fields, Camera Obscura, Vivian Girls, etc for the 2010 Duettes EP. The follow-up How To Get To Heaven From Jacksonville, FL is full of playful indie-pop tunes with friend Madeline Long providing the yin to Holmes’ yang. Show up early to catch Surfsdrugs (members of And And And/Glitter Express) and Fine Pets (members of Best Supporting Actress).

3. Crystal Fighters w/ Is Tropical & Tyler Tastemaker
Where: Wonder Ballroom
How Much: $12/$14
When: Saturday, June 2nd – 9pm
Why: If you leave this show without a stupid smile of pure unadulterated happiness and sweat-dampened clothes, you’re doing it wrong. Formed in London in 2007, the globally influenced electronic group released their debut in October of 2010 in the UK. A year and half later the dynamic, pulsating, electro dance-rock from across the pond was released in the US and has been making waves ever since. Get your ticket now and thank me later.

This entry was written by elevenpdx, posted on May 30, 2012 at 11:11 am, filed under Upcoming and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

What’s Going On: 04/11 – 04/18

1. Bear In Heaven w/ Blouse & Doldrums
Where: Mississippi Studios
How Much: $12
When: Thursday, April 12th – 9pm
Why: An eclectic night of music at the Studios featuring Brooklyn-based progressive psych-pop Bear In Heaven (whose new album, I Love You, It’s Cool, is already receiving positive reviews), hometown dream-pop trio Blouse, and experimental indielectronica from Montreal’s Doldrums. This show is sure to sell out so make sure you get your music-loving butts there early to secure your spot!

2. Orca Team w/ PinkSlime & The Cry
Where: Ella St. Social Club
How Much: $5
When: Friday, April 13th – 9pm
Why: With a busy year of touring ahead of them (an estimated 150 shows), we’re lucky to have Portland’s long lost poppy surf-rock trio pay us a visit. Showcasing some new tunes off their upcoming June 14th entitled Restraint, you’ll want to wear your snazziest dancing shoes to try and keep up with the ever fashionable Ocra Team. Joining the night’s festivities: garage punk trio PinkSlime (formally Pleassure) and powerpop quartet The Cry.

3. Still Caves w/ Psychic Feline
Where: Rontoms
How Much: Absolutely free!
When: Sunday, April 15th – 9pm
Why: Rontoms Sunday Sessions have been killing it lately, and this week is no different with up and coming experimental garage-psych outfit Still Caves. Hot off the press is the release of their debut EP, Static Lips. Pay what you want here, but don’t be stingy–these guys need dollars to record a full-length! With Psychic Feline on the bill, this is a no-brainer. See you on Sunday!

This entry was written by elevenpdx, posted on April 11, 2012 at 11:11 am, filed under Upcoming and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

What’s Going On: 02/08 – 02/15

1. High Scores and Records Presents: Event 2

Where: Holocene
How Much: $5
When: Wednesday, February 8th—8:30pm
Why: The collaborative quarterly showcase is back and bursting with some of Portland’s finest. Featuring gems like Claudia Meza (Stay Clam), Shannon Steele (Typhoon), Richard Laws (Hosannas), Chris Cantino (Archers), Dorian Duvall (Onuinu), Booth Wilson (Support Force), and poetry by Gary Burns.

2. Wilco w/ White Denim

Where: Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
How Much: $53.50
When: Wednesday, February 8th—8pm
Why: If you love Wilco, this is the most amazing thing ever. If you don’t love Wilco, White Denim is playing. White Denim is a trailblazing quartet from Austin, TX who has no trouble getting into it with driving drum beats and catchy, psychadelic guitar hooks. The Schnitz provides a unique experience for both the fans and these bands, who are all accustomed to hanging out in a more dressed down environment.

3. The Pharmacy w/ The Shivas & Ghost Mom

Where: Ella St. Social Club
How Much: $5
When: Thursday, February 9th—9pm
Why: Garage-pop stoner-sprinkled rock trio The Pharmacy pay the Rose City a visit in support of their latest 7’’ Dig Your Grave. Joining them are the ever-delightful Shivas, the unabashedly awesome Ghost Mom, and punky surf-garage outfit Mythological Horses.

4. SXSW Portland Showcase Fundraiser!

Where: Bunk Bar
How Much: $5-$10 suggested donation
When: Friday, February 10th—9:30pm
Why: Presented to you by Bunk Bar, Octopus Entertainment, Tender Loving Empire, A to Z Media, and Eleven Magazine! We’re raising money to showcase NINETEEN Portland bands! Holy moly! What better way than with a party, music, and booze! All proceeds from drink special sales go to the PDX SXSW fund. Let’s make it awesome!

This entry was written by elevenpdx, posted on February 7, 2012 at 11:11 am, filed under Upcoming and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

What’s Going On: 7/13 – 7/20


1.  Into The Woods Quarterly
Where:  Holocene
How Much:  $5
When:  Thursday, July 14th – 8:30pm
Why:  Portland’s favorite music media documentary crew brings us The Quarterly featuring Feelings (formerly Guidance Counselor), The Reservations, Pigeons, Radiation City, and new videos by Comedy is OK.  It’s a sneak peak at what’s been buzzing in our ears and what’s to come.  Don’t miss out!

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This entry was written by elevenpdx, posted on July 13, 2011 at 2:07 pm, filed under Upcoming and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

What’s Going On: 6/22 – 6/29

1. Mean Jeans Mini Tour Kick Off! w/ Terraform & Blood Beach
Where: Tonic Lounge
How Much: $5 (+21)
When: Friday, June 24 – 9:30pm
Why: In the past several months Tonic Lounge has been playing host to countless good shows and this one is going to rock your socks off.  It’s always a good time with the too cool for school punks, the Mean Jeans. Come see why they have been called Portland’s best party band, and be sure to bring some extra dollars for some merch!

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This entry was written by elevenpdx, posted on June 22, 2011 at 12:23 pm, filed under Upcoming and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.