{Photo courtesy of Sarah Jurado, all-around gorgeous human.}

A few thoughts on why you should find yourself at the Crocodile this Saturday, March 5th:

1. Damien Jurado is a king amongst men. He is a beautiful person who makes music so personal, it's hard not to shed copious tears upon hearing the opening notes of a song, or when he opens his mouth to sing. Saint Bartlett is his newest release, and has been called everything from "an achievement" (Pitchfork) to a "welcome fork in the road" (PopMatters) in terms of sound, which may have a lot to do with his collaboration with Richard Swift for this album.

He'll be headlining the evening, the frosting on top of a delicious indie rock cake of awesome.

{Photo courtesy of Laura Musselman, expert kitten wrangler.}

2. There is a rumor floating around that Viva Voce will be playing the show on Saturday as a two-piece. Not that the Viva Voce extended family is a bad thing, because it's quite the opposite -- however, there is something soul-affirming and lift-you-to-the-risers exciting about the core duo performing. There's less people to watch, more time to spend on marveling at how G-D amazing Anita Robinson is as a guitar player. The shredding she unleashes is unstoppable. And there is nothing like watching Kevin Robinson play drums, keyboards and guitar at the same time, without missing a beat. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT miss their set.

more...

Let's just jump right in:

You'd best get yourselves to the Triple Door this Wednesday, July 28th for the latest installment of the City Arts Song Show. David Bazan will be headlining, along with pre-sets from THEESatisfaction and Ritchie Young (frontman for Portland's Loch Lomond) -- and we can pretty much guarantee that you won't want to miss it.

Unfamiliar? Here's the ish: City Arts has been putting on these installments of what they call The Song Show since about 2008. It's a mostly awesome, potentially awkward glimpse into the minds and hearts of some of your favorite performers, as they couple intimate, mini power-sets with well-crafted CA-staffed interviews. Recent runs have included the likes of Matt Bishop (Hey Marseilles) and Damien Jurado as features, who both delivered staggering new songs -- along with commentary on everything from real estate transactions to life on the road.

As mega-fans of most things David Bazan and Pedro the Lion, we can only cross our fingers that we'll be catching some of our favorites -- and on the odd chance you're not familiar, here's a thimbleful of what all the fuss is about, via a tour montage set to "Please Baby Please" from the official David Bazan & Band website.

{Doors open at 6pm, all ages, $20. For more information, you can visit the City Arts website here -- and get your tickets in advance here. We'll see you at the show!}

more...

Tragos Amargos, a side project of Portland's Y La Bamba, opened last Saturday's completely sold-out show at The Crocodile.  The amazing folk music lineup also showcased fellow Pacific Northwest favorites Loch Lomond and headliner Hey Marseilles.

The rest of the photos from the set can be viewed here and in the TIG Flickr Photo Pool.

more...

at The Moore

A gorgeous evening of epic, orchestral folk rock.

more...