July Set List

By Jenny Rapf



RZA
Hawthorne Theater
July 9th

As one of the founding members of one of the most highly coveted rap groups in rap and hip hop history, RZA left Wu-Tang Clan to focus on his solo career. But not much has happened with the Wu since we lost our beloved crack-smoking Big Baby Jesus (aka Ol' Dirty Bastard). Interestingly enough, few people know that RZA produced nearly all of the Wu's albums including many of the members' solo work. Heralded as one of the greatest producers of all time, he has also released solo albums under the alter-ego Bobby Digital. In addition to the Wu-Tang Clan and his solo releases, RZA was also a founding member of the rap group Gravediggaz where he used the name "The Rzarector." You may have also seen him in 2007's film Derailed as a corporate mailroom clerk/gun slinger on the sly (classic Hollywood cliché if I’ve ever seen one). Any way you slice it, RZA's appearance in Portland will be a good show.



Azure Ray
Mississippi Studios
July 10th

Maria Taylor and Orenda Fink (who met at the Alabama School of Fine Arts at the age of 15) have been busy putting out their own version of underrated and intimate pop music with dashes of alt country and folk Americana. As much as I enjoy putting labels on things, I can't help it here because they sound like less melodramatic versions of Tegan and Sara. Don't get me wrong I love me some angst ridden Lesbian twins singing about their most recent journal entry and what BITCH just broke their heart, but Azure Ray infuses a little less self-deprecation into their love-loss lyrical prowess. They have worked with the likes of Moby (yikes) and Bright Eyes (just to redeem themselves). Since 2004 the two ladies have been focusing on their own solo work, but more recently have started touring as Azure Ray once again. This will be a very mellow show and it's in the newly remodeled and re-vamped Mississippi Studios, and for those of you who haven't checked out the new digs, this show will be the perfect opportunity.



Death Cab For Cutie
Edgefield
July 17th

This show is quite the ideal li'l outdoor package (any show at Edgefield is, really). Spend the day golfing Edgefield's pitch-n-putt chipper course then have a basket of tots and go enjoy a fabulous outdoor show with Seattle's own indie rock darlings, Death Cab For Cutie. Personally I am not a huge fan, but I have learned over the years that just because I don't have a fondness for something doesn't mean that it doesn't appeal to the masses. When it comes to Death Cab...well let's just say the masses have latched on like white on rice. Their latest release The Open Door EP (April 2009) has received the usual Death Cab buzz, however, I think their rise to fame can only be properly attributed to the fact that Seth Cohen from the infamous and short lived high school “mellow” drama The O.C. was OBSESSED with them, thus launching them into indie rock stardom. Oh Seth...how I miss you with your tussled hair and wildly sarcastic sense of humor. TV just hasn't been the same without you.



Too $hort
Roseland
July 24th

Too $hort is one of those artists who transcends the test of time...some might even say the boundaries of rap and hip-hop. Hailing from Oakland, Too $hort started his career at the age of 15, distributing custom made mix-tapes. By "custom" I mean he was creating his own raps personalized for whomever was requesting a tape. So, it's not like you could hand him a list of The Cure, Bob Marley, early Madonna (a'la True Blue) and maybe a little Ice Cube and ask him to throw something together for a Friday night living room dance party. It was more like you would tell him what’s on your mind and in a week's time you'd have a tape full of rhymes all about you and your current “situation”. It was unheard of at the time and still is to this day, especially with the content and rhyming ability that Too $hort was capable of at such a young age. Since then, he has released 17 LPs and sold over 11 million albums making him one of the most commercially successful rappers of all time. Though he is considered in many circles to be a Gangsta Rapper, the vast majority of his lyrical content is about sex (though his gangsta cred most likely was spawned from his huge influence on such “gangsta” rappers as Ice Cube and the whole of N.W.A). This show will be raucous...raunchy and AWESOME. Don't miss it.



Nas and Damian Marley
Roseland
July 31

I was a little shocked to see this duo on tour, so in shock that I had to check the appropriate websites to make sure that the REAL DEAL Nas was actually going to attend. Because, let's be honest kids, you've seen one Marley, you've seen them all. Excuse me, Damian, I'll take that back. It's just that I would rather see your father, Bob.
At the same time, the tour does sound intriguing (if only for the fact that it’s an opportunity to see Nas live). Perhaps you know of him from his widely-publicized feud with other hip-hop heavy weight Jay-Z from 2001 to 2005 which was later “squashed” in a 2006? No? Perhaps you know him from his many collaborations with emcees from Eminem to Lupe Fiasco to KRS-One? You must know him from the phenomenal work he did in bringing to life 1996’s It Was Written, a masterpiece in its entirety. Nas has been a front runner in the support of intelligent and progressive music, pushing and fighting for his career and a voice that can cross racial boundaries…it is rare and magnificently unique.

Pink Martini at the Crystal Ballroom

December 28

Come join Portland’s own “little orchestra” for their last show in PDX this year, and get a sneak peak at what to expect from their fourth album which is coming out next year. Pink Martini takes music from all over the globe and turns it into a sound that is all their own—something you can dream to and dance to. The Crystal Ballroom provides the perfect venue for the immense talent that comes with this 12-person band. Lead singer China Forbes will whisk you away on a one-night world tour with her velvety voice and one-of-a-kind style. If you have not seen Pink Martini yet, you are missing out on one of Portland’s great gems. Another local band, The Stolen Sweets, will open for Pink Martini at this all ages show. The doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm. Tickets are $27.50 if you buy them in advance and $30 on the day of the show. (225-0047, mcmenamins.com)

–Shanon Emerson

Wonderball!

Wonder Ballroom
December 19–20

Wonderball! has been described as a holiday variety show like none other. I don’t know how it’s going to beat the Dean Martin Show, but I’m willing to give it a shot. You should, too. During this two night entertainment extravaganza—December 19 and 20—at the Wonder Ballroom, you will witness an array of talent with performers such as Mayor-Elect Sam Adams, drag diva Darcelle, The Mercury’s Dan Savage and Mic Crenshaw, not to mention China Forbes and Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini. Of course, with headliners Storm and the Balls, the show promises to be a mishmash of “music, comedy, bawdiness, naughtiness and special surprises unlike any show you’ll see this holiday season.”

The proceeds from the silent auction and a friendly portion of the event’s profit will go to benefit both The Oregon Music Hall of Fame and Planned Parenthood. General Admission tickets are $20 per night. Limited VIP seated tickets are available for $30. This includes front seating, private bar and a meet and greet with Storm and the Balls!

–Dave McAlinden

Presidents of the United States of America

Crystal Ballroom
December 19

Remember the Presidents of the United States of America? You know, the guys who saved the Boggles from fading into one-hit-wonder oblivion. That’s right, I said it! Well, if you want to see them put on one hell of a good show, you can. Ticket prices are between $18 and $20; and I would suggest getting them early given the band’s popularity.

When the Seattle-born pop group formed in 1993, their pop-punk flare and catchy melodies caught the ears and captured the hearts of many happy fans. Fifteen years and five albums later they’ve come to Portland once again to bless us with new tracks from their latest album, These are the Good Times People. I don’t know how, but I feel this album is even more poppy than any previous. With that said, the Crystal Ballroom is the perfect setting for fans of this persuasion; the flexing floor is great for the I’m-a-white suburbanite-and-can’t-dance-so-I’m-just-going-to-hop-in-place-until-the-song-ends-and then-feel-awkward-between-sets dance style linked to the group’s central demographic. Suffice to say that it will be a good time. I really hope they play “Dune Buggy,” that’s a good one. I like that one.

–Dave McAlinden

The Pretenders & Amos Lee

Roseland Theater
December 12

Is it me or is going to a Pretenders and Amos Lee concert like going to see Cher and Ben Harper? Hmm. It is quite an odd pairing, isn’t it? On the one hand you have The Pretenders, a British group, formed in 1978, that has since developed into a blend of ’80s new wave and early ’90s rock ’n roll. Then, on the other hand, you have Amos Lee, a relatively new face when compared the Pretenders’ resume, whose sound stems from old-timey blues and folk story telling. Nevertheless, the abnormal coupling of the two artists might prove a complement to each other.

To their credit, they both put on involved, high-energy performances and each have a large fan base. Speaking of, both have had albums come out this year with a high degree of positive response. The Pretenders’ Break Up the Concrete debuted at number 32 on Billboard’s album chart in October; and Amos Lee’s Last Days at the Lodge received critical acclaim. The show will be happening at the Roseland Theater on December 12 with ticket prices slightly expensive at $40 a pop.

–Dave McAlinden

Meshell Ndegeocello

Aladdin Theater
December 10

Despite the fact that I don’t particularly enjoy the musical stylings of Meshell Ndegeocello, I do possess a great deal of respect for the magnitude of her talent.

One would have no ear for music to say she is not good at what she does—she most certainly is. In fact, she’s good enough to merit nine Grammy nominations since the inception of her most impressive debut album, Plantation Lullabies, in 1993. And, oh, the woman can slap a bass—it’s like watching a fireworks display soaked in sweat. That is to say I don’t only appreciate her skills as a musician, but her wowing ability as a performer leaves me a little rapt regardless of my aural preferences.

Starting young in music, Ndegeocello attended The Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. from which she hails. Her music incorporates soul, hip hop, reggae, R&B, acid jazz, rock and of course, FUNK. If you would like to hear this seamless cacophony of genre and style you can purchase tickets to see Ndegeocello perform on the 10th for only $25.

–Dave McAlinden

Blitzen Trapper

Wonder Ballroom
December 4

Imagine Neil Young and Stephen Malkmus (Pavement) were in a serious relationship. Now imagine Malkmus once cheated on Young with Jeff Tweedy (Wilco). Then suppose the Pavement lead got pregnant as a product of this affair and they both vowed to keep the true origin of the pregnancy a secret. In an attempt to eradicate his estranged guilt, Malkmus convinces Young to move to Oregon. Young, not knowing the baby is another musician’s love child, raises it with his partner to the best of his influence. That baby then grows into Blitzen Trapper, a Portland band on SubPop that can rival Beck in any contest of composition and lyricism.

Hypothetical situations aside, Blitzen Trapper is a well-coordinated group of solid musicians. They are what Dylan might have sounded like in the ’90s if he didn’t have his weird little breakdown in the ’70s. With clean Southwestern progressions—which aren’t country enough to be car-commercial annoying—coupled with the depth and cadence lyrics should possess, one can most certainly say that Blitzen Trapper pretty much rocks. They also fill that hollowness that seems to ache in the background of most folk songs with a fantastic electric ambience which sets them apart. It will be nice to welcome them home; all ages are welcome to do so.

Tickets are available either through the Wonder Ballroom or TicketMaster for about 10 bucks—well worth the show, if I may say. If you’ve never heard their music I would suggest checking out the tracks “Furr” from the album of the same name, and “Big Black Bird” from EP 3—they really kick ass.

–Dave McAlinden

of Montreal

Roseland
November 20

This Georgia band makes indie pop music. Kevin Barnes, the band’s leading man, has always been one to keep your eye on, and on their latest and ninth album, Skeletal Lamping — which was released last month—a little something has changed. In the past, their content has been a mash-up of autobiographical loner teen angst and personal growth. Now, in a schizophrenic frenzy of alter egos, Barnes seems to be emerging with a different sound. While the band is both narrative and personal in lyrical content and style, their juxtaposition of gloomy themes overridden by positive and upbeat hooks and melodies is one that sets the band apart from their other contemporaries. Listen closely and you will hear stories of loneliness, apathy and death, but by the melodies you would never guess such darkness is riding just beneath the surface. They are masters at this craft and are proven musical geniuses, continuing to reinvent themselves with each new album.

–Jenny Rapf

The Mighty Underdogs

Satyricon
November 18

This is a new hip hop super group that I was unaware of until their publicist recently came a knocking at my door. What sparked my interest is the fact that two of my favorite emcees are part of this so-called “super group”: Lateef The Truth Speaker (formerly of Latyrx) and Gift of Gab, most well known for his genius with another NoCal hip hop super group, Blackalicious. But where does the third member, Headnodic, come from? That was nothing a quick Google search couldn’t uncover, and sure enough, I found GOLD. Headonic is a producer formerly of the Crown City Rockers (said to still be working on an album) who was lured into The Underdogs by Lateef when he came to the conclusion that since he liked so many of Headonic’s own tracks, why not invite him to be a part of the group. Gift of Gab was already in the mix as a planned collaborator, and the rest is pure hip hop. If you like Latyrx and Blackalicious, this show is for you; they sound like a quality mish-mash of both. Their official, unofficial first album, released on Definitive Jux last month, is titled Droppin Science Fiction. It boasts a confirmed guest list that is pretty impressive, with names like DJ Shadow, Damian Marley, Mr. Lif and Tash from the Alkoholiks, just to name a few. This is hip hop, ya’ll.

–Jenny Rapf

Mickey Avalon

Dante’s
November 14–15

Calling all the single fellas lookin for an easy score—this is your night my friends! This show will be littered with drunk, sweaty semi-unconscious young ladies. You may have seen Mickey gracing those Boost Mobile ads on TV with the likes of Young Jeezy and Jermaine Dupri, but you probably had no idea who this heavy on the eye make-up, Hollywood heroine addict look-a-like is. It’s the notoriously raunchy Mickey Avalon, and the chicks LOVE him. He’s the ultimate dirt-bag rock star and I say that in the nicest way possible. Avalon is no stranger to the dark side of life; by his early 20’s he was already married with a child, living in Portland and prostituting to support his heroine addiction. He’s got the rode hard, put away wet look down solid and it’s no surprise with a life like his. His lyrics really spell out his own best intentions and they take shape in the form of big booty girls sporting tramp stamps and pants that slide off at the drop of a hat. His hooks and songs are no doubt some of the best cuts to get any dance floor hoppin’. This show will be dirty, loud and quite the scene. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for topless men and women because there will be A LOT of them.

–Jenny Rapf

Ingrid Michaelson

Wonder Ballroom
November 11

Ingrid Michaelson is from Staten Island, New York. She makes indie pop music for the masses and reminds me of a more modern version of Lisa Loeb — but maybe that’s just the glasses. Her latest album, BE OK, hit stores last month and—bless her little philanthropic heart—some of the proceeds of her album sales go to Stand Up To Cancer. I must say, I LOVE Michaelson’s single, “As I Am,” but I HATE the video. Ingrid, baby, didn’t anyone ever tell you scary/sad clowns are actually really scary? They are, and you shouldn’t have a whole video dedicated to them, scaring the crap out of your poor unbeknownst viewers. Just a thought.

–Jenny Rapf