Author Archive
My Goodness!!!! w/ Elba, and Fox and the Law
My Goodness plays blistering blues rock, and is a force to be reckoned with in this town. A duo, who may initially have gotten their idea’s from.. oh I don’t know The Black Keys? But they prove to keep a distinctly unique and passionate delivery all of their own. They are great fun and inspire moshing, or at least some form of body movement. Definately a much needed kick to the head for all this mellow folk rock harmonizing that the local kids have been swilling at us these days. And man these guys can play! Joel and Ethan have got serious chops! Ain’t nothing simple about these blues riffs. The songs are like perfectly timed bombs, and the energy in the live show has fortunately been captured on their self titled record (released on Sarathan Records).All I can say is Hell’s Yeah!!
The Tractor was packed for a Wednesday night and openers Elba, took the stage with their brand of timeless pop/rock gems. They put on an impressive show. Elba is one of those bands who craft songs to mesmerize and stay with you for a bit. They are an act to watch out for.
In keeping with Blues, and Rock’n’ Roll, The Fox and the Law (pictured left) was absolutely fitting to warm the stageup for My Goodness. These guys have all the super tight cohesion, and spiraling jangly swagger to make your mother throw her panties!….or something. I’m looking forward to hearing more from this explosive young four piece!
My Goodness tonight @ The Tractor w/ Fox and the Law, & Elba
Great bill tonight at the Tractor. Come out, while you can still catch My Goodness for only $5. This bad ass duo is most likely tear the place down. Elba opens at 8:30pm, with Fox and the Law on after , so come out early it’s most likely going to be packed! Get tickets
High Dive's Anniversary weekend!
This weekend the High Dive will be celebrating their six year anniversary with three fantastic nights of great music, including a benefit for High Dive sound man Rob Sydow, on Sunday.
April 22nd High Dive’s 6th Anniversary
Shim, Hounds of the Wild Hunt, Hobosexual
9:30pm/21+/$8
Pre-Sale Tickets
April 23rd High Dive’s 6th Anniversary
Pickwick, Kelli Schaefer, The Legendary Oaks
9:30pm/21+/$10
Pre-Sale Tickets
April 24th Benefit for Rob Sydow
Virgin, Filthy None, DJ Taco Supreme
8pm/21+/suggested donation of $20
Pre-Sale Tickets
Drew Grow and The Pastors Wives are back!
So in keeping the tradition of passionate music that I’ve witnessed at The Columbia City Theater lately, last Friday I finally got to catch Drew Grow and The Pastors Wives. Due to Drew’s very recent recovery from being injured, It was a special night for the band and for everyone who came. He took to the stage on crutches, looking reasonably uncomfortable. Then found his guitar, sat in front of the mic and after a moment poured his heart into it.
Actually, I was amazed at the idea of Drew returning to the stage so soon. It seemed as if I had just learned of his car accident that happened in January. But as much as music is theraputic for the listener, it’s healing powers are twofold for the person making it. And having a band this spiritually potent, one can only imagine that he was determined to do this as soon as possible.
Grow and the Wives came on fierce, and immediately ignited the room with their thunderous rocker Bootstraps (found on their self tilted album). Along with Drew, this incredible band (Jeremiah Hayden drums/vocals, Seth Schaper guitar/vocals, and Kris Doty/bass vocals) manages to keep all live elements raw and emotionally engaging. The music really has so many beautiful and compelling dynamics. They can have you hanging on slide guitar feedback and upright bass strokes one minute, and the next the entire band can become this gigantic wall of vocals. It’s really this gospel-like choir teetering from the heavens that shifts the primary melodic structure. Drew is a vital and passionate presence with a vocal range that brings Jeff Buckley, and maybe a tinge of Mark Lanegan to mind. His triumphant delivery last Friday at The Columbia City Theater proves great resilience, and commitment to his art.
Photos by Hilary Harris
Hotels Swanky Record Release At The Columbia City Theater
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Hotels fans were in for a treat (literally, there were pastries for sale!) last Saturday night at The Columbia City Theater. Incorporating the theme of their new record On the Casino Floor to transform the venue into a Las Vegas Casino! (roulette wheel ticket giveaway, and Bourlesque dancing included!). A fitting atmosphere for Hotels curious lounge-pop brand of music.
Openers The Devil Whale from Salt Lake City really kind of took me for surprise,(as I had never heard of them) with a killer set of gorgeous and unique rock’n'roll. Singer songwriter Brinton Jones joked that the band had dressed up as Mormons to contribute to the evenings slightly ridiculous costume party. At times reminding me of my favorite parts of Big Star (which is to say, a big compliment!) and others times putting their own twist on The Velvet Underground, The Devil Whale is Seriously a good band, one to look out for!
Local dance rock outfit, The Royal Bear were an energetic addition to the evening. Playing a set that involved their inventive lead guitar player wielding a Nintendo Power Glove. His claim was that he’d rigged it to be some type of sampler. NOW THATS JUST NUTZ!!
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Photos by ESandra Chong Hollman
Drew Grow and The Pastors Wives Return! Friday At Columbia City Theater
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This Friday at Columbia City Theater Drew Grow & the Pastors Wives are back, after having to cancel recent shows due to a car accident that Drew suffered in January. If you haven’t bought your tickets BUY THEM NOW! because it will sell out. Drew Grow is quickly becoming a main NW attraction. Don’t miss your chance to see him in this quaint and gorgeous venue. It should be quite a great evening, with Baltic Cousins, and Portlands AgesandAges. Battle School will be opening this event playing in the Bourbon at 8pm.
9pm // $10 advance – $12 day of show // Tickets
Photo by Hilary Harris
Kelli Schaefer's Stunning Live Show w/ Joseph Giant and Ships
Last Friday at Columbia City Theater was a diverse night of music that exceeded already high expectations. Ships impressed with a super tight set of REALLY well crafted pop songs. Sunny guitar solos and choruses that recall the best of 60′s bands like The Zombies. They even reminded me a bit of local greats Slender Means. If you are a fan of this kind of music, I’d recommend seeing Ships live.
Up next was Joseph Giant, a man who proves himself to be one of the catchiest songwriters in town. Great songs, backed by a really fun live band, including two drummers side by side. Giant, who is actually quite a presence on stage, towering a bit over his band mates, and dwarfing his acoustic guitar so that it looks more like a ukelelee in his hands, is an act to look out for right now.
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Not to get too weird, but the energy that night seemed really positive, sort of magical. And this was even before the main event. An already pleased crowd filled the Columbia City Theater and waited in anticipation for Kelli Schaefer , and her band to appear.
I actually had only just heard a couple of Schaefer’s exceptional recordings, and had no idea of how stunned I would be seeing her perform. This was something out of left field folks! I can’t remember the last time I witnessed somebody perform with this caliber of talent! Blessed with the vocal range of an angel, and looking like some creature out of a fairytale, Schaefer absolutely captivates!
Not to mention a completely on-point band, following her dynamics. The digging and scraping sounds found on her album Ghost of the Beast, are brilliantly played live with an actual shovel. Also a choir was brought on at one point to accompany her. What really killed me though, was when the band left her alone on stage with her guitar. The power and presence that she alone carries, is unmatched!! But don’t take it from me. If you haven’t already been told, and if you haven’t seen Kelli Schaefer live, please please go and check this chick out!
Hotels CD Release This Saturday At Columbia City Theater
Local synth pop soaked outfit Hotels new album On the Casino Floor will be released this Saturday at the Columbia City theater, along with up and coming touring band The Devil Whale from Salt Lake City, and 80′s dance rock influenced, The Royal Bear.
w/ DJ Marco Collins
9pm / $10 adv – $12 day of /
Get tickets here!
Kelli Schaefer's (Album Release Show), With Joseph Giant, and Ships
A not to be missed c.d. release show at The Columbia City Theater this Friday, celebrating Kelli Schaefer’s new album Ghost of the Beast
Along with the ethereal and lovely Schaefer, the bill features talented singer songwriter Joseph Giant, and the always dreamy pop sound of Ships.
February 25 – 9pm / $8 /
Gram Parsons "New Fallen Angels" at Columbia City Theater
February 11th
Country Dave and the New Fallen Angels picked The Columbia City Theater this year to pay tribute to the late great Gram Parsons, whose music has lived on famously since his death in 1973. The theater proved to be an ideal fit last Friday for an evening of cosmic Americana, which featured a smashing line up of local country greats. Along with Country Dave Harmonson, (who is an exceptional guitarist) Zoe Muth, Tom Bennett from The Rolling Blackouts, Melissa Nyffeler, Gaye Winsor, David Russell and Jon Hyde all helped to channel a flawless re-creation of Parson’s influencial country rock.
The New Fallen Angels lovingly dove through records like Sweetheart of the Rodeo, Grievous Angel, and The Gilded Palace of Sin, with a set that lasted over 3 hours. The vocals were all faithfully handled, and interpreted by multiple singers. I’m not sure who he is or what band he’s from, but the bass player with the handlebar moustache sounded amazingly just like Gram, while standout vocalist Gaye Winsor provided ample amounts of Emmylou Harris harmonies. Stunning instrumentation highlighted the evenings gorgeous songs, including that kind of desert-sky pedal steel playing that beckons you to climb the pearly gates of sin city! Standout tracks included A Song for you, Return of the Grievous Angel, Sin Cityand a nice rendition of Wild Horses, written by The Rolling Stones, but originally recorded by Parsons.
A loyal, cowboy hat ‘n boots adorned crowd sang along and actually square danced throughout the night.
I was really impressed with how hard core these fans were! I witnessed several people singing EVERY word to EVERY song. The conjuring of Gram Parsons spirit on CCT’s beautifully lit stage became a bit intense, with Country Dave admitting that he actually felt chills at one point. I don’t know if I got chills, but it was definately a moving and fun celebration of a landmark musician.
