portland
thursday 25
The Orwells, with Skaters and The Picturebooks
The Orwells come from a lineage of what could best be known as "The Illinois sound." Like Cheap Trick and OK Go, fun, likable and rocking, with thumping bass drums and driving, cascading guitar riffs, and like their Midwestern brethren, they are as tight-knit as can be—made up of twin brothers and childhood friends. 9 pm. Star Theater. $15.
friday 26
Fifteen-year-old girls everywhere, and of multiple generations, are squealing with pop-punk delight over this mash-up of middle fingers, skinny jeans and low-top Converse All Stars. Expect a crowd made up of 30-somethings who loved these bands when they debuted, and teeniboppers who don't now that they have more than one album each. 7 pm. Roseland Theater. $30.
tuesday 30
The son of Steve Earle, Justin Townes Earle, long ago stepped out of his father's shadow. But with his recent release, his sixth studio album, he also shows enough confidence to return to his father's sassy storytelling and laconic Americana ditties. 7 pm. Wonder Ballroom. $23.
wednesday 1
Penning desolate sad cowboy songs with a poignant kick, Connor Oberst is a tried-and-true poet with a heartbreakingly vulnerable voice. Taking cues from Ryan Adams, The Cure and Bob Dylan, Oberst's brutally honest and lyrically perfected music is spread over dozens of albums released as a solo artist and as the brains behind Bright Eyes. 8 pm. Crystal Ballroom. $30.
