portland
friday & saturday 15 & 16
Deftones Not everyone can handle intense screaming in their music at all times, which is why the Deftones are perfect for the casual metal fan and the hardcore ones alike. The Deftones are known for their experimental rock, poetic lyrics and for singing with some screaming added in for good metal measure. "Change (In the House of Flies)" from 2000's White Pony is a good taste of the band and best explains our reasoning for sending you their way. Saturday show is sold out, tickets available for Friday. 8pm, Crystal Ballroom.saturday 16
Mos Def From the hip-hop world to the acting world, Mos Def has had an expansive career. He is one of several other rappers who've been able to cross over to have commercial success as an actor, both on Broadway and in Hollywood. His rap roots go back to the early '90s and musically may best be known for his collaboration with Talib Kweli in Black Star. Mos Def creates socially aware rap music and steers clear of gangsta rap, which is always a relief. Part of the Soul'd Out Music Festival. 8pm, Roseland Theater.
saturday 16
Packy's 49th Birthday Celebration It seems that every few days Out of Town receives an email or two from the Oregon Zoo, usually concerning a new animal being born or something else kind of kooky. This "elephantastic" party stood out, as Packy the Zoo's Asian elephant turns 49. Interestingly enough, in 1962 Packy was the first elephant born in the Western hemisphere in 44 years. The celebration includes cake, elephant ear fashion accessories, a day full of activities and kids can enter to win a chance to help deliver Packy's birthday cake. The elephant's cake is a 40-pound whole-wheat concoction topped with frosting, apples, carrots and celery. 10am-4pm, Oregon Zoo.
tuesday 19
Robert Plant and the Band of Joy Those cascading curls, that voice; you'd recognize Robert Plant anywhere. Best known as the lead vocalist for Led Zepplin, Plant has made a solid name for himself in rock and roll history as one of the most influential singers in the genre. In 2007, Plant teamed up with bluegrass star Alison Krauss and recorded the critically acclaimed album Raising Sand. Now, Plant's touring with a new group called Band of Joy, which was also the name of his first band in the '60s, and they still know how to rock. 8pm, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
