Editor's note: We want to acknowledge that two of the biggest acts of the summer will play the Les Schwab Amphitheater this week, Jack Johnson on Sunday Aug. 24 and Dave Matthews Band on Tuesday Aug. 26. However, both shows have been sold out since the first days of ticket release, so unless you're a really good planner, you're probably out of luck. We're excited to have Jack Johnson back, and to welcome the Dave Matthews Band on its first trip to Central Oregon, but what we've decided to cover in this week's Sound section are shows you will actually be able to attend, even if you didn't buy a ticket six months ago.
Feeding Frenzy
Alaska is a wild place. Breathtaking mountain-scapes, endless fields of colorful wild flowers dotted with Grizzly bears and babbling glacial brooks. The utter isolation and ferocity of Alaska must be where Feeding Frenzy gets its rollercoaster sound. The Fairbanks-based five-piece effortlessly oscillates between the harsh tundra of its home with huge, hollow crashing drums, to swinging operatic gypsy music and soft plucky orchestral folk. 9:30 pm. Sat., Aug. 23. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr. $5. (BB)
Student Loan
Portland's Student Loan might as well be called the Jimmy Buffet String Band. With a fast, plucky, jamming style that borders on tropical polka, its more likely to find the band wearing a flannel than Tommy Bahamas, but they do often resemble the styling of the leader of the Parrotheads, especially when they belt out indulgent jams like "The Beer Grows Sticky In the Morning." With four players commanding 22 strings, their traditional instrumentation and newgrass approach make for a danceable, practiced combination. 5 pm. Wed., Aug. 27. Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe, 805 SW Industrial Way. $5. (BB)
