portland
saturday 30
Phoenix with Mac DeMarco
If I didn't know any better, I would assume Phoenix wrote songs strictly for use as jingles in television commercials. These Parisian hipsters write some of the catchiest hooks on the planet. Opener Mac DeMarco plays what some describe as "slacker rock," which is a fairly insulting term for his minimalism and Daniel Johnston sensibilities. If DeMarco is in fact "slacking," I would be interested to see what he can do when he applies himself. I'll bet it wouldn't get an 8.2 ranking on Pitchfork. 9 p.m. Crystal Ballroom.
saturday 30
Adult Easter Egg Hunt
When they say egg, they mean booze. Jump on what's endearingly called the BarFly BarFbus and cruise Portland with a middle finger in the air to Lent. The bus will stop at eight to 10 bars where drunken peeps can search for the "Eggs of Mystery." The team with the most eggs and the least jellybean vomit in their hair at the end of the night wins. An appearance from Jesus is promised. 7 p.m. Various locations.
sunday 31
Flume, Barisone
Australian music producer Flume was one of the buzz bands at this year's SXSW. One of my favorite hip-hop up-and-comers, Flume (real name Harley Streten) blends alternative samples and creative beats to make electronic gold. At just 21, Streten is just venturing outside of his bedroom beat studio to bring you danceable awesomeness. Flume will be joined by Barisone, a Portland DJ who aspires to create baby-making music from outer space. 10 p.m. Mississippi Studios.
seattle
friday 29
Verse/Chapter/Verse: Sherman Alexie, Fly Moon Royalty
The Stranger's books editor Paul Constant interviews award-winning author Sherman Alexie. Alexie has the rare ability to mix heartbreaking tragedy and laugh-until-you-cry humor in his writing, much of which is based on his childhood on the Spokane Indian Reservation in Wellpinit, Wash. Up-and-coming Seattle hip-hop act Fly Moon Royalty will sandwich the interview into the band/author interview/band format that will keep even non-literaries entertained. 6 p.m. Neumos.
