portland
thursday 6
Tool
Art-metal band Tool kicks off its first North American tour since 2012 in the Pacific Northwest, with Portland and Eugene occupying spots no. 2 and 3 respectively. The iconic band, known for its ever-shifting time signatures and progressive approach to the genre, is expected to release its fifth album—the first since 2006—sometime this year. Timing for the Portland show couldn’t be much better. 8 pm. Moda Center. $40-$75.
friday 7
Malt Ball
The aptly named Malt Ball—the music/beer fest sponsored by the Portland Mercury with Widmer Brothers Brewing and the Oregon Brewer’s Guild—has grown to two days in its third year, and that’s a good thing. With all these bands (and all that beer), there’s a little something for everyone. The celebration of local bands and craft brews starts Friday with the Genders, Thanks, Grandhorse and Night Mechanic. On Saturday, the weekend-long event continues with Red Fang, the Woolen Men, Hot Victory, Campfires, Summer Cannibals, Your Rival, St. Even and Melville. 7 pm Friday, 2 pm-midnight Saturday. Wonder Ballroom. $50 for a two-day pass and 12 tasting tokens, $20-$40 otherwise.
saturday 8
Blue Man Group
Still not sure why Arrested Development’s Tobias Fünke was so obsessed with a group of men resembling miming Smurfs? The Blue Man Group’s upcoming tour stop in Portland may answer that question. The internationally acclaimed group uses performance art to explore how people connect with technology, and looks at other social relationships, including the role of the “outsider.” The show features original percussive music, audience interaction, and a chance of blue paint smudges and splatters. 2 pm and 7:30 pm (additional times Friday and Sunday). Keller Auditorium. $35 and up.
seattle
tuesday 11
Lake Street Dive
Indie jazz/soul band Lake Street Dive may take its name from some of Minneapolis’ seedier establishment, but the New England Conservatory of Music alums are making a name for themselves in the halls of late-night fame, with recent appearances on The Colbert Report and The Late Show with David Letterman, to support Lake Street Dive’s recently released Bad Self Portraits—a collection of selfie-inspired love songs. 8 pm. Neptune Theatre. With special guest The Congress $18-$20.
This article appears in Mar 6-12, 2014.
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