portland
thursday 13
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, Ty Segall
Missing the 1990s? Skipped the Pavement reunion tour? Relive your flannel-wearing days with Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks. Ex-front man of indie rock icons Pavement, Malkmus' indie merits cannot be denied, and the Jicks' new album is a revival of the less-polished side of Malkmus that every 30-something indie nerd loves. The Jicks are a tight group of musicians having played together since the early part of the last decade and will remind you why lo-fi is so fly. 9pm, Crystal Ballroom.
Out of Town
Out of Town: Cash’d Out, Robert Earl Keen
shaniko
friday 7 – sunday 9
Ninth Annual Ragtime & Vintage Music Festival
Things are going to get old-timey in the rural town of Shaniko. Northeast of Madras on U.S. Hwy 97 lies Shaniko, population: 26. Friday night the festival begins with a silent screening of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, shown at the Shaniko Schoolhouse and with live piano accompaniment. On Saturday, the celebration moves north to Moro where there will be ragtime music in the streets from noon until 11pm. Sunday continues with more forgotten piano tunes drifting out from behind the saloon doors. It doesn't get more old-timey that this. Begins at noon, Shaniko Schoolhouse.
portland
Out of Town: Minus the Bear, World Reggae Fest, Mickey Avalon
portland
friday 17
Minus the Bear, Empty Space Orchestra Seattle indie-rock band Minus the Bear is currently offering a free six-song download on their website from the Hold Me Down EP. A synth feel with plenty of keys, some prog-rock and futurama electronica mark the sound from their 2011 album, Omni (My Time is a dope track – rocking and sensual).
Out of Town 5/25 – 6/2: Sasquatch! Music Festival, Fitz and The Tantrums, Iron & Wine, The Head and The Heart and Flogging Molly
george, wa
friday 27 – monday 30
Sasquatch! Music Festival
If you're a regular reader of our Bent blog on tsweekly.com, odds are you are well versed in what bands are playing, how to get tickets (it's sold out) and everything Sasquatch. Our very own Mike Bookey heads up to the gigantic Memorial Day weekend music festival and if you were lucky enough to snag some tickets before they sold out maybe you'll be there, too. Here's a peek at the lineup for those headed up and for those endlessly envious of those heading up: Friday – Foo Fighters; Saturday – The Thermals, Death Cab for Cutie, Bright Eyes, Sleigh Bells, Pink Martini; Sunday – Cold War Kids, The Flaming Lips, Ratatat, Modest Mouse; Monday – The Decemberists!!!, Wilco. At least for those of us staying in Bend we've got Death Cab, Bright Eyes, Jenny & Johnny, The Decemberists and Rodrigo y Gabriella to look forward to this weekend. The Gorge Amphitheater.
Out of Town 5/18 – 5/26: Eisley, Shawn Mullins, Lauryn Hill, Sheryl Crow
portland
friday 20
Eisley
After listening to Eisley's new album, The Valley, from front to back, the Texas-based band, comprised of four DuPree siblings and one of their cousins, plays melodic indie rock that is both heartfelt and soulful. Their songs feature the beautiful vocal melodies of sisters Stacy and Sherri and their new single, “Smarter,” has an addictive beat, smart lyrics and soulful vocals. 9pm, Wonder Ballroom.
saturday 21 & monday 23
Shawn Mullins
It's been said Shawn Mullins hasn't been able to live up to his hit single “Lullaby,” but those people likely haven't heard his newer material on 2010's Light You Up. The album's title single has a smooth and infectiously melodic sound and may be one of the best of Mullins' career. 8pm, Aladdin Theater.
Out of Town 5/11 – 5/19: The Slants, The Raveonettes, Trampled by Turtles, 12th Annual UFO Festival
portland
wednesday 11
The Slants
Described as “Chinatown dance rock,” The Slants have gained plenty of attention with their controversial name, but explain they are proud of who they are. The band came together over a shared love of The Faint, Depeche Mode and New Order which might make them seem like new-agey wusses… until you learn that The Slants have been banned from at least one Portland venue for breathing fire onstage. 9pm, Dour Fir Lounge.
thursday 12
The Raveonettes
“I think she looks like a nice vamp/ Looking for love in a trash can,” the Danish duo The Raveonette's sing on their single “Love in a Trash Can.” This catchy tune features harmonies from both members, Sune and Sharin, and has one of the greatest titles we've heard in a long time. Out of Town likes The Raveonette's because their music is simple, but features driving beats and both male and female vocals. 8pm, Wonder Ballroom.
Out of Town 5/4 – 5/12: Pato Banton, KT Tunstall, Citizen Cope, The Kills
portland
wednesday 4
Pato Banton
Odds are if you're a reggae fan living in Bend, you've likely had the opportunity to see famed reggae musician Pato Banton at some point during your residency here. The Los Angeles-based (by way of Jamaica) singer has made several stops in Bend within the last couple years and even though you'll have to travel to Portland this time around, it'll be worth it to catch his roots- and ska-influenced reggae in person. 9pm, Mt. Tabor Theater.
Out of Town 4/27 – 5/5: Portugal. The Man, Fleet Foxes, Menomena, McMenamins Crystal Hotel Opening with M. Ward
portland
friday 29
Portugal. The Man
Word is that this band of former Alaskans never plays the same show twice, which is great for those of you who've had the pleasure of seeing them before. Portugal. The Man plays experimental, alt-rock and bring to mind bands like Muse and Grizzly Bear when playing their mellow yet completely rocking tunes. 9pm Roseland Theater.
Out of Town 4/20 – 4/28: Augustana, Eddie Spaghetti, Pantyraid, & The Gourds
portland
friday 22
Augustana
101.9 FM's Earth Celebration includes alternative rockers Augustana, as well as Cody Beebe & The Crooks and Scars on 45. Augustana calls San Diego home and have toured with contemporaries The Fray, Snow Patrol, O.A.R., Switchfoot, Maroon 5 and others. The band plays rootsy, sweet indie-rock songs, which back in the days of emo would likely have leaned that way. This Earth Day celebration benefits The Freshwater Trust. 8pm, Aladdin Theater.
Out of Town 4/15 – 4/19: Deftones, Mos Def, Oregon Zoo, Robert Plant
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.

