Notes from a Genius

Friday night I went to see Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds. My buddy Brian plays saxophone for them and has been touring with them for over a year and I'd yet to see them live. I've always heard good things and they certainly did not disappoint. They put on an incredible show with a great mix of raw-energy, blues, jazz, rock and roll. Hell, a few of the Fogcutters (Brian's other, Portland-based big band, band came out for a couple of songs). Big Ol' Dirty Bucket opened for them and were equally as good, too. Check out both bands, for sure. Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, here: Big Ol' Dirty Bucket, here: .......................................................................... "Maleficent" starring: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Lesley Manville, Juno Temple, Sam Riley Ok, the cinematography and visual presentation of "Maleficient" is unbelievably fantastic. At times, bright and beautiful; ot...

Way overdue at this point. These concerts date back a couple of weeks, but nonetheless, here they are. At the State Theatre, Wednesday night, was Jenny Lewis (of Rilo Kiley) playing a co-headlining gig with Kurt Vile (whom I was excited to see, but was also very tired by the time he got on stage and I felt like he was playing way too loud, which took away from his songs). I've appreciated his music through headphones and it just wasn't really a pleasant sound live. Jenny Lewis on the other hand, was incredible. I've loved her voice since I first heard her back in like 2000 fronting the great indie band, Rilo Kiley. Her setlist was a great mix of her stuff and Rilo Kiley songs, for us fans. Head Under Water   Silver Lining   ( Rilo Kiley  song) Just One of the Guys   ( Jenny and Johnny  song) Pretty Bird   Close Call   ( Rilo Kiley  song) The Moneymaker   ( Rilo Kiley  song) The Next Messiah   ...