Sweet frickin’ Friday, you beautiful, elusive beast, I am so glad to make your acquaintance once again. After an evening spent enjoying the power-pop goodness of Nick Lowe and his band down in Boston last evening, I’m happy to return to a boisterous Friday night here in Portland. There are so many shows that are worth checking out, so get ready to shake a tailfeather and welcome the weekend in the most righteous of ways!
Things get started early this evening with a 6 o’clock show over at Blue on Congress Street with their monthly installment of Songwriters in the Round. Rockabilly hero Pete Whitham and local indie-folk musician Erik Neilson will join country singer-songwriter Shanna Underwood for an evening of songs and stories in the round.
Stick around Blue after the Songwriters in the Round event because at 10pm Will Gattis will be doing this thing with just a microphone and keyboard. It’s been a while since Will has played a show in Portland so if you’re looking for some upbeat, piano-driven pop tunes check him out.
All right, HillyTown & Dirigimus present What Cheer? Brigade with Callers, The Milkman’s Union and The Nogar Family Band at an undisclosed Portland location this Friday evening. Apparently you’ve got to RSVP on the ol’ Facebook in order to find out where this night full of awesome music will be taking place. So follow the link and check it out starting at 7pm.
If you’re looking to enjoy some unique tunes that cover everything from funk to jazz to a little bit of rock and roll, then head on over to The Dogfish Bar & Grille on Free Street in Portland for a free set from The Trickle Down. The Trickle Down are five players from right around Portland with an eclectic musical background that create a veritable melting pot of musical sounds that’ll be kicking into high gear right around 8 o’clock tonight.
It’s been almost six weeks on the road for Brzowski & Moshe who’ve been everywhere from SXSW to Europe spinning their tales of melancholia via uncanny wordsmithing paired with turntable sounds that can almost be classified as unnerving. Tonight the fellas return to Portland with an evening full of hip-hop heavy weights who are sure to spit rhymes that’ll make you shut up and take notice. Joining Brzo & Moshe on stage at Empire Dine and Dance tonight will be Bleubird, Ceschi, and eyenine. So if underground hip-hop is what you’re craving this Friday evening get on over at The Empire starting at 9 o’clock.
A great show for a great cause takes place over at The Big Easy in Portland tonight where UNECOM hosts their 2nd annual benefit show for spinal cord injury research and awareness in honor of student Aaron Martinuzzi who suffered a debilitating spinal cord accident during his third week of school which has left him a quadriplegic. This evening pop-rock artist Joe Gallant will kick off the event, which also features the alt-country of The Mallett Brothers Band, and the catchy Americana tunes of This Way. Things get started right around 8 o’clock tonight.
If you’ve been out to any show here in Portland chances are you’ve seen or heard Dan Capaldi. Lately Dan has been composing, producing, and performing music with/for artists all around the area and tonight he’s put together a showcase featuring that music alongside the artists that have made it possible. Beginning at 9pm over at Slainte Wine Bar & Lounge you can join Dan as his conjures up tunes with the help of Sea Level, Megan Jo Wilson, Lady Zen, Clara Junken, Jeff Beam and Wisdom.
If you’re looking for some raw tuneage that’s sure to blow your hair back then look no further than Geno’s Rock Club in Portland. Tonight things get a bit bombastic with The Rattlesnakes, Dead Trend and Bring The Knife. Badassery commences right around 9:30.
A great show to check out tonight if you’re in the Kennebunk area as Eric Bettencourt and Monique Barrett will be playing live at The Hive this evening. Starting at 8pm you can check out the traditional folk, soul and R&B sounds from Monique Barrett as well as the lyrical prowess and inimitable vocals of Eric Bettencourt. If you’re into being blown away by local talent in an intimate and unique setting, then this is probably the show for you.
If you’re in the Dover Rock City area this evening check out the Maine Invasion that’s taking place over at The Dover Brickhouse tonight. Starting around 9, four of Maine’s most exciting new bands will be bringing the thunder to The Brickhouse. Tonight you can check out sets from When Particles Collide, Lit On The Flash, Mother Leopard, and Satellite Club Hotel. Sounds like a pretty solid show for only 5 bucks.
Those gents in Sparks The Rescue are some busy punk-pop bees for sure, not only have they been recording a new record with the one and only Jon Wyman, but they’re kicking off their US tour with the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus tonight over at Club Texas in Auburn. The boys have brought together some of their favorite bands from around town to properly celebrate the evening. Joining Sparks on stage tonight will be Ghost Thrower, Steiner Street, Beware of Pedestrians, Altertone, and Trey Ewald. Things get rockin’ right around 6 tonight.
My favorite County boys are set to do their thing over at Mainely Brews in Waterville tonight. Beginning at 9 o’clock you can check out the psychedelic, prog-rock sounds of Dominic and The Lucid. The Lucid blend namesake Dominic’s soaring vocals with tripped out pop rock for an evening that’s sure to have most everyone in the audience up out of their seats and dancing.
Feature Image of The Nunz courtesy of Peter Jensen Bissell Photographic.
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