Summer Soulstice

The long summer nights that we’ve been craving all winter are finally here, and with the warmth of the new season come the music extravaganzas we’ve been anticipating. Although the Cuthbert started off the season with Primus, the Soulstice will be the true kick-off to this year’s summer at Alton Baker. And with the new disc golf course in place, why not play a round or two before heading through the gates? Continue reading 

Roots Rock Reggae

Jah Sun is well aware of the deep history of reggae music and how much it has influenced other styles of music. His latest release, Rise As One, acknowledges this trailblazing art form, particularly on the track “Mad Up Di Place.”  Continue reading 

Back Beat

Ruby Pins (a side project of Lillian Maring from San Francisco-based Grass Widow) plays with Portland’s Break-Up Flowers, Statue and Cowboy at 8 pm on Thursday, June 20, at Wandering Goat; $5 sug. don.   Continue reading 

Sweet Ferocity

Amy LaVere has the kind of voice that you can’t help but notice and pay attention to. It’s not that it’s a perfectly polished gem of a voice, but rather that its flaws and nuances make you wonder just what it is that she’s really thinking.  Her last album, Stranger Me, was released in July 2011 and follows four others. In 2012, LaVere and singer-songwriter Shannon McNally recorded Chasing the Ghost together — a partnership that was brought about through their mutual mentor, Memphis producer Jim Dickinson.  Continue reading