Aug. 12
Sarahs smile
Sarah Jarosz boasts a rich alto voice, plays mandolin, octave mandolin, guitar and banjo and has put out a critically acclaimed album called Undercurrent. The disc features several songs co-written by Jarosz with such folks as Jedd Hughes on House Of Mercy, a country blues ballad that moves like a slow evening train into the sunset.
Sarah Jarosz, Hip Hitchet, 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, Aladdin Theater, 3017 S.E. Milwaukie Ave. $18 in advance, $20 at the door. Info: 503-234-9694, www.aladdin-theater.com.
Aug. 13-14
Two sides, same song
Led by vocalists Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, Lucius put on a well-received show earlier this year at the Wonder Ballroom and is headed back our way for KNRK 94.7 FMs birthday party. Saturdays event features The Dandy Warhols, Young the Giant, Bear Hands, Mike Snow, Big Data, JR JR, and Chefs Special. In addition to Lucius, Sundays show includes AWOLNATION, KONGOS, Robert DeLong, Kaleo, The Strumbellas and Coleman Hell.
Wolfe and Laessig famously dress alike, visually enhancing the vocal blending of their psychedelic techno-meets-girl-group sound. Laessig notes the band just toured the festival circuit in Europe and did fairly well, even though European audiences are less familiar with the band than American.
I think theyre a little more open to the eccentricities and flamboyancies, she says, adding the group has developed the ability to entertain big and small crowds alike.
I love the club shows where people are jumping up and down and being so energetic, and I love the folk festivals where people are listening and being attentive, Laessig says.
The band also is exploring new musical and visual directions, she says, although at this point its still a work in progress.
Well be adding some new arrangements of things, Laessig says, noting, We might change our look ... (but) we havent settled on it.
KNRK Birthday Bash, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13-14, OMSI Waterfront, 1945 S.E. Water Ave. $55 one-day. All ages. Info: www.947.fm.
Aug. 19
Swingin sensation
Western Swing Hall of Famer Tommy Thomsen has collaborated with everyone from Norton Buffalo to Sammy Hagar and will play songs off his latest album, Crazy Bout Her Gravy at this show, which also features Portlands Jon Koonce on drums, James Mason on fiddle and Rudi Spain on bass. Fans of Asleep at the Wheel and other like-minded acts can get their fill of rug-cutting at this party.
Tommy Thomsen, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, Duffs Garage, 2530 N.E. 82nd Ave. $10. Info: 503-234-2337, www.duffsgarage.com.
Quick hits
Vancouver, British Columbia, punk trio White Lung destroys the complacent in a bill with Greys at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, at Mississippi Studios, 3939 N. Mississippi Ave. $12 in advance, $14 day of show. Info: 503-288-3895, www.mississippistudios.com.
Blues band The Rose City Kings play songs off their new album A Love So Strong, at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at the LaurelThirst, 2958 N.E. Glisan St. $8. Info: 503-232-1504.
Australian surf punk duo Hockey Dad play Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E. Burnside St, at 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 15, along with Muuy Biien and Mr. Bones. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Info: 503-231-9663, www.dougfirlounge.com.