High Notes: The Best Live Music in Portland This Week, March 3 - 8

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Tuesday, March 03, 2015

John Chandler, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Seems like we’ve been over this a thousand times, but the message bears repeating: Support your local musician! This week, three prominent members of Portland’s musical milieu—Summer Cannibals, Cool Nutz, and Guantanamo Baywatch—will put their talents on display, playing their hungry hearts out for modest money and a smattering of applause. Now it’s time to do your part.

Viet Cong

Mar 3 @ 9pm

Rising from the ashes of Women, a critically adored Calgary band that dissolved following the death of guitarist Christopher Reimer in 2012, Viet Cong features former Women bassist Matt Flegel and drummer Mike Wallace. Wielding a similar irreverent deconstructionist ethos, Viet Cong plays mix and match with all kinds of styles and influences, from the darkling drone of Bauhaus to art-damaged jangle-pop on their self-titled debut album. 

$12. Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi Ave. 

Summer Cannibals

Mar 5 @ 8pm

Named after a Patti Smith song, this ambitious quartet, led by charismatic singer-guitarist Jessica Boudreaux, has been one of the most talked-about groups in town over the last couple of years. With the release of their brand new record, ‘Show Us Your Mind,’ recorded by Larry Crane at Jackpot Studios, Summer Cannibals’ heady blend of punk snarl and scalpel-sharp songwriting, as ably demonstrated on ripping recent tunes like “TV” and “Something New,” should inspire even greater adulation amongst the restless natives. 

$10. Bunk Bar, 1028 SE Water Ave. 

Cool Nutz

Mar 6 @ 9pm

Terrance Scott (aka Cool Nutz) is without a doubt the professor emeritus of Portland hip-hop, a label boss/producer/enabler of countless fledgling local crews since the early ’90s. Given his duties as a respected spokesman and prime mover for an entire community, Cool Nutz’s career as an accomplished MC sometimes gets overlooked—and that’s a shame. Show up and show love for the release of his latest album, ‘Bruh,’ that features high-profile guest stars like E-40, Krizz Kaliko, Illmaculate, Bosko, Vinnie Dewayne and Maniac Lok. Hey, he’s probably been to one of your shows…

$10. Ash Street Saloon, 225 SW Ash St. 

Infamous Stringdusters

Mar 7 @ 8pm

Like a 21st century version of New Riders of the Purple Sage, Nashville’s Infamous Stringdusters have struck gold in the land where the bluegrass smells like sweet sensimilla. While studio albums, such as last year’s ‘Let It Go,’ are slick and sizzling enough for country squareheads, the Stringdusters’ penchant for lengthy improvisational abandon has earned them a de(a)dicated following affectionately known as the “Jamily.” The occasional onstage hootenanny with Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh only enhances the bouquet. 

$23-25. Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell St. 

Guantanamo Baywatch

Mar 7 @ 9pm

No beach party is complete without the presence Portland’s Guantanamo Baywatch, a toxic-waste mutated trio that emerged full-grown from the murky waters of the Willamette like the love child of Dick Dale and the Cramps. Now signed to the Suicide Squeeze label, GB has an album due out in May called ‘Darling… It’s Too Late.” Expect a flotilla of new material at this shindig, as well as tried-and-true burners like “Barbacoa” and “Pina Colada.” Might be a little chilly to bust out the bikinis and board shorts, but we predict things will heat up real quick.

The Know, 2026 NE Alberta St. 

John Chandler has been writing about rock and/or roll for 25 years with The Rocket, Portland Tribune, Portland Monthly, Magnet, Dagger, No Depression, and Puncture. He also writes about beer, booze, and bars for Portland'sBarFly website and plays in a couple goofy bands when the mood strikes him. He can most often be found at the wheel of horrificflicks.com, a review website dedicated to horror movies.

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