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Originally uploaded by Superinkygrrl.

Next weekend, September 7-10 is Musicfest NW, Portland’s own weekend of music bliss. I’m excited for the weekend, even though I won’t be able to attend most of the amazing shows. Over the weekend, more than 80 bands will perform in 15+ venues, showcasing whatever style of music you want to see. Top bands such as The Dandy Warhols, The Zombies, The Black Keys, The Silver Jews, M-1 of Dead Prez, Lifesavas, Helio Sequence, Swords (last show,) Liv Warfield, The Melvins, and Brian Jonestown Massacre will play. See, we’re Brian Jonestown Massacre (BJM for the uninitiated) fans and will be hitting the road to see them perform that weekend in Seattle (also with the Dandy’s), Vancouver and Victoria.

So, why do you care about the Dandy’s and the BJM? Well, a few years ago, an award winning documentary came out named DIG! and it profiled mostly the BJM and their leader, Anton Necombe. The movie portrayed the BJM and the Dandy’s as adversaries who when put together could create a toxic stew. It implied that there is a long standing feud between the bands. So, I ask this question. If there is a long standing feud, why would they be playing two nights in a row together? Makes one say “hmmmmm.”

Needless to say, the Portland show should be amazing. The BJM has been on a roll lately with some amazing shows. We saw then in LA recently for two nights and they were the best I had ever seen. They were pulling songs out of their catalogue that diehard fans for years had never heard live. They will also be coming from two shows in San Francisco, so the kinks from a summer off should be worked out. (And yes, we’ll be seeing those shows also.) The Dandy’s are one of Portland’s greatest accomplishments and their past shows have shown people they can still rock the house. Put these two bands in the same venue – Crystal Ballroom – and you have the makings for an amazing night.

The Dandy Warhols
Brian Jonestown Massacre
The Tyde
Crystal Ballroom – September 7
Part of MusicFest NW 2006