Faerabella
Friday, September 7
f/stop Fitzgerald’s, 335 Grove St. NE
8 p.m., free, 21+
Though patronized by a large swath of the musician community, f/stop Fitzgerald’s is not a consistent music venue. Maybe it’s because the public house is actually a house that is open to the public, (making it a bit tricky to find room for a concert), or maybe it’s because it’s nice to have a place that doesn’t have the noise and bluster of rock venues and dance clubs. However, the sounds of Salem dark cabaret jazz combo Faerabella should feel right at home at f/stop — warm tones, spooky grooves, and an interactive stage presence that breaks down the impenetrable barrier the “stage” often becomes. One could also choose how to take in Faerabella — in a nook playing a game of chess, as an active participant in the shenanigans, or chatting with a friend on the patio or in an adjacent room.
TOGA! TOGA! TOGA PARTY!!!
Saturday, September 8
The 50 Pub & Grub, 935 Wallace Rd. NW
8 p.m., free, 21+
If you were a frat boy or sorority sister in the late 90s, that would make you about 33ish. It also means you are about due for some nostalgia (the 80s kids got there’s right?). So get the children home from their post-soccer-game pizza party this particular Saturday and head on down to The 50 Pub & Grub for a Toga party and a set by pop-punk and 90s cover band Otis Knight & The Days (a reference to Otis Day and The Knights, the band from the movie Animal House, which actually ended up being a real touring band by the way). Remember those pop-punkin’ gems by Offspring, Green Day, Blink 182, and Weezer? I’m sure Otis Knight & The Days do.
Henry Rollins —
Capitalism
Tuesday, September 11
Historic Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
8 p.m., $30, all-ages
Yes, Henry Rollins has released a spoken word double-album (he’s actually released many spoken word albums, but I find it funny he released a double-album), but he’s also a former singer of Black Flag, an influential activist and a surprisingly accomplished actor. Though he’s 51 now, he’s also built like a freaking linebacker and has a fairly intimidating demeanor (look at that stare!), so as you can guess, I’m not going to be dishing too many pot shots from my computer chair. Rollins will make an unexpected stop at Salem’s Historic Elsinore Theatre as part of his 50-state (and D.C.) spoken-word Capitalism Tour that ends on November 5 (the day before the election). I’ll admit, I’m curious as to what Mr. Rollins has to say about the subject… in whatever art form he chooses.
Ralphie May
Thursday, September 13
Historic Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE
7 p.m., $27-37, explicit content
Using Last Comic Standing as a spring-board, super-sized comedian Ralphie May has gone on to be a platinum-selling artist four times over. The “soul-fried” southern stand-up is politically incorrect to the point that the very subject of political correctness often becomes the center of his material. May says that his comedy is “just correct” rather than “politically correct,” playing off a wide array of stereotypes. To smooth over the tension, May makes sure no group escapes his set — whites, blacks, Latinos, Asians, homosexuals, people with developmental disabilities, and a whole lot more. May’s appearance a part of the ongoing series by Ravens Flight Creative. Tickets can be purchased at ElsinoreTheatre.com.
Jami Lynn and Professor Gall
Friday, September 14
Venti’s Tap House, 2840 Commercial St. SE
9 p.m., free, 21+
South Dakota folk singer-songwriter Jami Lynn will be paying Venti’s Tap House along with junkyard folk act Professor Gall. According to her biography, it’s Lynn’s second trip to the Northwest, and judging by her talent, it’ll probably be the second of many trips through the area. Lynn has been making waves in the Mid-Western states, scoring rave reviews with regional media outlets and securing increasing amounts of air-time on public radio in her native region. Her latest album, “Sodbusters,” which features six original songs as well as an eclectic mix of regional standards, has rightfully given the upstart some notoriety beyond the plains.
The Salem Stomp
Saturday, September 15
Sawyer Farms, 40598 Cole School Rd. SE, Scio
Noon, $15, family friendly
Portland-based Americana and bluegrass band the Cow Paddy Stompers will team up with Salem’s Jamalia and Portland “jamgrass” act The Student Loan to provide the music for this year’s version of The Salem Stomp. A quick visit to YouTube.com shows that CPS is a regular at The Salem Stomp, appearing as far back as at least 2009. If you decide to check them out, the videos are a good representation of the band if you don’t mind the barking dogs and the hootin’ and holerin’ (but that’s all a part of the experience, right?). The music begins at 5:30 p.m., and the event also includes microbrews, a potlock and camping. For more information, send an e-mail to rodenlee@gmail.com.
Franco Paletta and The Stingers
Saturday, September 15
Grand Theatre, 191 High St. NE
7:30 p.m., $12-15, all-ages
Looking for some high quality harmonica-fronted blues on late-summer evenin’? Want to help represent the Northwest blues scene? Blues harpest Franco Paletta and his band The Stingers recently won the Cascade Blues Association’s “Journey To Memphis” challenge at the 2012 Waterfront Blue Festival, and the honor comes with the opportunity to represent the association in February at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. This Salem concert will serve as a source of funding for Franco and his band to complete the trip. To purchase tickets in advance, call (503) 363-4013 or e-mail blueman@teleport.com. Also of note, the Grand Theatre will be serving beer and wine for those 21-and-older.
