As if the last couple weeks haven't been enough of a clusterfuck in the way of music festivals, tomorrow brings yet another to add to the list of attendance. This time around, it's a collaboration between three bar venues downtown and Lagunitas Brewing.

PAC NW Fest features 15 bands spread out across Dante's, Ash Street Saloon and Kelly's Olympian, all in one Saturday night. 

Catch what is sure to be a rowdy final performance from Foxy Lemon's drummer Zach Boggis as they headline the bill at Kelly's Olympian. Supporting them will be Bubble Cats, the Hoons, Keeper Keeper and Internal State. That side room at Kelly's is sure to reach capacity.

Over at Dante's, you'll find Seattle's Moon Darling, Willow House, Arlo Indigo and Just Lions opening up for King Who, the new moniker for the trippy synth pop group Us Lights.

Dark pop rock lovers Skull Diver will be closing out the night at Ash Street Saloon with their psychedelic visuals and ethereal vocals. Febian Perez's post-Bike Thief project Eclisse will also take the stage, along with Rader, Young Hunter and Salo Panto.

All shows start at 7 p.m. Wristbands for all three venues are available for $12 adv, $15 door with single show tickets being $8. Wristbands can be picked up tomorrow at Ash Street Saloon only. Purchase wristbands here. Enjoy!

Last month, Portland local and friend of the music community, Nic Gordon, fell victim to a random act of violence that left him with head and brain injuries, and is currently going through physical therapy to regain speech.

The music community is responding by throwing a benefit show on Wednesday, Feb 11th at Rontoms (where Nic worked) to raise funds towards Nic’s medical expenses. And it’s a helluva stacked bill, featuring Laura Palmer’s Death Parade, Us Lights, Talkative, The Shivas and headliners Hustle & Drone. Music starts at 8pm and cover is a suggested donation of $5-10. All door proceeds and ten-percent of bar sales go towards the cause. There will also be a raffle held for band merchandise from Wampire, Blouse, Hustle & Drone, as well as live concert photo prints by Todd Walberg of each band on the bill. In addition, there will be 20 limited-run posters designed by Showdeer and hand-printed by Misplaced AK Screen Printing that will go to the first 20 folks to donate $20 or more at the door.

You shouldn’t need a good reason to see any of these bands by themselves, but all on a bill together and for a cause like this, it might be foolish not to be at Rontoms Wednesday night. 

- Travis Leipzig

Tuesday will mark the first headline show at Mississippi Studios for Us Lights. It is also be the kick off of their European tour. Joining them will be Hosannas and Yeah Great Fine, making it yet again a blinding display of the Portland scene.

Yeah Great Fine's fluid polyrhythms lay underneath some seriously catchy pop ditties. Reminiscent of 90s video game themes, these boys will make even the most uptight ears twitch. Their song Manifest Destiny's Child a personal favorite­ because, quite frankly, we could all use a little Beyonce spirit from time to time. Tight harmonies and percussive genius make this a great start to the night. 

Hosannas next with a slightly more ominous tone. These punching drums and distorted whispers of melodies are haunting and thought provoking, and tracks like Cccloud smack with an Art Garfunkel influence that is hard not to love. 

Michael Young's vocals for Us Lights are breathtaking. As rich as Rufus Wainwright, his tone soars over beautiful, classic synth melodies. This five piece produce an incredibly dynamic tease of clean emotive pop. I defy you to not be blown away.

- Jennie Chapman

Photo of Us Lights by Peter Rasmussen

It's in the cards for Lubec, Us Lights and Bed, Monday night at Valentines. Through a Three Card Spread of the Golden Tarot, the fate of Monday night's show was dealt the Two of Wands (dominion), the Five of Coins reversed (worry), and the Nine of Coins (gain). 

 

Now, I'm no Tarot reading professional, but one could assert that through the mystic energy of this particular spread, the show is bound to be a success. The Two of Wands suggests thoughtful planning went into the event. A reversed Five of Coins suggests perhaps while the bands acknoledge they may not make their fortune this night, they are working towards a greater good in the longer term. Lastly, the Nine of Coins suggests that the bands will feel the sence of fulfilment that comes with acomplishment as the night of sweet, dark gaze-pop comes to and end and the crowd floats off home with heads bobbing. 

- Travis Leipzig