voices for silent disasters: portland’s first concert series for mercycorps

last year... hundreds of local voices came together to raise money and awareness for Mercy Corps' efforts in the war–torn region of northern Uganda. In the fall 2007, ten concerts featured nearly 40 of Portland's top musical acts, and raised over $60,000!

A team of volunteers helped plan and execute the concert series, musicians gave their talents, McMenamins donated their venues, and many other local companies contributed in-kind donations. 100% of the proceeds went directly to Mercy Corps' programs in northern Uganda.

THANK YOU to the 2007 voices for silent disasters performers!

Art Alexakis

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9TH, KENNEDY SCHOOL, 7:30pm
www.mcmenamins.com
Loveness Wesa and The White Bantuz/ Art Alexakis /
China Forbes and Thomas Lauderdale (Pink Martini)
“War Dance” the award-winning documentary film
tickets $10 adv / $12 at the door / 21 and over

Art's songs reveal his roots in country, folk and funk, while the lyrics are naked glimpses into his soul. His band, Everclear, has a sound that "reflects the rock, post-punk and singer/songwriter influences of Alexakis like X, the Replacements, the Pixies, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and Elvis Costello." ~John Bush

Obo Addy

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH, BAGDAD THEATER
doors open 7:00 pm, show starts 8:00pm
www.mcmenamins.com
Vagabond Opera / Third Angle / Obo Addy / Pepe and the Bottle Blondes / Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Wade McCollum and the Portland Cast in Rock Concert)
tickets $12 adv / $15 day of show / 21 and over

Obo Addy, born in Ghana, is the son of a priest and medicine man. Since he was a boy he played drums in spiritual ceremonies and always knew drumming was his calling. After playing many years in his home country, Addy immigrated to the United States in 1978 and makes his home in Portland. He established the nonprofit foundation Homowo (Harvest) to share and honor his heritage thorough his music. The Homowo festival brings thousands to Portland together each year to celebrate the African culture.

China Forbes and Thomas Lauderdale (Pink Martini)

China Forbes and Thomas Lauderdale have created the original, articulate and eclectic band Pink Martini. Their unique sound is crafty combinations of classical, jazz and world music that enjoyed is by everyone who hears it. It is that special blend of music that touches you no matter what your age or background.

Climber

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, MISSION THEATER
doors open 9:30 pm, show starts 10:00pm
www.mcmenamins.com
Climber / Tea for Julie / Dahlia
tickets $10 adv / $12 day of show / 21 and over

“The magic of Climber's music, and the reason these guys deserve to be in the upper echelon of the Portland music world, is that they've found a way to create songs based in sadness that resonate with such life-affirming energy that they rarely leave a listener pondering the dark side of life.”— Willamette Week.

Crosstide

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH, BAGDAD THEATER
doors open 8:00 pm, show starts 9:00pm
www.mcmenamins.com
Lions of Batucada / Dirty Martini / Crosstide
tickets $12 adv / $15 day of show / 21 and over

With influences like the Church, My Bloody Valentine, and Sunny Day Real Estate, how could you go wrong? Crosstide puts their unique twist on good old-fashioned indie rock. Between compelling vocals, advancing drum beats, and nostalgic guitar strains, you won’t be able to stay in your seat.

Dahlia

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, MISSION THEATER
doors open 9:30 pm, show starts 10:00pm
www.mcmenamins.com
Climber / Tea for Julie / Dahlia
tickets $10 adv / $12 day of show / 21 and over

Jennifer Folker and Keith Schreiver, known as Dahlia, are local pioneers of electro dance/trance music. Favorites of the Portland trip/hop scene, Jen’s intensely rich vocals and Keith’s irresistible electronic beats make a perfect sound that makes you want more.

Devin Phillips Band

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH, BAGDAD THEATER
doors open 7:00 pm, show starts 8:00pm
www.mcmenamins.com
Scott Fisher / Liv Warfield / Shelly Rudolph / Devin Phillips Band
tickets $12 adv / $15 day of show / 21 and over

New Orleans born and bred, Devin Phillips fell in love with the saxophone when he was just eight years old. A graduate of the prestigious New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, Phillips has played with top jazz artists Wynton Marsalis, Eddie Palmieri, the Headhunters, the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Lenny Kravitz, and Los Hombres Caliente (with whom he recorded two award-winning albums.)

Dirty Martini

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH, BAGDAD THEATER
doors open 8:00 pm, show starts 9:00pm
www.mcmenamins.com
Lions of Batucada / Dirty Martini / Crosstide
tickets $12 adv / $15 day of show / 21 and over

Laura Mitchell, Stephanie Schneiderman and McKinley’s musical and lyrical talents make up Portland’s irresistible Dirty Martini. They know what makes their audience happy and they aim to please. “Dirty Martini has captured the hearts of music fans all over the Northwest; audiences are enchanted not only by their individual talents, but also by the ease in which three diverse and eclectic styles meld into a cohesive whole.”—reallymusicradio.com

Hedwig and the Angry Inch:
Wade McCollum and the Portland Cast in Rock Concert

Wade McCollum’s Hedwig performances have earned him honors in both Los Angeles and Portland. “I house a vision in my heart of a world where art is fully funded,” said McCollum. “I see a world where artists are supported by their communities and seen as important cultural elements to an already thriving and mutually supportive society.”

Hoskins and Breen

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH, MISSION THEATER
doors open 8:00 pm, show starts 9:00pm
www.mcmenamins.com
Hoskins and Breen (genius sketch comedy duo)
tickets $12 adv / $15 day of show / 21 and over

Face it. You need a good belly laugh. Comedy duo John Breen and Loren Hoskins have been writing and performing for over a decade. Breen has appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Upright Citizens Brigade, and Comedysportz. Hoskins is a co-founder, writer and performer for the 3rd Floor, Captain Bogg and Salty, and Head Crazy Brain Girl.

Jackstraw

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH, MISSION THEATER
doors open 7:00 pm, show starts 8:00pm
www.mcmenamins.com
Jackstraw / Three Leg Torso / Stolen Sweets
tickets $12 adv / $15 day of show / 21 and over

“If their mandolin-driven, high-energy songs don’t give you the desire to get up and dance, you might want to have all your vital organs checked.”—Megan Patrick, Daily Evergreen, Moscow, ID

Jaycob Van Auken

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH, MISSION THEATER
doors open 7:00 pm, show starts 8:00pm
SONGWRITER'S NIGHT
www.mcmenamins.com
Morgan Grace / Little Sue / Jeremy Wilson / Pilar French / Michael Jodell / Tom Grant
Susie Blue / Lael Alderman / Jaycob Van Auken / Linda Hornbuckle / Breanna Paletta
tickets $12 adv / $15 day of show / 21 and over

“There’s a wonderfully retro style to Jaycob’s writing, it brings back the more unique singer/songwriter of the ‘70’s –Emmit Rhodes, Todd Rundgren. I was totally impressed by ‘Seashells’, I could not get it out of my head for weeks…”
-Joe Chiccarelli Producer/Engineer (Elton John, U2, Beck, Rufus Wainwright)

Jeremy Wilson

Playing in bands since 1982, Jeremy Wilson is now going solo and running his own studio and label, MastanMusic, in Southeast Portland. The studio, stocked with the best in old and new equipment, is sure to churn out some of the best work of Wilson’s solo career, including his compilation CD Independence.

Joe McMurrian Quartet

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND, MISSION THEATER
doors open 7:00 pm, show starts 8:00pm
www.mcmenamins.com
Stepanie Schneiderman Band / Richmond Fontaine / Joe McMurrian Quartet
tickets $12 adv / $15 day of show / 21 and over

"Joe McMurrian is a great, gritty singer and a fluid fingerstyle guitarist with more than a little delta influence in his sound - and the artistic moxie to make it sound fresh yet timeless."
—Oregonian, A&E music review

Tom Grant

Tom Grant, master instrumentalist, talented singer and natural entertainer, nimbly walks the line between jazz tradition and modern pop. This soft-spoken Oregon native's inspired songwriting produces propulsive R&B grooves, infectious melodic hooks, and stylish ballads with equal ease.

Lael Alderman

Based in Portland, Oregon, Lael Alderman “has a knack for penning inspired pop songs, the charm to be unassuming about it.” Alderman’s influences include Wilco, Elvis Costello and Guided by Voices.

Linda Hornbuckle

“The most beautiful and powerful blues/gospel/soul voice in the Pacific Northwest, backed by the tightest and most talented band for the ultimate Double-Whammy!”—Real Blues Magazine

The Lions of Batucada

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH, BAGDAD THEATER
doors open 8:00 pm, show starts 9:00pm
www.mcmenamins.com
Lions of Batucada / Dirty Martini / Crosstide
tickets $12 adv / $15 day of show / 21 and over

If you’re looking for a Brazilian-styled marching samba ensemble, look no further than the Lions of Batucada. Featuring costumed and choreographed samba dancers, the Lions use traditional instruments to create rhythms and melodies that are as exciting to hear as they are to watch.

Little Sue

“Capturing these morsels of bittersweet humanity with grace, poignancy and goose bumpy honesty, she turns them into sparkling art. With her distinct and signature sweetly-pinched vocals, Little Sue and her music are arguably the most lovable act in the Portland scene.”—CD Baby, July, 2007 iTunes

Liv Warfield

"Liv Warfield is the newest songstress entering the world of indie soul music. Her debut is full of self-penned songs that express her love for her craft and her willingness to be true to herself and not follow radio trends."
-Sister 2 Sister, June 07

Loveness Wesa and The White Bantuz

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9TH, KENNEDY SCHOOL, 7:30pm
www.mcmenamins.com
Loveness Wesa and The White Bantuz / Art Alexakis /
China Forbes and Thomas Lauderdale (Pink Martini)
“War Dance” the award-winning documentary film
tickets $10 adv / $12 at the door / 21 and over

Loveness Wesa brings her cultural heritage to the world through traditional African songs, music and dance. She is an actor, choreographer, singer and dancer, a woman of many talents who promotes peace and understanding through her movement and music.

MarchFourth Marching Band

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH, CRYSTAL BALLROOM
doors open 1:00pm, show starts 2:00pm
www.mcmenamins.com
MarchFourth Marching Band
(this will be an all ages kids show!)
tickets $10 adv / $12 day of show

Marchforth Marching Band is “high-energy surrealist global-groove alternative big band, propelled by electric bass, 10-piece percussion ensemble, and mind-blowing 12-piece horn section. Visually enhanced by costumed dancing beauties, acrobatic stilt walkers, fire, and theatrics, M4 invokes dancing in the streets and beyond!” www.sonicbids.com

Michael Jodell

"Jodell possesses a resonant voice full of torch and smoke. She leans towards country, but infuses her music with mature chords and subtle vocal shadings."—The Oregonian

Morgan Grace

“Morgan Grace's voice is a blend of sultry and screaming with lots of 'come hither'. Or maybe I should say 'come here-go away'. Either way, it matches the music wonderfully.” —www.collectedsounds.com

Pepe and the Bottled Blondes

Created in October 1995, Pepe and the Bottled Blondes sought to bring back Copacabana dinner theater complete with the costumes, make-up and Latin rhythms. This inspired visual stage performance is not to be missed.

Pilar French

Pilar French has called her music twisted funk and blues, but her varied talent goes well beyond that. She is by turns bluesy, soulful, ethereal and intense, but always accessible.

Richmond Fontaine

Praise for Richmond Fontaine’s Thirteen Cities. “We live in a world of hyperbole and exaggeration which is a pity because when this album is called a masterpiece such words lose some of their effect. But a masterpiece it is – daring, adventurous, literate, and consummate.”—www.americana-uk.com

Scott Fisher

“As a singer, Fisher is just lovely, singing songs with a gorgeous delicacy that is so popular on the radio today. He can move from fragile to knowing in the blink of an eye and deliver both with the same levity, leaving you with nothing else to do but smile and enjoy the music.”—www.411mania.com

Stephanie Schneiderman

"Schneiderman's exceptional song writing talent and radiating charm are a winning combination. Her honest, earthy presence and rich, serene vocals separate Stephanie from the hordes of ‘girls with guitars.’ She shows all the potential of becoming a world class, world renowned artist."—House of Blues

Stolen Sweets

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH, MISSION THEATER
doors open 7:00 pm, show starts 8:00pm
www.mcmenamins.com
Jackstraw / Three Leg Torso / Stolen Sweets
tickets $12 adv / $15 day of show / 21 and over

The Stolen Sweets deliver a unique brand of vintage swing jazz, dishing up abundant doses of coy stage antics and sideways glances as they play. The Sweets’ ability to transport audiences to the early days of jazz has already earned them a sizable and colorful fan base in their native Portland and beyond.

Shelly Rudolph

"Every so often an artist comes along that literally has it all... great songwriting,
a beautiful seductive voice and a passion for music...Shelly Rudolph is that special
artist and Water in My Hand is that special CD. Shelly possesses that natural,
earthy tone that can't be taught in a music class. Her voice caresses your ears
and her sassy attitude keeps you coming back for more. If you want to fall in
love again look no further..."- Calvin Walker, Director, KMHD Radio, 89.1

Susie Blue

Singer-songwriter Susie Blue brings her distinctive melancholic voice to a solo career after many tries as a lead singer in several bands. “What I find in Susie Blue are the qualities I enjoyed when I first discovered Christine McVey: songwriting, vocal delivery, and the ability to carry me to another place."—Tazmoe Music

Third Angle

“Oregon composer Robert Kyr is a new name to me, but this group of three violin concertos, written with a canny combination of virtuoso display and genial accessibility, left me impressed, excited and often touched. The soloists, Denise Huizenga and Ron Blessinger, are simply first-rate.”—San Francisco Chronicle

3 Leg Torso

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH, MISSION THEATER
doors open 7:00 pm, show starts 8:00pm
www.mcmenamins.com
Jackstraw / 3 Leg Torso / Stolen Sweets
tickets $12 adv / $15 day of show / 21 and over

This quintet formed in 1996, originally as a trio, to create original modern chamber music from their distinctive instrumentation. "3 Leg Torso's classically tinged combination of gypsy folk and whirling tangos is both devilishly clever and damn beautiful."—Willamette Week

Vagabond Opera

“Scandalous scarlet crinolines, old school accordions, guys with waxed moustaches — who wouldn't love being temporarily transported to an old-world cabaret house? Vagabond Opera is a Portland ensemble that taps into the lusty bohemian in all of us, satisfying days-of-yore urges with compositions that infuse classical opera with European and Middle Eastern elements ranging from Persian hot jazz to klezmer to Ukrainian punk.”—The Portland Mercury

Breanna Paletta

"Paletta's lyrics speak to the joys and pain of every day life that can't be captured in every day expression. Her lyrics are matched in substance, personality and quality by her songwriting, simultaneously raw, without embellishment and novelty while still reaching impressive depth and profundity." Tamara Turner, Editor, CD Babyc

Tea for Julie

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, MISSION THEATER
doors open 9:30 pm, show starts 10:00pm
www.mcmenamins.com
Climber / Tea for Julie / Dahlia
tickets $10 adv / $12 day of show / 21 and over

"Tea For Julie's debut is one of the strongest self-released debuts I've ever heard. While showing many influences along the way, each track is distinctive and with its own voice. I highly recommended this band both recorded and live. Expect great things from Tea For Julie" —John Richards The Morning Show KEXP 90.3 Seattle