Wow. Can I just start off by saying, I feel so out of touch.
Never fear my friends, I always mantained an open ear, my search never came to a halt. I was just sidelined by some new exciting endeavors and by that inevitable coming of age. My life is in full swing with two boys a wife and a, real, full-time job. I am still writing but it has been for Oregon Music News and they have mostly been out of town shows. However, I have been staying connected with Salem and found a lot of great things are beginning to surface in Salem's music scene. Typhoon (now living in Portland), is the first and most obvious subject, with their immense success and recent appearance on Letterman.
Symmetry/Symmetry has become even more experimental as a three piece band. Bands like Monoplane and Massive Moth are invading Portland's elite music venues. The re-re-re-birth of the Roxxy Night Club has begun. Journey's, Dean Castranovo, has helped create a music program for kids at the local Boys and Girls Club. The Great Idea and Cherry City Music Festival were both great successes.
... I can go on and I intend to.
So, this is long over due, but, check out the official music video for Massive Moth's "Patrons of Wanderer's Way". Also, if you haven't already seen promotion for this, Massive Moth will be playing with the legendary one hit wonders from the 80's, Men Without Hats and Portland's The Slants at the Grand Theater, Sept. 10th
and this actually needs no promotion cause everyone goes to the State Fair, so.....
One of my favorite musical outlets to recently rise up is Doug's World with Elizabeth Schulte, Doug Hoffman has been consistently streaming media from CCTV with his show and keeping Salem current on all things awesome.
Lastly, well there is no lastly, Salem is maturing musically and I am excited to be here to see it happen. Local music lovers are starting to become the voice we so desperately were seeking here in Salem, including myself and my wife with our newest endeavor These New Legs come check it out, music is on the way.
So, that's all I have time for now. talk soon!
Cheers,
Alva Valencia
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
This Weekend: Cherry City Music Festival
For the past 5 years Ross Swartzendruber has been creating a common, yet seemingly (up until last year) ineffective and chaotic way to expose Salem's music scene dubbed, the Cherry City Music Festival. this year however, the festival is making huge strides in the right direction due largely to the DIY nature of modern music. Also, in part, due to the fact that Ross has had 5 years to fine tune this beast. This years line up is overflowing with talent like local favorites Typhoon, Y La Bamba, Loch Lomond and Norman. Starting Thursday the festival will be in full swing and the music will be pulsing through Salem until Saturday.
Y La Bamba - "Juniper" by terrorbird
In my opinion, Ross Swartzendruber is in need of positive recognition. considering the fact that this is entirely too big of an event to single handed take on yet, he pressed on and made it into something tangible something beautiful. the road was rough and there were a lot of moments where things seemed unrepairable, but this week/weekend we will be able to look at the final product and say "Wow, that is pretty awesome." So cheers, Ross you have made my list of Salem Essentials, coming to my blog 2011 ;)
I remain very optimistic about this week/weekend and look forward to watching things unfold first hand. Join me, wont you?
Cheers,
Alva
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011
This Weekends: Reasons not to be the Fool
Hey ya'll,
This weekend you don't have to live in fear of falling for a dated April Fools joke. Salem will be catering to your musical hunger in a few very special ways.
**Wednesday Night**
I know that it is not a weekend, But in the middle of your work week you now have the opportunity to recharge your batteries. Every Wednesday Night starting at 6pm, Christo's Pizzeria has Live Jazz!!! YES!!! finally, something completely perfect for the over-worked jazz enthusiast. So, now when you are feeling the wear and tear of a life and work you can come down to the newly renovated venue next door to Christo's (Facebook Page) and indulge in some wine (beer or a mixed drink) some amazing food and top-shelf Jazz.
**Thursday Night**
ATTENTION: Western Oregon University Students
Violet Isle will be on Campus performing their full set, along with almost a dozen other acts to help WOU raise money to send 9 Students, Faculty and Community Members to Tanzania to team with Orphans Foundation Fund. Doors open at 7:30pm with a $5 suggested Donation. Event will take place in the Pacific Room located at WOU.
FRIDAY, April 1st
I could tell you but would you believe me??
Chris Margolin & The Dregs
@ Boone's Treasury
9pm Free (21+)
The Shanghai Woolies
@ The Grand Theater
7pm $12 for Students $15 for Adult
Massive Moth
@ Boone's Treasury
9pm Free (21+)
Jay Tablet
w/Rory Oneders, Caitlin Cardier, Matty, Top Shelf, Mac Smiff, DJ Harlo, YnR
@ IKE Box
7pm $5 (all ages all the time)
Cherry City Deadbeats
w/ Camino Deluxe
@ Christo's Pizzeria
9pm $5 (21+)
See ya there!!!!!
Cheers,
Alva
This weekend you don't have to live in fear of falling for a dated April Fools joke. Salem will be catering to your musical hunger in a few very special ways.
**Wednesday Night**
I know that it is not a weekend, But in the middle of your work week you now have the opportunity to recharge your batteries. Every Wednesday Night starting at 6pm, Christo's Pizzeria has Live Jazz!!! YES!!! finally, something completely perfect for the over-worked jazz enthusiast. So, now when you are feeling the wear and tear of a life and work you can come down to the newly renovated venue next door to Christo's (Facebook Page) and indulge in some wine (beer or a mixed drink) some amazing food and top-shelf Jazz.
**Thursday Night**
ATTENTION: Western Oregon University Students
Violet Isle will be on Campus performing their full set, along with almost a dozen other acts to help WOU raise money to send 9 Students, Faculty and Community Members to Tanzania to team with Orphans Foundation Fund. Doors open at 7:30pm with a $5 suggested Donation. Event will take place in the Pacific Room located at WOU.
FRIDAY, April 1st
I could tell you but would you believe me??
w/Broomstick and IV League
@ IKE Box
7pm $5 (all ages all the time)
@ Salem Public Library (Loucks Auditorium)
$5 in Advance $7 at the Door
Chris Margolin & The Dregs
@ Boone's Treasury
9pm Free (21+)
SATURDAY, April 2nd
The Shanghai Woolies
@ The Grand Theater
7pm $12 for Students $15 for Adult
Massive Moth
@ Boone's Treasury
9pm Free (21+)
Jay Tablet
w/Rory Oneders, Caitlin Cardier, Matty, Top Shelf, Mac Smiff, DJ Harlo, YnR
@ IKE Box
7pm $5 (all ages all the time)
Cherry City Deadbeats
w/ Camino Deluxe
@ Christo's Pizzeria
9pm $5 (21+)
SUNDAY, April 3rd
Have enough? No? Well... Come end the weekend in Portland with me!!
Violet Isle (Facebook Page) will be in Portland with Tango Alpha Tango and Symmetry/Symmetry at Ella St. Social Club
See ya there!!!!!
Cheers,
Alva
Thursday, February 10, 2011
This Weekend's: Reasons to not be a hermit
FRIDAY, FEB 11th
An Evening of Acapella
Performance by: U of O's On The Rocks NBC's The Sing Off
w/ "sister group" Divisi and Willamette Univerisities: Handband, Tandem and more
@ The Historic Grand Theater
Show at 7:30pm buy in advance at http://www.absolutelytix.com/
Tickets: $15 adults $10 students
Salem Art Association's Art Fusion
Performace by: Find Your Smile
w/ art exibits and catering/vendors
@ Bush Barn Art Center
Show at 7pm more info available at http://www.salemart.org/
Tickets: $5 for members, $10 for non members 21+
Find Your Smile - Untitled Song
The Skybridge Gypsies @ Ike Box
w/ Brette n' Blake, Akonabobana
Show at 7pm
Tickets: $5 all ages
The Material @ Riverfront Bar and Grill
w/ The Fools, Groove Thief, and Right On John
Show at 8pm
Tickets: $5 advance; $7 at door or $2 off with 2 cans of food 21+
The Material - Unforgivable
SATURDAY FEB 12th
Et Cetera, Party Gurls, Axi Revo, and IV Leagues
@ Dance Hall , 135 19th St SE, Salem,
Show at 7pm
Tickets $3 All Ages? call and ask: 503.763.8815
Show at 9pm
FREE 21+
Summer Soundtrack @ Rack n' Cue
w/ Montae
Show at 9pm
Tickets: $3 21+
An Evening of Acapella
Performance by: U of O's On The Rocks NBC's The Sing Off
w/ "sister group" Divisi and Willamette Univerisities: Handband, Tandem and more
@ The Historic Grand Theater
Show at 7:30pm buy in advance at http://www.absolutelytix.com/
Tickets: $15 adults $10 students
Salem Art Association's Art Fusion
Performace by: Find Your Smile
w/ art exibits and catering/vendors
@ Bush Barn Art Center
Show at 7pm more info available at http://www.salemart.org/
Tickets: $5 for members, $10 for non members 21+
Find Your Smile - Untitled Song
The Skybridge Gypsies @ Ike Box
w/ Brette n' Blake, Akonabobana
Show at 7pm
Tickets: $5 all ages
The Material @ Riverfront Bar and Grill
w/ The Fools, Groove Thief, and Right On John
Show at 8pm
Tickets: $5 advance; $7 at door or $2 off with 2 cans of food 21+
The Material - Unforgivable
SATURDAY FEB 12th
Et Cetera, Party Gurls, Axi Revo, and IV Leagues
@ Dance Hall , 135 19th St SE, Salem,
Show at 7pm
Tickets $3 All Ages? call and ask: 503.763.8815
The Oh My Mys @ Boone's Treasury
FREE 21+
Summer Soundtrack @ Rack n' Cue
w/ Montae
Show at 9pm
Tickets: $3 21+
This Friday there will be more than enough great events going on to go check out so, get other there and check it!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Super Blog Sunday Edition: Salem's Massive Moth release new album
Hey Salem and Friends from all over the world,
First of all just wanted to say that this weekend has been "Super" for me for a very different reason *drumroll*... My wife gave birth to a wonderful healthy baby boy this morning! Right now, we are in Silverton going through all the motions and biding our time. One minor downside to being here is that I have very limited Internet access, so I apologize in advance for any errors with my links/videos, I am currently unable to double check them. The piece I chose for my "Super Blog Sunday Edition" was a very difficult piece for me to have written. When I was approached about writing a review for a local band that has done so much for Salem's music scene, I found myself somewhat torn. Here is a revised version of the piece I wrote up for OregonMusicNews.com about the local band Massive Moth's "More Scenery Than Man".
In every town there is always one band that everyone stands behind, if not for the music, then for the simple fact that they did it first. In Salem, that band is Massive Moth.
Jason Stringer, the co-founder, bassist and vocalist for Massive Moth, has made some very notable waves in the realm of live music in Salem. Back when live music was a house party, Jason would rent out halls and other various locations just to give bands a place to rock within the borders of Oregon's capital. Now that we have music venues popping up all over the place, it's easy to lose sight of where it all began.
Massive Moth, originally consisting of Kevin Rafn on vocals and guitar, Jason Stringer on bass, and Doug Hoffman on drums, made great strides in Salem to create the close-knit music community we have today. Hoffman along with Stringer helped shake up Salem's noise ordinance policy with the birthing of The Space (RIP), a local hole in the wall venue that housed many local and international acts but unfortunately closed this past September. The Space reportedly lost the battle with the noise ordinance and had to shut down, but Hoffman has since moved on to a new project called Monoplane with Ranch Records owner David Ballantyne. Massive Moth then picked up Sean Ireland in the spring of 2010 and went into Warble Records studio to begin recording for the album, titled "More Scenery Than Man".
Upon review of the album, there are a few things, good and bad. The first track "House On Holiday Hill" starts and stays heavy and whimsical all the way through--a formula executed very well by Massive Moth. It's big band swing with a hint of indie and a cool eerie-ness, the anthemic vocals blend well with the down-beat dance grove laid down by Ireland.
Here is "House on Holiday Hill" performed live at Boone's Treasury (I hope):
This is iPod-worthy alongside old Modest Mouse and Franz Ferdinand. The tracks that follow slowly begin to miss the mark. Rafn's vocals at times are too prominent and have a somewhat distracting tone, and as the album continues, the energy starts to take a dive. The guitar is a bit sloppy, but not in the raw indie sort of way--the lines have a few unflattering notes and rough rhythms.
All in all, Massive Moth is a band still shaping and carving out their sound, and More Scenery Than Man seems to catch Massive Moth right as they step out of their old habits and begin looking for a new, evolved sound.
Massive Moth recently celebrated the release of "More Scenery Than Man" on Friday, February 4th at the Doug Fir Lounge along with more album releases from Soft Tags, Sustentacula, Monoplane and The Murmuring Pines (cassette release).
... and a little something to commemorate the Super Bowls and Music:
Top 5 Worst Super Bowl Halftime Shows
First of all just wanted to say that this weekend has been "Super" for me for a very different reason *drumroll*... My wife gave birth to a wonderful healthy baby boy this morning! Right now, we are in Silverton going through all the motions and biding our time. One minor downside to being here is that I have very limited Internet access, so I apologize in advance for any errors with my links/videos, I am currently unable to double check them. The piece I chose for my "Super Blog Sunday Edition" was a very difficult piece for me to have written. When I was approached about writing a review for a local band that has done so much for Salem's music scene, I found myself somewhat torn. Here is a revised version of the piece I wrote up for OregonMusicNews.com about the local band Massive Moth's "More Scenery Than Man".
In every town there is always one band that everyone stands behind, if not for the music, then for the simple fact that they did it first. In Salem, that band is Massive Moth.
Jason Stringer, the co-founder, bassist and vocalist for Massive Moth, has made some very notable waves in the realm of live music in Salem. Back when live music was a house party, Jason would rent out halls and other various locations just to give bands a place to rock within the borders of Oregon's capital. Now that we have music venues popping up all over the place, it's easy to lose sight of where it all began.
Massive Moth, originally consisting of Kevin Rafn on vocals and guitar, Jason Stringer on bass, and Doug Hoffman on drums, made great strides in Salem to create the close-knit music community we have today. Hoffman along with Stringer helped shake up Salem's noise ordinance policy with the birthing of The Space (RIP), a local hole in the wall venue that housed many local and international acts but unfortunately closed this past September. The Space reportedly lost the battle with the noise ordinance and had to shut down, but Hoffman has since moved on to a new project called Monoplane with Ranch Records owner David Ballantyne. Massive Moth then picked up Sean Ireland in the spring of 2010 and went into Warble Records studio to begin recording for the album, titled "More Scenery Than Man".
Upon review of the album, there are a few things, good and bad. The first track "House On Holiday Hill" starts and stays heavy and whimsical all the way through--a formula executed very well by Massive Moth. It's big band swing with a hint of indie and a cool eerie-ness, the anthemic vocals blend well with the down-beat dance grove laid down by Ireland.
Here is "House on Holiday Hill" performed live at Boone's Treasury (I hope):
This is iPod-worthy alongside old Modest Mouse and Franz Ferdinand. The tracks that follow slowly begin to miss the mark. Rafn's vocals at times are too prominent and have a somewhat distracting tone, and as the album continues, the energy starts to take a dive. The guitar is a bit sloppy, but not in the raw indie sort of way--the lines have a few unflattering notes and rough rhythms.
All in all, Massive Moth is a band still shaping and carving out their sound, and More Scenery Than Man seems to catch Massive Moth right as they step out of their old habits and begin looking for a new, evolved sound.
Massive Moth recently celebrated the release of "More Scenery Than Man" on Friday, February 4th at the Doug Fir Lounge along with more album releases from Soft Tags, Sustentacula, Monoplane and The Murmuring Pines (cassette release).
... and a little something to commemorate the Super Bowls and Music:
Top 5 Worst Super Bowl Halftime Shows
Thursday, January 27, 2011
This Weekends: Reasons to start reading my blog again.
Hey guys,
I want to kick things off by saying, Yes, I know it's been a while since my last post and Yes, they have been few and far between. Lots of things happening mostly good. So without further latency; here are this weekends events.
FRIDAY JAN. 28th
Live music at Oregon Wine, Food and Brew Festival
@ the Oregon State Fairgrounds
Tickets: $10
From 2pm-10pm
Eric Tweeb (acoustic blues) 2pm-3:30pm
Matthew Price Band* (singer/songwriter) 4:30pm-5:30pm
Ted Vaughn Blues Band 7:30pm-10pm
Click here for more info and a list of music for Saturday 29th
*I have been hearing more and more about this artist and would definitely check out a live performance.
Speaker Minds @ Clock Works Cafe
(Portland Funk Hip Hop)
From 7pm-10pm
No Cover - All Ages
SATURDAY JAN. 29TH
SaveTheSPACE Presents
@ Cafe Noir
From 7:30pm-10:30pm
Buttfrenchers*, Youth, BottleRocket and more TBA
Tickets $4 all ages
This is Joel's from Joe Mocha(awesome place always awesome service) band and they are quite elusive so this show will certainly prove to be one to catch.
Circa Vitae CD Release Show
@ Riverfront Bar and Grill
From 8pm-???
w/ Mr. k2 and special guest Motae
Tickets: $5 21 and over show
Celilo @ Boone's Treasury
From 9pm-???
FREE 21 and over
------------ Celilo - Little Conquette-----------------------------------------
Celilo at Ken Tomita's Woodshop from The Penny Jam on Vimeo.
I want to kick things off by saying, Yes, I know it's been a while since my last post and Yes, they have been few and far between. Lots of things happening mostly good. So without further latency; here are this weekends events.
FRIDAY JAN. 28th
Live music at Oregon Wine, Food and Brew Festival
@ the Oregon State Fairgrounds
Tickets: $10
From 2pm-10pm
Eric Tweeb (acoustic blues) 2pm-3:30pm
Matthew Price Band* (singer/songwriter) 4:30pm-5:30pm
Ted Vaughn Blues Band 7:30pm-10pm
Click here for more info and a list of music for Saturday 29th
*I have been hearing more and more about this artist and would definitely check out a live performance.
Speaker Minds @ Clock Works Cafe
(Portland Funk Hip Hop)
From 7pm-10pm
No Cover - All Ages
SATURDAY JAN. 29TH
SaveTheSPACE Presents
@ Cafe Noir
From 7:30pm-10:30pm
Buttfrenchers*, Youth, BottleRocket and more TBA
Tickets $4 all ages
This is Joel's from Joe Mocha(awesome place always awesome service) band and they are quite elusive so this show will certainly prove to be one to catch.
Circa Vitae CD Release Show
@ Riverfront Bar and Grill
From 8pm-???
w/ Mr. k2 and special guest Motae
Tickets: $5 21 and over show
Celilo @ Boone's Treasury
From 9pm-???
FREE 21 and over
------------ Celilo - Little Conquette-----------------------------------------
Celilo at Ken Tomita's Woodshop from The Penny Jam on Vimeo.
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6
Friday, January 7, 2011
Waiting on the Winter
Hey Salem, how was your Holiday week? Mine? Oh, it was pretty fantastic! Spent Christmas with both sides of the family, and New Years at the Radio Room in North Portland playing the final essential fundraiser for KZME Radio ("Final" because we met and broke the required amount that night!), which was a great event to be a part of.
I come back from this holiday break with little to say about Salem's music scene, except that it feels like the music has gone into a unique sort of hibernation. But considering the fact that snow has yet to really hit this small town, I cant really grasp why!? Although I did a little browsing and found a few events around town to consider.
Friday, Jan. 7th
Nic White Benefit Show
Featuring: Power Mountain, Shivas, Hollipollock and More
@ Riverfront bar and Grill 8pm 21+
Cover: $2 minimum donation
Saturday, Jan 8th
Easterly's Pre-Release Party
with The Comforters, Stan McMahon, and The Mardigals
@Clockworks Cafe 7pm
Cover: FREE!!!
CD Release Party for Groove Thief
with open band: Fixed and Dilated
@Town & Country Lanes 8pm
Cover: $4 per person per game, $3 shoe rental
I come back from this holiday break with little to say about Salem's music scene, except that it feels like the music has gone into a unique sort of hibernation. But considering the fact that snow has yet to really hit this small town, I cant really grasp why!? Although I did a little browsing and found a few events around town to consider.
Friday, Jan. 7th
Nic White Benefit Show
Featuring: Power Mountain, Shivas, Hollipollock and More
@ Riverfront bar and Grill 8pm 21+
Cover: $2 minimum donation
Saturday, Jan 8th
with The Comforters, Stan McMahon, and The Mardigals
@Clockworks Cafe 7pm
Cover: FREE!!!
CD Release Party for Groove Thief
with open band: Fixed and Dilated
@Town & Country Lanes 8pm
Cover: $4 per person per game, $3 shoe rental
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