Events - Week View

*****Portland FolkMusic Society Event***
Portland FolkMusic Society presents the 35th Annual Singtime Frolics, a weekend of folk singing and instrumental music. This year‘s guest artist is Beth Wood. Held at Menucha Retreat and Conference Center, 38711 E Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett, less than an hour from Portland, with views of the Columbia Gorge. Warm comfortable rooms. Register at portlandfolkmusic.org/singtime.php.

Unchoreographed social waltzing mixing together basic elements of scandinavian, vintage, swing and argentine tango dancing, $4 (free for members of Grieg Lodge). For information, contact Don Harvey 503-334-6587 or donald.cory.harvey(at)gmail.com.

10:30 to 11:30 Introduction to Waltz: lesson by Uwe Hessinger and Colleen Suzanne.

11:30 to 2:30pm: Eclectic dance music, DJ Dennis Myers
$15 for dance, brunch and lesson, $12 for brunch and dance.

A selection of waltzes played on the piano by Gene Freeheart.

Come enjoy the best dance floor in Portland, a welcoming atmosphere, a lesson that has become a Sunday morning ritual.

Nola jazz brunch with live music from Reggie Houston‘s Box of Chocolates with Taeko Yokoyama, Turtle Vandemarr and Tim Acott, Fine sax with strings attached, free. Info: reggiehouston.com/gigs.

Every Sunday, hosted by Patrick Connell and Kaden Hurst, $15 drop-in.

Ever wonder what makes a bluegrass jam sound organized and deliberate, like a band, even when it‘s just a casual jam? The essence of bluegrass is informality, but there is something inherently magical about how the players organize, differentiating it from being a twang-heavy song circle.

We cover kick-offs, turnarounds, soloing, and the general principles of leading a song within a group of friends or strangers.

Of course, we always end up learning new material in a session, but the focus is more on what to do with the song once we‘ve learned it, sharpening our ability to play it within a group of other bluegrass musicians, in a way that is compatible with other folks‘ skill sets.

Bring your instrument and an open-mind, and leave with the tools to be a bluegrass champ.

An all-acoustic, boot-stompin‘ band featuring a mean banjo and a rockin‘ guitar - throw in more strings, some brass, and a washboard, free, all ages.

A rotating cast of Portland‘s finest and most danceable swing bands, $6, advance tickets available from Eventbrite (plus service fee), all ages, kids under 12 free. Info: www.albertastreetpub/music.

Mar 15: Sportin‘ Lifers
Mar 22: Pink Lady & The Tramps
Mar 29: The Courtney Freed Five
Apr 5: The Hot Lovin‘ Jazz Babies

A master class for all levels, led by GRAMMY winners, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, $40.

Music is fun, but even more fun when you increase your skill level. The better you sound, the more encouraged you are to keep on playing and improve. Together, they will present an inspiring session including stories and a set of tools, practice tips and philosophies that will help you bring your playing to the next level.

If you have questions in advance you like covered, you may email them to info(at)cathymarcy.

Uilleann piper Preston Howard Wilde leads an Irish piping session - it’s a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Every Sunday, 2-4 pm, music and songwriting lessons for Armed Forces veterans; guitars are available, drop-in, free. Info: 503-232-8845 or www.artichokemusic.org/calendar

Every Sunday from 2 to 5 pm, this is an ongoing jam open to all ages and levels, acoustic only. The Ladd Taphouse has a full menu, over 40 taps, and full bar.

Mary hosts acoustic blues jam for singers, players of harmonicas, guitars, basses, mandolins and more - all welcome!

A hands-on workshop for those who play, and welcomes anyone who is simply intrigued by the old time banjo, led by Cathy Fink, $40.

Along with demo and discussion, individual attention will be given to help participants improve tone and technique. Cathy will demonstrate practice drills and exercises. Learn how to create embellishments to banjo tunes and songs. We will also learn a tune to play together. It will be taught in a simple arrangement for beginners and more complex arrangement for more advanced players.

This is going to be be a great Sunday afternoon blues party with waterfront dining. My good buddy and harmonica whiz Jeff Masters is visiting from Los Angeles and this will be a solid three hours of high energy acoustic blues. Jeff and I played together for many years in Southern California in our trio Tobacco Road and have a huge songbook of Chicago and Mississippi blues. Info: http://www.jamesclem.com

A rotating lineup of Portland‘s finest family performers for the kids & showcasing Portland‘s best singer-songwriters for the grown-ups, $8 per walking human, advance tickets available from Eventbrite (plus service fee), all ages. More info: www.albertastreetpub.com/music.

Mar 15: Tallulah‘s Daddy
Mar 22: Mo Phillips and Jessa Campbell
Mar 29: Mo Phillips
Apr 5: The Alphabeticians

Every Sunday from Mar 1 to Apr 12, led by Brian Fergus, A ukestra is a ukulele orchestra, and is a fun, low stress and entertaining way to learn to play music together. Our teacher, Brian Fergus, is an experienced conductor, arranger, and performer who will organize Artichoke’s Ukestra for your own level of achievement, $120 for seven sessions, drop-ins $20 per session, pay at the door.

For more info, email ferglow@comcast.net.

Led by Linda Leavitt and Tom Nechville: join us for this high-powered traditional American music featuring vocals, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and stand up bass.

This will be an advanced/intermediate jam! Listeners are welcome too, free.

Every Sunday.

David Reisch (bass) and Turtle VanDemarr (guitar) from the Freak Mountain Rambers bring pals for a rowdy, rootsy Sunday afternoon of song, free, all ages.

Feb 2: special 7 pm start due to Super Bowl.

Irish music, no cover, 21+.

Traditional Irish Pub session, free.

Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer are an eclectic folk festival on their own terms. Their superb harmonies are backed by instrumental virtuosity on the guitar, five-string banjo, ukulele, mandolin and cello-banjo, $15, advance tickets available from brownpapertickets.com (plus service fee).

The duos stories are as engaging as their songs. To hear and see them in an intimate venue such as Artichoke is a real treat.

Jimmy Russell (guitar, vocals), Steve Kerin (keyboard, vocals), Brian Foxworth (drums, vocals), and David Kahl (bass, vocals), Dan Berkery (guitar, vocals), free.

Super supportive showcase for everyone, signup at 8 pm, music at 9 pm, hosted by Taylor Kingman, free.

Feb 16: open mic hosted by Hayley Heynderickx.

Early morning folk music to get your week started, hosted by Gordy Euler

Mr. Hoo with guitar. ukulele, and kazoo, provides energy, participation and fun, upbeat, gentle rock for kids and their grown-ups. We‘ll be in the back room at Prosperity Pie Shoppe. Plenty of room for the kids to dance, every Monday, $5 per family.

Show 11:30 (doors open at 11), Olive and Dingo perform energetic public "drop in" style shows weekly. We ride magical tall bicycles that we carry around our gear to each event! We are skilled at balloon arts, face painting, musical story telling and our chemistry makes for some goofy moments during a show, $6, advance tickets available from Eventbrite (plus service fee), all ages.

Kids Lunchtime Music features Portland‘s best kids music performers every weekday from 11AM to 12:30PM. Live music, kids menu and more!

Old friends playing roots and country music they love, free.

Hosted by Andrea Wild. Acoustic music acts from diverse regions presented English folk club style, featuring singalongs, free, 21+.

Mar 30: Jet Black Pearl

Acoustic blues and Americana, no cover. Info: www.jamesclem.com.

Mar 30: Jeff Masters will be joining me on harmonica.

7 pm show (doors open at 6 pm), Blues and folk, price varies.

Mar 2: Illegal Smile - The Music of John Prine, $20, VIP table (seats 4) $120.
Mar 9: Trifecta: Lisa Mann, Bre Gregg, Mary Kadderly (w/ Dan Gildea), $15, VIP table (seats 4) $80.
Mar 16: St Patrick‘s with Patrick Lamb Jazz Quintet, $20, VIP table (seats 4) $100.
Mar 23: SONG SPEAK featuring AJ Fullerton with Steve Itterly, Lisa Mann, Rae Gordon, Pat McDougall, $15, VIP table (seats 4) $100.
Mar 30: Muddy Waters Tribute & Dance - Four Trains Runnin‘
with Alan Hager, Mitch Kashmar, Jimi Bott, and Dean Mueller, $10 dance floor, $20 general.
Apr 6: Aaron Meyer Band, $25, VIP table (seats 4) $120.

Jimmy Russell (guitar, vocals), Steve Kerin (keyboard, vocals), Brian Foxworth (drums, vocals), and David Kahl (bass, vocals), free.

Mar 14 (Mon): Tevis Hodge, Jr. opens at 5 pm. The Bayou Boyz kick off just after 6 with Don Worth filing in for Brian Foxworth on drums.

COVID Policy:
Proof of vaccination required; masks are optional.

Doin‘ what it takes, no cover, 21+.

Waltz Eclectic Dance at Lenora‘s Ballroom every Monday night, warm-up on the dance floor 8-8:30 pm. Open dancing from 8:30 - 10:30 pm, $10 for the evening, free for veterans.

The finest in local Django Reinhardt-inspired gypsy jazz and swing dance music, free.

A spicy mix of folk and acoustic music, much of which is connected to the American south, including (but not limited to) acoustic blues, Texas folk, Cajun, string band & Texas swing, hosted by Diane Karl

Music from the seven Celtic nations from musicians throughout the world. Hosts Ann and Beth, members of the Céilí of the Valley Society, create weekly themes from Celtic music, culture and history. Special programs introduce Celtic musicians performing locally; weekly Celtic calendars showcase area music, dance and cultural events. The show airs Friday nights from 7 to 8 PM on 100.7 & 88.5 FM, and rebroadcasts Tuesday mornings at 10 am. If you can’t listen on the radio you can stream them at kmuz.org/category/celticmusichour

Céilí of the Valley Society is an underwriter of the Celtic Music Hour.

Show 11:30 (doors open at 11), Jessa Campbell is an Oregon-based performer who bridges the worlds of music and ecology by enchanting young audiences with the wonders of nature through her songs, $6, advance tickets available from Eventbrite (plus service fee), all ages.

Kids Lunchtime Music features Portland‘s best kids music performers every weekday from 11AM to 12:30PM. Live music, kids menu and more!

Grieg Lodge Leikarringen is for ages 6 and up. Beginners and all levels of experience welcome, free. Contact David Champion at norseherodotus(at)hotmail.com or 971-284-4175.

Bluegrass; impeccable musicianship and hard-driving originals, free, all ages.

DANCE WORKSHOP (Every Tuesday) — Irish Céilí Dance, $5 (first class free). Info: ceiliofthevalley(at)gmail.com.

The Ceili of the Valley Society teaches Irish social dance and Scottish country dance classes from 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Beginners and children are welcome. Children are welcome with a responsible adult from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m for beginner dances if they are able to listen and follow instructions. Recommended age is seven or older. More advanced dances will be taught starting at 7:30 p.m.

Come for free live music in the Hostel Cafe This awesome event draws tons of people each week and features a touring or local artist each and every Tuesday. Please come down and check out our singer song writer sets and enjoy some Portland-made brews and locally sourced foods while you do it!

Bluegrass and associated music, bluegrass instruments only; leave your song books and tab at home please. Info: Tim Howell at 503-208-1874 or timhowell74(at)gmail.com

Traditional and contemporary folk music, hosted by Jack Bohl.

Mo Phillips writes kids songs from his secret ninja laboratory in the Portland, Oregon area, held in the sanctuary.

Join Red Yarn & the Critters at Village Ballroom most every Wednesday morning of the school year to sing, dance & experience the joy of community! Red Yarn weaves folksongs and puppetry into high-energy, interactive shows for family audiences, celebrating the multicultural musical heritage of the USA, suggested donation $10-20/family.

Show 11:30 (doors open at 11), Mo Phillips writes kids songs from his secret ninja laboratory in the Portland, Oregon area, $6, advance tickets available from Eventbrite (plus service fee), all ages.

Kids Lunchtime Music features Portland‘s best kids music performers every weekday from 11AM to 12:30PM. Live music, kids menu and more!

Every Wednesday, led by Anne Weiss, learn 2,3, even 4-part harmonies and to how hold on to your own part, $120 for seven classes, drop-ins welcome, $20 per class. Info: 503-232-8845 or www.artichokemusic.org/calendar.

Mr. Ben will entertain, kids eat free.

7 pm, always an acoustic set followed by an electric set, come ready to dance, $5, free to members. Info: cascadebluesassociation.org

Mar 4:
Acoustic Set: Thad Beckman
Electric Set: Love Sloth

7:30-10 pm, $8/$7 students (octogenarians and beyond free), Info: joyridecontra(at)gmail.com or www.joyride.erikweberg.com.

Jun 3: music by Joyride, caller TBA

Show 8 pm (doors open at 7), the flamenco guitar superstar returns to the Alberta Rose, $35 advance/$45 preferred (seating in the first 7 rows of the center section)/$38 door, minors OK when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Advance tickets do not include convenience or handling fees.

Jimmy Russell (guitar, vocals), Steve Kerin (keyboard, vocals), Brian Foxworth (drums, vocals), and David Kahl (bass, vocals), Dan Berkery (guitar, vocals), free.

Traditional American music: folk and traditional musics from a variety of sources including early country recordings from the 20s and 30s, hosted by Paul Roland.

Show 11:30 (doors open at 11), Tallulah‘s Daddy plays fun, energetic, interactive acoustic music for kids and families, $6, advance tickets available from Eventbrite (plus service fee), all ages.

Kids Lunchtime Music features Portland‘s best kids music performers every weekday. Live music, kids menu and more!,

Open mic: 7:00pm (doors open at 6:30), songwriters performing original songs every 1st and 5th Thursday night.

Join hosts Matt Meighan and Nina Yates every first and fifth Thursday for our celebration of songwriting and Portland‘s vibrant songwriter community. Songwriters, you‘re invited to put your name in the hat to play an original song during the evening. We choose names at random to perform. Songwriter Roundup is a unique and wonderful experience for players and non-performing listeners alike!

Donation at the Door: $5, Beer, wine, sparkling waters, tea and light snacks at the bar. At Artichoke open mics, we encourage what we call generous listening. Every song and every performer offers something of value. Whether performers are polished professionals or struggling beginners, we encourage you to focus on and support the positive in every performance.

Every Thursday at the Northwest Portland Hostel in the Hostel Cafe, free, no purchase necessary.

We love sharing traditional music with the world! Check out local and traveling musicians playing old time American music. Improv jamming and renditions of customary favorites enliven the Hostel Cafe from 7-10pm every Thursday. All are welcome!

Banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin and many other great instruments will accompany our American classics menu and local brews served in the Hostel Cafe.

Just $10/week for the Winds of Donegal classes. Every Thursday we teach you the basics of the three‘s, seven‘s and jig steps so that you can enjoy the live music ceilis around Portland and Ireland. Classes are geared toward 13 and older. Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes not heels.

Old-time bluegrass, no cover, 21+.

Folk music to get your day started, hosted by Kurt Liebezeit (1st and 3rd Fridays, alternating with Cascadia Coffeehouse).

Show 11:30 (doors open at 11), with guitar. ukulele, and kazoo, provides energy and participation, $6, advance tickets available from Eventbrite (plus service fee), all ages.

Kids Lunchtime Music features Portland‘s best kids music performers every weekday. Live music, kids menu and more!,

International folk dancing is fun, educational and easy to learn! No partner needed for these easy & enjoyable dances, led by David Rutiezer, drop-ins welcome.

Open Mic for musicians and music lovers is held the 1st Friday of each month, with Wayne Hoffman as emcee. Sign-up 6 pm, play 7-10 pm, sound system provided, free, donations accepted. Info: 360-247-5620 or wakjh(at)aol.com.

Local bluegrass group Train River is a collective of bluegrass musicians led by multi-instrumentalist Jeffree White. The repertoire includes many traditional bluegrass numbers and fiddle tunes, along with more modern additions which have become standards -- tunes by Old & In the Way, David Grisman, and Phish, free. For more info, see www.trainriver.info.

Community Room, upstairs (accessible by lift), singing from the Christian Harmony. Info: portlandsacredharp.org or Jessica Beer at jessicabeer(at)gmail.com.

Music from the seven Celtic nations from musicians throughout the world. Hosts Ann and Beth, members of the Céilí of the Valley Society, create weekly themes from Celtic music, culture and history. Special programs introduce Celtic musicians performing locally; weekly Celtic calendars showcase area music, dance and cultural events. The show airs Friday nights from 7 to 8 PM on 100.7 & 88.5 FM, and rebroadcasts Tuesday mornings at 10 am. If you can’t listen on the radio you can stream them at kmuz.org/category/celticmusichour

Céilí of the Valley Society is an underwriter of the Celtic Music Hour.

Modern English country dance for all, Dancing starts at 7:30. Show up early to check in. Newcomers are always welcome. We waive the admission fee the first time you attend. An introductory session is available at 7:15 upon request. Admission: Sliding scale, pay what you can: recommended range $7- $15.

No street shoes permitted beyond entryway. Only clean soled shoes permitted on the dance floor. No partner required.

We welcome people who respect our expressed dance-community values and code of conduct without regard for age, race, color, national origin, religion, gender expression, sexual orientation, or ability.

Apr 26: MASKS OPTIONAL (free admission for all) - caller Ric Goldman with Erica Liebert, Erik Weberg, and Lisa Scott
May 3: MASKS REQUIRED - caller Cynthia Stenger with Norman Farrell, Erica Liebert, Landon Kuhn, and Carl Thor
May 10: MASKS OPTIONAL - caller Ric Goldman with Ron Dann, Leslie Hirsch, and Lisa Scott
May 17: MASKS OPTIONAL - caller David Macemon with Erik Weberg, George Penk, and Heather Pinney
May 24: MASKS OPTIONAL - caller Erik Weberg with Laura Kuhlman, Brooke Bubna, and Rich Scher
May 31: MASKS OPTIONAL - caller Ric Goldman with Norman Farrell, Erica Liebert, Landon Kuhn, and Carl Thor
Jun 7: MASKS REQUIRED - caller Cynthia Stenger with Erica Liebert, Laura Kuhlman, and Lisa Scott
Jun 14: MASKS OPTIONAL - caller David Macemon with Bill Tomczak, Laura Kuhlman, and Jenny Peterson
Jun 21: MASKS OPTIONAL - caller Jacqui Grennan with Erik Weberg, Leslie Hirsch, and Lisa Scott

Mask Policy:
PCDC has authorized committees to make decisions about masking policies for their own events. All contra dances are mask-optional at this time. English dances are alternating between those that require masks and those that do not. Check the upcoming dances information to verify status of a dance.

COVID Policy:
PCDC no longer requires proof of vaccination, but we continue to encourage everyone to be vaccinated.

Live music, dances are taught and cued as we enjoy the evening, 8-11 pm (doors open at 7:30, wee lesson at 7:45), First Friday Ceili, $10 advance/$15 door, no experience or partner necessary, 13 years or older.

Nov 3 (Fri): The Katie Jane Band
Dec 1 (Fri): Kate and the Lads (?Kate Vezin, Erik Killops, Richie Rosencrans and Baron Collins-Hill)

Annual Food Drive for the Tualatin Schoolhouse Food Pantry. Please bring-non-perishables.

Jan 5 (Fri): John Whelan
Feb 2 (Fri): BEE side ceili band
Mar 1 (Fri): Bronnie and the Boys

Hosted by Roland Jemerson and Janine Tebeau-Jemerson; lesson 8 pm, DJ‘d playlist 8:30 - 10:30 pm, $8, all ages.

Every Friday, 7:30 pm (doors open at 7), singer-songwriter performances: four acts performing 30-minute sets, admission $5.

Mar 13
Patrick Tovat - View from a careful observer
John Graham - Finger-style, acoustic blues
John Anderson, Lily Dunham with John Richter - The Paper Portraits

Mar 20
Kray Van Kirk - The Midnight Commander
LBJ - Robert, John and Larry
Meander - Guitars, banjos, harmonies, melancholy
Wolves and Wolves - Bluesy vocals + melodic bass

Mar 27
Tx Trumbo - Spiritual-political ozark folk
Helen (Chaya) Friedman - Poetic, heartfelt and introspective
Thom Lyons - Transatlantic singer-songwriter
Sophie and Tim - Favorite covers and originals

Apr 3
Do Mi Stauber - Americana soul
Sheri Nicole Proffit - Blues folk
Robin Greene Jacobs - Indie folk blues with a twist
Betsy Langston - The heart of a quirky introvert

Bluesbilly good times, no cover, 21+.

Opening Day - Nice to be asked to play their opening market for the 2020 season. Let‘s hope for some nice weather and there is always a festive atmosphere on that day. Limited seating in front of the music area. One of Portland‘s best markets. Market opens at 9 am. Music is 9 am to 12:30 pm.
Info: www.jamesclem.com.

Every 1st Saturday, a once monthly old time jam, hosted by Martha Stone, $5, ages 8 and up.

We will be playing acoustic Americana music, with an emphasis on old time Appalachian fiddle tunes. Old time is different from bluegrass in that no one takes a break (solo), everyone plays all the time, so you get a lot of practice! Our format is simple, each person in the group gets to choose a tune (you can pass), tell everyone what key it’s in, and off we go! Being polite is mandatory, we’re here to encourage, not criticize.

This is not an instructional class, so you should already be able to play a few tunes up to speed on your instrument. It is homegrown music as it was meant to be and promises to be as enjoyable to all.

1st Saturday of every month, 5 pm, bring snacks and finger food to share, 6 pm sing, Clark County Genealogical Society Annex (located in the strip mall on the east side of the street between Mill Plain and Evergreen), 715 Grand Blvd, Vancouver, ‘60’s-‘70’s folk and more. Info: Ted, 360-883-3030.

An evening of dancing to blues, waltz, W & E Coast Swing, Nightclub two-stepS, alt tango music in a comfortable atmosphere with a great group of dancers, $10 for lesson and dance.

7:30 pm: all levels blues lesson with Robert Umali Evans
8:15-11pm: dance to recorded music. DJ Dennis Myers

Show 8 pm (doors open at 7), the 14th annual Billie Holiday tribute night, $18 advance/$20 door. Advance tickets do not include convenience or handling fees.

Siren Nation brings together musicians of many genres to pay tribute to one of the greatest jazz singers and songwriters of our time.

Featured performers include:
Marcia K. Hocker
Sarah Clarke
Tavé Fascé Drake
Laura Cunard
Tamara Walker
Debra Patton
Caspar
Rachel Brashear
Arietta Ward
Lindsie Feathers
and more!

Proceeds from this event benefit Siren Nation.
Siren Nation is an all volunteer run 501 (c) 3 arts non-profit organization.

Dance 8-11 pm (beginners‘ lesson 7:30), $6-15 sliding scale. Info: portlandcountrydance.org

May 2: music by UnLeashed!, caller Laurel Thomas

This all-original trio plays mountain music influenced by folk, bluegrass, alt-pop, and the Americana-esque singer/songwriter paradigm. This genre is full of hard stops, absolute dynamics, and mauling measures of lyrical flow, $15, advance tickets available from www.brownpapertickets.com (plus service fee).

Wes Urbaniak, guitar, vocals
Mat Regele, upright bass
A.J. Sheble, strings

Unchoreographed social waltzing mixing together basic elements of scandinavian, vintage, swing and argentine tango dancing, $4 (free for members of Grieg Lodge). For information, contact Don Harvey 503-334-6587 or donald.cory.harvey(at)gmail.com.

Nola jazz brunch with live music from Reggie Houston‘s Box of Chocolates with Taeko Yokoyama, Turtle Vandemarr and Tim Acott, Fine sax with strings attached, free. Info: reggiehouston.com/gigs.

Monthly bluegrass jam sponsored by the Oregon Bluegrass Association and organized by Rich Powell, all levels, acoustic only, small donation requested to cover room rental. Info: powellr5923(at)q.com.

It starts at 12 noon and continues until about 4 pm. Come for all or part of the day! There‘s lots of room for jammers and listeners, plus great views and Audubon‘s educational displays and gift shop.

There is a parking lot across the road, and additional parking is allowed on the wide shoulders of Cornell Road.

A rotating cast of Portland‘s finest and most danceable swing bands, $6, advance tickets available from Eventbrite (plus service fee), all ages, kids under 12 free. Info: www.albertastreetpub/music.

Mar 15: Sportin‘ Lifers
Mar 22: Pink Lady & The Tramps
Mar 29: The Courtney Freed Five
Apr 5: The Hot Lovin‘ Jazz Babies

Every Sunday, hosted by Patrick Connell and Kaden Hurst, $15 drop-in.

Ever wonder what makes a bluegrass jam sound organized and deliberate, like a band, even when it‘s just a casual jam? The essence of bluegrass is informality, but there is something inherently magical about how the players organize, differentiating it from being a twang-heavy song circle.

We cover kick-offs, turnarounds, soloing, and the general principles of leading a song within a group of friends or strangers.

Of course, we always end up learning new material in a session, but the focus is more on what to do with the song once we‘ve learned it, sharpening our ability to play it within a group of other bluegrass musicians, in a way that is compatible with other folks‘ skill sets.

Bring your instrument and an open-mind, and leave with the tools to be a bluegrass champ.

Every Sunday from 2 to 5 pm, this is an ongoing jam open to all ages and levels, acoustic only. The Ladd Taphouse has a full menu, over 40 taps, and full bar.

Songbooks provided, no exp necessary. Info: website or Jessica Beer at jessicabeer(at)gmail.com

Every Sunday, 2-4 pm, music and songwriting lessons for Armed Forces veterans; guitars are available, drop-in, free. Info: 503-232-8845 or www.artichokemusic.org/calendar

Calling all players and fans of the ukulele! Join us for an entire evening devoted to our love for our delightful instrument, hosted by Avery Hill, Director of Song by Song™ (www.learnsongbysong.com), this Ukulele Open Mic will feature acts representing a variety of ukulele communities around the Portland metro area. Jam leaders from around town will direct the entire audience in a couple group songs, as well, so all are encouraged to bring their instrument(s), $10. advance tickets available from www.brownpapertickets.com (plus service fee).

A rotating lineup of Portland‘s finest family performers for the kids & showcasing Portland‘s best singer-songwriters for the grown-ups, $8 per walking human, advance tickets available from Eventbrite (plus service fee), all ages. More info: www.albertastreetpub.com/music.

Mar 15: Tallulah‘s Daddy
Mar 22: Mo Phillips and Jessa Campbell
Mar 29: Mo Phillips
Apr 5: The Alphabeticians

Every Sunday from Mar 1 to Apr 12, led by Brian Fergus, A ukestra is a ukulele orchestra, and is a fun, low stress and entertaining way to learn to play music together. Our teacher, Brian Fergus, is an experienced conductor, arranger, and performer who will organize Artichoke’s Ukestra for your own level of achievement, $120 for seven sessions, drop-ins $20 per session, pay at the door.

For more info, email ferglow@comcast.net.

Led by Linda Leavitt and Tom Nechville: join us for this high-powered traditional American music featuring vocals, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and stand up bass.

This will be an advanced/intermediate jam! Listeners are welcome too, free.

Irish music, no cover, 21+.

Traditional Irish Pub session, free.

Performing at the Tablao this April are dancers Kelley Dodd, Lillie Last, and Nela McGuire accompanied by singer Christina Lorentz, guitarist Brenna McDonald, and percussionist Nick Hutcheson, $20 advance/$25 at the door, advance tickets (recommended) from www.brownpapertickets.com (plus service fee).

Jimmy Russell (guitar, vocals), Steve Kerin (keyboard, vocals), Brian Foxworth (drums, vocals), and David Kahl (bass, vocals), Dan Berkery (guitar, vocals), free.