Portland Playhouse is perhaps one of this fair cities more charming venues. Seating only 150 people, this church turned playhouse is intimate and striking and on May 19th Alela Diane, Vikesh Kapoor, and Barna Howard will be pouring out their own unique and heartfelt stories through song in a way that will also fall into the intimate and striking category. Alela Diane will surely stun that evening, with that haunting voice that sings to loss and regret eloquently and honestly. Kapoor and Barna share Dianes gift with lyrics, each one unique, each one sure to please the lucky 150 patrons of the Playhouse. The three powerful artists filling this once-sacred space with music on May 19th at 7:00pm. Tickets are $14/$16 at the door. - Joy Pearson

Every once in a while a band comes along and carries so much positive energy that you don’t know whether to smile, dance or yell out their signature catch phrase, “Yeah Bud!”. The Quick & Easy Boys are one of Portland’s funkiest and fun rock band and they will be hosting a CD release party for their third album, Make it Easy, at the Wonder Ballroom on May 17th. The album features their signature psychedelic, bluesy guitar riffs that the familiar fans want to hear. The solid, surfy grooves on the bass and thundering drum beats are just as prevalent and will rock the stage on Friday. In the sea of indie-rock known as Portland, the Quick & Easy Boys have managed to stay away and stand in front with their classic rock influences that they have made available to the modern music world. There’s nothing but raw talent and incredible rockitude that fits any type of fixin you decide to partake in. - Colin Hudson

The smooth sounds of Morning Ritual are the latest efforts from Portland composer and songwriter Ben Darwish. The second album of this project, titled The Clear Blue Pearl, takes things through a slow jazzy turn that is accompanied by eloquently folk vocals. The album is a collaboration with local bluegrass sister super duo, Shook Twins, and the vocal harmonies ring out in each track. Most of the songs are based around the piano grooves by Darwish and back-boned by walking stand up bass lines to compel the jazz elements within their tone. This album stretches across many platforms and genres and really brings something new to the Portland scene. Undertones of R&B and indie rock are prevalent throughout. Fortunately you have the opportunity to hear these elements as The Clear Blue Pearl is being celebrated with an album release party this Thursday at Doug Fir. - Colin Hudson

Tonight Wampire break out a dance party for the release of their Polyvinyl Records LP, Curiosity, at Mississippi Studios. It is wonderfully curious; handsome and somewhat off-the-wall, with gothic tracks bringing to mind bass and synth drenched music of the European 80's. The songs are rich in mystical instrumentation and songwriting, and their undeniably sexy hooks keep it all floating. Throw in new work from the darling harmonies of Wild Ones (have you heard "Golden Twin"yet?) and DJ Preacher Teacher, and we have ourselves a magical Tuesday night. - Brandy Crowe

Lara Michell and Michael Dodson are the duo behind A Simple Colony, the Portland based band providing a clean ambient answer to layered questioning vocals. This haunting sound has been gracing Bridgetown since 2010, and that history shows. A Simple Colony has a tightness to their sound, a synergy that can only be found in time and a great deal of chemistry. This hard work and rare dynamic has resulted in a new album, Make it Start. The record release event is this Friday, May 17th at the Mission Theater and will feature the band Swansea, an indie/folk pop group that is so much more than an indie/folk pop group. The band has a dreamy feel and amazing instrumentation that is sure to start the night out right. Ritchie Young will also be featured, his seemingly limitless vocal range and creative musicianship in tow. Tickets are $10 online, doors open at 7:00pm. - Joy Pearson

There was a time when the blues were almost lost to history and yet by the efforts of many great bands the timeless sounds and tradition of the blues were preserved. The Sorry Devils are heirs to that long great tradition and with their new EP, Easy Virtue, they sprinkle elements of Clapton-esq blues over a layer of delicious Southern rock. The EP has a wonderful groove to it, like something meant for a tailgate with friends or just cruising with the windows down. I was pleasantly pleased with the track “Crying Share” with its great bass lines and way too cool for school organ. In fact, if you’re not currently a fan of the organ, you will be after listening to this EP. Past decades had an easier going, laid back attitude toward life and this album captures that spirit. Summers hanging out with good friends, spending the day at lakes and rivers of the Pacific Northwest, kegs, love made and love lost. The Sorry Devils will be celebrating the release of Easy Virtue at Slabtown on Thursday, May 16th. Want to brighten up your day, or simply rock out? Get to the The Sorry Devil’s EP release show! - Cory Huennekens

Fertile Ground Records is doing great things in Portland. This nonprofit, self proclaimed artistic co-op is working to become a hub for independent artists in the United States and globally. This generous record label has just released a new compilation highlighting their co-op artist roster. The album is entitled, Fertile Ground Records’ Ear to the Ground Volume 1. The compilation consists of bands whose genres range from punk rock to experimental folk, and all the bands have a keen sound and great talent. It’s really cool that there is a label who is putting the artists first, make sure you check out the compilation help out Fertile Ground Records any way you can! - Jordannah Elizabeth

Here's the skinny, Barbara in the Attic (or BITA for short) simply impressed the hell outta’ me. I happened upon this talented group one night and was fixated with what I heard. The first thing that caught my attention was Barbara, the slightly short chick with the microphone belting out unbelievably soulful notes reminiscent of the greats like Aretha and Janis. The rest of the band was no less impressive, each member bringing a unique flavor. From the rhythm section to the violin, it was a seamless exercise in genre blending. Like a master chef, BITA draws on a number of musical ingredients to make something tasty. BITA recently released their first EP (self titled) with four tracks, my favorite being a haunting little number entitled “Anthem”. The band was cool enough to hook me up with a copy of their EP which I promptly listened to repeatedly. Do yourself a favor and look these guys and gals up or, even better, check them out live! - Cory Huennekens

Summer is fast approaching and that means BBQ's, beers and friends. Luckily for you Heart Full of Snakes has the soundtrack for all those events and more. The album is called S.S.D.D and revolves around a smooth bluegrass sound, with a punk spirit making itself evident in the lyrics. Among my favorite tracks are "Bridge Song" and "Dance Card", which indeed made me want to have a few drinks and dance, in that order. The sounds you'll find on S.S.D.D are rich and have a sort of roadhouse elegance to them giving the album a very "down home" feel. Powerful yet silky vocals bathed in "punkgrass" lyrics and instrumentals drive S.S.D.D like a trusty old pickup truck bouncing down dusty back country roads. If you're looking for a great album to add to your summer soundtrack, you'll do well to fire up the grill, ice the beers and put the new Heart Full of Snakes album on the player. - Cory Huennekens