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not have
been looking in the right places, but all I seemed to be able
to find was a lot of singer/songwriter Americana—folky,
earthy, acoustic-type stuff. I tried to fight it, but apparently,
Portland wanted my introduction to her music scene to be a
gentle and happy one. So, I finally gave in. It felt a bit
like trying to find a punk rock show and just giving up and
going to a Grateful Dead cover band show instead. This is
an extreme comparison, of course, and ultimately, not the
situation in which I found myself.
I ended
up going to a Lewi Longmire show at The Laurelthirst Public
House with a particularly understanding friend. The Laurelthirst
is a comfy place with lots of wood, exposed brick, candles,
fresh wildflower bouquets on the tables, and library table
looking lamps mounted on the walls above the booths. The stage
was slightly elevated, and had a huge black drape with gold
stars painted on it as a backdrop. It reminded me of a vaudeville
stage of yore.
Lewi himself
is a longtime and much respected (with good reason) staple
of the Portland music scene. In fact, in some ways it doesn't
get much more local than Lewi. His band members, Ned Folkerth
(on drums) and Bill Rudolph (on bass and vocals), are also
talented local musicians.
We arrived
a little late and found the first set in full swing. It was
a lively scene to happen upon, and there was an impressive
following for a standing gig. There was much dancing and drinking
and general joy for a Thursday night. The fist unsung words
I heard from stage were: "Spring is coming. It's a good
time for sex... Am I wrong?"
In all
fairness, there was more rock at what I had expected to be
a decidedly roll kind of a show, than I had anticipated. There
were several good old-fashioned roots rock originals performed,
but the highlight for me was a truly inspired version of "Paint
It Black" (one of my all time favorite songs). There
was also a particularly rousing version of "Helter Skelter"
sung by Rudolph that resulted in a veritable hippy frenzy.
Fun to watch, but stand back!
So, to
recap Lewi Longmire Band at The Laurelthirst Public House:
Roots rock? Indeed. Sex? Drugs? Rock 'n Roll? Check. Check.
Check. Thank you, Lewi. Thank you, Portland. Goodnight.
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