Would you like some live music with your coffee?

August 5, 2008 7:58 AM

What are some small live music venues in Portland, OR?

A friend of mine would like to play somewhere in Portland this month and is looking for recommendations for small (think coffee shop) venues where they have live music, but they don't book people months and months in advance. The only coffee shop I go to in town that has live music is Muddy Waters. Anyone else have any good thoughts?

posted by eralclare to media & arts (4 comments total)

Mississippi Station often has live music.

Also, check out the McMenamins' White Eagle Saloon. Sunday afternoons in the summer, you can find music on the patio of the Doug Fir. Oh, and don't forget the Laurelthirst.

McMenamin's Edgefield has music down in the wine cellar, a very small venue.

Mississippi Pizza has a small stage and often features local musicians.

Good luck finding a gig!
posted by browse at 8:25 AM on August 5, 2008

This may or may not help you but MusicFest NW is happening soon...check out the site and read about all the venues a lot of smaller shows are playing at (under the Schedule link=. I would assume that a lot of them would be open to booking your friend for a low-key, weekday show.

www.musicfestnw.com
posted by nonmerci at 8:37 AM on August 5, 2008

If your friend is a blues musician, try the Mock Crest Tavern - they have blues 3 or 4 nights a week.
posted by pdb at 9:24 AM on August 5, 2008

Valentines is tiny and cute and not too booked last time I talked to them. You might check in with the Alberta Street Pub, though they might have a busier schedule.

I'm presuming you're talking booking a gig, here. There are a number of 10-15 minute slot open mics in town as well if your friend just wants to play three or four songs.
posted by cortex at 9:43 AM on August 5, 2008