The Griswolds - July 8th 2015 - Hawthorne Theater, Portland, Oregon

 The amazing alternative pop band The Griswolds out of Australia played Portland in early July and blew me and the rest of the crowd away with their talent. After opening for Walk The Moon on their spring tour they got a lot more recognition and attracted a much larger crowd. Although this time around they played one of my least favorite venues the amazing Australians played their hearts out and the crowd loved not only their music but also their energy. This show was one of the best I've ever been to and The Griswolds continue to be one of my favorite bands. You can catch them this fall at the Hawthorne with New Politics, you wont wanna miss it!     

Ed Sheeran - June 20 2015 - Moda Center, Portland, Oregon

Just a few nights ago the lovely British man by the name of Ed Sheeran took the stage in Portland and stole just about everyone's heart. Already possessing 40 awards (including Grammy's, Brit awards and Billboard music awards) and having over 120 nominations it's clear that Ed will win many more. Standing merely six rows away from Ginger Jesus, I could feel his love and passion radiating throughout the arena. His performance included his older yet still loved song "The A Team", several other newer ones including "I'm a mess", "Lego house", "Photograph" and many other amazing songs. Although I'm not a fan of huge concerts, I absolutely loved this one. People say gingers have no soul, but Ed proved that to be wrong, singing with more soul than I've ever heard. From his singing, to his rapping to his guitar based drumming, I was completely and entirely in love and blown away the entire show. Supplementing his amazing performance was an impressive display of lights and screens that projected images that captured the theme of each song and himself as well. So if one Ed wasn't enough, there's three more! He definitely exceeded my expectations and if I had the chance to see him again I'd take it in a heartbeat. Make sure not to miss out on the night of a lifetime and see the lovely ginger on his Multiply Tour or on one of his next tours if he isn't playing a show near you this time around. 

Vance Joy - April 10 2015 - Roseland Theater, Portland, Oregon

April 10th marked the 4th time I had seen Vance Joy. I had previously caught his act at little sessions here and there, most notably his show during December to Remember 2014; but this time I had the man himself to thank for allowing me to see him once again. After being guest listed hours before the show, I freaked out because I was gonna get to see the curly haired-tea drinkin'-lovely Australian giant yet again. Although Vance Joy doesn't is not a flashy performer, each time I've seen him has been great. It was like when I'd blast his songs and belt the lyrics at home, but this time I was a few feet from him and he was singing the words too. As he performed songs from his album Dream Your Life Away as well as his EP God Loves You When You're Dancing, I knew every word and sang along the whole show. The set list for this show was similar to his one a few months prior, since no new music had been released since then. Despite the familiarity in the performance for this show I was not disappointed, but I do I look forward to hearing when Vance releases some new music. If you love Vance Joy I suggest seeing him but if you're expecting some kind of spectacle during his show you may want to stay home, he has a more laid back performance.  

Saint Motel and Finish Ticket - April 4 2015 - Crystal Ballroom, Portland, Oregon - "I Saw Them When!"

These two Californian indie pop bands recently rocked the stage and the audience (who payed only 94 cents to get in) did the same to the bouncy floor at the sold out Crystal Ballroom. Before the show I wasn't sure who Finish Ticket was but if you ask me my opinion of them now, I'd say I love them. Unsure what to expect the band blew me away. Their songs "In the Summer" and "Doctor" had not only myself but the rest of the crowd too jumping around and dancing. Saint Motel on the other hand has become a radio sensation with their hit song "My Type" taking them from nothing to a band everyone knew in the blink of an eye. After dropping many of their other incredible songs the band played their hit jam towards the end of their set and I'm pretty sure the crowd's joyful shouting of lyrics could be heard blocks down the road. This show featured incredible execution and production of songs as well as a great energy that ran deep throughout the audience. If you missed seeing either of these groups you have another opportunity to do so soon. Saint Motel is playing at 94/7 KNRK's newly sold out birthday bash and Finish ticket is one of the lovely openers for Twenty One Pilots hitting Portland this October.

The Mowglis and Hippo Campus - March 27 2015 - Wonder Ballroom, Portland, Oregon

Hippo Campus, a band full of four enthusiastic indie performers from Minnesota took the stage with the beloved Mowglis at the end of March. The lovely guys  who I knew little about played some of their absolutely killer music of their Bashful Creatures EP with each and every one being a jam. They put on a great show and really got into their playing which showed not only their passion for music but it also made their performance more enjoyable for the crowd. The Mowglis on the other hand I knew much about and absolutely loved. Straight out of LA, the seven man band spreads the message of love and happiness. After Hippo Campus completely blew away the crowd, The Mowgli's took the stage and continued to absolutely blow everyone's mind with their insanely great upbeat and happy songs. Playing some tunes off their new album Kids in Love before its release in April brought everyone joy to get a sneak peak at the gem of an album the band had created. This show not only solidified but also intensified my love for The Mowgli's and everything for which they stand. Their passion for happiness and love is contagious and every single person in that room could feel it. Towards the end of their set they played their hit "San Francisco" and a fan collaborated with friends and other fans to blow up and toss around colored balloons that lit up as the song played out. Although it was put together last minute, the plan was executed well and and the band and the crowd loved the surprise. Overall this show was at the top of the list of best shows I've ever attended. Both bands wowed me more than I imagined and I left feeling more love towards all things after the show including for both bands. If you have a chance to see these amazing people I suggest you do. 

    

Holiday Friends - March 1 2015 - McMenamins Kennedy School, Portland, Oregon

The nearly local band out of Astoria rocked Kennedy School's stage playing their indie rock jams for a handful of people in early March. The quartet played a variety of instruments including the drums, keyboard, guitars, basses, accordions, tambourines and banjos; jamming to some of my favorite of their songs including "Night Vision Mode" and "Sugar High." The Astoria based band that formed in Northern Idaho in 2008, moved down to Oregon and currently play many Portland shows. The downside for me is that most of the venues they play are 21+... But the times I have had the opportunity to see the band have been great. The group jammed their songs so hard, they almost knocked their sound equipment off the speaker. They also provided the audience with excellent company and great music. The friendly group that calls themselves Holiday Friends rocked the McMenamins' stage and I look forward to catching them again in the near future. 

Hozier - February 13 2015 - Crystal Ballroom, Portland, Oregon

Hozier the Irish new comer in the music world who I enjoy because of the passion that exudes from his words and music took hold of the Crystal Ballroom stage and made it his home.  In so doing he wowed the audience with an incredible performance. Many know him by his hit song "Take me to Church" but my favorites were some of his lesser known songs like "Work Song" and "Someone New" off his self titled album. The indie-rock-soul-blues show was full of emotion from not only the curly haired lyrical genius but from the crowd as well. Hozier's songs are not only very well written but they're also very well performed. If you only know his hit tune I suggest you give his other ones a listen. Sharing the room with the 6'5 soul musician makes a world of difference, and I suggest seeing him when you have a chance!