Hey, everybody – I’m gonna try and start something here, in the spirit of keeping the site fresh even when I’m not posting a brand new episode. Every Friday I’ll be posting my personal recommendations for which blues artists you should make a point of catching in Portland-area clubs that weekend. Remember, these will just be my opinions; sometimes I’ll stick with the tried and true, and others I’ll try to call your attention to someone who might not be on your radar. If you’re feeling miffed because I didn’t pick your favorite, well, that’s what the comments are for. Chime in and let me (and everybody else) know who you think is worth hearing.

Okay, enough preamble. For tonight, Friday the 15th, I’m offering you a choice between the blues-rock power trio format and a somewhat lower-key but still tasty blues approach. If you lean toward the former, go catch Big Monti Amundson at the Cascade Bar & Grill. Monti serves up rough & ready, muscular blues – to get a taste, listen to Show #29 and Show #27. And if you’re in the mood for that more traditional blues feel, head over to Halibut’s for the expert guitar sounds of Rick Welter. Rick’s got impressive chops and a matching résumé that includes stints with Charlie Musselwhite and others. He sings great too!

Moving on to Saturday night the 16th…if you like your blues cross-pollinated with a little roots rock and rockabilly, the place for you is the Candlelight Café & Bar where the Strange Tones will be cranking out their own unique sound, brimming with top-notch guitar soloing from Guitar Julie and Suburban Slim (hear them in shows 2, 4, 14, 23 and 30 hmmm…guess I like ‘em!). On the other hand, if you’re inclined to make it a slightly mellower evening and mix a civilized pinot noir with some acoustic Delta blues, point your vehicle (or yer feet) to Hollywood Wine & Espresso where you’ll enjoy the solo stylings of the accomplished James Clem (samples of James’ work can be heard in shows 19 and 32).

That’s it for Pat’s Picks this week – now get out there and keep the blues alive!