GWAR, THE CASUALTIES, INFERNAEON, MOBILE DEATH CAMP
(Roseland, 8 NW 6th) Gwar is known for elaborate costumes, dousing fans with fake blood, and ridiculing topical celebrities and political figures. Perhaps tonight they'll mock Sarah Palin? Even she can't "refudiate" that Gwar puts on an awesome live show. MARISSA SULLIVAN
THE TAXPAYERS , NUN CHUKSKY, TINY KNIVES, KREAMY 'LECTRIC SANTA, THE ANGRIES
(Backspace, 115 NW 5th) Read our article on The Taxpayers.
CLIMBER , BOY EATS DRUM MACHINE , RAVISHERS
(Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside) By all accounts the members of Portland's Climber are a pleasant group of guys who make pleasant music. They've almost become outcasts in a city where lofty ambitions (at least when made without reservation) can be looked at as tragically unhip. Seven years in and the members-turned-family men are still looking ahead. Their latest record The Mystic shows Climber taking full advantage of the studio to create pristine pop that perpetually emits a soft glow. Metaphorically speaking, there's not a single hair out of place. "The Simians Speak" sounds like a lost Bee Gees track from the '70s (there are a few Bee Gees moments, come to think of it). Even when things really get "rocking" on "We Are the New Man" Climber is about as abrasive as a fresh cotton swab. Top 40? Better them than Taylor Swift. MARK LORE
Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience, as well as a link to the complete show listings, after the jump!