McMenamins Al's Den has got a knack for picking artists to watch and using their residencies to showcase them. For this week in April, Al's Den is giving us the chance to see a different side of a very talented and familiar face, along with some special guests to play close at hand along the way. Starting tonight, we'll get a whole seven days to enjoy Mitch Wilson and his sundry sounds.

Many probably recognize Wilson from his time spent in indie rock bands around Portland, like the Deli favorite LiquidLight, but he's actually got a surprising amount of work under his belt. What many probably don't know is that on top of being a jazz drummer, he was also one of the founding members of the Taylor Momsen (remember Gossip Girl?) led rock band The Pretty Reckless. Even more than that, he's performed in the Sting-featuring Broadway show 'The Last Ship' and has contributed creatively to the Tony Award nominated Broadway musical 'A Night with Janis Joplin.'

With all of this artistic output behind him, Wilson has opened up the next music chapter of his life to share with us all. He'll be the headlining act each night of course, but joining him tonight will be Quiet Type, tomorrow 4.09 with a variety of local special guests for the On Broadway musical theater night, the jazz super group Trad Jazz on Tuesday 4.10, LiquidLight on Wednesday 4.11, Megan Diana on Thursday, Wil Kinky on Friday, and then ending on Saturday 4.14 with S.O.S., A Tribute to the Police. 

There's too much to miss, so be prepared to find your seat for the whole week at Al's Den.

Portland is losing another one to the brighter skies of Los Angeles, and that one happens to be chaotic pop songstress Coco Columbia.

Since her debut in 2014, Coco Columbia quickly won over hearts with her perfectly crafted concoction of dreamy indie, jazz and electronic pop. It's why she was voted one of our top artists back in 2015 and has continued to end up on numerous lists as considerably one of the more eclectic artists in town. 

Those that have grown used to catching Coco Columbia's sets locally will be a bit blue at the news that tonight, she and her current band are playing their last Portland show before her big relocation to LA. Playing alongside Coco at Mississippi Studios will be one of the Deli Portland's other "best" acts LiquidLight and Childspeak, coming up from Eugene. There's no doubt that she'll be back for more sets in the future, but be sure to come out to get enough of her poppy jazz fix to tide you over.

 LiquidLight's journey has taken them many places. Tours, poll wins, lineup changes and pretty much any achievement or hurdle that can pop up for a band along the way did, but that didn't stop the foursome from foraging on in their pursuits. Now, one of our Best Bands of 2015 have reached yet another high point in their music career - the release of their sophomore album.

What Uninitiated had done for them back in 2015 their newest, Wicked Radio, should do the same for them this year. The album sees LiquidLight plunging deeper into their known schtick of psychedelic alt-rock, accented with melodic vocality and rhythmic sweeps. They've released a couple tracks from Wicked Radio so far but today, we're premiering another one in preparation for their album release show this Sunday. 

"Keep Me Out Of It" is as enjoyable as any other LiquidLight track, starting fiercely with a steady guitar flow. It's yet another fine example of LiquidLight's collective mastery of their instruments, and another good look into what Wicked Radio will be like as a whole.

Dive into "Keep Me Out Of It" below, and be sure to hit up their album release show on 9.10 at Bunk Bar with Hollow Sidewalks and Down Gown.

*photo by John Keel

MOGO Fest wouldn't be a definitive Portland faction without a little bit of psychy garage. Veronica Booking is handing this arena for the festival, with one of her bills being one of our picks for today's festivities. 

On tonight's bill at Dante's, the self proclaimed dancey "trash jewel" output of '60s throwback band The Pynnacles headlines this night of psychedelic pleasantry. This is also somewhat of a "welcome back" show for progressive stoner rock group Cambrian Explosion, who have been on the road for much of February. Rounding out this nod of a classic night is some space rock from LiquidLight, who came out on top in our Best of 2015 readers' poll. 

Dante's is sure to transform into a land of trippy lights, so come prepared to be immersed in impressive soundscapes and colorful visuals. Music starts at 9pm, with tickets running $10.

Oh, the illusive "perfect bill." All venue bookers, show promoters and bands are constantly seeking an unmarred night of cohesive, fluid musical enjoyment. Unfortunately, it's never as easy to plan as it may seem. Yet last night's show at the Star Theater proved a successful feat on Portland's end, hosting a stacked bill comprised of locals LiquidLight and Hollow Sidewalks, and Texas living Future Death and Ringo Deathstarr.

There's a reason why LiquidLight won the Deli Portland's Best of 2015 Readers Poll, and they more than validated that victory on the stage. It's clear that each member of the band knows how to play their respective instrument well, all of them exhibiting a clean and clear mastery without coming off as pompous, only pleasant. You found yourself easily lost in the technical sweeps of both Anthony Medici's and Cory West's guitar playing, while Zackary Rodrigues pounded out intricate drum beats with ease. Though he kept it low key towards the back of the stage, you could still feel bassist Gage Dean's presence strongly as he maintained the songs' heavy rhythms.

With a slightly differing sound compared to that of LiquidLight, Hollow Sidewalks (pictured above) shared with the audience a different approach to the conventional post-punk form. Lead vocalist Nora Murphy Hughes has a deep and alluring quality to her croon that aids in the band's signature delivery - psyched out post-punk presented in a mellow and enjoyable fashion. Setting the mood with darkroom hued lights, their music warbled and pulsated through your gut, leaving you wanting more of their short and sweet songs.

Each band played as if they place was packed, and though it wasn't, that type of vigor is what helps define a good band. Giving their all, both LiquidLight and Hollow Sidewalks truly fit the bill.

-Cervante Pope