Last night, I was one of about 50 people gathered at Music Millennium here in Portland to see and hear Pete and The Steves.  They would have liked to bring the whole band, but the funds were not there.  They are on an acoustic tour, and I am thrilled that they chose Portland as a stop!!!  Steve Hogarth, Steve Rothery and Pete Trewavas played a short, 4 song set and then signed autographs and talked with fans.  What a friendly and funny bunch   Tonight, we will be treated with a full concert at the Alladin Theater, then Friday in Seattle at Chop Suey.  I will be at both shows! 

What a treat!  I was asked to go see a show of a band I had never heard of, which I rarely do.  Mostly because I love to sing at shows.  But... I made an exception this time, and I am so glad I did. 

Devotchka is:  Nick Urata (vocals, guitar, theramin, percussion and piano) Jeanie Schroder (tuba, bass, bowed vibes, vocals)  Shawn King (drums, trumpet, vibraphones, glockenspiel, organ, piano)  Tom Hagerman ( violin, accordion, piano, bowed vibes, and tenor triangle) 

The crowd was loyal, loud and many were dancing!  The music spans so many genres, it is tough to nail down.  With the richness of the music, the heart of the band is Nick, his voice is unique, sad at times, always emotional and deep.  They looked to be out of our time... Like they belonged in a dark smoky club in a basement somewhere in Europe.  The theramin was especially interesting, Nick used his bottle of red wine to make it sing.  His expressions were priceless! 

You can also hear them on the soundtrack  for the latest Elija Wood movie.  See the trailer here: http://www.moviesonline.ca/movienews_5089.html 

Thank you Johnny, for inviting me!!!  www.devotchka.net