Summer Concerts

 What: Summer concerts

Who: ZZ Top, P-Funk, Bikini Kill, Rilo Kiley 

Where: Cuthbert Amphitheater and Grand Lodge 


To the mulleted, shorn of sleeve, tethered to Kenny f'n Powers shades, with domestic foamer in hand and charred tube-meat sputtering over open flame: old ZZ still tops whatever over-studied twangers you got coming out of your speakers. 


Death-nearing gruffness and arthritic plodding actually made the band seem more metal live. The singer is still clamoring for a suitor to "Gimme All Your Lovin'" and his long fixation with industrious "Legs" continues, but based on its absence in the set list, old Billy has finally given up on looking for some "tush."


And for those wanting the roots of hip hop, well before the Garylord Opry Mall got their mitts on it-- throw on some George Clinton. You will hear Dre and Snoop and all the 90s thug rap. For P-funk is the foundation on which they were based, or more accurately--bassed. 

You will also see all the freaky free spirits and liberated rump shakers in their psychedelic sci-fi funk (from Prince to Andre 3k, Janelle Monae to Flying Lotus and Thundercat). 


I was left impressed and appreciative that these wizened troubadours are still chuggin' down the road and stopped off at Eugene's wonderful Cuthbert Amphitheater to serenade the seated and standing in the twilighted summer air.


Meanwhile, Forest Grove's McMenamins Grand Lodge seems to be the place for rock reformations, with both Kathleen Hanna's Bikini Kill and Jenny Lewis' Rilo Kiley revisiting their earlier work at the unique hotel/venue. (The two bands, coincidentally, also serve as a useful demonstration of how indie rock changed from the ‘90's to the early ‘00's). 


Autumn descends with the returning chill in the air. Considering the age of the legends and tenuous nature of reunions, much of this will likely be gone soon. So, the next fleeting sun- filled day, all you sharp dressed men and rebel girls and Rilos and Kileys, free your minds and let our past remind us of the beautiful promise of a wondrous future that we can make together-- Oh, America let us push past our hate and truly become One Nation Under a Groove.


And remember, for when it returns, Cuthbert Amphitheater and Grand Lodge are great summer outdoor concert spots.


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