Aladdin Theater - Show Review

Have you seen a recent good show at the Aladdin Theater? Let us know about it! Please submit a show review below and get the chance to win a pair of FREE tickets to the Aladdin Theater. Show reviews will be posted here as soon as they start rolling in.
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Show Review: Last week there were two shows here in Stumptown. First it was the third trip to town in the past two years for quitter whiz Bruce Cockburn. Performing in the sold out, friendly confines of the Aladdin Theater, it was just Bruce and a handful of guitars. We've seen him all three times, and each show was different. The first time he had a full band, the 2nd time it was Bruce and Julie Wolf on keyboards and vocals, but this show was a showcase of Cockburn's guitar prowess. He can sure handle that fret board. The show included numerous numbers from his new instrumental CD "Speechless" as well as favorites from the past, including "Last Night in the World", "Pacing the Cage", "Wondering Where the Lions Are" ( Background vocals supplied by the Aladdin audience), "If A Tree Falls", and the encore included "Rocket Launcher" and "silver Wheels". A most enjoyable two hour show and it gets 8 guitars. Three days later into town comes Bonnie Raitt celebrating her 56th birthday. The show at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, where the rows are so close together you think you're sitting in a Southwest Airlines 737. The show opened with a one hour set by Maia Sharp, who obviously is a protégé of Bonnie. There are three of her tunes on the new Bonnie Raitt album, and Bonnie came on stage to thunderous applause during the opening set to play some slide guitar. Sharp plays keyboards, guitar and saxophone, has a pleasant enough voice, but doesn't strike me as anything special. Bonnie hit the stage with her band at 9:15 and played a 90 minute set featuring songs from the new CD (I Will Not Be Broken), a lot of blues that showcased her slide playing and the old standby's including her breakthrough hit from the 80's "Nick of Time". Ms. Sharp also was on stage for the majority of the set, playing sax, doing harmonies and the like. Other tunes included "Papa Come Quick", "Luck of the Draw" and "I Can't Make You Love Me." We hadn't seen Bonnie in concert since the early 80's, way before she got big. It was a good show, but a bit short in length. We'll give it a 7. - Michael Zaretsky
Show Review: I saw Eric Johnson in Novemember as well as his "solo" performance earlier in the year. His solo performance was spectacular as he showcased his considerable instrumental and vocal dynamics, however his "Full Band" concert was just plain too loud! It seemed like he was mostly interested in "blowing away" the crowd with volume and super fast riffs. I'm a big fan of Eric's and am so happy he is performing in Portland, but please Eric..... let us experience your complete range! - Tedd Elie
Show Review: We came from southern Oregon to see this concert and boy was it worth it. It was a sold out show and people were standing in the back, but that didn't seem to bother them. The crowd obviously loved the show just like us! Great Big Sea is a wonderful band to see live and the Aladdin was such an intimate setting. The band said goodbye to us 4 times! But we wouldn't let them leave! They kept coming out and playing more or giving us and acappela song. What an experience! - Britton Castor
Show Review: Really great show. I love Rilo Kiley and that's what made me want to check out Jenny Lewis in this band. The show was better then the album, sound was good, crowd was great. It was kind of a bummer Whisper Town 2000 didn't play do to weather. The highlight of the show was when the twins and the guitarist sang all but a cappella and the songs that were performed that haven't been released. I'll defiantly see them next time they're near Portland. 4 Stars! - Alisha
Show Review: This was an amazing show! First you just can't beat the Aladdin as a venue. There is definately no other venue around Portland that can match the intimacy and the aucoustics of the place. Well we went to see Pat Mcgee who was absolutely perfect, but I must say Stephen Kellog stole the show! I have seen Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Kiss, O.A.R., Martin Sexton, and about a hundred other bands and hands down Stephen Kellog and the Sixers were the best live show ever! Some of the highlights were; They came down into the aisle and sang their song "See You Later, See you Soon" without microphones on acoustic guitar. It was dimly lit and a man in the balcony shown a small flashlight down at them as their voices filled the hushed audience. It was chillingly beautiful. During another song Stephen ran down the aisle and popped up in the balcony playing with the band from up there. Another song consisted of each line was from another popular song that began with Elvis Presley and worked its way up through 70's rock, eighties pop, and bad hair metal to current day hits. He ended the night with the song "I Had the Time of my Life" from Dirty Dancing. Complete with the leap into the guitarists arms while he spun him around in the air. Hilarious. There were so many more moments, in fact too many to mention. Lets just say I wont ever miss a Stephen Kellog and the Sixers concert again. Oh and if the night couldnt be any better Pat Mcgee who is one of my favorite musicians ever, took my wife and me backstage after the concert to get a poster, and proceeded to have the whole band sign for my 8 yr old son (I mentioned how he was raised listening to him and was very sad that he didnt get to come). Pat Mcgee is an absolutely wonderful guy! 4 Stars! - Erik Richter
Show Review: Fine dining has been slinging the concept of "slow food" for some time, working under the assumption that folks after eons of being forced fed frantically prepared not-so happy tasting meals, hunger for something more than that can be fully savored than just consumed. It was only a matter of time that other fine art forms cut into the restaurateur's cutting edge concept. Certainly Slow Music could never be mistaken for the McDonald's of sound. But this collective featuring such diverse personnel as keyboardist Bill Rieflin (day job: drummer REM, ex-Ministry), guitarist Peter Buck (REM), avant bassist Fred Chalenor (Fred Frith), electronic knob-twiddler Hector Zazou, session drummer extraordinaire Matt Chamberlain (Pearl Jam, Tori Amos), and prog-rock guitar god Robert Fripp (King Crimson) opts to challenge even listeners with the most adventurous of palettes. Playing just its second gig ever, and first ever in the friendly confines of the Aladdin Theater, this intense outfit served up deliberately crafted improvisations that methodically and at times meanderingly filled a pair of well received 45 minute sets. Although Rieflin was the de facto bandleader, there was little in visual or musical cues to direct the members. Like at the best shows, it appears that the players were communicating telepathically but in reality, the interplay is more a conventional conversation, a performance that could've easily come off as intimate dinner banter amongst old friends in a tony restaurant. Fripp's ever ethereal guitar soundscapes appeared the most dominant and distinctive voice throughout, though Rieflin and Chambelain engaged in some spirited electronic vs. organic percussive interplay, particularly during the second set. Chalenor double bass provided steady color as did Zazou's Powerbook propelled flavorings. Only Buck seemed the odd man out, his contributions too subtly rendered to be noticed over the--pardon the paradoxical--understated din. Although the ingredients are top-shelf, the recipes could use more dynamic spices, and time will only tell whether Slow Music will cook into something really worth sinking your teeth, er, ears into. But as starters go, it certainly excites the appetite for what tastes the entree will bring. 3 Stars - Michael Evans
Show Review: Checking out your theater for the first time, flying many hours from Florida, I truly enjoyed both the intimate ambience and the physical characteristics of the venue. Lucky to be in town for a show by one of my favorite jam bands, Hot Buttered Rum only added to the excitement. Locals I talked to called the Aladdin their favorite local place to see live music. The sound was excellent from all vantage points, and with the sloped floor and high stage, the view was terrific. The guys also put on a really great show, and included teases of the fight song from Lewis & Clark University (which a couple of them attended). The show was also being webcast, and if there wasn't such a time difference, my friends back home would have been hearing it just as I was there live. I just wished I lived closer, maybe sometime in the near future, I will and be a regular Aladdinite! 4 Stars - Randi Brent Whitehead
Show Review: The last time Johnny Winter played at the Aladdin Theater it was a questionable performance. Since that time Johnny has had hip surgery and the results were obvious on 6/4/06. Johnny was walking under his own power without a cane and the difference between his last performance at the Aladdin Theater and this one was as different as night and day. Last Sunday, Johnny Winter absolutely blew the doors off the place and nobody walked out of that theater unhappy. Unquestionably one of the best shows I've ever seen. 4 Stars - Tracy McCall
Show Review: I characterized Todd Snider and Keith Sykes as "pure entertainment". It went beyond just enjoying the music and the atmosphere. The local connections enhanced the show tremendously. I especially appreciated the links and connections to other favorite artists such as John Prine and Jimmy Buffett. I would highly recommend this show and either artist to anyone. And as usual, the beer was cold and reasonably priced. Definitely 4 stars! - Jeff Guard
Show Review: I saw Demetri Martin on Sunday and it was the best thing I've seen in a long time. The venue is really intimate and Demetri and his openers were HILARIOUS. I hope you'll bring him back in the future! He's always been my favorite comedian from what I've seen on his tv appearances and he really really delivered in a live show. I loved it!! Definitely 4 stars! - Katie Smith
Show Review: Los Lobos is as close as it gets to a sure thing live. The packed Aladdin Theater audience received a major bonus in opening act Leroy Ball whose solid and engaging opening set was the cherry on top of Los Lobos' always incendiary mix of nortena, roots, blues, rock, and R&B originals. "Don't Worry Baby" as always proves that Los Lobos can rock with the best. "Cumbia" brings the latin heat and Los Lobos new material shows how vibrant and relevant they remain after more than 25 years together. The band has a great bond with the audience bringing members on stage to dance and join the festivities! Closing the show with "Bertha" while the crowd danced drenched with sweat proving again that the Aladdin's acoustics, scene, and friendly vibe is the best place in town to watch live music...Definitely 4 stars! - Scott Snyder
Show Review: I saw the Tubes in June. The show was great. They sounded very professional. I saw them in the 80's and some DVD's where they seemed to be screwing around all the time. They sounded very tight and the set list was super. The Aladdin is the perfect place for a concert. I'll be back....4 stars! - Gary Campbell
Show Review: I came to see Toby Lightman and she was awesome! First time at the venue too and it rocks- love the cozyness and even though it was sold out I wan't smooshed up front on the floor (major plus). Love'd Marc and am a new fan! ....4 stars! - Jamie Doughty
Show Review: Well, I gave it a 2, just because of the way too loud volume levels. I used earplugs, and that wasn't enough. Really, 130db is way to much. Older people don't like it either. Otherwise, I would have gave it 4 stars. Performances were astounding! I would prefer Junior Brown tickets if possible (hint). Thanks, Maury ....2/4 stars! - Maury Marthaller
Show Review: Great. Volume level perfect, but bass player's sound was muddy and not much definition, but that's expected using house system. Best blues I've heard in a long time. Angie was simply delightful with her silky-smooth voice, what a treat. A half dozen audience members got a little carried away with yelling and shouting during Johnny's performance.. a little annoying. Overall, great show. Thanks, Maury ....4 stars! - Maury Marthaller
Show Review: Suzanne and her band...what a wonderfully unique sound they have. Over the years I hadn't paid all that much attention to Suzanne. I had the luck to go to the KINK Live performance back in Sept. and was enthralled with her sound and talent and musicians. Had to see her again, and one more time, had the good firtune to make it to the Alladin last night. What a treat! And...on top of being so fun to rock out to, they are all so great looking. I'm hooked, going to buy a bunch of her albums. And Richard Julian, Mr. God the 3rd, now he was a unique entertainer, amazing guitar player, thoughtful and humorous lyrics. Thanks for giving us awesome shows to go to, and reasonable prices. And a special THANKS to my buddy Nick VN!!! ....4 stars! - Ramona Lupo
Show Review: This was my first time to the Aladdin and I had a fantastic time. It was the first time to saw Savoy Brown also and I was blown away by the performace. I really liked being able to participate by dancing by the front of the stage. Good music makes me want to move and dance so it was a real treat to be able to watch the performance AND move to the music standing up. I am looking forward to my next adventure at the Aladdin. Happy Holidays to you all. ....4 stars! - Cindy Marshall