Indio, CA (2005) - From my home in Eugene, OR, myself and two roommates decided to drive to Coachella for one day. We drove all night, switching drivers, and eventually sleeping in the car in a rest area near Indio. We were underprepared and expected we could find accomodations when we arrived. We only had tickets for one of the two days of the festival.

Despite this, it was a great experience and a fun atmosphere on the polo fields in the desert. As we traveled from stage to stage, you feel the energy of each band. I enjoyed the rock/pop, hip-hop, and electronic sets. The gothic rock was less my cup of tea. Outside of the stages there was art and space to relax. We couldn't catch everyone across the multiple stages, but I do recall seeing some great sets before we slept in the car again before making the drive back home.

• Coldplay
• Weezer
• Bahaus
• The Chemical Brothers
• Wilco
• Sage Francis
• Spoon
• Immortal Technique
• Bloc Party

George, WA (2008) - The Rock the Bells festival was a traveling festival of popular hip hop acts. I saw them in 2008 at The Gorge, which is a magnificant place to see music, overlooking the Columbia River Gorge in a large natural amphitheater. Tribe Called Quest was the headliner, and I am glad I got to see them perform.

• A Tribe Called Quest
• The Pharcyde
• Nas
• Talib Kweli
• De La Soul
• Immortal Technique
• Dead Prez
• Sage Francis

Houston, TX (2011) - This was my first festival with a child. The Houston Free Press Summer Fest is held on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou next to the towering skyscrapers of downtown Houston. It takes place in early June, so you need ot be ready to endure the brunt of Houston's heat. And for our first attempt, we brought our 1 year old to a single day of the 2 day festival.

We lived nearby and were able to ride our bikes to the venue to check it out. I think we bought tickets at the gate. This was a great introduction to the many stages, and diverse local and national talent that was performing. We would be back. Here are some of the show I recall from the one day we attended:

• Weezer
• The Avett Brothers
• Beirut
• Chromeo
• Cut Copy
• Buxton
• ...and more acts I don't recall the names of.

Houston, TX (2012) - After the success of our first festival, we fully committed for the next year. We knew we would have our two year old, so we splurged on the 'fancy pants' tickets, so we had quick entrance, dedicated seating areas, and air conditioned tents to cool off and relax in. This proved helpful to get in some nap time for my child (for real).

We had hear protection for the toddler, sunscreen, and pleanty of water, and were able to rock some great shows on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou in downtown Houston. The wikipedia article lists 125 acts in the lineup. The festival had attendance of 92k people according to wikipedia. Here are the sets I remember seeing.

• Snoop Dogg
• Willie Nelson
• Afrojack
• The Flaming Lips
• Major Lazer
• Pretty Lights
• Portual. The Man
• Best Coast
• Fitz and the Tantrums
• Diplo
• Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
• Erykah Badu

Houston, TX (2013) - This year we went back to Summer Fest, and had a new infant in our family. We had also moved to the suburbs, and were not as close to the concert venue as we were previously. So we decided to book the Hyatt downtown for the weekend and had easy access to a place to rest when needed.

My favorite this year was seeing, and hearing, Paul Wall with bass lines reverberating under the I-45 overpasses at Allen Parkway. It sounded amazing.

• Postal Service
• Bassnectar
• Passion Pit
• Calvin Harris
• Iggy and the Stooges
• TV on the Radio
• Alabama Shakes
• Of Monsters and Men
• Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
• Geto Boys
• Arctic Monkeys
• Buxton
• Paul Wall
• Matt & Kim
• Mavis Staples
• Milo Greene
• SOJA
• Gogol Bordello
• Savoy
• ...and probably others.

Houston, TX (2015) - Our final year at Summer Fest, after skipping the previous year. The location was moved to the NRG Stadium Parking Lot after heavy rains and bad weather the previous year wreaked havoc on the schedule, and the Buffalo Bayou area had flooded recently.

It was a little more difficult to find shady areas in the new parking lot venue, but we kept our 'fancy pants' status and there were again, dedicated tents with air conditioning, as well as food and drinks, that made the festival work for our family.

Another action packed year, here are the shows.

• Weezer
• Major Lazer
• Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals
• St. Vincent
• The Decemberists
• Tears for Fears
• Band of Horses
• Charli XCX
• Flogging Molly
• Future Islands
• Tove Lo
• Portugal. The Man
• The Band of Heathens
• Con Brio
• Gary Clark Jr.
• Welcome to Houston featuring Bun B, Slim Thug, Devin The Dude, Z-Ro, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Scarface, Lil' Flip, Lil' Keke, and The Suffers

The Woodlands, TX (2022) - The Texas Uprising was a mini-festival held at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion. It was a full day of acts, and the crowd didn't start showing up until Hays Carll took the stage, which was unfortunate as the earlier artists were very talented as shown when Robert Earl Keen brought them back up on stage during his set.

Each of the artists had a unique sound, but what really stood out with all of them was their storytelling charm. Each of the earlier artists also expressed their appreciation for Robert Earl Keen as a mentor and trailblazer in developing the singer/songwriter niche of country music. Todd Snider was a name I had heard before seeing his show, and I was impressed with his energy level delivering his set.

This was Robert Earl Keen's last tour and he had recently announced his retirement. It was a great show with lots of memories being shared about his music and how he created it.

• Kelsey Waldon
• Kevin Galloway
• Hays Carll
• John R Miller & Chloe
• Todd Snider
• Robert Earl Keen

Houston, TX - The Mercury Chamber Orchestra got it's start playing baroque style music with period specific instruments. The Artistic Director, Antoine Plante, and Concert Master Jonathan Godfrey, along with a few others started the ensemble in 2000, and are known for innovative arrangements of classical pieces.

The Mercury Chamber Orchastra delivers on it's mission of music education with thoughtful explanations and intereptations of each peice performed and hosting players from music schools around the country. The sound of a live orchestra is amazing. To be able to distinctly hear each instrument is a treat for your ears.

Eugene, OR (2004) - Portland, OR (2006) - Houston, TX (2012, 2017), The Woodlands, TX (2015) - Ridgefield, WA (2023) - I first learned of Old Crow Medicine show, when they opened for Gillian Welch in Eugene, OR in 2004. Early on, the venues they played were smaller, like Aladdin Theater and the Doug Fir Lounge in Portland. More recently they are playing medium sized venues. They bring tons of energy to their shows, and they are filled with lively dancing. One of their most interesting performances was of Bob Dylan's 'Blonde on Blonde' album at University of Houston. Most recently they opened for Hank Williams Jr. at the the Clark County Amphitheater.

George, WA (2004) - Saint Helens, OR (2008) - The Woodlands, TX (2022) - Jack Johnson puts on a great concert playing popular songs that everyone knows, along with long sessions of jamming, playing off the energy of the crowd.

His songs provided a nice atmosphere for the crowd to all sway and sing along together. The healing tone of his music creates energy that puts a smile on your face. The show a the Gorge was amazing with a spectacular sunset for the opening song as the concert went on till dark.

George, WA (2004) Eugene, OR (2005, 2007) - G. Love and the Special sauce deliver a unique, funky, sound and a lively show. Another artist that played sets with Jack Johnson, and my first G. Love show was when he opened, and then played a few songs with Jack Johnson.

G. Love raps with intellectual lyrics and an off-kilter beat. There is always some fun songs that get the crowd moving.

Houston, TX (2015) - Stevie Wonder was a fun show that we were able to take our 2 and 5 year old to. The concert was in the very large Toyota Center arena. Stevie put on a great show, playing his many hits. Stevie told some jokes in between songs, mostly about how he is famous and makes lots of money from his shows.

Houston, TX (2012) - The Red Hot Chili Peppers were another show that I saw in the Toyota Center arena. These guys are no stranger to putting on an arena show, and they delivered a polished set with professional audio and lighting.

Girdwood, AK (2016) - On a family vacation to Alaska, we stayed at the Alyeska Resort for some skiing. The Dave Nelson Band was putting on a concert at the Aprés Ski Bar, the Sitzmark.

I was excited to checkout live music while on vacation, and walked across the snowy parking lot to to the bar after putting the kids to sleep. The venue was perfect for the set with tie-dyed backrounds and an amazing mural on the roof lit by stage lights. Dave Nelson was a huge part of thepsychedelic rock scene in the the 60's and 70's, playing alongside many of Grateful Dead's muscians, and founding the New Riders of the Purple Sage

Eugene, OR (2010) - I was on vacation in Eugene when we got the chance to to see Michael Franti and Spearhead. I had been introduced to Michael Franti's music before, and the concert didn't dissapoint. This was ahigh energy show with lots of jamming and audience interaction. The crowd at the front was grooving, but the mellow style of music was perfect for us sitting on the lawn as well.

Fun fact, I once saw Michael in the San Francisco airport food court, and he wasn't wearing shoes!

Conroe, TX (2015) - I have had the opportunity to see Mason Jennings on a handful of occasions, unfortunately, I can't find a record of when this was. My best guess is that it was one of the shows at the WOW Hall in Eugene, OR, either in 2003 or 2008. Mason was also one of the artists who was known to tour with Jack Johnson and has been an opening act at many of his concerts.

When I saw that Mason was coming to a small venue near me in the suburbs of Houston, My wife, 2 kids, and a couple friends got some tickets. This show was in a coffee shop / restaurant venue. This was a much smaller venuethan I had seen Mason in before, and was a nice intimate show, including him spending some time afterwards to chat and autograph his merchandise.

The Woodlands, TX (2021) - Kings of Leon was the first rock concert our family went to after a long pandemic break (excepting a few Mercury shows). I have enjoyed listening to Kings of Leon, and was somewhat familiar with their catalog, so this concert was a fun mix of the popular songs that everyone knows and sings along with, coupled with some great songs that I was less familia with.

I was glad to bring the whole family out to a live show. This one took place at an outdoor pavillion and was a beautiful evening for the family.

Houston, TX (2011) - My wife and I saw Alexa for the first time on a visit to the Oregon Country Fair in 2010. And that is how the plan was hatched to have Alexa perform for my daughters 1st birthday.

So we had a concert in our backyard, invited all our friends and neighbors, a keg of beer, and a cake made by the 'baker to the stars' in Houston. The concert took place on a sunny spring afternoon and Alexa had her friend Linky Dickson, who had played with her before and lived in the area, join her for an amazing set.

They played low key folk music with meaningful lyrics, banjo picking, washboard striking, and harmoic bell playing. Fun was had by all.

Eugene, OR (2003) - I don't believe The Crash Engine are still together, but they get included as since they played at our house party one time. They labeled themselves as 'Pop-Psych-Rock' and played melodic rock tunes, with strong guitar riffs.

Jacksonville, OR (2013) - The Woodlands, TX (2022) - The first time I saw Ziggy, theconcert took place at the Britt Amphitheater, which is situated in the scenic Rogue Valley in the tourist town of Jacksonville. This is one of the most beautiful places to take in a concert in Southern Oregon. More recently, I saw Ziggy when he opened for Jack Johnson.

I was not familiar with Ziggy's repetoire, but he did not dissappoint with the mellow sounds, reminicent of his fathers music. This was a fun relaxed atmosphere, for all ages.

The Woodlands, TX (2015) - The Avett Brothers are a fairly popular folk rock band from North Carolina. I went to this show because Old Crow Medicine Show was an opening band. So the highlight for me was when they brought O.C.M.S. on the stage to play some of Old Crow's songs.

Portland, OR (2013) - Jim James played without the rest of My Morning Jacket at the Crystal Ballroom. This was a smaller production in terms of lighting and effects, but unsurprisingly, sounded very much like My Morning Jacket.

The Woodlands, TX (2012) - The Black Keys are a proper rock band. With just two band members, they create some cool sounds on the drums and guitar.

Vida, OR (2010) - The Sawyer Family is no longer playing together, but a friend was in the band, and I saw them play at the wedding of another friend. Since then I helped fund one of their records, and I while I am not big into other rock-a-billy bands, I liked the sound this band put together with the deep upright bass plucking away behind earthy vocals.

Eugene, OR - Donavan Frankenreiter's show was a small initmate show at a bar in downtown Eugene. The folk singer as a relaxed vibe and has played with the likes of Jack Johnson and G Love.

The Woodlands, TX (2022) - Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real were an unexpected treat when they opened for the Cody Jinks show we were given tickets to. Lukas' voice was immediately familar as he belted out his verses with the smooth overtones of his father, Willie. Lukas plays with the Promise of the Real, who have lent their musical abilities to Neil Young on a few of his albums.

The Woodlands, TX (2022) - Cody Jinks is aiming to be the next country superstar with high energy music and a silky smooth voice.

Ridgefield, WA (2023) - Hank Williams Jr. provided a lively show where he played many familiar favorites and covers along with some old timey rockabilly country songs. The main draw for this concert was Old Crow Medicine Show opening, however the Clark County Amphitheater is a large venue. While Old Crow wasn't able to fill the venue with their performance, Hank rose to the occasion and had the crowd enjoying his show.

Corvallis, OR (2001) - I saw Bob Dylan perform at the Gill Coliseum on the Oregon State University campus. I was glad to see this legend in person, although I will admit, the nostalgia of his poetry and songs was the highlight as the sound quality and clarity of the vocals was not the best at this time.

Bob is a legend for the musical revolution he created.

Eugene, OR (2004) - Gillian Welch may be best known for her contributions to the 'O Brother Where Art Though?' soundtrack, but her beautiful voice has had a large impact on the folk music scene.

With a voice like honey, and poignant lyrics are wonderful to hear live.

The bonus for me was that Old Crow Medicine Show was the opening band which was my introduction to what would become my favorite live band.

Portland, OR (2005) - My dad took my sister and I to one of my early arena concerts. At this time, Jimmy is commanding pretty steep prices for his ticket, so it was a very nice treat. This show did not dissapoint, and included a huge production in the Rose Garden basketball arena. The concert included all the favorites as well as the dancers and flying remote controlled sharks.

Houston, TX (2014) - Rodrigo Y Gabrela are a guitarist duo that got their start busking heavy metal guitar covers on the streets of Mexico. Using only guitars, no vocals, they create an amazing sound. Using the guitars as precussion, harmonizing and tearing up intricate melodies, they are an amazing live show. The show I saw was being streamed on an experimental Yahoo! music feed, and they had clip on cameras on the fingerboards of the guitars showing the amazing finger work on the big screens.

Eugene, OR (2006), Houston, TX (2012) - I have had the pleasure to see Ladysmith Black Mambazo twice, once at the McDonald Theater in Eugene, and then at Fitzgeralds in Houston. Ladysmith is best known for backing Paul Simon's 'Homeless' track, but they put on a great concert of original African music and a night of acapella entertainment.

The Woodlands, TX (2011) - Arcade Fire are a popular band that hails from Canada, but some members have Houston roots. They played at the Cynthia Wood Mitchel Pavillion, which is known for the extensive 'rule following' that is enforced. The band caused quite a stir when enouraging fans to leave their seats to rush the stage. The show was stopped briefly while security cleared everyone back to their ticketed seats.

Troutdale, OR (2008) - My Morning Jacket is an indie rock band lead by Jim James and delivers a psychedelic sound with amazing vocals delivered by Jim James.

I saw My Morning Jacket at the McMenamins Edgefield Hotel. This is a serene outdoor Amphitheater with a good food and drink selection to accompany the concert. It is a bit of a drive from Portland.

Portland, OR (c. 2008) - I saw these folks at the Doug Fir Lounge in an intimate but not super dancable, show.

Troutdale, OR (2007) - Modest Mouse is is an indie rock band delivering off-kilter rhythms with some great sounding bass lines.

Another great show that I saw with a great group of friends at the Edgefield Amphitheater.

Eugene, OR (2007) - I caught this show at the McDonald Theater upon recommendation from a friend. Greg's voice is like butter as he sings through is poetic lyrics.

Eugene, OR (2007) - This concert took place at the WOW hall, a small non-profit venue. What I remember about this show was that they started really late, and were too loud for my taste. I do enjoy their recorded music though.

Portland, OR (c. 2007) - This band is from LA, and they were touring with the Kaiser Cheifs. They have a really unique guitar pop sound and high pitched vocals that almost sound child-like. It looks like they may not be together, as their web domain has been taken over.

Portland, OR (c. 2007) - This Crystal Ballroom show was a solid indie rock show with some fun lyrics and energy from this UK group.

Veneta, OR (2007) - I saw Sage Francis as part of the Paid Dues Independent Hip Hop Festival, which took place at the Secret House Vineyards outside of Eugene. Sage Francis was the most memorable of the sets I saw, but in doing research on the show, there were some other big hitters there like Aesop and Slug & Ant of Atmosphere.

Eugene, OR (c. 2006) - Pepper puts on a lively reggae/ska show with a bunch of jamming. I saw these folks a couple times (touring with Slightly Stoopid) and always an upbeat show. My favorite was on a summer evening at the Cuthbert Amphitheater.

Portland, OR (2006) - The Cat Empire is an Australian collective of musicians with international popularity and popular on the US festival circuit.

I was fortunate to see this band at the Wonder Ballroom, which is a smaller venue. Although I was not familliar with their music prior to seeing them, they were an instant favorite. They play a jazz pop style of music with bright notes from brass instruments and the deep upright bass to keep you grooving. This coupled with story telling lyrics and a nice accent in the vocals make the band very catchy.

I learned that they decided to disband the original band in 2021, and will relaunch The Cat Empire as a touring collective of artists with most of the original band members leaving.

Eugene, OR (2004) - State Radio is a catchy alternative rock band with some good pop hooks. It looks like the band has disbanded now and their website redirects to the lead singer, Chadwick Stokes', website.

Jacksonville, OR (c. 2002) - This was one of my first shows at the Britt Amphitheater, and was a great one. Earth Wind and Fire are a magical band with a great funky sound for dancing and grooving.

Jacksonville, OR (2002) - This concert took place at the Britt Amphitheater, and I recall th show starting at sunset as I picniced on the lawn. It was an entertaining show that included flute playing while balanced on one foot, and classics like Aqualung.

With catchy pop hooks, poingent and deep cutting lyrics, and polished production, Taylor Swift has it all.

These folks have a very unique sound, very groovy and they are from Houston. I hope to see them soon.

Lady Gaga is an artist I respect for her wide diversity of music and talent. Her albums have a mix of cutting edge sounds with music that feels like it has existed forever. She experiments with lyrics leveraging her beautiful voice to make some amazing electronic sounds.

From my perspective, Lady Gaga appears to be a genuine person who is amazing at creating music.