#501: Black Elk

This is the first of what I'm sure will be many, many posts to come about those bands and musicians who've escaped Rolling Stone's radar... In this case, Portland's own Black Elk, whom I saw this evening at Branx. They put on a short, but fantastic, set. Very charismatic, much showmanship, really seemed to enjoy what they were doing... Reminded me a little of these guys. I can't tell you how much I love it when that comes through in a band's performance as obviously as it did tonight! The openers were no slouches, either. Nether Regions delivered an energetic old school metal set, and Rabbits did well to put their drummer (by far the most talented member of the band) up front. Wizard Rifle were probably good as well, but I got there as they were playing their last song, so I can't really speak to their performance. As if all of that weren't enough, there was no cover. And it was a 21 and over show, which meant no weird clumsy bar set-up (sorry, kids, but this will become a pet peeve of yours as well once you hit drinking age). Great show.