Portlanders had their turn to experience a full slate of commendable artists as Passport Approved’s current slate of inductees buzzed through town, performing live Friday night at the Rose City’s Doug Fir Lounge. 

Those lucky enough to take in the sounds of 5 great bands in one night aren’t apt to forget it soon.

In her very first Portland appearance, London’s popular singer-songwriter Scarlette Fever opened with a sincere, well-executed cover of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.” Her band members on guitar and keyboards played passionately and were top-notch.

Next from Canada, singer-songwriter Forest Blakk gave a rousing performance, enlisting the crowd for enthusiastic theatrics and audience participation during Sublime’s “What I Got.” He also performed his own touching and tender “Heaven’s Telephone” and a pitch-perfect delivery of his 5-star hit single, “Love Me.”

We’re eager to see where his career takes him next.

Love Me

Buffalo Sunn

From Dublin Ireland, six-piece band Buffalo Sunn stole the evening with lead singer Daniel Paxton’s vocals and their west-coast sound. The hallmark of this band are lovely 3-part harmonies, solid drumming and all-around great musical instincts. As good a description as any is one made by Hot Press,  describing their music as “drenched in reverb and seeping with sonic sunshine.”

BuffaloSunn

Enthusiastic “cosmic rock” performers, we think Buffalo Sunn have a hint of U2 about them. They also pay attention to detail (we noted patient and painstaking adjustments during a long sound check) and display a knack for songwriting, performing songs like their popular “Ocean” with flair.

It’s evident these guys are in it for the duration and while all acts played 30-minute setlists, we’d love to hear them perform a 2-hour show sometime.

Buffalo Sunn: By Your Side

Also on Friday night’s bill were impressive UK rockers These Reigning Days.  Members are: Dan Steer, keyboards, guitar, lead vocals, songwriter; Jonny Finnish, bass and vocals, and Joe Sansone on drums. Watch for their catchy alt-rock track “Thrones.”

Thrones

Doug-fir concertgoers also heard from L.A.-based New Beat Fund.  Their “Sunday Funday” and “It’s Cool” tracks are bright, fun and infectious pop.

Passport Approved

For the past 11 years, Passport Approved been the first point of radio contact in North America for a broad array of artists including internationally known Bastille, Gotye, Adele and Frank Turner.

All-in-all a fabulous night of music…and for ten dollars a head, surely the value of Passport Approved concerts can’t be beat.

You can find out about upcoming shows and learn more about Passport Approved here.

Cynthia Orlando
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