The Suitcase Junket -- the intriguing songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Matt Lorenz -- weds the sensibilities of early blues and rock ‘n’ roll, the improvisational spirit of jazz, and his love of Tom Waits to meticulous, cultured songcraft. Dubbed a “master of musical imagination” by NPR’s World Café Live and “astonishing” by WBUR Boston, Lorenz’s weathered, howl-flecked voice was described by Rochester City Newspaper as “a cross between Hound Dog Taylor and a Tuvan throat singer who has swallowed a bird.” Lorenz has earned snowballing acclaim for his achingly poetic dark folk. A solitary artist with an organic yet ornate vision, his seventh album To Go On is his most acutely profound yet. Created in the wake of losing his sister, singer-songwriter Kate Lorenz, it’s a tender, beautiful, and arrestingly moving record; an internal dialogue and conversation with the departed, enormously resonant to anyone who ever loved anyone.

RATTLE SNAKE MAMA. A rowdy, lowdown, revved up tribute to original urban Chicago blues. The band takes the essence, tonality and rawness of yesteryear roots music and make it their own. Fans of Howlin’ Wolf, The Red Devils, Muddy Waters, Slim Harpo, Little Walter, Hound Dog Taylor, Junior Wells and 50’s era dirty boogie blues. The band injects each cut with power and ramped up energy. This band LOVES the blues, and their sets infect people to dance, stomp and let loose. The band consists of some of Portlands finest musical sons: Andy Moore- Harmonica & Vocals (Justin Townes Earle) Nathan Trueb- Guitar (Tango Alfa Tango) Alex Callenberger- Guitar (Clawfoot Slumber) Keith McCarthy- Bass (Drunken Prayer) José Medeles (The Breeders/Revival Drum Shop)