demo

Friday, July 29, 2022

Reckless Kelly

Ashleigh Flynn and the Riveters

7 pm doors, 8 pm show

$35 advance, $40 day of show

All ages welcome

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We will follow all state and local Covid-19 guidelines in place at the time of each show. Proof of full vaccination or negative Covid-19 test may be required for entry. Some events may have additional measures put in place by the performers. Please make sure to check back here before attending as policies are subject to change. No refunds will be given, all sales are final.

Reckless Kelly

Roots country-rock

Reckless Kelly

Willy Braun (vocals, guitars, harmonium, percussion, harmonica) - Cody Braun (fiddle, mandolin, tenor guitar, harmonica, vocals) - Jay Nazz (drums, percussion) - Joe “Bass” Miller (bass)

For nearly 25 years, Reckless Kelly has graced the musical landscape with a high-powered form of Americana, equally rooted in raw passion, refined musicianship, and gritty authenticity. With the dual release of two new albums—American Jackpot and American Girls—the Idaho-bred band presents a beautifully detailed portrait of their beloved country, turning their nuanced songwriting to its many glories and tragedies. While one batch of songs centers on slice-of-life storytelling and the other ex- plores the complexities of human connection, the collective body of work unfolds with a profound and often eye-opening attention to the subtleties of American life.

“I’ve always wanted to write an America-themed record, but not in some super-political or ‘rah rah rah’ sort of way,” says Willy Braun, who co-founded Reckless Kelly with his older brother Cody Braun and drummer Jay Nazz in 1996. “I wanted to tell stories of everyday life, and the kinds of things that nearly everybody experiences growing up in this country.”

Although Reckless Kelly initially intended to make just one album, the project took on a life of its own once they headed into the studio. “I wanted to produce this one by myself, just to try that out, and I made sure to book plenty of studio time to get it done right,” says Willy. “We ended up mov- ing along really fast, so I pulled out a few more songs and figured we’d end up using them down the road. Before we knew it, we had enough material for two really good records.”

The follow-up to their acclaimed 2016 album Sunset Motel, American Jackpot and American Girls em- body a wonderfully eclectic sonic palette, achieved with the help of V.I.P. guest musicians like Gary Clark Jr. and Charlie Sexton, along with several members of their own legendary family (including Uncle Gary Braun on chromatic harmonica and their father Muzzie Braun on lead and harmony vocals). Recorded at Arlyn Studios in their adopted hometown of Austin, both albums abound with an unbridled vitality—an element that has much to do with the band’s deliberate decision to keep pre-production to a minimum in order to harness the magic of in-studio spontaneity. “There’s something incredible about the first time you play a song really well together, and we don’t ever want to waste that take on the rehearsal room,” Willy notes.

Throughout American Jackpot, Reckless Kelly joyously examines what they most cherish about their homeland, exalting everything from the thrill of mule-riding through the Grand Canyon to the country’s singular potential as a cultural melting pot. At the same time, the band never shies away from calling out forces that threaten America’s character. To that end, the album is bookended by two piano-driven tracks with lyrics lifted from the Emma Lazarus poem inscribed at the Statue of Liberty: the full-hearted and hopeful “North American Jackpot,” and “Goodbye Colorado #3” (a quietly impassioned response to anti-immigrant rhetoric). “It seemed to make sense to open and close the record with similar themes, where one song’s about people coming to America, and the other’s about people getting kicked out of this country they’ve lived in forever,” says Willy.

Elsewhere on the album, Reckless Kelly conjures a distinctly American spirit through their artfully executed musical references—the heavy-hearted Tom Petty homage “Tom Was a Friend of Mine” channels the elegant simplicity of its subject’s songwriting, while Bukka Allen’s ballpark-organ melodies lend a certain whimsy to “42” and its tribute to the great American pastime. And on songs like “Thinkin’ ‘Bout You All Night,” American Jackpot celebrates the splendor of the country’s most majestic spaces. With its finely rendered images of rolling fog and sun-streaked pinyon pines, th

sweetly wistful track came to life in three separate states: a park called Garden of the Gods in Col- orado, a cabin porch in California’s Sonoma Valley, and a lodge on Oregon’s Klamath Lake. “We nearly put that one on the American Girls album, but to me it’s a song about the vast diversity of America, and all the little geographical differences in the places it was written,” Willy points out.

Though each album encompasses endlessly unpredictable moods and textures (thanks in part to Eleanor Whitmore’s lush string arrangements), American Girls finds Reckless Kelly embracing an un- deniably playful energy. Sparked from a pair of pink sunglasses left on the dashboard of Willy’s truck, “Miss Marissa” wanders into the unlikely territory of ELO-esque symphonic pop—a sound worlds away from “Any Place That’s Wild,” a Marty Robbins-meets-Sergio Leone duet with singer/ songwriter Suzy Bogguss. “Instead of using tambourines on that one, we spent about two hours one night stomping around the studio with spurs on,” Willy recalls. Meanwhile, “Don’t Give Up on Love” emerges as a bouncy rock-and-roll number with roots in classic Springsteen and the Ronettes, and the album’s title track offers up a swaggering ode to the greatest girls in the world.

One of many songs penned with Idaho-born singer/songwriter Jeff Crosby, “I Only See You With My Eyes Closed” provides one of American Girls most haunting moments, its intensity heightened by Sexton’s ethereal guitar work. “There’s one verse about waking up and not being able to remember what you were dreaming, but the feeling of the dream is still lingering,” says Willy. “There’s three different guitar parts drifting in and out on that song, and it’s meant to be the musical equivalent of drifting in and out of a dream.” Another collaboration with Crosby, “Lonesome On My Own” matches Geoff Queen’s luminous steel-guitar tones with lyrics encapsulating a painful self-awareness (e.g., “Maybe she’s better without hangin’ from my love like a marionette”). But on “Lost Inside The Groove,” American Girls turns impossibly jubilant, bringing swinging rhythms and a fiery guitar solo to the song’s expression of lovestruck adoration. “Shawn Sahm sent me that song idea, so we worked it out and had him come down and play guitar and Vox Continental organ,” explains Willy, referring to the son of Sir Douglas Quintet/Texas Tornados founder Doug Sahm. “It had this real Tex-Mex feel right off the bat, and I think they’re going to dig it in Texas.”

In the writing of Reckless Kelly’s latest material, Willy took several trips up to his desert retreat in Idaho, a spot near the Brauns’ White Cloud Mountains hometown. Though the two brothers first forged their musical partnership back in Idaho, they later decamped to Bend, Oregon, where they quickly linked up with Jay Nazz. Soon after forming Reckless Kelly (whose name nods to the legend of Australian highwayman Ned Kelly), the three musicians relocated to Austin and rounded out the lineup with bassist Joe Miller and guitarist David Abeyta (who exited the band after the release of Sunset Motel). Over the years, they’ve delivered a string of critically lauded albums, including 2011’s Grammy-nominated Good Luck & True Love and 2013’s Grammy-winning Long Night Moon.

With the release of American Jackpot and American Girls, Reckless Kelly hopes to lead listeners to thoughtful reflection on their own experience of living in America, and possibly invite a certain pur- poseful nostalgia. “I’d really love for people to listen to this record and remember,” says Willy. “I hope ‘42’ makes them remember playing ball when they were kids, and I hope ‘Tom Was a Friend of Mine’ makes them think of hearing a Tom Petty song and feeling like he was your buddy, even though you never met him. Mostly I just hope these songs remind them of all the different aspects of growing up in America, and feeling so lucky to live here.”

Website:
http://recklesskelly.com/

Ashleigh Flynn and the Riveters

Americana

Ashleigh Flynn and the Riveters

With what PopMatters describes as "tenacious swagger," critically acclaimed singer songwriter Ashleigh Flynn recently dialed up the volume and debuted an all-female rock band as a nod to the"Rosie the Riveter" archetype from WWII.

Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters' inaugural LP hit the streets in 2018 featuring a sound that hearkens back to early Stones, ‘70s psychedelic country rock, and alternately charms like a Sunday afternoon front porch session. Since releasing on Flynn's label, Home Perm Records, the Oregon-based band has barnstormed the Western US - steadily building their audience and live sound along the way.

 

The Riveters released "Live from the Blue Moon" in June from an inspired performance at Oregon Country Fair, and are poised to continue honing their craft as a band of highly adept song assemblers who put on one hell of a show.

 

The band will take their unique brand of Americana back out on the road as COVID19 permits, having been invited to perform at High Sierra Music Festival 2022, among a host of others; and are currently recording their sophomore album with guitarist Nancy Luca (Bo Diddley, Mike Campbell) in the producer chair.

 

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ashleighflynnmusic

Videos:
http://www.ashleighflynn.com/videos/

Website:
http://www.ashleighflynn.com/

Events

About Mission Theater

Experience a slice of Portland history. What is now known simply as “the Mission” was originally home to the Swedish Mission Covenant congregation in the early 20th century, and despite its staid, buttoned up appearance, this place now hosts live music, video dance nights and special events on select nights each month. 

For ADA accommodations please contact us by email at boxoffice@mcmenamins.com or by phone at (503) 225-0047. Please note we are only able to accommodate in this section until it is at capacity.

House Rules

As our guest, please respect the house and ensure the safety and comfort of those around you by observing our House Rules. 
  • Backpacks are not permitted.
  • Re-entry policy is determined on the day of the show, and we can't guarantee that re-entry will be permitted.
PATRONS WILL BE DENIED ENTRY OR WILL BE ESCORTED OUT OF THE BUILDING WITHOUT REFUND OF TICKET IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING IS OBSERVED:
  • Possession or use of illegal substances
  • Possession or use of permanent markers or paint pens
  • Possession of any type of weapon
  • Possession or use of false identification
  • Willful damage to the property
  • Cursing or verbal harassment towards other customers or staff
  • Inconsiderate behavior towards other customers or staff
  • Any form of inappropriate, racial or physical harassment , including displaying symbols that the venue deems to be threatening
  • Intoxication before entry
  • Consumption of any alcoholic beverage not purchased on premise
  • Smoking in non-designated areas
  • Violence of any nature
  • Thank you for your help in making the Mission Theater safe, comfortable and fun for all.

Box Office

Box Office Information
Tickets for all McMenamins shows are ticketed by Cascade Tickets, and may be purchased at the Crystal box office (located under the Crystal's awning), by phone at 1-855-CAS-TIXX, or by clicking the "Buy Tickets" link located at the event listing on our schedules.
 
Tickets bought directly at the Crystal box office or any of our ticket outlets will only incur a $2 facility charge. (Please note! Tickets to Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn will incur additional service fees.)
 
Resend Ticket Confirmation Email
 
Crystal Ballroom Box Office Hours
1 hour before door time on concert days only
 
Will Call
Will call is located at the box office.
 
Refunds
Refund requests may be directed to refunds@etix.com. If a show is cancelled or rescheduled, ticketholders will be emailed with their refund options. We will also post show information on our website (crystalballroompdx.com) and social media platforms. 
 
Accessibility
For ADA accommodations please contact us by email at boxoffice@mcmenamins.com or by phone at (503) 225-0047. Please note we are only able to accommodate in this section until it is at capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have questions about your box office and ticketing … where do I find that info?
Scroll up and check out our Box Office info! If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, you might find your answer below, and if not then feel free to shoot us an email.

What seating is available?
The Mission Theater specializes in open-floor shows, but also has a mezzanine on three sides with seating throughout. Occasionally the main floor will feature seating as well, and we will indicate this by referring to the event as a “seated event.”

The mezzanine sounds cool! Can I reserve seats there? 
No, our seats are all first-come, first-served. 
 
I don’t like to buy tickets online; where can I buy in person at the Mission? 
The Mission does not have its own outlet, but tickets for Mission shows (and any McMenamins music events) are available at the location described above in the Box Office section. 
 
Help, I can’t find my tickets! Can you resend/email them to me?
Even better, just go to www.etix.com/ticket/resend and provide your email address as well as the last 4 digits of the card used for purchase. A ticket confirmation will be sent to you.
 
I have a printed at home ticket … can you just scan the original email from my phone? 
We’re able to scan ticket barcodes from most phones…. Make sure your brightness is turned up for best results! If that doesn’t work we will be able to enter your ticket’s order number into the system and get you into the show that way. 
 
I can’t make the show; can I get a refund? 
We are not able to offer refunds. If you opted to purchase insurance through our ticketing company as part of your ticket purchase, you should have received an email from Allianz Global  Assistance and you can file a claim with them directly. You are also welcome to sell your tickets.

Someone sold two tickets to me for tomorrow's show. When I arrive at the venue, will there be any issues since I wasn't the original buyer? 
We are unable to determine the validity of third party tickets. Also, a ticket may be scanned only once for entry. If your ticket was purchased from someone who sold the tickets to multiple parties, only the first person who shows up will be granted entry. 

Are there still tickets / VIP tickets to a show?
You can check this by finding the show on the Mission Theater online calendar and clicking the ticket link, where availability information will be displayed. 
 
I couldn’t get a ticket for a sold-out show. Is there any way I can get one?
The best we can say is that sometimes the artist or promoter will release some tickets that they’ve been holding onto. We can’t predict, however, if or when that might happen. 
 
How do you accommodate for ADA?
For ADA accommodations please contact us by email. Please note we are only able to accommodate until the ADA section is at capacity.

I understand there are stairs leading into the Mission’s main floor. Do you have accessibility options? 
Yes, we are wheelchair accessible. We have a ramp leading to our side entrance on 17th Avenue; just let security at the front door know you need ramp access. 
 
Can I bring my camera to a show? 
While we don’t have specific house policy, we do enforce the band’s policies, and we don’t typically know those policies until the day of the show. Usually only phones or small handheld cameras are allowed, but all attendees are subject to the stipulations from the band. Professional camera gear is almost never permitted. 
 
Are Light Gloves allowed?
Yes.

 Is there a coat check?
There is no coat check at the Mission Theater. 
 
What’s your re-entry policy?
Due to a variety of factors in play for each performance, re-entry policy is determined on the day of the show, and we can’t guarantee that re-entry will be permitted. Please see our House Rules (above) for additional important entry-based information.
 
I’m interested in performing at your venue; who can I contact?
You can email booking@mcmenamins.com.
 
I want to work at the Mission Theater! 
We want to hear from you! Please check out our employment page and apply there!
 
I want to hold a private event in that glorious space!
Please visit our private event page for details! We have a dedicated staffer that can help with weddings, meetings, parties, you name it!
 
What is the venue capacity?
300 standing, 200 seated
 
Do you have air conditioning?
We do indeed have air conditioning, but there’s a LOT of air in the room and it can be tricky to keep the space cool. We set up water stations at our shows, and you are permitted to bring your own empty water bottle to fill there so you can stay hydrated. 
 
How do I get my McMenamins passport stamped?
Mission Theater stamps are only provided at the bar in the venue, and you must attend an event in order to receive one! If there’s no show or a show is sold out then you’re out of luck for that night, so plan ahead and pick a show from our fine selection of upcoming events! Another option is to wait for our occasional open houses or other free events, as we issue stamps for those events as well. 

History

The location that serves as one of McMenamins favorite neighborhood theater pubs was the locus of great spiritual zeal beginning in the 1890s. That's when the Swedish Evangelical Mission established its church here....

From a church to a theater-pub to event space, the Mission's history ain't exactly saintly. Click here for more info!

Photos

Use the arrows to scroll through the photos, or click on any image to view the gallery in flickr.


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