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Friday, April 7, 2023

The Smokes

6:30 pm, doors, 7 pm show

$10 in advance, $10 day of show
Limited Seating, first come first serve.
Expect standing room.

21 and over

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The Smokes

Gritty, swampy rock 'n' roll

The Smokes

The Smokes make boozy, gritty, swampy rock 'n' roll music. Their nine-song, full-length effort 4-5-6 is 40 minutes of tempered fury produced by Northwest savant (and former Smokes' guitarist) Pat Kearns. Kearns is responsible for some of Oregon's most powerful rock music, with credits including the Exploding Hearts, Clorox Girls, Soda Pop Kids, Blue Skies for Black Hearts, The Nice Boys and Jerry Joseph + The Jackmormons. Driven by Robert Burnham's understated songwriting, blue-collar guitar and tobacco growl, The Smokes give a big nod to their forebears, but they don't wallow in nostalgia. They take a blowtorch to stacks of dusty 45s and LPs, leaving behind a misshapen, old-fashioned, and totally listenable hybrid. The music has the tube tones, analog warmth and grinding rhythms of classic radio rock like the Stones, T-Rex and CCR, plus The Cars' singalong hooks and Warren Zevon's ironic half-smirk. Other Smokes songs have more in common with iconic late-'70's punk acts like X or Iggy Pop. The Smokes roaring/bluesy/twangy set has earned them opening slots for cult-punkers like Sylvain Sylvain (of the New York Dolls). Fans of minimalism will appreciate the Smokes' ethics --nary a guitar solo appears on the nine songs of 4-5-6. Instead, keyboardist Mark Breitenbach delivers some of the grittiest Fender Rhodes you'll hear this decade. Seth Gibson's Motown bass rumble and Adam Alcala's disciplined drums lay down thick as yesterday's grits, never overstepping their bounds, never underplaying. The Smokes are old friends and have been sharing music for years, putting up with each other on the road and giving each other the feedback it takes to become a cohesive, well-schooled rock band.

MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/thesmokesmusic

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About Al's Den

Head downstairs at the Crystal Hotel to hang out in this venue named for Al Winter, Portland's 1940's gambling overlord. Enjoy a craft libation in this intimate, speakeasy-style space where live music and comedy fill the air.

Hours:
Wednesday & Thursday, 3 pm – 10 pm
Friday & Saturday, 3 pm – 1 am
Sunday, 3 pm - 10 pm
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Happy Hour drinks served 11 am – 5 pm
Happy Hour food served 2 – 5 pm and 10 pm – close
Late night happy hour on Friday & Saturday served 11pm – 1am
(21 and over only after 5 pm)

Menus

Afternoon & Bar   Dinner   Late Night   Beverage   Sidewalk Cocktails

The menu features local ingredients, house-baked breads, desserts and pastries from the Crystal Bakery, a specialty cocktail menu and an affordable yet approachable wine list, while a well-trained waitstaff provides a comfortable and welcoming guest experience. No reservations are necessary; stop by for a quick business lunch, a pre-show drink or an evening date night.

Explore the Crystal Blocks

Our Crystal Hotel and legendary Crystal Ballroom are just across the street from each other, each offering their own unique spaces for live music, Northwest style fare and McMenamins hand crafted beverages.  Explore these properties and all they have to offer. 

*Get 15% off room rates at Crystal Hotel, Sunday through Thursday with a ticket purchase. (Must mention at time of booking, must verify ticket at check in for discount) *restrictions apply. 

Crystal Ballroom Property

Crystal Ballroom  Lola's Room  Ringlers Pub  Crystal Brewery

Crystal Hotel Property

Crystal Hotel  Al's Den  Ringlers Annex  Zeus Cafe

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