portland
friday 31
The Black Keys
Blues music, costumes. Need we say more? One of the biggest revivalist successes in the indie-world and on the Top-40 charts in the last five years has been Ohio duo The Black Keys. Influenced by blues greats from Junior Kimbrough to Howlin' Wolf and Robert Johnson, the band recently released the psychedelically charged Turn Blue. 8 pm. Moda Center. $35-65.
saturday 1
Erotic Ball
Halloween is all about fantasy and role-playing, so it makes sense that it would coincide with 15th Annual Portland Erotic Ball. It's a safe bet that everyone will be dressed as a sexy-something-or-other at this adults-only bash featuring Patrick Lamb, Pepe & the Bottle Blondes, the Wanderlust Circus and The Slant. But be sure to step it up in the costume department (no pre-packaged "slutty nurse" or "hunky firefighter") if you want to compete for $5,000 in cash and prizes. 8 pm. The Crystal Ballroom. $39 advance (general admission); $69 limited VIP advance (includes hosted bar, balcony access).
saturday 1
Courtney Barnett
An Australian punk rocker with a lust for writing about drugs, masturbating, and generally being wasted, Courtney Barnett's garagey deadpan sets her apart from your average lady rock star. There's something essentially '90s about the highly praised artist and especially in the simplistic, mundane scenario turned apathetic songs on her latest release, The Double EP: A Sea Of Split Peas. 9 pm. Wonder Ballroom. $16.
ashland
friday 31
Halloween Parade
The Halloween day children's parade has become a time-honored tradition in Ashland, kicking off the trick-or-treating festivities in style. Ghouls, goblins, and giraffes march toward the plaza, with Samba Like it Hot leading the charge. Post-parade zombie flash mobs and spooky storytelling will also take place. 3:30 pm. Downtown Ashland. Free.
