The 11 Best Shows of Doug Fir's First Decade

Alicia Rose:

Quasi and the Joggers (Oct. 9, 2004)

This first night really set the pace for what was to come at Doug Fir. Sam and Janet of Quasi tore it up like they had built the place, and the Joggers were incredibly kinetic. 

Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings (May 17, 2005)

The show was off the charts, wild and full of what we now know as Sharon's signature performance genius. But my favorite part of the show was when I greeted the band at sound check—the first thing Sharon said was: "Thank God, we made it. Now, where's the weed?"

Jamie Lidell (April 14, 2006)

He strolled out in a velvet smoking jacket and proceeded to croon and prowl his way around the stage, bunching up panties and melting hearts.  One of the best “unexpected” nights I can remember. 

Spoon (May 25, 2007) 

Britt Daniel had moved to Portland around that time and was skulking around the Fir quite often.  I had to do some major sweet-talking/stalking/cocktail-comping to get him to agree to the underplay, but it was worth it.

Nick Jaina, the Builders & the Butchers, and Bark, Hide & Horn (Dec. 31, 2008)

The perfect goodbye for my tenure at the Fir.  Everybody on this bill had become good pals of mine, and the lineup represented the best of Portland at the time. 

Matthew McLean:

Rodriguez (June 24, 2009) 

This was long before the world knew Rodriguez's story, and you could tell from the attendance, but everybody in the room knew they were seeing something special.  

Tortoise (June 9, 2010)

They have long been one of my favorite bands, and to see them in the cozy confines of the Doug Fir was pretty mind-blowing.

James Blake (May 20, 2011)

He could have played a larger venue (and sold it out), but they kept it at Doug Fir, which is a testament to the room. 

Father John Misty (May 8, 2012)

Fear Fun was one of my favorite records of 2012, and the live show (and his stage antics) did not disappoint.   

No Name #1: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Elliott Smith (Aug. 4, 2013)

Elliott Smith's family put on a series of tribute shows around the country. You could almost feel Elliott's presence in the room. 

Dawn of Midi (Feb. 5, 2014)

My favorite set of 2014 (so far) was by an opening act. I can't remember the room being as full as it was and completely mesmerized over an opening act since the xx opened for Friendly Fires at Doug Fir in 2009.  

SEE IT: Doug Fir Lounge is at 830 E Burnside St. The club celebrates its 10th anniversary throughout the month of October.

WWeek 2015