Chris Smither
Alberta Rose Theatre is proud to present the legendary Chris Smither.Born in Miami, during World War II, Chris Smither grew up in New Orleans where he first started playing music as a child. The son of a Tulane University professor, he was taught the rudiments of instrumentation by his uncle on his mother’s ukulele. “Uncle Howard,” Smither says, “showed me that if you knew three chords, you could play a lot of the songs you heard on the radio. And if you knew four chords, you could pretty much rule the world.” With that bit of knowledge under his belt, he was hooked. “I’d loved acoustic music – specifically the blues – ever since I first heard Lightnin’ Hopkins’ Blues In My Bottle album. I couldn’t believe the sound Hopkins got. At first I thought it was two guys playing guitar. My style, to a degree, came out of trying to imitate that sound I heard.” The 20th release, All About the Bones (release date: May 3, 2024 on Signature Sounds/Mighty Albert, distributed by Redeye) is as elemental as the inky black shadows cast by a shockingly bright moon. Featuring eight brand new Chris Smither songs and Smither renditions of Eliza Gilkyson’s “Calm Before the Storm” and also Tom Petty’s “Time to Move On”, the listener is welcomed into some gothic mansion on an imaginary New Orleans street, and there in the lamplit parlor confronts the band, a minimalist skeleton crew: Smither’s inimitable propulsive guitar and rumbling baritone are joined seamlessly to producer David Goodrich’s carpetbag of instruments, Zak Trojano’s rock-steady, primal drumming, BettySoo’s diaphanous harmony vocals, and the flat, mournful flood of Jazz legend Chris Cheek’s saxophone. Recorded at Sonelab Studios in Easthampton MA by Justin Pizzoferrato All About the Bones has a feel that is somehow baroque and austere at once. In 2026, the independent film The Singers, in which Chris made his acting debut, won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short. Directed by Sam Davis, Chris joined producer Jack Piatt and fellow cast members at the Oscars to celebrate. Minors ok with parent/guardian Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
Shawn Phillips with special guest Rhythm DeLucco
Alberta Rose Theatre is proud to present The Legendary Shawn Phillips. The man whom Bill Graham called “The best kept secret in the music business”, who taught Joni Mitchell her first guitar techniques, also taught George Harrison of the Beatles his first lessons on sitar, the man who wrote the music to Donovan’s “Season Of The Witch” and has played with many of the finest musicians in the world including Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood. He’s produced 27 albums and is known around the world for his refusal to bow down to commercialism in the music industry. He has done what many singer/songwriters don’t do, which is to continue to evolve his creative skills in his concerts. When he comes into a venue, he brings the sounds of an entire Symphony Orchestra in real time and plays the songs so many love as close as possible to what was recorded on the albums. All in real time! All solo! He has a powerful new show he is debuting on his 2024 tour. This is a show you do not want to miss! Tickets are going fast, so you should book now.Portland’s own enigmatic singer songwriter, Rhythm DeLucco opens the show. Tickets:$35 Advance$45 At the Door Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardianReview our Health & Safety Policies HERE
Chris Smither – ALL ABOUT THE BONES Album Release with special guest BettySoo
Alberta Rose Theatre is proud to present the legendary Chris Smither.As noted by the New York Times, Rolling Stone, MOJO, NPR, and others, in the decades of travels to All About the Bones, Chris Smither has gone from up-and-comer to journeyman to veteran to icon, and yet the whole time his path has more closely resembled Joseph Campbell’s “Hero with a Thousand Faces”- an unblinking, fearless trek into the depths of struggle and revelation, and a return back to the land of the living, to share the hard-won treasures found along the way. His restlessness is long gone, and his eyes are fixed “where the moonlight falls on some never-to-be-seen horizon” (“Still Believe in You”). The light given off from his music casts our own lives into a sublime and welcome clarity. Austin singer/songwriter BettySoo opens the show. Tickets:$30 Advance$38 At the Door Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardianReview our Health & Safety Policies HERE
Karla Bonoff
One of the finest singer/songwriters of her generation, Karla Bonoff has seen her songs become hits for Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd and Linda Ronstadt in addition to her own chart success. Tickets$35 General Admission $45 GA At the Door $55 Preferred Seating (seating in the first 7 rows of the center section)Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our Health & Safety Policies HERE
Kiki’s Delivery Service of Love Songs and Heartbreak
“Love can only be described in the way it is lived: in parts” Kiki’s Delivery Service of Love Songs and Heartbreak is a captivating musical journey that transcends the boundaries of love, heartbreak, and the rollercoaster of emotions in between. This concert curated by local actor/singer Kimo Camat is a heartfelt exploration of love’s highs and lows, punctuated with soul-stirring love songs, evocative spoken word poetry, and tales of unforgettable (and sometimes cringe-worthy) dating experiences. Fusing Funk, Neo Soul, and a dash of Musical Theatre, Kimo and his band will take you to sonic heights with soulful covers and premiering an original piece. This show is a celebration that invites you to honor that special someone in your life – whether it’s a cherished coworker, an elusive crush, or even just a dear friend.In a world where Valentine’s Day can elicit both euphoria and melancholy, “Kiki’s Delivery Service of Love Songs and Heartbreak” is a safe haven for all. For those who find themselves in the ambivalence of this day, this is a reminder that you’re not alone – the heartaches, ice cream, and existential moments in the shower are part of the shared human experience. Kimo Camat has had the privilege to spend the last 16 years creating art on stage and has found solace in singing and performing. His band includes Mak Kastelic (piano), Joseph Mammarella (guitar), Juliet Terrill (bass), Paul Van Sickle (drums), Christina Avellan Mantilla / Kristin Robinson / Brave Sohacki (backing vocals). Tickets: $20 Advance$25 At the DoorMinors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our Health & Safety Policies HERE
She’s Speaking Live: A Concert Celebrating Women Songwriters
Join us for an evening concert celebrating women! Eight phenomenal Oregon women songwriters backed by a killer band will share original songs inspired by women and pay tribute to some of their musical sheroes. This inspiring collaboration will touch your heart, uplift your spirit, and get your toes tapping while honoring the power of women’s voices and stories. Started in 2020 by Oregon singer-songwriters Bre Gregg, Kristen Grainger, and Beth Wood, She’s Speaking creates forums/spaces where women’s voices and artistry can be heard by all people. Featured performers include:Ashleigh FlynnCrystal LarizaMarilyn KellerJenny ConleeBre GreggBeth WoodKristen Graingerand special guest Lady A backed by The Riveters! More info at https://shesspeakingsongs.com Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our venue FAQ here ALL SALES ARE FINAL. PLEASE, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ORDER BEFORE PURCHASING. NO REFUNDS.
She’s Speaking Live: A Concert Celebrating Women Songwriters
Join us for an evening concert celebrating women! Eight phenomenal Oregon women songwriters backed by a killer band will share original songs inspired by women and pay tribute to some of their musical sheroes. This inspiring collaboration will touch your heart, uplift your spirit, and get your toes tapping while honoring the power of women’s voices and stories. Started during the shutdown in 2020 by Oregon singer-songwriters Bre Gregg, Kristen Grainger, and Beth Wood, She’s Speaking creates forums/spaces where women’s voices and artistry can be heard by all people. With Arietta Ward, Naomi LaViolette, Liz Chibucos, Lisa Mann, Bre Gregg, Beth Wood & Kristen Grainger. More info at https://shesspeakingsongs.com Doors open at 7:00Tickets:$30 Advance$35 At the Door Minors ok with Parent or Guardian VIEW OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES HERE
Ruthie Foster with special guest Jeff Plankenhorn
Ruthie brings her band along this time and will rock the Rose!Ruthie Foster is a four-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who mixes a wide palette of American song forms, from gospel and blues to jazz, folk and soul. Described by Rolling Stone as “pure magic to watch and hear,” her vocal talent was elevated in worship services at her community church. Drawing influence from legendary acts like Mavis Staples and Aretha Franklin, Foster developed a unique sound unable to be contained within a single genre. That uniqueness echoes a common theme in Ruthie’s life and career – marching to the beat of her own drum.Healing Time is the latest jewel in Foster’s accomplished career, which includes multiple Grammy nominations and collaborations with fellow luminaries like Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks. For her latest, Foster contributed more to the writing process than she had on any of her previous albums, effectively refining her own song craft in the process. “With this album, I dug deep and tried to go for the best way to write,” she explains. “This album says a lot about the period we were making it in, and how I wanted to find my way out of it.”Ruthie Foster’s ninth studio album represents a new high water mark for the veteran blues artist—a collection of songs possessing pure power, like a tidal wave of musical generosity. Healing Time finds Foster pushing her boundaries as a singer and songwriter more than ever before, creating a truly live-sounding atmosphere with the help of her band, who sound refreshingly loose and lived-in throughout these 12 songs. We’ve all been in need of some healing in recent times, and Foster’s latest provides a guide for how to move through the world with equal parts compassion and resolve.Alberta Rose fave Jeff Plankenhorn opens the show.$39 Advance$49 At the Door$59 Preferred Seating (seating in the first 7 rows of the center section)Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our Health & Safety Policies HERE
Cheryl Wheeler with Special Guest Kenny White
It has always seemed as if there were two Cheryl Wheelers, with fans of the New England songwriter relishing watching the two tussle for control of the mic. There is poet-Cheryl, writer of some of the prettiest, most alluring and intelligent ballads on the modern folk scene. And there is her evil twin, comic-Cheryl, a militant trend defier and savagely funny social critic. The result is a delightful contrast between poet and comic.Featuring special guest Kenny White! $30 Advance$38 At the Door Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Review our Health & Safety Policies HERE
Nellie McKay – Hey Guys, Watch This Album Release with special guest Mason Sawyer
Nellie McKay!Under the lonesome cry of the midnight train, stars twinkling over hillbilly lights in the mountain fog, Nellie McKay returns with her first album of original material in 13 years. Recorded in Charleston, West Virginia with The Carpenter Ants & a roving retinue of musical compadres, Hey Guys, Watch This traces the haunted sounds of Appalachia to a renaissance of revelry. So fill up your red cup & pull on your shitkickers ‘cause the night is young & the moon is bright, even if we’re not. Nellie McKay won a Theatre World Award for her portrayal of Polly Peachum on Broadway in The Threepenny Opera, performed onscreen in the films PS I Love You and Downtown Express, and her music was used in Rumor Has It, Monster-in-Law, PS I Love You, Gasland, Last Holiday and Private Life. McKay co-created and starred in the award-winning off-Broadway hit Old Hats and has written three acclaimed musical biographies – I Want to Live!, the story of Barbara Graham, third woman executed in the gas chamber at San Quentin, Silent Spring: It’s Not Nice to Fool Mother Nature, an exploration of environmental pioneer Rachel Carson, and A GIRL NAMED BILL – The Life and Times of Billy Tipton, named one of the Best Concerts of 2014 by The New York Times. Nellie’s music has been heard on Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, Weeds, Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, Nurse Jackie, and SMILF, and she has appeared on TV shows including The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, Ferguson, and The View. Nellie has made numerous radio appearances on NPR’s Mountain Stage, A Prairie Home Companion, eTown, and Marion McPartland’s Piano Jazz. The Chase Brock Experience produced a ballet of her third album, Obligatory Villagers, and she contributed the forward to the 20th anniversary edition of The Sexual Politics of Meat. Her writing has also appeared in The Onion, Interview and The New York Times Book Review.Portland singer-songwriter Mason Sawyer opens the show.Tickets:$28 Advance$32 At the Door Minors ok with parent/guardianReview our Health & Safety Policies HERE