Martin Zarzar is an accomplished man. Born in Lima, Peru and raised in South America, Europe, and the United States, he currently calls Portland Oregon home. He is a Berklee alumni, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist as a guitarist, percussionist, vocalist, and arranger, and has ten years of collaboration with the acclaimed ensemble Pink Martini. In addition, he has released two albums of solo works, Two Dollars To Ride The Train, and Libre which was released on June 26th of this year. Tonight, August 22, 2013, there will be a CD release concert for that album at the Alberta Rose Theatra on 3000 NE Alberta St in Portland OR. The concert begins at 8:00 and you can RSVP via Facebook and then let Martin know you'll be coming to the show by sending him a tweet.

The show will feature performances by The Brazillionaires, Women Of The World, a guest acrobatic appearance by Pendulum Arial Arts performer Sarah Hardy, and of course Martin Zarzar and friends which include musicians Paul Mazzio, David Evans, Stan Bock, Dan Gaynor, Al Criado, Israel Annoh, Simon Lucas. The evening promises to be a unique and fulfilling multi-cultural musical experience. Read on for my review of Libre and I will see you tonight Portland. You dig?

Vikesh Kapoor is set to release his debut album in the growing family of the Portland based Mama Bird Recording Co. this October 15th. It will be entitled The Ballad of Willy Robbins. Drawing inspiration from his family roots in rural Pennsylvania, Vikesh Kapoor writes material which centralizes around the hardship of the working class American, but expressed through the character study of Willy Robbins. In other words, the character is the vehicle for his compositions and stories. In this way Vikesh Kapoor is continuing the tradition of American troubadours like Woody Guthrie and Tom Waits.

In the single I Dreamt Blues, Vikesh paints the picture of a seemingly endless work cycle and the feelings of apathy or insignificance in the face of great power which can accompany that lifestyle. His lyrics are poignant, beautifully written, and should give you pause for repose when considered. Please read on for my full thoughts.

Julianna Barwick releases her newest album Nepenthe on Tuesday, but NPR's got a first listen link you should not miss.