Martha Wainwright

Wednesday, March 13

When you title your first EP Bloody Motherfucking Asshole, it’s pretty clear you don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks. Such has been the practice of folk-rocker Martha Wainwright, whose big voice and bigger confessions have been stopping listeners in their tracks for a decade. Known for her explosive vocals—an obvious genetic benefit—Wainwright’s edgy, confessional songs are refreshing in a “This isn’t conventional folk but it’s absolutely lovely” kind of way. She’s snarky and eccentric—while still allowing her regal voice to shine. Tonight, expect to hear plenty of the raw instrumental wanderings from her third LP, 2012’s Come Home to Mama. With Shenandoah Davis. Tractor Tavern, 5213 Ballard Ave. N.W., 789-3599. 9 p.m. $15. KEEGAN PROSSER

The Joe Doria Trio

Friday, March 15

When Joe Doria plays around town—which he does nearly every night—his enormous Hammond organ comes with him. If you’ve ever seen this thing, you know the man has a passion for his work—lugging this behemoth to and fro is like schlepping around Kubrick’s monolith night after night. The man’s heart and soul is matched only by the funky sounds of the many musical projects that feature him tinkling those humming keys, which include collaborations with Michael Shrieve and Skerik. Mind his gear haul (and your toes) when he arrives for his Tuesday-night gigs at the tiny Seamonster with McTuff. Tonight at the Sunset you’ll have more room to groove, but who knows how he’ll get that thing onstage. With Cliff Colon and Brian Kirk. Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave. N.W., 784-4880. 10 p.m. $8.

GWENDOLYN ELLIOTT

Imaginary Pants

Saturday, March 16

Rarely does a band pique my interest so immediately with two words: imaginary pants. It’s the best band name I’ve heard in weeks—which is saying something, because it’s basically my job to skim venue web pages for silly names. Yes, I gave myself that job, MOVING ON. With that on the table, I’d like to say that IP is Rose Melberg and Jon Manning from Vancouver, B.C., and their latest self-titled EP is DEFCON-level-four cute. Picture the Young Evils handing Witch Gardens a teddy bear that’s holding a daisy with a smiley face painted on it. You don’t want to know what DEFCON-level-five cuteness is. Come get your smile right. With Slim Moon & What Army, Steve Fisk, Marzanna, Magma Festival. 20/20 Cycle, 2020 E. Union St., 568-3090. 8 p.m. TBA. All ages. 
TODD HAMM

Murs

Saturday, March 16

A very relatable MC from the deeply talented Bay-to-L.A. Living Legends crew, Murs has been laying down conversational, storytelling verses since the ’90s. His everyman subject matter occasionally dips into the mundane (see his tiring stream of relationship songs), but his catalog has remained at a reasonably high level over the years, thanks in large part to his partnership with exquisite North Carolina producer 9th Wonder. Although he’s recently parted ways (professionally) with his Living Legends family, his friendly skateboard/love/life rhymes have pushed forward with new collaborators like bill-mate Fashawn. And speaking of collabs, will opener Prof pull local guy Type on stage for their LOL-fest track “My Backpack”? With Fashawn, the Breaklites. Crocodile, 2200 Second Ave., 441-4618. 8 p.m. $15. All ages.

TODD HAMM

I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch 
in the House

Sunday, March 17

Seeing Portland’s barn-burning alt-country-punk act is a perfectly acceptable way to spend your St. Patty’s Day. They may not play jigs, but the band will provide the perfect accompaniment to your boozy escapes, with their equal love of Crazy Horse and Black Flag. Tourmates Drag the River play a similar blend of punk-influenced Americana, though their formula is flipped—alt-country with punk roots, as opposed to I Can Lick Any SOB’s brand of punk rock with a twang. Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave. N.W., 784-4880. 8:30 p.m. $8. 
21 and over.

DAVE LAKE