Entertainment briefs 3/6

A mainstay at the Northshore, Furtado played the final night of music at the old Washington venue and makes his first return since that memorable evening.

Bluegrass enthusiasts come out of the woodwork to get their fix of Jackstraw's traditional, down-home sound and the progressive sounds of Furtado’s New Grass groove.

Looking ahead in March, Furtado’s fellow Boulder, Colo. friends ‘The Motet’ make a return for a show on Sunday, March 17.

For more information on bands and times visit www.rivercitysaloon.com.

deLay plays Riverside Grill

Nationally recognized bluesman Paul deLay performs at the Riverside Grill on Friday,

Real Blues Magazine calls deLay a,"one-of-a-kind national musical treasure," and "required listening for all who love blues. Six stars [highest rating] for a wonderful musical and personal statement the will enlighten and humble." Blues Revue Magazine says, "Stellar playing, singing and song writing ... Intelligent, technically dazzling and heartfelt."

His latest recording, Heavy Rotation on the Philadelphia-based Evidence Music label has been garnering rave reviews and heavy airplay on blues radio nationwide, climbing into the number-two spot on Living Blues Magazine's national blues radio charts. DeLay performs this weekend with longtime associate Peter Dammann on guitar and Geno Michaels on piano/keyboards/organ. Saturday, the Portland Funk All-Stars take the stage by storm, featuring danceable funk and R&B. The group features Steve Smith on vocals and guitar (Steve was seen in February with Ocean 503), Geno Michaels on piano/keyboards/organ, Ted Swenson on bass, and Jeff Ward on drums. This weekend's performances start at 9 p.m. and have no cover charge.

.rod laver plays the Armory

.rod laver and Friends of the People will be playing Thursday, March 7, at the Hood River Armory. Admission for the 6 p.m. show is $6 in advance or $8 at the door. Tickets are available at His Touch Christian Book Supply in Hood River and at www.nothingevents.com. This concert is a fundraiser for the Community Workday.

Evening of jazz at the Saloon

Kooken & Hoomen occupy the interim, the cracks that fall between Rock, Jazz and Electronic music. The bay area group plays tonight at the River City Saloon.