*photo credit: Zim Zimmerman/Light Monkeys

Gratitude is essentially a virtue. It used to be the norm for bands and solo musicians to have a particular hubris about them-a cocky air craving the praise of their fans for oftentimes no reason at all. Thankfully artists aren't as much like that anymore. Power pop quintet Maurice and the Stiff Sisters show this, demonstrating how farther a good relationship with the audience can take you in addition to talent.

The group hasn't been around for very long. In about a year's time since they've been a band they've already played to masses of people, like at the Kenton Street Fair, as well as to pretty varying crowds like patrons of the southeast country bar Landmark Saloon. Maurice and the Stiff Sisters have a type of accessible sound that's easy for all crowds to enjoy. Their power pop is not only delightfully catchy, but also mixes in romantic soulful notes that make them even more lovable. 

Seeing Maurice and the Stiff Sisters is just as enjoyable as listening to them, which in part helped them become one of our June artists of the month. You can catch their next set at the end of July for an ACLU benefit at Dig A Pony, along with Bubblecats and Snowblind Traveler. Until then, enjoy their performance video for "Our Old Haunts" and an adoring acceptance video for their win.

After months of strenuous hard work, the 13th annual PDX Pop Now Festival is here to be enjoyed by Portland's newest wave of all-age music appreciators. Each year, numbers of volunteers spend so much of their personal time trying to make the festival happen by showcasing the city's best up and coming artists and today, the fruits are now ripe for entertainment.

Sabonis, a somewhat shoegazey, somewhat lo-fi alt indie group is opening up the fest, using the chill vibes to ease everyone into a weekend of craziness. Saola, playing after Sabonis, is probably one of the greatest bands out there right now that still happens to be in high school. They're bringing the heaviest element to the day's lineup, with a doom metal output.

Folky stylings are represented by Loch Lomond, Dragging an Ox Through Water and Snowblind Traveler, with a country-ish twang coming from Jenny Don't & the Spurs.

Ali Muhareb's Mujahedeen and Eyelids are the trippiest of the bunch and electronic lovers Gold Casio are helping one of the only hip hop acts, Mic Capes, get bodies moving towards the end of the night.

The first day of PDX Pop Now offers a little bit of something for everyone, as do the other two days of the fest. It officially begins at 6pm tonight, so be sure to come out. It's free!

If you weren't able to make it to the Red Bull Sound Select show at Mississippi Studios last Tuesday featuring Yacht, Wampire and Snowblind Traveler... fear not, The Deli Portland was on the scene capturing photographic documentation to help you feel like you didn't miss out. Photos by Brandy Crowe and Colette Pomerleau. 

- Travis Leipzig

Yacht

Wampire

Snowblind Traveler

 Check out the rest of the photos here!

Tomorrow night, the Redbull Sound Select concert series is back at Mississippi Studios, this month featuring YACHT, Wampire and Snowblind Traveler. There is a crossfire of guitar riffs, funky-fast bass, and glitchy synths that make up the extreme dance party of YACHT.  The harmonies of Jona Bechtolt and Claire Evans headily remind you that life is boring, and sometimes a dystopia, but it’s yours to enjoy. Their trust is an optimistic mix of disco with some influences from Daft Punk, Talking Heads, and samples (like the Knight Rider theme on "See A Penny") that expresses hedonistic euphoria through sparkling electropop. Summer is here (practically) and YACHT is back in Portland from LA to help us celebrate. Local psychedelic pop rockers Wampire and Bay Area folksters (reminiscent to Elliot Smith) Snowblind Traveler will add to the fun. RSVP HERE to secure entry to the show for only $3!

- Brandy Crowe