Michelle Malone with Ashleigh Flynn

I remember the first time I saw Michelle Malone.  My friend and Americana genius Ashleigh Flynn was opening up for a show in a small all-ages club in Portland. I had heard of "Moanin' Michelle Malone," but it was the first time I saw or heard her music.

Ashleigh had to stall the crowd, as Michelle and her crew were running late. Their van broke down somewhere between Oregon and California.  When Michelle and her drummer finally walked into the venue, they looked tired and cranky.  "This show is going to suck," I said to myself.

Instead, I was treated to one of the best rock-n-roll shows I have ever seen.  Michelle Malone is the real deal, a full time rocker with a dozen studio CDs and almost as many live recordings. 

Billboard magazine calls her "criminally underrated." Why she hasn't achieved more commercial success if beyond me.  The only reason I'm grateful is that I get to see her in small clubs, like my favorite Mississippi Studios.

If you're in Portland on Friday, come and check out Michelle Malone with my pal Ashleigh Flynn.

Mississippi Studios

Friday May 15
3939 N. Mississippi
Doors at 8, Show at 9
$12

If you don't see her in Portland, Michelle Malone is going a lot of places. Be sure to check her out.