Friday, December 5
The music venues in downtown Portland tend to present especially good shows on First Fridays, no doubt in hopes of luring tipsy art walkers into their lair, and this First Friday is no exception. Mostly local indie-rock craftsmen Brenda headline a triple bill at Empire (575 Congress St., Portland) with big-rock trio Purse and Fur (a three-piece remnant of The RattleSnakes) at 10 p.m. Tix: $8 (21+). 747-5063. portlandempire.com. And down the street at the State Theatre (142 High St.), the horn-powered army known as The Fogcutters presents the fourth volume of their Big Band Syndrome series, with special guests that include Frank Hopkins, Emilia Dahlin, Tony McNaboe and others, at 8 p.m. Tix: $15-$20 (all ages). 800-745-3000. statetheatreportland.com.