Will Mackie-Jenkins released his debut EP Cherries In Bloom, early this month. The former dweller of the Appalachian mountains kicks off the EP with a harmonica drenched love ballad to Chicago in the Winter. Despite it being in the 50's today it still hits home every time.

You can catch Will Mackie-Jenkins at The Store (2002 N. Halsted) on January 16th with All The Wine and Elk Walking.

The San Francisco frontman and singer/songwriter, Luke Sweeney has released a new Christmas song to celebrate his holiday residency at Amnesia. We're excited to share his charming new song and to give you details on the final date of the residency. Don't miss it!

"For December 22nd we have holiday-decorated solos & duets by Bart Davenport, Sarah Bethe Nelson, Anna Hillburg, DONCAT, Michael Shaw, and Jitsun Vincent plus some special guests w/ DJ Golden Grams. I write a holiday original once a year, and I plan on playing a few of them for the occasion. It will be an inspired time sharing the stage with friends and creating some warm winter magic.” - Luke Sweeney

Tuesday 12/22 solos & duets with Bart Davenport, Sarah Bethe Nelson, Anna Hillburg, DONCAT, Michael Shaw & Jitsun Vincent, and Luke Sweeney. Presented by BFF.fm- Best Frequencies Forever

Recently launched PDX label Smoking Surgeon is preparing to release its first compilation, You Play Music Like A Girl, just before the holiday hits. Don't let the title upset you though, Portland. The main focus of the compilation is to spotlight Portland's various female-inclusive acts, attempting to counteract the phrase's negative connotation in a satirical and talented way, bringing new life to the phrase.

...Like A Girl will feature some of the city's finest in fem power, from bassists and guitarists to keyboardists and songwriters. Vocalists, too. Enjoy the sounds of locals Old Wave, Haley Heynderickx, Coco Columbia and Pony Village on the comp, plus many more.

A release show will be held in celebration of its launch at the Liquor Store on December 22nd. Playing the show will be Lubec, The Century and Moniker with entrance only being $5. Just so you know, $8 will get you entry plus a copy of the comp!

Smoking Surgeon Records was bred by lovely lady musician Emma Browne and Justin Chase, who happened to come from a home of musically inclined women. Aside from a mutual passion and respect for women in music, the two also share the stage as part of the band Rare Diagram. Both in the band and as a record label, the two only manifest a greatness worthy of all our attention.

-Cervante Pope

Dogs at Large released their album Please Refrain early this month. They self-produced and released this project but the sound is sharp for basement rock. They are following a trend of late of '90's alternative rock throwbacks, but as with most this sound can not be overdone. You can download Please Refrain for free here.

You can catch Dogs At Large on 12/20 at Reggie's with Krol Kleks and Flamingo.

Ezra Furman has released a new track, "The Prisoner", which was the b-side to his single "Restless Year". Furman also announced his Spring tour which will have in Austin for SXSW.

You can catch Ezra Furman at Lincoln Hall with Sleepy Kitty on March 26th.