Schools That Rock

Venues: The Crystal Ballroom is the music flagship in the McMenaminbrothers' empire. The brothers are known for taking beat-up spaces and retrofitting them into venues that appear to have more history than they do. Still, it's hard to fault the bookings at the 1,500-capacity Crystal, which includes weeklong residencies by the likes of Modest Mouse. Before they play the Crystal, most acts will have passed through Berbati's Pan, a 500-capacity stronghold that juggles a diverse array of talent. This is often the last stop before graduating to big theaters; Berbati's gave Portlanders their last intimate looks at the White Stripes, Rufus Wainwright and Franz Ferdinand.

Record Stores: With two locations, Jackpot Records sells a variety representing every imaginable genre. Clerks at both shops are well-informed and helpful. Mississippi Records and Repair is a mom-and-pop that stocks truckloads of affordable vinyl. Locals say that the bulletin board is a good place to find out about underpublicized shows at houses and small clubs.

(Posted July 28, 2005)

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