The Yardbirds have been wellspring for great guitarists (e.g., Clapton, Page, and Beck) playing riveting rock and roll and blues music for five decades. Original drummer Jim McCarty leads an all-star band through the hit songs and the fabled stories of one of the original rock groups. Alongside McCarty will be their latest guitarist, Godfrey Townsend, who has played with a range of greats from John Entwistle to Jack Bruce; lead singer/guitarist John Idan; vocalist/harmonica/percussionist Myke Scavone (formerly with Ram Jam and The Doughboys); and bassist Kenny Anderson (Bob Dylan, Hall & Oates, Billy Idol and more). You can expect to hear many classics numbers such as “For Your Love” and “Heart Full Of Soul,” along with other favorites.

Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St. Wednesday, February 5, 8:00 pm. General Admission $47.50 at albertarosetheatre.com, $55.00 at the door. Preferred Seating $65.00 (seating in the first 5 rows of the center section). Minors ok when accompanied by a parent or guardian

Benefit for Randy Monroe

Bassist Randy Monroe has long been a vital member of the Portland music community, working with funk and soul acts from the 1970s, Linda Hornbuckle for more than two decades and most recently with Bottleneck Blues Band. Recently he suffered a stroke that has inhibited him from being able to perform and work. He has quite a path of rehabilitation ahead of him, so vocalist Amy Keys Struck is organizing a special benefit concert for him at Spud Monkeys in early January. This event will surely have many of the area’s top musicians on hand to help out, please plan to attend and donate to help Randy. If you’re unable to attend and wish to help Randy, visit his Gofundme page.

Spud Monkey’s, 1716 NW Fairview Dr. Gresham. Friday, January 3. 8:00 pm.

Marina Crouse is one of the most notable talents on the San Francisco/Bay Area music scene. Her early classical training is reflected in her powerful and versatile vocal style that creates a genuine excitement in every performance. Blessed with an incredibly expressive voice early in life, Marina Crouse applies her distinctive talents to a wide range of material while delivering an emotional authenticity that consistently cuts deep. She gained a lot of attention locally when she performed at last summer’s Waterfront Blues Festival, so many fans will be looking forward to her return this month as she joins local guitar hero and three-time Blues Music Award nominee Ben Rice and his band for what is certain to be an exciting and memorable night of blues.

Catfish Lou’s, 2540 SW Fallbrook Pl, Beaverton. Thursday, January 9, 8:00 pm.

Guitar Player Magazine writes, “If San Francisco is home to anyone approaching the abilities of a modern Jimi Hendrix, it’s Eric McFadden.”
In Review describes McFadden as: “Encompassing three decades of recording and performing live, McFadden has created his own original style. His music is dirty, his guitar is dirty, and his attitude is dirty. Not in a “screw you” way but in the gut-wrenching, no-holds-barred, breaking-all-the-rules way. Who can say what Blues really is when the music and lyrics gush out like a river of pain from one’s personal experiences? The Blues comes in many shapes and sizes. We often try to put our finger on it but it easily slips into another form keeping the music relevant and forever alive. While delivering the goods with the same energy as the Clash and the Ramones, Eric McFadden’s Blues seek its own musical footprint on (his new album) Pain By Numbers.”

Dante’s, 350 W Burnside St. Friday, January 24. 9:00 pm. $12.00 Ticketweb.com. 21 & over. (Eric McFadden will return to Dante’s on Wednesday, January 29 to open for New York-based artist Kate Vargas)

Austin’s Eric Johnson has been traveling on a prolific odyssey over the course of more than four decades. Along the way, his creations have encompassed repertoire that cross pollinate genres which include rock, blues, jazz, fusion, soul, folk, new-age, classical and even country. Inevitably E.J. says it best himself in sharing. “It really boils down to the music and the song at the end of the day,” he explains. “If it doesn’t have that it gets boring for me. The most important thing for me is to grow musically and make a more expansive and meaningful artistic statement with every new project.”  His 202 tour will be titles Classics: Past & Present, focusing on his latest recording alongside a repertoire from his prolific career.

Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave. Sunday, January 12, 8:00 pm. $35.00 Eventbrite.com. All ages.