Life During Wartime - Born Out of a Love of Talking Heads Music

For Life During Wartime, every performance matters, and, it’s that mantra, that keeps them delivering on the outlandish energy of a Talking Heads performance. Especially that of the epic 1984 concert film, Stop Making Sense, which they consider to be the most brilliant concert film of all time. The pace, theatrics, and sheer groove of that film inspired a group of energetic Portland musicians to form LDW in the summer of 2014.

“We got together to create the way it felt in 1984 at a Talking Heads show. Not to imitate, but to do great songs justice from an amazing period in music” says Lawrence Orleck, the group’s co-founder, who performs as David Byrne. “Talking Heads created some of the most adventurous, original and danceable music of the 1980s post-punk era and we wanted to give Portland audiences a taste of that excitement.” And, taste they did. In a relatively short amount of time, LDW has generated significant buzz in The Northwest. Audiences keep coming back. Not only for their exuberant interpretations of legendary Talking Heads hits like Burning Down the House, and Psycho Killer, but also for the improvisational, and random experience they deliver at every one of their shows.

"Plain and simple: When you are at a LDW show, you SEE LDW not some musical memory of a great band from the 80’s. That’s what separates a good night of music from a great night." That ethic has paid off as LDW continues to sell out larger and larger venues in The Northwest. 

“We also thought it would be an incredible adventure to put together, periodically, the actual Stop Making Sense performance. It’s a concept that starts with ostensibly no stage setup and out comes David Byrne with a beatbox and and acoustic. The stage slowly builds to a full performance as the players and gear ebb onto the stage – until a mid show climax with Byrne in a giant suit. It's great fun to honor the performance that was the nucleus for this project.” 

The band is performing Stop Making Sense, Talking Heads, and other surprise material in premier venues across the Northwest. Hop on board the swirl. Its dizzying but fun!

ABOUT MUSIC ON MAIN

The Portland’5 Centers for the Arts and the ArtBar & Bistro are proud to present the 12th Annual Music on Main outdoor concert series from July 5 to September 6, 2017. The free concerts are held in downtown Portland on Main Street, between Southwest Broadway & Park Avenue, next to Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

On Wednesday evenings starting in July, Portland’5 takes advantage of the lovely summer weather in Portland to present the free outdoor concert series. The concerts feature popular local and regional musicians playing a diverse collection of music.

The 2017 series features Hawaiian hot jazz, second line, country swing, Talking Heads tribute, Latin/salsa, R&B, and funk. The free concerts are open to the public and run from 5pm to 7pm – tickets are not required. The ArtBar & Bistro will be serving seasonal fare and delicious libations starting at 4:00pm. Tables are for food and beverage patrons only and are available on a first come, first-served basis.

Music on Main is made possible through the generous support of: TriMet HopPass, Willamette Week, 97.1 Charlie-FM, Charles Smith Wines, Full Sail Brewing Company, Bridgeport Brewing Company, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Trinchero Family Wine Estates, Jack Daniel's, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Elijah Craig Bourbon, Lunetta Prosecco, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Don Q Rum, Hendrick's Gin, and the Portland'5 Foundation.

*Performers subject to change. In case of rain or extreme heat, Music on Main concerts will be held in the rotunda lobby of Antoinette Hatfield Hall, located next to Main Street at 1111 SW Broadway Ave., Portland, Oregon 97205.