I don't know if I've ever spent as much time at the Station or Space as I did over last weekend. But in the final assessment, I (and I suspect a lot of other people) would say it was worth it.

By most accounts, all three shows over the weekend, Kool Keith & Kenmore, Sontiago, Dilly Dilly & Kid Koala, and Talib Kweli and DJ Jon all sold out. That's a lot of people cutting up a piece of their paycheck, but again, probably worth it.

Here's what I know:

Kool Keith really, really, really likes to "romance" the ladies. (I use the word romance because this blog is kid-tested and mother approved.) It was good to hear some of the Ultramagnetic stuff, but Dr. Octagon makes no secret about his favorite pastime. He also knows how to work the room, selling CDs and even handing out bras and underwear to the ladies.

It was also great to see Kenmore, who also featured SayLove and Dr. No on the turntables. Whenever I see Kenmore perform, I always end up wanting a little more.

As for Saturday, it can’t be said enough, but Kid Koala is one of the best DJs in the game, hands down. It’s not just that he mixes hip-hop with blues, rock, electronica and everything else (he had me when he worked in “Airbag” from Radiohead), but also that he seems to be having the best time of his life.

The show was also the first time I had seen Dilly Dilly and Gabe FM perform with Sontiago. If you took a ukulele, some dirty south beats and a little operatic range, you’d have an idea of the type of show the trio put on. Dilly Dilly is set to hit the road as part of the backing band for Sage Francis next month and Sontiago is releasing a new CD this fall.

The last stop on Saturday night was the Station, and Kweli was out of control – but in a good way. The over- and under-21 sides of the room were crowded for the late show, and Kweli did not waste time, running off tracks from all of his albums, including a new one from the upcoming “Ear Drum.” By the time he got around to “Get By,” off the album “Quality,” the crowd was with Kweli, word for word.

Like most people, I am not a professional photographer. Here’s a few photos from the weekend that was. Unfortunately, none of the pictures from the Kweli show were too good. And no, it’s not because of the PBRs. The place was packed, so getting close enough for a good photo would have meant throwing some elbows.

After a weekend like that, I think I'll be taking some down time. How fortunate that "The Shield" is on tonight.

FRIDAY:

Staff photo by Justin Ellis

Kool Keith does the Space Friday night in Portland. Sadly, no costumes were needed.

Staff photo by Justin Ellis

No, you need to understand that Kool Keith really likes the ladies.

SATURDAY :

Staff photo by Justin Ellis

Sontiago and Dilly Dilly break it down and show their B-girl skills.

Staff photo by Justin Ellis

Sontiago, Dilly Dilly and Gabe FM Saturday night at Space.

Staff photo by Justin Ellis

Suddenly, and without warning...there was breakdancing in between sets.

Staff photo by Justin Ellis

Kid Koala loves his job. Notice behind him the projection of his turntable moves.

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