It goes without saying that Art Alexakis’ history with the Portland music scene is... difficult. But, like it or not, here is where he got his start, taking his alt-rock band Everclear to multi-platinum success and then refusing to fade away even as the cultural conversation shifted to nü-metal and hip-hop. He’s a grinder and, if nothing else, it would behoove you to respect his hustle. The 57-year-old singer/songwriter returns to Portland with a lovely folk-pop solo album (Sun Songs) in his hip pocket, and a lot on his mind after announcing earlier this year that he has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. by Robert Ham