A month or so ago local singer/songwriter John Vecchiarelli began experiencing double vision and was told he had a tumor in his sinus cavity. Doctors weren't sure if it was cancerous or benign, but after surgery last week it was discovered to be totally harmless. Still, the procedure and the surgeries to come will be costly and it's not yet certain whether Vecchiarelli's insurance will cover the extensive work. Acts playing a benefit in Vecchiarelli's honor include Horse Feathers, John Weinland, and Super XX Man—along with about 99,231 others, all crammed into the Doug Fir. Stay tuned to this column for more on the benefit closer to the October 22 show date.

Punk Planet columnist Josh Hooten and his wife, Michelle Schwegmann are opening an all-vegan retail store on Saturday, September 30, down on 5519 NE 30th. The store, which shares a name with Hooten's magazine, Herbivore, as The Herbivore Store, will feature cruelty-free goods such as shirts, bags, belts, wallets, books, art, aprons, and soap. The grand-opening party goes down from 6-10 pm. Also check out the new issue of Herbivore for a great review of the most recent Prids record, ...Until the World Is Beautiful. The Portland locals are currently touring (with Built to Spill) all over the effing place. Until the World recently broke onto the CMJ radio 200 college airplay chart.

How great are Gowns? How amazing will their Food Hole show be on Friday? Double outstanding on both counts. Gowns is members of Amps for Christ and Mae Shi doing this gorgeous, oscillating, smart-noise thing. Check out portlandmercury.com/blogtown for an interview with the band. Hear some Gowns music at myspace.com/gowns

Speaking of great, fuck yes to the new 31Knots EP, Polemics, out in November on Polyvinyl. Prog wail smash punk death fun mania.

Finally, there is a killer show coming to Portland Friday, October 6. Eternal Tapestry, Dark Priest, and Ilyas Ahmed will turn the Towne Lounge into a psychedelic swamp. Dark Priest is Dark Yoga without Honey Owens—who will be out of town. Dewey from Eternal Tapestry says Adam Forkner from Dark Yoga/Priest says their set will be "a mega feedback distorto jam." Best second-hand news I've ever heard. Don't miss this one.

Feedback distorto jam this: adam@portlandmercury.com