Mitch Wilson
Having recently returned to his Portland hometown after 7 years in New York City, Mitch Wilson is bringing his musically diverse experience and sound to McMenamins Al's Den. This week long residency is the story of Mitch as told through his musical history from beginnings to present day. Many people may know him best behind the scenes, but this April Mitch reaches out beyond the kit with a different musical theme each evening. You will get a glimpse into who Mitch is as an artist and how his special guests have shaped his musical life and career.
Nightly, alongside his friends and fellow musicians from PDX, he will perform personalized selections from his storied journey. From his beginnings as a jazz drummer à la "Whiplash" studying under Portland's finest Thara Memory and Mel Brown, to theater orchestra pit training at Portland Center Stage, to teeth cutting in Portland indie rock bands. Though Mitch is a Portland native, the Rose City may not yet be able to put a melody to a name, "Wilson creates music that mirrors the mood of the city where he resides." - Earmilk Music Blog. Portland also might not know that he was the original drummer/founding member of Taylor Momsen's buzzy rock band 'The Pretty Reckless.' Or, that he was the musical director of Mike Tyson's one man stage show 'Undisputed Truth' that premiered in Las Vegas. They might not know he was part of the creative team on the Tony Award nominated Broadway rock musical 'A Night with Janis Joplin,' or performed in the critically acclaimed Broadway show 'The Last Ship' written by and starring Sting. This is an opportunity for the Portland scene to get to know one of their own a little better. His focus has now turned to his own songwriting as he is adding another chapter to this musical story. His original compositions will be featured every night as the headlining act. Come by any evening, introduce yourself, say hello, Mitch would love to meet you and share his sound and style in the place where it at began.