Toughcats

Best ROOTS ACT in PORTLAND

Holy smokes! Seriously? The Jerks didn’t win Best Roots Act this year? Toughcats should not take lightly the responsibility of beating the seven-time champions, or last year's upstart winners, King Memphis. But when you’re a band who can both rip up a racing “Salt Creek” and hang with Deerhoof, maybe anything’s possible. The little three-piece that could from North Haven have already scored an NPR appearance, and 2006’s Pinata continues to draw raves for its innovative use of traditional instruments. The Toughcats are even politically active, stumping for hometown hero Chellie Pingree as she battles for a seat in Congress (they’ve raised nearly $5000 for her in online contributions alone). Most importantly, though, these guys are a blast to see live, with Jake Greenlaw whaling away on his makeshift drum kit while Joe Nelson and Colin Gulley stand as pillars with quick right hands.


— Sam Pfeifle

Runners-up
1. King Memphis
2. Jerks of Grass
3. Sean Mencher