Only a few more months to treat Portland, OR as a work location, but thought the info might come in handy for people travelling the I-5 corridor...or easy striking distance from Columbia & Hanford...
Best concert venue (possibly my favorite in the world) is the amphitheatre at the Zoo...they run free/cheap concerts all summer and you can take the family, so...
Good live music all year long at The Alladdin and Berbati's gets its fair share of fun acts, too. The Crystal Ballroom is a great place to dance when they have the right band, but the seating is almost non-existent, so only go for bands you are willing to stand for.
I love the Laurelthirst for a beer...AND they have the best early evening music, so...