Does it help you appreciate music, when you know that the musicians are:
a) in love, or
b) nice people?

Tonight’s show bill at tastefully-refurbished former funeral parlor The Woods comes with a character reference: These are good folks. When local personality (former Chopsticks KJ and Trade Up axe-slinger) Nathan Junior isn’t touring internationally with acts like M. Ward and Sea Wolf, he’s workshopping new tunes with life-and-art partner Rebecca Rasmussen in Duover. The pair recently even cut their hair together (pictured), from shaggy hippie locks to matching pixie crops.

Seattle songstress and recent Cello Project collaborator Shenandoah Davis has just achieved her Kickstarter fundraising goal for a new album in seeming record time, via pledges to make donors breakfast in bed. The Heligoats, a Chicago act on a Portland label, are apparently known for adding personal narrative to their energetic folk shows. “I’m kind of fortunate to have people who want to play strange songs with me," says lead singer Chris Otepka. Awww. It’s almost too cute. The Woods, with its spooky human-skeleton-and-owl decor, should balance out any excess of lovey-doves.

Culturephile Weekend Picks are published most Fridays at noon. For a more comprehensive list of upcoming events, visit the Arts & Entertainment Calendar anytime!