Wilco played a series of West Coast shows last week leading up to an appearance in Vancouver, BC timed with the Olympics. Along the way, the group welcomed a number of old friends to the stage. While performing at Portland, OR’s Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Wilco invited out R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck and R.E.M. auxiliary member Scott McCaughey for “California Stars.” Both musicians, who live in the area, recorded with the members of Wilco as part of the Minus 5 collective. McCaughey returned the following night at Seattle’s The Paramount Theatre for another version of “California Stars.” This time the multi-instrumentalist took the stage with noted Seattle jazz-guitarist Bill Frisell.

Meanwhile, Wilco’s Chicago neighbors Umphrey’s McGee paid tribute to Jeff Tweedy and company at Baltimore, MD’s Ram’s Head Live! on Valentine’s Day. Before the show the group asked fans to vote on what cover to play as part of its ValUMtines Day Song Poll. Wilco’s “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart” won, and the band debuted the song at the start of its second set. Below is a list of the ValUMtines Day Song Poll results as posted on Umphrey’s McGee’s homepage:

Wilco, “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart”—25.3%
Prince, “I Would Die 4 U”—20.6%
Death Cab for Cutie, “I Will Possess Your Heart”—12.4%
J. Geils Band, “Love Stinks”—2.1%
Stone Temple Pilots, “Sour Girl”—9.1%
Beck, “Think I’m in Love”—8.8%
Roxy Music, “Love Is the Drug”—7.2%
Def Leppard, “Love Bites”—5.3%
Kiss, “Love Em’ and Leave Em‘”—3.9%