WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25

PARTY—No one really needs an excuse for a midweek summer party. But if you do: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon is throwing its annual Pink Party fundraiser—a fun way to help the organization thrive, not just survive, in a time of national moralism. Look for LoveBomb Go-Go, a space-age marching band! And Pillamina, a giant, walking birth-control pack! Who just loves posing for photos! DCT
w/DJs Callisto, Ikarus; Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison, 8 pm, $10-12

MUSIC—Tonight's more than a record-release party for Portland's premier cumbia band, Orquestra Pacifico Tropical, who'll make you shake body parts you didn't even know you had. Opening the show is a rare performance from the great Point Juncture, WA, who haven't played a show in well over a year—which gives tonight's triple bill a "do-not-miss" ranking. NL
w/1939 Ensemble; Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside, 9 pm, $8-10

THURSDAY, JUNE 26

CATS—You haven't fucking lived until you've seen Samantha Martin's Acro-Cats—"purr-forming purr-sonalities" (Asti, Buggles, Fiji, Oz, and my favorite, Pudge) that do amazing tricks... and are accompanied by the all-cat rock band the Rock Cats, who play real instruments. It is probably the best thing you will ever see. I don't even like most cats but I would take a bullet for the Acro-Cats and Rock Cats. EH
Imago Theatre, 17 SE 8th, Thurs-Fri 8 pm, Sat 5 & 8 pm, Sun 2 & 5 pm, $24, all ages

WORLD CUP—We've bested the Germans before, by God, but that was with guns and advanced weaponry—lasting American specialties. Germany, on the other hand, releases its pent-up rage on the soccer pitch. We're big-time underdogs in today's USA vs. Germany match, but there are no atheists in foxholes, Portland. It's time to pray/cheer/drink during breakfast. DVH
Wherever you've been watching the World Cup (we like Beulahland, 118 NE 28th), 9 am, FREE

FRIDAY, JUNE 27

STORYTELLING—In just six years, the Back Fence PDXstorytelling series has morphed into a juggernaut, inviting writers, musicians, and storytellers from Portland and beyond to share their funny, heartbreaking, and true stories. Tonight's their first show in their new digs at the Hollywood Theatre, with a lineup boasting Moon Zappa, Daniel H. Wilson, and more. Show 'em some love. AH
Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy, 8 pm, $13-20 21+

KISS—While I'm no card-carrying member of the KISS Army, I'm certain that tonight's show from New York City's finest practitioners of kabuki rock will be nothing short of a complete and utter blast. Too bad about the openers, Def Leppard, who haven't released anything good since On Through the Night, and whose deluded defenders are the very definition of untrustworthy. NL
Sleep Country Amphitheater, 17200 NE Delfel, Ridgefield, WA, 7 pm, $33-173, all ages

DEF LEPPARD—It's unfortunate that the authors of the greatest rock lyric of all time ("Do you take sugar? ONE LUMP OR TWO??!!"), Def Leppard, have to share company with the bland corporate poseurdom that is KISS. The good news is Leppard's up first, so just hold your nose on the way out after their set. MS
Sleep Country Amphitheater, 17200 NE Delfel, Ridgefield, WA, 7 pm, $33-173, all ages

SATURDAY, JUNE 28

FOOD/DRUNK/FUN—Yes, the summeriest event of the summer, Tacos 'n' Tequila, features mouth-watering, inventive tacos from the best chefs in Portland along with deliciously liver-damaging tequila-based cocktails from the finest local barkeeps. BUT! It also includes ass-shaking, fun-time music from the always enjoyable Tiburones, and local supergroup War 'n' Buffett—mashing up songs from War and Jimmy Buffett. What?? Yes!! WSH
Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi, 11 am-6 pm, $15-25 (includes four taco and tequila tastings!)

MUSIC—Bills do not get better than this all-ages scorcher. First up are local dreamers the Ghost Ease, who deliver Breeders-esque soundscapes, while fuzzy rockers Summer Cannibals will get you plenty warmed up for the rip-roarin' hurricane of the Thermals. This beloved trio doesn't play town near often enough, so make sure to show 'em your appreciation in the form of sweaty dancing. CF
Branx, 320 SE 2nd, 7:30 pm, $12-15, all ages

SUNDAY, JUNE 29

FILM—The phrase "found-footage Bigfoot movie directed by Bobcat Goldthwait" probably isn't the first thing you think when you hear the words "fine cinema"—but that's just because you haven't seen Willow Creek yet. Goldthwait—who's become an impressively solid filmmaker—will be in attendance at tonight's screening of his film, which not only riffs on tropes but is surprisingly creepy. EH
Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy, 7 pm, $8

GOTH—The wraithlike godfather of goth, Peter Murphy, emerges from his self-imposed Turkish exile (which is so goth) once again, to draw from his vast catalog of seminal creepiness, from classic Bauhaus to his solo work, like the just-released Lion (and maybe some Dalis Car? Who knows?). MS
w/Ringo Deathstarr; Star Theater, 13 NW 6th, 9 pm, $20

MONDAY, JUNE 30

EAR CANDY—Every month, your pals at the Mercury and Mississippi Studios team up to bring you the best in local music—for free! Tonight's jam-packed, animal-themed bill includes Just Lions releasing their fine new EP, plus Animal Eyes and Bear & Moose round out the night with energetic, danceable rock tunes that'll make your ears happy as all get-out. NL
Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi, 9 pm, FREE

CHER!!—Sixty-eight years old and obviously still kickin', pop icon Cher returns with yet another costume-heavy, crowd-pleasing tour that's been getting rave reviews across the nation. Expect all your faves including sweet oldies (like "Gypsys, Tramps, and Thieves"), disco bangers ("Believe"), and skimpy-clothed ballads ("If I Could Turn Back Time"). Get it, grandma! WSH
w/Cyndi Lauper; Moda Center, 1 Winning Way, 7:30 pm, $25.50-$105.50, all ages

TUESDAY, JULY 1

COMEDY—"PowerPoint" and "comedy" are very, very rarely uttered in the same sentence—but leave it to Comedy Is OK to combine the two. Tonight, some of Portland's best performers (Bri Pruett! Mike Merrill! Shane Torres!) will give spontaneous PowerPoint presentations based on randomly assigned material. Will it be hilarious, a trainwreck, or a hilarious trainwreck? One way to find out! AH
Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison, 9 pm, FREE

MUSIC—Portland's in love with Blitzen Trapper. And with good reason—their brand of folksy rock 'n' roll has the delightful smell of Bridgetown all over it (is that a hint of coffee and oak with an undercurrent of woodsy funk?). They're playing a special cheapo show tonight for all their eclectic-music-lovin' fans, so get to RSVP-ing, skinflint. CF
w/Pony Village, Novosti; Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi, 9 pm, $12 ($3 w/RSVP to redbullsoundselect.com)