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Nolan Parker

Nolan Parker is the Mercury’s former music editor.
Posted inMercury Music Picks

Mercury Music Picks: Kraftwerk Techno Daddies, Crystal Quartez’s Record Release Party, and the Launch of the Crush On Everyone Emo Party

Plus transcendent classical, Bay Area noise, and more! 
Avatar photo Nolan Parker

Two days ago, as I was hauling the last loads out of the charred remains of my old, burnt out apartment building, a stranger who had been watching me from the bar next door came out to offer condolences for my having lost my home. Giving me a hug, they said they had put $10 […]

Posted inMercury Music Picks

Mercury Music Picks: MSC, James K., and Frank La Rocca’s Requiem for the Forgotten

Plus local album releases, a major punk venue relocation, and the Reed Zine Fest!
Avatar photo Nolan Parker

It should come as no surprise that as the weather gets better, our calendars become more full. If there wasn’t so much to be done here at the Mercury, this round-up would be double what you see here before you today! That said, these shows are the cream of the absolute crop this week, trust. […]

Posted inMercury Music Picks

Mercury Music Picks: Mother Danzig, Amyl & the Sniffers, and the Linda Lindas

Plus Portland music news!
Avatar photo Nolan Parker

This Mercury Music Picks goes out to all the soggy ladies, all the soggy ladies! It’s been wet out there lately and yet, I keep going to all these shows and they keep getting packed out—y’all do be making this music editor emotional. But wait, there’s more! More shows to go check out, more sights […]

Posted inMusic

Northwest Hardcore Fest, the PNW’s Hardest-Hitting Festival, Is Back

The freshly announced line-up is a biggie!
Avatar photo Nolan Parker

Ok ok ok, not everyone is aware of this, but Portland has a thriving hardcore punk scene—and it’s (finally) getting the national attention it deserves. Not for lack of punks, the city’s scene saw touring bands, large and small, skip us again and again because our hardcore scene here was extremely diffused. A bunch of […]

Posted inSpring Arts 2025

Can Portland Be a Music Capital Again?

City Councilor Jamie Dunphy thinks it’s possible.
Avatar photo Nolan Parker

The Mercury covers culture & art because we think all its various forms are—quite plainly—how people understand one another. Conversations about food, music, performance, and “weird” installation art provide touchstones to deepen friendships, create new connections, and better understand our world. If you appreciate the Mercury’s interesting and useful news & culture reporting, consider making a small monthly contribution […]

Posted inMercury Music Picks

Mercury Music Picks: Experimental Film and Performance, Local Album Release Parties, and Lots of Dancable Punk

There’s too much going on this week to even list, sheesh! 
Avatar photo Nolan Parker

Spring is springing, festival announce season is in full swing, and there are so many shows popping off in Portland, it’s bananas! As ever, the Portland Mercury has rounded up what, in our humble opinions, are the best music happenings in town that we believe are worth your time, coin, and attention. Go to as […]

Posted inMercury Music Picks

Mercury Music Picks: Erykah Badu (hopefully), Moondog’s Music, and Unga Dunga’s Second Show

Plus PNW folk punk, the handsomest family, and Portland music news!
Avatar photo Nolan Parker

The reason Portland has such an expansive music ecosystem is not luck, it’s because a lot of hard working people are deeply passionate about music—live music specifically—and pour themselves into making live music accessible and fun. Don’t take that for granted, y’all! Without the support of the greater Portland community—going to shows, buying records and […]

Posted inMercury Music Picks

Mercury Music Picks: The Music Of Alice Coltrane, Steve Reich, and Hardcore Punk

Plus we’re adding local music news to the mix! 
Avatar photo Nolan Parker

If you want something to do besides watching the puddles gather rain, then this week’s Mercury Music Picks round-up is for you! With the continuation of PDX Jazz Festival, lots of local and national punk, and a DJ from South Africa pulling into town, there’s literally something for everyone. Plus, we’ve added a local music […]

Posted inMercury Music Picks

Mercury Music Picks: Erykah Badu at PDX Jazz Fest, Mars Volta at the Moda

Plus three local record release shows + more!
Avatar photo Nolan Parker

Welcome to the (re)launch of Mercury  Music Picks! Every week we’ll sift through the sea of concerts, gigs, and shows to let you know what’s really good in Portland. This week we’ve got three(!) local artists hosting album release gigs and the Queen of Neo Soul, Erykah Badu, pulling up to town. See you in […]

Posted inMusic

PDX Live Concerts Take Over the Square Again This August

Featuring Jamie xx, returning favs the Roots, and beloved Portland band STRFKR!
Avatar photo Nolan Parker

Welp, the team at True West have done it again, folks! Yesterday they dropped the full line-up of PDX Live shows they’ll be hosting at the the Square, AKA Pioneer Courthouse Square, in August, and it’s a real doozy, per usual. Find the line-up and ticket links below. If you’re even thinking about checking out […]

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