Blossom, Maarquii, Amenta Abioto, Karma Rivera
This knockout bill brings together four of the cityâs most talented performers: neo-soul enchantress Blossom, high femme rapper Maarquii, experimental hip-hop artist Amenta Abioto, and Karma Rivera, whose recently released debut EP is packed with fiery rhymes. As if you needed another reason to go: Itâs free! (8 pm, Mississippi Studios, free) CIARA DOLAN
Queer Horror: Candyman
Carla Rossiâs bimonthly celebration of horror finishes off a year dedicated to the slasher with one of its absolute best and most creative entries, 1992's Candyman, based on a short story by Clive Barker. Slashers aren't particularly known for things like nuance, or thoughtfulness, or tendencies towards social progressivism and empathyâso seeing all those elements foregrounded in Bernard Rose's adaptation is startlingâand that's before you get to the macabre artistry lent to the numerous (and fucked-up) kills, perfectly underscored by the stark compositions of Philip Glass. And if you take your seat in time for Carla's pre-show, you'll see the Candyman summoned live on stage while you sip from a Royale Brewing beer. (9:30 pm, Hollywood Theatre) BOBBY ROBERTS
Sir Richard Bishop
Sir Richard Bishop is best known as a founding member of experimental art-punk project Sun City Girls, which had a 26-year tenure that yielded over 50 albums. Since the bandâs dissolution in 2007, Bishop has continued to release mind-warping guitar meditations that tap into a truly wordly aural contemplationâyou oughta tap into it, too. (7 pm, Daedalus Books, $5) RYAN J. PRADO
PJ Morton, Grace Weber
The Grammy Award-winning R&B singer/songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist out of New Orleans, best known for his role as keyboardist in Maroon 5, and for his collaborations with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Adam Levine, Lil Wayne, and Busta Rhymes, brings the "More Gumbo" Tour to Portland for an intimate headlining show at the Doug Fir Lounge. (9 pm, Doug Fir, $20-22)
Back Fence PDX: Russian Roulette
It returns! If you like storytelling with a little danger, check out Back Fence PDX: Russian Roulette! Six entertaining storytellers spin a wheel of âpromptsâ (examples: âpublic nudity,â âbreaking the lawâ) and whatever the wheel lands on, the person will have five minutes to come up with a five minute story on that subject! Trust me, itâs a goddamn hootâand joining divine hosts B. Frayn Masters and Mindy Nettifee will be Shannon Balcom-Graves, Chris Williams, Kirsten Kuppenbender, Nathalie Weinstein, Brooks, and Alina Aliyar. (7:30 pm, Curious Comedy Theater, $16-22) WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
The Thesis
Another first Thursday means itâs time for another deep-dive into the exploding Portland hip-hop scene with the Thesis. This time the beloved monthly showcase celebrates its 4th anniversary with performances from Vinnie Dewayne, Load B, Nina Xo, Elton Aura, and Verbz. (9 pm, Kelly's Olympian, $10)
Fountaine, Chip Scout, Life Couch
Anime-loving rapper/producer Fountaine is young but prolific; his Bandcamp profile overflows with material, like his most recent LP, 2017âs H.F.I.L. (Hell for Infinite Losers). Across 16 tracks, Fountaine sings and raps behind aqueous beats thatâre sometimes dazed and unsettling (âScorprioâ) and sometimes reverberating with danceable, Prince-inspired funk (âDressed to Killâ). (8 pm, White Owl Social Club, free) CIARA DOLAN
Sweater Weather
Townshend's Distillery and ADX Portland join forces again to rightfully celebrate the warm 'n' fuzzy genius of hot cocktails in the winter season. Bring your own mug to sample the bartending skills by four of Portland's best: Natasha Miller of Deadshot, Halley Connelly of Elvis Room, Leah George Brown of AngelFace, and Larissa Brockmeyer of Palomar, with proceeds benefitting four charities of their choice. (6 pm, ADX, free)
Don't forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!