Since this will be the last Hear in Portland memo before the holidays, we’re giving you the scoop on a new local project that was released this fall, and a head’s up for two upcoming shows to look out for around the New Year. Also, you might want to scoop up some concert tickets that would make a great gift for the Jack White fan in your life.

MUST-LISTEN

One great new release from locally relevant artists.

Voices, Blue Cranes
Instrumentalist jazz quintet Blue Cranes—which includes Reed Wallsmith (alto saxophone), Joe Cunningham (tenor saxophone), keyboardist Rebecca Sanborn, bassist Jon Shaw, and Ji Tanzer on drums—dropped a new project this fall that sees them join forces with a slew of Portland vocalists. Appropriately titled Voices, the 9-track EP features singers Holland Andrews, Edna Vazquez, Luz Elena Mendoza, Laura Gibson, Peter Broderick, Laura Veirs, Redray Frazier, Gavin Castleton, Rebecca Sanborn, and Annalisa Tornfelt. Highlights include “Raven” featuring R&B singer Redray Frazier, “Ursula” featuring Laura Gibson, and more.

MUST-SEE

Two can’t-miss upcoming shows.

New Year’s Eve with Gladys Knight and the Oregon Symphony

Prolific singer-songwriter, seven-time Grammy winner, and Motown’s Empress of Soul Gladys Knight will bless the Arlene Schnitzer stage with a special performance on New Year’s Eve with the Oregon Symphony. Come hear the legendary icon (she’s still got it!) sing classic hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “That’s What Friends Are For,” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and then head to a nearby bar to grab a glass of champagne to ring in the New Year.
Fri Dec 31, 7:30pm, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1111 SW Broadway, $49 and up, all ages.

New Year's Day 2022: Yawa, Kingsley, Kisskadee

What better way to start the New Year than with a free show? On New Year’s Day, singer/songwriter/producer/performance artist Yawa (FKA Amenta Abioto) will headline a show at Kelly’s Olympian, and hopefully continue her tradition of playing some improvised music for part of her set, as well as soulful tracks like “Wade in the Water,” and the beautifully epic “Revolution.” Pop singer-songwriter Kingsley will help back up the bill, playing songs from her recent project Crying on Holidays, and LA artist Kisskadee is also there offering solid support.
Sat Jan 1, 8pm, Kelly’s Olympian, 426 SW Washington, FREE.

ADDED TO THE QUEUE

Some upcoming music buzz to put on your radar.

Jack White recently announced his first headliner tour in four years, which will set out after his new album, Fear of the Dawn, releases on April 8. The hilariously titled “Supply Chain Issues Tour,” will travel through North America, the UK, and Europe, stopping at Portland’s Moda Center on June 6, and in Seattle on June 8. Tickets go on sale today, (Friday, December 17) at 10am.