The Mercury‘s Music Issue hits the streets this week! To celebrate, we’re throwing a launch party—Isabeau Waia’u Walker, the Barbaras, Keeks, La Isla Electronica, and you are invited. Plus, comic book titans will post up at Lincoln Hall for the Comics Confluence Festival, weirdo legend Dynasty Handbag celebrates her memoir release with PICA performances, and it’s a tale of two Florences: Florence + The Machine head to Moda on May 13, and Florence Shaw brings her band Dry Cleaning to Wonder Ballroom on May 17.
MONDAY, MAY 11
Texas Is the Reason / Growing Pains
For fans of Minus the Bear, American Football, As Above
They’re baaack. After their reformation at 2025’s Best Friends Forever festival in Las Vegas, the New York post-hardcore band Texas Is the Reason have embarked on a huge, multi-continent tour in 2026 and, thankfully, for those not able to make BFF last year, are stopping at Polaris Hall. Though they only released a single studio album during their initial mid-’90s iteration, the band had (and continues to have) a massive impact on alternative music—Jets to Brazil are direct descendants of TITR, FFS. Portland band Growing Pains must be pinching themselves to be opening the West Coast run for this very special reunion tour. (Polaris Hall, 635 N Killingsworth, 8 pm, SOLD OUT, more info, 21+) NOLAN PARKER
TUESDAY, MAY 12
Mark R. Smith: Desert or Ocean
Mark R. Smith’s textile paintings address looming issues of climate change and environmental displacement. In Desert or Ocean, he expresses his concern with the changing conditions that are creating unlivable swaths of the earth, either too wet or too dry to support life. Smith’s abstract paintings burst with contrasting azure blues and terracottas, representing each atmosphere respectively. Some paintings in the series focus on domes, which according to Smith reference the architecture of human gathering spaces like churches and stadiums, and natural collectives like anthills and reefs. (Elizabeth Leach Gallery, 417 NW 9th, Tues-Sat 10:30 am-5:30 pm through May 30, FREE, more info, all ages) BRI BREY
Dynasty Handbag
Jibz Cameron has performed as Dynasty Handbag for over 20 years, notably winning a Guggenheim fellowship in 2022 and co-creating a film titled Weirdo Night, which was shown at Sundance Film Festival in 2021. You might remember her 2015 Time-Based Art Festival work, one of that year’s most-lauded—a conceptual talk show called Good Morning Evening Feelings. Your favorite performer likely loves her—Cameron’s late friend Paul Reubens sent her “dirty memes about lesbians,” and she’s collaborated with Kate Berlant, Cole Escola, and Ayo Edibiri through her ongoing variety show. Cameron graces us with two nights of performance and readings to celebrate the release of her new memoir, Hell in a Handbag—read our review of the book here. (Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, 15 NE Hancock, May 11-12, 7 pm, $20-$50, more info, content warning for suicide and self-harm) LINDSAY COSTELLO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
Florence + The Machine
British singer-songwriter Florence Welch has been making music with her band for almost two decades, skyrocketing to fame with their 2009 debut album Lungs featuring the hit singles “Kiss with a Fist” and “Dog Days Are Over”—you know the ones. But the alt-rock group is much more than those chart-topping hits. Welch was inspired to write their latest record, Everybody Scream, after a near-death experience in 2023 during her Dance Fever tour where she suffered an ectopic miscarriage onstage that required emergency surgery. Have you ever heard of anything so metal?? A man could never. The album is guttural and entrancing, incorporating soaring chamber pop influences like strings and piano as Welch explores topics from witchcraft and mysticism to insanity and death. (Moda Center, 1 N Center Ct, 7:30 pm, $53.25+, more info, all ages) SHANNON LUBETICH
Also worth it:
Hello! Hello?, Elbow Room, more info
Elbow Room’s artists explores modes of (mis)communication and transmission in this group show, which includes a phone booth installation, audio archive, and multimedia artwork.
THURSDAY, MAY 14
Portland Mercury Music Issue Launch Party
It’s been a long time since the Mercury dropped a Music Issue. So long, in fact, that we’re throwing a party about it and you’re invited! The Mercury ne’er-do-wells are taking over the (NOT CLOSING) Turn! Turn! Turn! for a two-part concert featuring four of our favorite Portland artists. This here Music Issue launch party will have door prizes, raffles, and exclusive—very VIP—merch. It’s also a fundraiser for the incredible work being done at Ethos Music Center. Two parties, one night—that’s an odd way of describing a concert taking place in one location on the same night. Well, by law, to sell alcohol in their space, Turn! Turn! Turn! must transform from an all-ages glass slipper into a 21+ pumpkin when the clock strikes 8. But fret not, Cinderella, we’ve booked two powerful sets with four powerful bands: Isabeau Waia’u Walker and The Barbaras for the all-ages among us, and Keeks and La Isla Electronica for the 21+ revelers. 1) We love our under 21 friends and will be back with more for you ASAP, and 2) your $10 donation gets you into both sets if you’re over 21, hun. (Turn! Turn! Turn!, 8 NE Killingsworth, 6 pm, $10 at the door, more info, 21+ after 8 pm) NP
Steph Tolev
Picture, if you will, a fire tornado with an absolutely salty mouth. Then picture that same tornado stalking around a stage, conversing with the audience, burning down the hecklers, and leaving everyone in stitches. That tornado is Steph Tolev, one of my absolute favorite comedians, and for my money, one of the greatest crowd work artists in the biz. But don’t take my word for it: Steph is a winner of the Canadian Comedy Award, and her hilarious I’m Not Well was a 2020 Juno Awards nominee for best comedy album. She’s doing a run of shows at Helium which are selling like hotcakes—so if you enjoy great comedy (and/or hotcakes) get those tix lickety-split! (Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE 9th, May 14-16, various times, $31.99-$43.99, more info, 21+) WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
Also worth it:
Ellen Blazich and Kayla Marie Carlson: Silence and Slow Time, Souvenir, more info
Artist-musician about town Rose Lewis curated this lush painting show full of historical reference. Blazich draws from a ceramics background to expand her palette with thick oilsticks, while Carlson structures landscape compositions with Greek sculptures and wildflowers.
FRIDAY, MAY 15
Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them
Fans of author readings, here’s the next level: a staged play performance read by actors, in this case put on by Theatre Diaspora and directed by Terry Kitagawa. Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them unwinds the close bond between Filipino American siblings Edith and Kenny and how that relationship changes when Kenny’s friendship with his classmate Benji turns into something more. Even better, attendees have a rare chance to engage with the work’s playwright, SUNY Purchase instructor A. Rey Pamatmat, in a post-show talkback. (Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand, 6:30 pm, FREE, more info, all ages) SUZETTE SMITH
Surreal Summer Series
For fans of the Green Man, Terence McKenna, Transcendental Meditation®.
Tomorrow Theater’s spin on surreality skews familiar without sanding down any strangeness. A few cult staples screen this month—El Topo and Lost Highway among them—with more to come in June. Visceral, unsettling experiences abound. If you haven’t seen The Wicker Man—the ’73 original, sans Nicolas Cage—make it your business to do so on May 15. A remote Scottish island teems with sacrifice-happy pagans and wanton lust. That’s always a challenging combination, right? Virtually every folk horror film owes credit to its psychedelic influence. Read more in Second Run Portland. (Tomorrow Theater, 3530 SE Division, various times through June 21, more info) LC
SATURDAY, MAY 16
Jam Jam: A Jam-Making Fundraiser for Stone Soup PDX
This adorably named event, held at a downtown food cart pod, combines a hands-on jam-making class and live music from local band The Tiki Men. It’s a fundraiser for Stone Soup PDX, which offers community meals and provides culinary job training to people facing barriers to employment. The ticket also includes a drink ticket and jam-friendly snacks like cheese and charcuterie. (Midtown Beer Garden, 431 SW Harvey Milk, 1-3 pm, $40, more info) KATHERINE CHEW HAMILTON
Comics Confluence Festival
Organized by Portland State University’s comic studies and film programs and sponsored by Dark Horse Comics, this one-day celebration of Portland’s thriving graphic novel and comics scene is free to the public. Workshops and panels will be offered at the second annual fest while aspiring students and professional artists table, showcasing a wealth of local talent. The day will wrap with a Q&A with industry titans, including Kelly Sue DeConnick, the first woman to write an ongoing Avengers title, prolific comics writer Brian Bendis, socially conscious, character-driven storyteller David Walker, and Diana Schutz, editor of Frank Miller’s Sin City and 300. (PSU Licoln Hall, 1620 SW Park, 1-7 pm, FREE, more info, all ages) BRI BREY
Carlos Niño & Friends
Carlos Niño came to town on André 3000’s New Blue Sun tour, where he played, among other things, a tree branch. It made sense within the context of André’s ascent into a jazzy, spiritual realm, and makes even more sense when you consider Niño cites Alice Coltrane, the Sun Ra Arkestra, and Pharoah Sanders as inspirations. Niño and his band pack their flutes, gongs, and leaf bundles for two shows in Portland, describing their new album Bubble Bath for Giants as “a reverence for Oceans, for the Mighty Magnificent Power of Fairies, to the energy that we are all everything, whole, well, but in different sized and shaped vessels at times.” Multiinstrumentalist Aaron Shaw opens; grab your corporeal vessel and fill your cup. (Jack London Revue, 529 SW 4th, 8 pm, $25+, more info, 21+) LC
Mike Falzone is Surrounded
“Crowd work” is a genre of comedy excellence desired by many and perfected by few. But this specialized type of stand-up can be hilariously miraculous under certain conditions, and comedian Mike Falzone is an expert in the form. His ongoing show “Surrounded” is a master class in crowd work, as he works “in the round”—meaning the audience surrounds Falzone and their interaction with him is the show’s primary driver. Originally developed at the Hollywood Improv Lab, “Surrounded” is now a regularly occurring traveling show that’s a sure bet if you love your comedy hot and on the fly! (Siren Theater, 3913 N Mississippi, 8 pm, $25-$35, more info, 18+) WSH
Also worth it:
Sun Rice AAPI Heritage Month Celebration, Sun Rice, more info
Join Sun Rice for killer Filipino food as they throw an AAPI Heritage Month party at their restaurant in collaboration with Kalesa Coffee and the folks from Friends Share, a community gathering space in East Portland. DJs Limanjaya, Sonoro, and Yuco will be spinning tunes, so get ready to dance and sip on drink specials from Remy Martin.
SUNDAY, MAY 17
Sunnyside Cat Walk
Get acquainted with Sunnyside’s neighborhood cats on a chill-paced afternoon walk—just be sure not to chase any kitties who don’t want to be pet, and leave the treats at home. Attendees can also bring their own cats, either on leash or in backpacks. DM the organizers on Instagram if you want to add your cat as a stop on the tour. (Sunnyside Piazza, SE 33rd & Yamhill, 4 pm, FREE, more info, all ages) KCH
Monét X Change
If you’ve seen drag superstar Monét X Change’s quick reads on Drag Race or The Traitors or heard her witty banter with bestie Bob the Drag Queen on their podcast Sibling Rivalry, you know she’s got a knack for comedy. We love a comedy queen in this house! And while most drag queens are multitalented, Monét is a classically trained opera singer. How’s that for Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and TALENT?! My fingers are crossed she incorporates an opera number into her latest comedy tour, “High Heels, Bad Knees,” which promises “unhinged and filthy stand-up about adulting and coming to terms with the fact that most of her joints are serviceable.” (Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark, 7:30 pm, $29.50+, more info, 18+) JANEY WONG
Dry Cleaning
It may catch your attention that Dry Cleaning’s new record, Secret Love, was produced by angel diva of the avant garde Cate Le Bon. But the no wave-influenced Londoners bring something singular to the table, too: Singer Florence Shaw’s spoken word witticisms stand out, as does the album’s unexpected catchiness and caustic response to the violent political atmosphere. Take the lyrics to “Blood,” par exemple: “I’m in an underground bunker with my computer-controlled flying bomb / It’s numbness without end or change.” If that sounds like your thing, you already know it—and if not, get into it. YHWH Nailgun was originally slated to open Dry Cleaning’s Portland show, but after tour rescheduling due to “hostile economic forces,” Hotline TNT has slotted in instead.(Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell, 8 pm, $39.25+, more info, all ages) LC
Looking for even more events happening this week? Head on over to EverOut!
