Mercury Things to Do Staff

MUSIC—It might take a bit of jamming and cramming, but push and shove your way into the tiny confines of Star Bar to hear the heavy, heavy fun-time sounds of Gaytheist. These smarty-pants are unyielding when it comes to playing punk-metal pop designed to raise the dead—so snuggle up close to your neighbor and commence […]

MUSIC—If you want to witness a room overcome with a roof-raising combo of punk, funk, and soul, rest your eyes upon the joy that is Magic Mouth. And just when you think you’ve sweated all of the moisture out of your body, they turn it around with a slow jam to make you sweat in […]

FILM & COMIC—David Walker, the man behind the blaxploitation bible that was BadAzz MoFo magazine, is now in charge of the original badass—John Shaft, Ernest Tidyman’s private dick. Shaft is making his comics debut thanks to Walker’s pen, so help celebrate with a Q&A and a screening of 1972’s Shaft’s Big Score! BOBBY ROBERTSHollywood Theatre, […]

BLAZERS—The engine powering our Portland basketball machine is starting to seriously rev up. The contest between the Blazers and the San Antonio Spurs is like a really sweet jump in their path toward the playoffs. Either the Blazers launch off it and head skyward, or they spill off the side of the ramp and endo. […]

CRAFTY—It’s one of the city’s signature holiday events: Crafty Wonderland is the single hugest gathering of the region’s makers of everything from artisanal spirits to potholders. If you can concentrate on your shopping goals despite the overwhelming options, there are truly unique gifting riches to be had. MARJORIE SKINNEROregon Convention Center, Hall D, 777 NE […]

ROLLER DERBY—Are you ready for some hot derby action? Then join our Rose City Rollers as they open their 10th season with two rough ‘n’ tumble home-team bouts: First it’s tough-as-nails High Rollers vs. the aptly named Heartless Heathers. Then it’s time for current champs, the Break Neck Betties, to give the always-formidable Guns N […]

MUSIC—What a charming pairing! Cibo Matto—’90s darlings of harmonic, infectious, sugar-sweet pop music with a quirky food bent—open for Tune-Yards. Merrill Garbus and her touring band will be the perfect complement, with their sparkling cavalcade of butt-shaking pop songs from the new LP Nikki Nack. COURTNEY FERGUSONRoseland, 8 NW 6th, 8 pm, $25, all ages […]

MUSIC—Every month Mississippi Studios and the Mercury bring you the best in local music, and tonight’s free Ear Candy show is a winter-beater of a dance party you daren’t miss. Bear witness to the majestic purple funk of Purse Candy and bask in the blissful brainscapes of Fringe Class. NED LANNAMANNMississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi, […]

MUSIC—There are two reasons tonight’s show at the Crystal is hella sold out; they are the same two reasons you should find tickets, post haste. (1) Spoon has a new album out, They Want My Soul, and it’s white hot. (2) Future Islands are fun as fuck to watch live. I hope you find tickets […]

TRIVIA—For the past four years, local podcasters Bobby Roberts and Cort Webber have been hosting the super popular Geek Trivia—handing out thousands of dollars of prizes and comic book-related swag to those who know the difference between Boba Fett and Bib Fortuna. Tonight is the final Geek Trivia ever… so grab some friends, order some […]

JOHN WATERS!—If there’s one thing John Waters knows, it’s the trashy delights that can be wrung from Christmastime. The cult filmmaker and author’s delightfully charming one-man show A John Waters Christmas is a hysterical must-see, as Waters is one of the most erudite, elegant, and funny people alive, a true Prince of Puke among men. […]

MUSIC—Despite their generic-seeming name, the Barr Brothers are anything but. Embracing Delta blues, African rhythms, and every speck on the map in between, the Montreal-based group’s daring, devilish spin on global folk makes for one of the most hair-raising live shows around. Did I mention they have a fucking harpist? NED LANNAMANNw/Leif Vollebekk; Doug Fir, […]