BEATS—In the 1980s, the Technics SL 1200 became a musical instrument. In the 1990s, DJs like DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist took it to another level, creating legitimate symphonies out of samples and scratches. Tonight they join forces to become a four-armed angel of the dance floor, paying tribute to hiphop legend Afrika Bambaataa. Rugs […]
Mercury Things to Do Staff
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It’s Happening Tonight!
EAR CANDY—Our free monthly Ear Candy series, co-hosted by the terrific folks at Mississippi Studios, rolls along with an all-hiphop installment, featuring some of Portland’s best emcees, including the street wisdom of Vinnie Dewayne, the fire-flow of the Resistance’s Mic Capes, and the arty, left-field digressions of Renaissance Coalition’s Maze Koroma. NED LANNAMANNMississippi Studios, 3939 […]
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CHILI—For our second-annual Chili Jamboree, the Mercury‘s lined up 12 of the city’s finest chefs, who’ll take their best crack at that most patriotic of stews. You like a con carne? You got it. Sin carne more your speed? No sweat. Actually, gallons of spice-induced sweat. Chili Jam doesn’t half step. DIRK VANDERHARTw/the Earnest Lovers, […]
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THEATER—Lone Wolves III brings together some of Portland’s funniest to present new solo sketch comedy—including the great Shelley McLendon, who you might remember from Roadhouse: The Play!, and the phenomenally talented Wm. Steven Humphrey, who you might remember from being my boss who will fucking fire me if I don’t tell you that going to […]
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MUSIC—Though they can surely be counted among our top-10 favorite musical exports, the Helio Sequence rarely plays at home. One part shyness and one part business sense, the result of that decision is that you’ve got to see their gorgeous, soaring pop songs live whenever you can. MARJORIE SKINNERw/Like a Villain, Black Is Bright; Doug […]
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MUSIC—Sonic Youth is done, and it’s time you got over it. Fortunately, Thurston Moore’s solo stuff is totally up to snuff. 2011’s Beck-produced Demolished Thoughts was understated and lovely, and the upcoming, righteous The Best Day marries some folkier 12-string bits with the long liquid lines of lead guitar we’ve come to expect from Moore. […]
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MUSIC—Once awesomely described by Vibe as “indie rock’s Timbaland,” YACHT is the family of projects by Jona Bechtolt and Claire L. Evans, who have done remixes for the likes of Snoop Dogg and Stereolab, as well as their own originals. Now hailing from Los Angeles, YACHT will always be remembered as a founding force in […]
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MUSIC—Living Colour live on in our hearts—some 20 years after their moment passed—not so much because of their music, but because of who they are and what they represent. That’s a shame. Yes, they were famously an all-black rock band at a time when that especially meant something. But you know what else? They could […]
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MUSIC—Stop finding something else to do—or, gasp, doing nothing at all—the one day of the month when the Know puts on Thirsty City, its expertly curated series devoted to the Pacific Northwest’s finest beat machines. The Renaissance Coalition’s Maze Koroma brings his haunting verbosity to a packed bill featuring Seattle’s Lex Lingo and Shua. DENIS […]
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MUSIC—The three Scottish lads of PAWS toured America the same time as the vote for their country’s independence went down across the pond. That’s how much these guys are dedicated to bringing you their terrific, catchy, poppy punk. Go see the band on the heels of their marvelous new album, Youth Culture Forever, and throw […]
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BIKES—A yearly showcase of the city’s best handmade bikes has now morphed into a showcase of the city’s best handmade bikes, plus bike-themed local beer, and local bands. We hemmed and hawed—has the Handmade Bike and Beer Festival delved too deeply into Portland’s self-congratulatory obsessions?—before deciding that it sounds awesome. DIRK VANDERHARTHopworks Urban Brewery, 2944 […]
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MUSIC—We know you love PBR, but did you know that PBR loves you? If there were any doubts, Project Pabst is proof. While the main event is a daytime music fest at Zidell Yards, the action’ll be thick at night too, with two nights of complementing shows at venues across town, like tonight’s with Constantines! […]