MUSIC—It’s a sad, sad, sad day in Portland, because Laura Gibson is moving to New York. But hold off on the wailing and gnashing of teeth, because Stumptown’s favorite singer/songwriter is going to school and probably will only be gone for a couple of years. But those will be long, lonely years. Wish her bon […]
Mercury Things to Do Staff
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It’s Happening Tonight
TECH & ART—One of the best events on Portland’s calendar, the perpetually sold-out XOXO Festival is a melding of technology, art, media, booze, and everything else that’s great. This year’s guests include Community‘s Dan Harmon, feminist videogame scholar Anita Sarkeesian, Bandcamp’s Ethan Diamond, and Welcome to Night Vale‘s Joseph Fink. Get excited, and try to […]
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It’s Happening Tonight!
MUSIC—Time has seen fit to take many bands away from us (Nirvana, Morphine, Kris Kross) but thankfully the Breeders are alive and kicking. The Deal sisters’ influence looms large over terrific new acts like PAWS and Courtney Barnett, but they’re still a powerhouse to be reckoned with, so get up close and personal tonight—you little […]
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It’s Happening Tonight!
COMEDY—Your favorite purveyors of truly cracked, disgusting, and surreal sketch comedy are here: Tim and Eric in the fleshy flesh should be an awesome show (great job!) or total disaster, especially with Dr. Steve Brule in tow. The only question: Where to pre-func with shrimp and white wine? MARJORIE SKINNERNewmark Theater, 1111 SW Broadway, 8 […]
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It’s Happening Tonight!
MUSIC—Put that zazz back in your ring-a-ding, because Eleni Mandell’s easy-peasy, loose ‘n’ breezy tunes are pure concentrated smile juice. The LA singer/songwriter’s latest album, Let’s Fly a Kite, is a dizzy, daffy ride through pop music’s past and present, with jazz, honky-tonk, and exotic Euro flourishes each contributing colors to the kaleidoscope. NED LANNAMANNw/Rachel […]
Posted inBooks
It’s Happening Tonight!
MUSIC—We thought we’d lost Sun Angle after one of the three anglers, guitarist Charlie Salas Humara, developed some ear problems that prevented further live shows. Well, all is well again, and Sun Angle is back, with leaping, phosphene-like, dervish psych-rock that’ll lick all your decals off. NED LANNAMANNw/Animal Eyes, Talkative; Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi, […]
Posted inBikes
It’s Happening Tonight!
BIKES/PETS—This town has scads of organized charity rides, but only the Tour de Lab, put on yearly by Lucky Labrador Brewing, is bringing the “pets” heat that earns a vaunted Busy Week nod. Pick a challenging 41-mile course or a timid 18-miler, drink free beer, eat hotdogs, and support nonprofit animal hospital DoveLewis at the […]
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It’s Happening Tonight!
MUSIC—Still no Jarboe, but Michael Gira and Swans are still producing and touring their strange catalog of experimentally mournful ugly/pretty sounds, like those from their most recent, To Be Kind. Gira & Co. are famous for being challenging to audiences, sonically and otherwise, so keep at least one eye open at this show. MARJORIE SKINNERw/Carla […]
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It’s Happening Tonight!
COMEDY—He first surprised the hell out of you as Day-Day in the shouldn’t-have-worked-but-it-did Next Friday, and he’s about to inhabit Richard Pryor’s skin for a biopic from director Lee Daniels. Mike Epps has built a solid career out of defying expectations; unless you expect him to be really fucking funny, in which case, he always […]
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It’s Happening Tonight!
BEYONCÉ—Holocene is properly celebrating Beyoncé’s birthday with the booty-licious dance party, Bey Day: A Birthday Celebration for the Queen! DJs Holla n Oates and Ronin Roc will be spinning Beyoncé’s best for a sweaty crowd, plus video art, a special dance performance from House of Aquarius, and a Beyoncé costume contest! (Dig out that black […]
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It’s Happening Tonight!
MUSIC—It was a big deal in June when Point Juncture, WA, opened for Orquestra Pacifico Tropical—in what was the band’s first show in more than a year. But let’s say you missed ’em because you thought you had something better do. Don’t make that mistake again. They’re playing tonight with crushing instrumental act Panther Attack. […]
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It’s Happening Tonight!
FILM—Terry Gilliam has always been a madman with a camera, and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen is one of the most ludicrous things he’s ever made, which is really saying something. It also features one of the biggest performances of Robin Williams’ career, but if you’re playing the King of the Moon, you kinda have […]