If last week's Do This, Do That left you with a bit of a cultural hangover, firstly: I understand. It's not easy eating pizza and watching '90s comedies and partying in the summer sunshine. That said, you've got more work to do this week. On the roster are archival films, a hushed evening reading party on a scenic Sauvie Island farm, and performances by indie heavy hitters Lucy Dacus and Waxahatchee. Among other things!! We've tracked them all down for you. You're welcome.
Monday, August 4
Cloud
A new thriller from Japanese writer-director Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Cure, Pulse, Tokyo Sonata), Cloud proposes the suspenseful story of a dropshipper named Yoshi (Masaka Sudi) living out a paranoid existence. Are his angry customers hot on his heels? Is that stranger on the bus an actual threat or just some weird guy standing too close? Kurosawa slowly builds up the tension, then releases it in an absurdly hilarious showdown. Read the Mercury’s full review. (Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy; Living Room Theaters, 341 SW 10th, not rated, more info) NED LANNAMANN
Ken Jennings: The Complete Kennections: 5,000 Questions in 1,000 Puzzles
Can you feel the Kenergy?? IMO as an avid Jeopardy! viewer, there was no one more qualified to take on Alex Trebek’s esteemed hosting mantle than trivia GOAT Ken Jennings. Holding the record of longest consecutive winning streak (74 games!), it’s safe to say the Washington State native knows his stuff. His new book, The Complete Kennections, compiles the weekly puzzles he’s written since 2012 into a single volume so you can get quizzy with it. Questions run the gamut of topics, with a final challenge for players to find the “Kennection” that links the answers together—like reverse Jeopardy! (Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside, 7 pm, free, more info) JANEY WONG
Tuesday, August 5
16mm Nyback Showdown
Since his death in 2022, Portland's "P.T. Barnum of cinema" Dennis Nyback has been sorely missed. Nyback's screenings were rightfully storied over the course of his career—if there's such a thing as a "legend" in the film archivist and historian community, he was that man. Nyback screened crate-dug film programs worldwide while operating Seattle's Rosebud Movie Palace and Pike St. Cinema; he also owned the Clinton Street Theater back in the '90s. This 16mm tribute to a PNW force of nature spotlights rare selections by programming teams Darkroom Associates and Astral Projections, who will "trade cinematic jabs" by screening selections from Nyback's world-famous 16mm film archive. The collection includes umpteen titles assembled over four decades of Nyback’s career and spans over a century of celluloid history. (Clinton Street Theater, 2522 SE Clinton, 7 pm, $10, not rated, more info) LINDSAY COSTELLO
Also worth it:
Novos Baianos, Aladdin Theater, 8 pm, tickets here
Wednesday, August 6
Moment: Purelink, elijah jamal asani, Visible Cloaks
Moment, the local organization staging interesting sonic experiences across the city, returns on August 6 after knocking it out of the fucking park at Leach Botanical Garden last month. If your musical taste lies anywhere on the ambient/experimental/abstract end of the spectrum, you'd be wise to keep up with what they're doing. This week, they'll present a lineup of IDM-bass swirlers Purelink, Nigerian American multiinstrumentalist elijah jamal asani, and an avant-garde DJ set by Spencer Doran, one-half of the future-focused duo Visible Cloaks. LC (Process PDX, 5040 SE Milwaukie, 7 pm, $16,60–$22.15, 21+, more info)
Silent Summer Reading Party
Portland shows up to be quiet at Topaz Farm's Silent Summer Reading Party, which is part of the Sauvie Island 'stead's "Sip &" series—offering different weekly opportunities, like flower arranging or pickling on select Wednesday evenings. A $25 reading party ticket comes with a complimentary drink (beer, wine, lemonade, etc.) and two hours of grassy field time. You're as comfortable as whatever park chair or blanket you bring—in July, those with the shade awning seats won out against a gentle, 7 pm downpour. The property's attractions are at your fingers if you arrive early, but keep in mind, if you want anything more filling than grab 'n go cheese and crackers, Topaz's grille closes a good 30 minutes before event. Host Audrey Van Buskirk offers opening remarks. (Topaz Farm, 17100 NW Sauvie Island, 6–8 pm, $25, all ages, tickets here) SUZETTE SMITH
Also worth it:
Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation, and Technology, OMSI, August 6–10, more info
Thursday, August 7
OPB presents: An Arts & Culture Showcase
I didn't have cable television as a kid, and thus was forced to park it in front of our ancient rabbit-eared set for the quiet magnetism of PBS's Antiques Roadshow, which I became enthralled by (along with Nature, NOVA, and…well…Riverdance). Maybe it’s cringy to say that PBS made an indelible impact on the weirdo-creative child that was me—but the countless hours I spent watching that channel might be why I became a writer. True to form, the Trump administration has decided that this type of crucial cultural exposure isn’t worth funding. His rescissions package clawed back over a billion dollars designated for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which announced August 1 that it will cease operations in the coming months. I say all of this to emphasize the importance of supporting OPB’s efforts—Oregon Artswatch reported that the organization will lose about $5 million annually due to the funding takeback. This showcase will spotlight the stories and creators behind Oregon Art Beat, Oregon Experience, Superabundant, and KMHD Jazz Radio. (PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater, 3530 SE Division, 7 pm, free, all ages, more info) LC
Weapons
I'm a firm believer in a freaky little horror movie's capacity to heal, and by "heal" I mean "forget about the actual horrors for around two hours." This one's cool factor is bolstered by its director, Zach Creggers, the filmmaker behind 2022's Barbarian. I won't spoil that film for the two of you who haven't seen it, but for everyone else: Remember how wild that first descent into the basement was? Expect more of that twisted tension here. Weapons follows the aftermath of a bizarre occurrence in a small town—an entire classroom of children up and disappear one night—and the film straddles Creggers' now-signature line between black humor and nervy brutality. (Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy, through August 21, $10–$12, R, tickets here) LC
Friday, August 8
Crafting Stories: Mark Roberts and Jon Raymond
Jon Raymond is probably best known for his meditative collaborations with filmmaker Kelly Reichardt (Wendy and Lucy, Showing Up), so who expected him to write the beach read of the summer? But God and Sex is quite a page turner! In it, a woo-woo Oregon writer struggles to finish his “high-end spiritual text” about trees, all while embarking on a steamy affair and clashing with climate disaster. Appearing with fellow screenwriter Mark Roberts, this bookstore talk is part of the Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation, and Technology and presents an opportunity to hear the two discuss the craft of onscreen storytelling. Read the Mercury's full review. (Literary Arts, 716 SE Grand, 6 pm, free, all ages, more info) MARTHA DAGHLIAN
Lucy Dacus
I started listening to Lucy Dacus' solo work after falling in love with Boygenius' eponymous debut EP. And while some listeners don't like to choose favorites and others might lean towards melancholy indie superstar Phoebe Bridgers, Dacus is far and away my favorite of the supergroup trio. If there is a silver lining to Boygenius' indefinite hiatus, which was announced early last year, it's that Dacus has had time and space to settle into a romantic relationship with bandmate Julien Baker (never forget when they served their iconic Ariana Grande/Pete Davidson Halloween couples' costumes) and release her major label debut Forever Is a Feeling. Giving an intimate look into the couple's relationship, Dacus' tender but powerful vocals shine brighter than ever in a beautiful portrait of queerness. LA-based multi-hyphenate Jay Som will open. (McMenamins Edgefield, 2126 SE Halsey, Troutdale, 6:30 pm, $66–$86, all ages, more info) JW
Saturday, August 9
8th Annual PDX Hot Sauce Expo
Each August, the PDX Hot Sauce Expo turns up the heat by bringing together hot sauce companies from across North America. Set your mouth on fire at the hottest ticket in town with free hot sauce tastings, then temper the spice with craft beers and specialty cocktails. If you're an avid "Hot Ones" viewer, you'll want to grab a seat by the Stage of Doom, where fearless (foolish?) competitors will scarf down "doughnuts of death," "spicy tacos of hell," "slaytanic burritos," and Carolina Reapers. YIKES. The expo also features wrestling, 'cause why not? Seems like a healthy way for folks to burn off some of that chile-charged energy. (Bridge Lot at OMSI, 1945 SE Water, 10 am–6 pm, $15-$100, all ages, more info) JW
PUGapalooza's Prettiest Pug Pageant
I’m generally more of a cat person, but as someone who’s short with breathing problems, I vibe hard with pugs and jump on any chance to appreciate them. What’s one of the only things better than a gang of our flat-faced friends? A grumble (yes, that’s their group name!!) of pugs dressed in cute costumes. Head to Portland Saturday Market’s main stage at 11 am for a parade of “pugs on vacation”! Nonprofit Pacific Pug Rescue says you can expect tropical shirts, tiny sunglasses, floaties, and more summer vibes. I’ll try to contain my excited squealing. Two victors will emerge: Portland’s Prettiest Pug, as chosen by a panel of esteemed judges, and People’s Choice. (Portland Saturday Market Main Stage, 2 SW Naito, 11 am, free, more info) JW
Waxahatchee
One of the biggest indie-folk outfits on the scene right now is Katie Crutchfield, AKA Waxahatchee. Breezy, feel good stories abound in Crutchfield’s songwriting, but don’t be fooled, there’s a heap of heartbreak in there too. Both can be heard/deeply felt on her album from last year, Tigers Blood. Foxwarren, which draws members from across the prairies of Canada, open the show with their lackadaisical take on a modern indie sound. The group includes songster Andy Shauf, but you should not shout “Halloween Store!” at the stage. (Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th, 7 pm, $64.83, all ages, more info) NOLAN PARKER
Sunday, August 10
Ambient Sundays: Logan Hone, Harlan Silverman, Luke Wyland
This Sunday morning in “events that were constructed in a lab to appeal to me personally,” Speck’s Records will host exuberant multi-instrumentalist Logan Hone, healing cellist Harlan Silverman (one-third of the Cosmic Tones Research Trio), and composer/cat soother Luke Wyland for a chill (in their words, “zen”) in-store session. The event is hosted by masters of “transportive psychedelia” Moon Glyph Records and Brainfood Bread, a sweet sourdough operation that’ll serve green tea and toast. I am picturing crumbs strewn across record crates, but like, who cares? Bliss out. Live laugh crumb. (Speck’s Records, 8216 N Denver, 11 am, free, all ages, more info here) LC
Ray Anthony Barrett: Who by Fire
Merging artmaking, tool-making, and gastronomic practices, Ray Anthony Barrett's Who by Fire reveals itself in thoughtful, material-driven pieces that emphasize collaboration and sustainability. Entering the gallery space, you'll first spot a dining room table covered in ceramic place settings and framed by Emily Endo's glowy glass chandelier; further into the show, Barrett's meditations on decolonial practice, systemic erasure, and ancestral guidance reveal themselves in tinder, flint, and tools for survival. Staged within a contemporary art space, the forms invite an interesting return to the elemental—think fire as sustenance, fire as memory, fire as resistance—while dissolving boundaries between art, ritual, and endurance. (PICA, 15 NE Hancock, Thur-Sun through August 9, free, all ages, more info here) LC
Also worth it:
Summer workshop series, Oregon Contemporary, more info here
Looking for even more events happening this week? Head on over to EverOut!
