In this column, we regard Pickathon as the climax of our Portland-area summer music season, but even as the season hits twilight mode, there are plenty of other worthy music updates to get into this month. Here comes the latest, Hear in Portland!
MUST SEE:
Upcoming local event(s) featuring local artist(s).
Soul Festival Block Party
The annual summer block party from the folks behind Black-owned cannabis dispensary Green Muse (formerly Green Hop) is now called the Soul Festival Block Party. (Yes, there’s been a lot of rebranding going on.) This year, the outdoor live music event notably headlines stalwart R&B singer-songwriter Zyah Belle who will perform a set pulling from her dazzling 2022 studio album Yam Grier as well as from her 2021 EP Who’s Listening Anyway. We’ll be hoping for the self pump-up anthem “You Got It,” and other standout tracks like the sultry “Ready Or Not,” and the solo dance party vibes on “DND.” Rapper 3hreeg, Romeo, and other artists Alexis and Imani will also perform. (In front of Green Muse, 515 NE 16th Ave, Sat Aug 17, FREE, all ages)
Isabeau Waia’u Walker & The Noise Boys
In addition to singing backup vocals for Y La Bamba, Portland singer-songwriter-guitarist Isabeau Waia’u Walker has a burgeoning solo career. For the first and only time this summer, Walker will perform a live show with full-band the Noise Boys. The bill is rounded out by soft-psych Americana from Salt Lake City group Harpers, and DJ Ernie “Moose” (AKA music podcast host and personality Dan Cable). (Lollipop Shoppe, 736 SE Grand, Sun, Aug 18, 9 pm, $10 adv, $15 door, tickets here, 21+)
MUST LISTEN:
New release(s) from a Portland-relevant artist.
“Dog In Me,” Wynne
We recently raved about Wynne’s new singles like “Dirt,” and “Rugburn,” that added even more flames to the already scorching trail she’s blazing, but the Portland-based emcee dropped another single, “Dog In Me,” on July 12. Like her other recent singles, the song is presumably from part two of her double EP, which follows up Some Like It Hot. Wielding tasteful Autotune and clever dog-related puns, Wynne delivers yet another unapologetic, glow-up bop.
ADDED TO THE QUEUE:
Some upcoming music buzz to add to your radar.
Greaterkind album release show
On August 29, jazz and soul quartet Greaterkind will release their highly anticipated debut LP, Change of Plans, via Albina Music Trust. Ever since the band’s formation, we’ve loved their sound and seeing their active, mostly instrumental sets filling up Portland’s live music calendar. The band—which comprises Charlie Brown (keys), Cory Limuaco (drums), and Peter Knudsen (guitar/bass/vocals)—is also playing an album release show at Mississippi Studios to celebrate, and they’ll be selling and releasing the first vinyls for the project. Soul and jazz singer Lo Steele will be opening the night up with songs from her own debut, Happy Girl, and Omari Jazz will be spinning some tunes as well. (Mississippi Studios, 3939 N. Mississippi, Thurs Aug 29, $15, tickets here, 21+)
