Holy September! Summer 2024 is cooling down, and we’re still processing Live Nation’s dystopian plans for the city's Central Eastside. Increasingly prominent nonprofit MusicPortland has been fighting the decision, but developers aren’t backing down. We'll be watching the upcoming September 19 hearing on the matter very closely. In the meantime, if you just came to rock out and vibe, there's plenty of local music buzz to enjoy right now—from the return of Lose Yr Mind Fest to Alana Rich’s new single and lots more!

MUST SEE: 

Upcoming local event(s) featuring local artist(s).   

Lose Yr Mind Fest

Beginning in 2014 as a series of house shows that upgraded to warehouse parties, Lose Yr Mind Fest books mostly rock bands for its annual two-day festival. You'll catch them producing events throughout the year, but the fest is their big fete. English rock band Ulrika Spacek tops the bill of this year's opening night, on September 13, joining a lineup of Los Angeles post-punk and psych rockers Dummy, Portland-based psychedelic pop rockers Shadowgraphs, fellow locals Darkswoon, and Idaho-based experimental band Sun Blood Stories. September 14 sees doom, psych, and heavy metal band Deathchant, Portland post-punkers Forty Feet Tall, and prog garage rockers the Macks, among others. This year, there's dance nights, too. On both Friday and Saturday, after the bands wrap up at The Get Down, folks can dance for free at the after parties going down at Lollipop Shoppe, with psych and rock en espanol from Seattle’s Emi Pop, and a slew of talented DJs, like Disco Diablo, Espina Letal, Lizzy Al Toque, and Albina. (The Get Down, 680 SE 6th, Fri Sept 13 & Sat Sept 14, 7 pm, $25, tickets here, 21+; after parties at Lollipop Shoppe, 736 SE Grand, 10 pm, FREE, 21+) 

MUST LISTEN: 

New release(s) from a Portland-relevant artist. 

“New Stereo,” Alana Rich

While we are still patiently waiting for the full-length debut from Portland-based pop singer-songwriter Alana Rich—which is likely a 2025 thing—we’ve been impressed by her local performances at showcases like the Thesis,  and her string of enjoyable singles like “Shangri-La,” and “Foreign.” We’re not the only ones noticing the artist’s steady rise! Earlier this year, Rich sang the national anthem at a Blazers game, and even more notably, was added to the Recording Academy’s Class of 2024. Her latest single, “New Stereo,” is giving retro new wave vibes that grow even more pronounced with each listen. The speedy, throbbing beat for the club-ready dance pop song was co-produced by Rich and Justin Sprout, utilizing flickering ’80s-reminiscent synths, as Rich waxes introspective about what it’s like to chase big dreams. For those wanting to catch her live, Rich will be performing Saturday, September 14 at the free and all-ages Portland Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, presented by the White Lotus Foundation. Also known as Moon Festival, the traditional Asian celebration honors the full moon and harvest season. It's a time for families to reunite and share meals, as the roundness of the moon represents completeness and family unity. (Hong Phat Supercenter, 4200 Southeast 82nd, Sat Sept 14, 2 pm-10 pm, all ages, FREE)

ADDED TO THE QUEUE: 

Some upcoming music buzz to add to your radar.

Dorothy, Oh, Rose

Both upcoming Future Islands shows at Revolution Hall are deeply sold out, but should you buy a resale ticket, we wouldn't blame you—especially considering we want to see the opener performer even more than the headliner. Fronted by singer-songwriter Olivia Rose’s breathtaking vocals, Oh, Rose is one of the Mercury’s favorite indie rock bands right now, and if you can't see them on this supporting tour, make sure to scoop up their forthcoming album, Dorothy. Mastered by hero-of-the-first-take Fred Thomas and released by beloved local label Antiquated Future, Dorothy marks the band’s first album in five years. The name comes from Olivia Rose’s grandmother, an expert quilter. In a note on the album’s Bandcamp page, Rose explained she sees the album as its own quilt—both sonically and in terms of the slow and methodical process of making the album. "I always said this album was going to be a love album," she wrote "and this record feels emblematic of the love I shared with her." 
(Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark, Sat Sept 14 & Sun Sept 15, SOLD OUT, 21+ and all ages options)