This week we break the news of a must-see, bittersweet event: the final Maarquii show. But don’t lose heart entirely! We’ve also got a Dame DOLLA album announcement! And later this month, the second annual Kidz Outside Festival goes down in St. Johns. Get into it all this August, right Hear in Portland.
MUST SEE:
Upcoming local event(s) featuring local artist(s).
Maarquii
Known here in the city for their hip-hop / R&B / industrial music and ballroom artistry, Portland-based high femme artist Maarquii has announced tonight’s show for the Portland’5 Music On Main series will mark her final show with that moniker. “There will be no ‘MAARQUII’ going forward,” Marquise Dickerson, the artist currently known as Maarquii, wrote. “This is basically my last show for a while.” The artist cited that “music industry politics, COVID, these egg prices… have been effective in totally wearing me down creatively. I need to redirect and re-focus.” While we are devastated, we have to respect this choice and buckle up for whatever new direction the artist takes in the future. The artist teased the upcoming performance with videos of her rehearsing with a couple dancers. The outside concert goes down next to the Schnitz, between Southwest Broadway and Park Avenue. Described as a “Community & Culture Celebration,” the show is free, and open to all ages; seating is first come first serve. ( Portland’5 Music On Main, 1111 SW Broadway, Wed August 9, 5 pm, FREE, all ages)
UPDATE: Fans can follow the artist under a new moniker, Keeks.
Related: Read our 2019 profile about Maarquii
Related: Our review of Maarquii’s 2018 album C.A.B.O.
MUST LISTEN:
New release(s) from a Portland-relevant artist.
“Cabo,” Dame D.O.L.L.A
Speaking of Cabo, Dame D.O.L.L.A– AKA outgoing Trail Blazer Damian Lillard–just dropped a fresh single called “Cabo,” featuring New York singer-songwriter Sy Ari da Kid. If you’re looking for songs to soundtrack the last couple months of summer, the song is packed with vacation and party vibes. The accompanying music video appears to be shot on location in Cabo San Lucas, showing Dame and Sy Ari da Kid vibing out on the beach and poolside. Dame raps about getting shrimp at Nobu and pouring up Casa Azul Tequila, over production from Nonstop Da Hitman and Mosaic.Along with melancholy lead single “The Way It Goes,” “Cabo” is one of the tracks from Dame’s forthcoming fifth album, Don D.O.L.L.A, which he recently announced is due out on August 17. “Most complete project I’ve put together,” he teased on Instagram before adding: “Top notch features and production.” Needless to say, we can’t wait to hear what Dame’s been cooking up as we wait to see what comes of his trade deal.
ADDED TO THE QUEUE:
Some upcoming music buzz to put on your radar.
Kidz Outside Festival
Co-founded by rapper Mat Randol and journalist Donovan Scribes (FKA Donovan Smith) the Kidz Outside Festival—to be held in St. Johns’ underutilized George Park on August 26—is looking like a guaranteed good time. In collaboration with Portland Parks & Recreation’s Summer Free for All, the second installment of the fest will showcase local talent, like that of rapper C’est La, along with a set emceed by festival co-founder Mat Randol. Another shiny name on the bill is one of my personal favorite artists in Portland, soulful singer-songwriter Yawa (formerly known as Amenta Abioto). Last year, in partnership with community organization Tenacious Rose, Kidz Outside Festival were able to hand out 70 backpacks, along with countless other classroom supplies, to help kids during the pricey back-to-school season. This year, they’re planning to hand out up to 140 backpacks. Nikki Brown Clown will also be there, making balloon animals and facilitating bean bag toss competitions. (George Park, 7240 N Fessenden, Sat Aug 26, 2 pm, FREE, all ages)
