Holy hell, last week was hawt! Portland’s recent foray into 90+ degree heat calls for some serious patio jams and/or bumping an excellent new summer anthem. When in doubt, we also recommend scooping up tickets to legendary drag performer Jinkx Monsoon’s homecoming show, and fanning your beautiful face with them! Dive into all of it right Hear in Portland.
MUST SEE:
Upcoming local event(s) featuring local artist(s).
Rontoms Sunday Sessions: Federale
There’s never a bad time to attend Rontoms’ Sunday Sessions—after all, it is a weekly free show offered in a stylish, desirable location—but this one is of particular interest, featuring Portland-based psychedelic band Federale as its headliner. Headed by bassist Collin Hegna (Brian Jonestown Massacre), the six-piece rock band is known for its dark and moody, Spaghetti-Western-inspired sound. Expect an array of dramatic, cinematic songs similar in sampling to their 2021 live album recorded at PDX Pop Now!, but with newer tracks from the 2022 EP Our Side of the Story and releases like the excellent “Blood Moon.” Maybe they’ll even whip out “Tribe” from 2012’s The Blood Flowed Like Wine, which hit international ears in the trailer for The Banshees of Inisherin. (Rontoms, 600 E Burnside, Sun July 30, 8 pm, FREE, 21+)
MUST LISTEN:
New release(s) from a Portland-relevant artist.
“Pleasantville,” JxJURY, Mal London
I don’t know about you, but my appetite for song(s) of the summer is nigh on neverending. Into this boisterous metaphorical pool party, we welcome a collaborative new single from JxJURY and Mal London, called “Pleasantville.” Over an effervescent and infectious beat produced by JxJury himself, the two charismatically rap about playing hard, working hard, and enjoying the current moment, i.e. the summer moment. The bouncy song inspires imagery of shimmering waves, sweaty dance floors, overflowing drinks, and sun-soaked patios. For good vibes, we recommend giving “Pleasantville” a spin at your next riverside hang, day party, or BBQ.
ADDED TO THE QUEUE:
Some upcoming music buzz to put on your radar.
Jinkx Monsoon
This show has been on the schedule for a while, but now it’s close enough to begin getting pumped about! On August 14, legendary drag performer Jinkx Monsoon breezes back through their hometown, which they’ve recently moved back to, according to recently released stand-up special Red Head Redemption. The show is a late stop on their witch-themed Everything At Stake tour. Jinkx will no-doubt be singing, dancing, and sending audiences into a perpetual state of open-mouth cackling. Homework for the performance should include listening or watching the aforementioned 2023 music-infused standup special. If you’re one of the queer millennials (me) who remembers being mesmerized by Jinkx’s performances at the now-defunct all ages Escape Nightclub, then seeing the two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race winner and Portland drag icon demonstrate their many skills on the Keller stage will feel like a full-circle moment. And if you’re a drag fan, this show is simply unmissable. (And chop, chop! There is currently a low-ticket warning for the Portland show!) (Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay, Mon Aug 14, $55, tickets here, 18+)
