Hello music lovers and haters (hopefully not haters), this is your new music editor signing on to tell you what you already know: Portland is still popping off! I’m always in awe of the artists both based here and coming through. I feel like I need a time machine to catch everything because how am I supposed to be in three places at once when there’s Surgery Season at the Off Beat, a No Quiet Hours fundraiser at the Crystal, and Jun Iida Quartet all happening at the same time? I’ll admit, I don’t know how I haven’t been to the 1905 yet, but my love for jazz has quadrupled since living in Brazil and I’m in dire need of some freeform trumpet. Unfortunately I’m out of town most of this week to go hunker down and experiment with my own sound by the seaside in Sou’Wester, but if you are a jazz fan, I recommend catching Matt Von Roderick and/or the aforementioned Jun Iida Quartet for some unrivaled horn action.

And if I can’t be in more than one place at a time, at least I can send you all out to see some fantastic sets and you’ll tell me how it went, right?

Since I just got here (thank you all for the warm welcomes!), this list will be a bit shorter than I’d like, but rest assured I’ll be back with more in the coming weeks! Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, be kind out there.

Wednesday, August 26

Summer Sounds Tunes in the Plaza: Isabeau and the Noise Boyz

For fans of Haley Heynderickx, Adrianne Lenker, Julia Jacklin

Summer’s not over yet! What better time of year to sit in the brand-new Darcelle XV Plaza soaking up the daytime sun with an iced coffee and the cool sounds of Isabeau and The Noise Boyz. The totally free Summer Sounds Concert Series—put on by NW Natural in collaboration with community staples Tender Loving Empire and Friends of Noise—has been rocking all season long, featuring acts like the Apricots, Camp Crush, and Saint Syndrome. This show marks the last of this year’s run, featuring Isabeau Waia’u Walker’s wistful melodies that float between tender self reflection and a commitment to honesty. Whether you’ve been out to every Wednesday session, or are still looking for something fresh and fun before the fall chill rolls in, this one’s guaranteed to be a delight.

(Darcelle XV Plaza, 800 SW Harvey Milk, 11:30 am-1:30 pm, FREE, more info, all ages)

Thursday, August 27

Madi Gaines, Chipped Nail Polish, Myriads

For fans of Pool Boys, Snail Mail, Cocteau Twins

Holocene is a great place to dance, and this dream pop line up is no exception. Myriads just released a banger cover of Hilary Duff’s “Why Not,” adding a sweet nostalgia to their already starry sound. Then sway along to Chipped Nail Polish and Madi Gaines, who will teleport you to a sweet bedroom crying sesh that leaves you feeling all the more empowered and ready to face the world. Catching any one of these artists is a treat, but all three together is a special feature you won’t want to miss.

(Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison, 8:30 pm, $15.28, more info, 21+)

Friday, August 28 

Juno Driver, IX of Swords, Sceneric, Saoirse Dream, Surgery Season

For fans of Floral Patterns, Gouge Away, Foxtails

Okay, I saw Surgery Season for the first time this year with a dropped jaw. Outside, in the most DIY of spaces (under a bridge) they played after a punk-AF demo derby to a captivated audience, stripping from a swamp monster outfit and dragging an “audience” member around by the collar. All this to say, this show will be perfect if you like thrashing and screaming. Saoirse Dream is unlike anything I’ve ever heard: video game fever dream, electronic bliss. And Sceneric, IX of Swords, and Juno Driver are sure to tug at your heart strings (as well as your vocal cords) as they channel weighty punk and a beat you’ll need to move your feet to. Pinch me, ’cause this lineup is the queer punk daydream I’ve been waiting for.

(The Off Beat, 8440 N Interstate, 7 pm, $10 adv / $15 door, more info, all ages with potential adult themes)

No Quiet Hours Fundraiser Concert ft. the Shivas, Alien Boy, the Kingsmen, Plankton, Wat, Happy Death Men, Left on Read, Pigeon Pit

We all know and love the sounds of the PNW. The passion of this region’s independent music scene is truly the eighth world wonder. And as we’re been carrying on that history and keeping the heart of community music alive, the team behind the forthcoming No Quiet Hours documentary has been documenting, archiving, and preserving 50 years of brilliant minds in DIY. No Quiet Hours will feature interviews with artists including Janet Weiss of Sleater-Kinney, Jackpot! Records founder Larry Crane, Toody Cole of Dead Moon, and Friends of Noise executive director Andre Middleton. It’s a reflection of what Portland is, has been, and hopefully always will be: a space where people show up. To keep the ball rolling on this important film, Crystal Ballroom is hosting a fundraiser concert with a collection of beloved locals including the Shivas, Happy Death Men, and Pigeon Pit.

(Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside, 4:30 pm, $26.10, more info, all ages)

Sunday, August 30

Black & Loud Fest

This year’s Black & Loud Fest is about to set the stage ablaze with fire co-headliners Iniko and King Youngblood. Nonbinary icon Iniko is hot on the heels of their 2022 viral sensation “The King’s Affirmation.” Their genre-bending sound encompasses elements of soul, electronic, and experimental pop, pushing the bounds of expectation with brilliant sci-fi dreamscapes and breathtaking performance. King Youngblood hails from our metropolitan neighbors up north in Seattle, blending exploratory alt rock with an Afropunk ethos, showing up this year with tracks from their latest Afrothunda II—which comes with a comic book companion. This year’s fest will also host New Orleans funk artists Cyril Neville, Omari Neville and the Fuel, Kween Kaysh, and more.

(The Den, 116 SE Yamhill, 5 pm, $51.96-$150.87, more info, 21+)

Wednesday, September 2

Blood Orange Essex Honey Album Listen

For fans of Frank Ocean, Solange, Dijon

Seven years after Blood Orange’s last release—dare I say, masterpiece—Negro Swan, came another work of genius last year: Essex Honey. Coasting through grief and navigating loss, Devonté Hynes stays true to his eclectic sound, employing synth, strings, and dulcet vocals that just might make you weep. Hynes has a magical way of bringing marvel out of mourning. In this unique album listening session at Mono Space, phones will be off and visitors will not be let in after 7:30 pm. Cut the stagnant static of the outside if only for a moment, and come listen to Blood Orange in the presence of strangers.

(Mono Space, 608 NW 13th, 7 pm, $21.50-$36.50, more info, all ages)

But wait, there’s more! Be sure to check these out:

Matt Von Roderick – Thursday, August 27, the 1905, 830 N Shaver, 6:30pm and 8:30pm, $30, more info, all ages

Twisted Teens – Friday, August 28, Polaris Hall, 635 N Killingsworth Ct, 9 pm, $23.38, more info, 21+

Jun Iida Quartet – Friday, August 28, the 1905, 830 N Shaver, 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm, $30, more info, all ages

Black Marble – Saturday, August 29, Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell, 8 pm, $28-45, more info, all ages

DJ Miss Twink USA – Saturday, August 29, Barn Radio, 215 SW 1st, 10 pm, $15-$25, more info, 21+