STRFKR
When I’m in need of a good cheering-up, Portland’s own STRFKR is who I turn to. They play neon-conjuring, synth-heavy electronica: Careful builds, emotive lyrics, and glittery aural sparks make you feel like you’re in a self-actualization montage in a particularly smart John Hughes movie. If you don’t believe me, listen to their cover of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” immediately. MEGAN BURBANK
w/ Minden, Dec 30; w/ Reptaliens, Dec 31; 9 pm, Wonder Ballroom, $30-35, all ages
Explode into Colors
The past two years have truly sucked, but one good thing 2016 gave us was the reunion of Explode into Colors. News of the beloved art-rock trio’s second coming brought joy to Portland music fans, who’ll be able to shake their bums to the band’s funky grooves two nights in a row this week. Mississippi Studios is not messing around when it comes to openers: psychedelic cumbia outfit Sávila plays the first night, with glam rapper Maarquii and producer JVNITOR heating up the New Year’s Eve show. CIARA DOLAN
w/ Savila, Dec 30; w/ Maarquii & JVNITOR, Dec 31; 9 pm, Mississippi Studios, $25-30
Nasalrod, C Average, Hair Puller
Beloved local experimental rockers Nasalrod bring their frenzied live show to the Fixin’ To for a weird, energetic goodbye to 2017.
9 pm, The Fixin’ To, $7
Winter Farmers Mercado
‘Tis the season to support local growers! Farmers Markets aren’t just for the summer and you can stock up on your favorite fruits, veggies, and small batch food products every Saturday through the March at the Portland Mercado. This indoor and outdoor market also promises activities for the kids, live music, and chef-led educational programs in addition to bounds of fresh produce. EMILLY PRADO
10 am, Portland Mercado, free
The Adventures of Prince Achmed
Almost 100 years after it was made, 1926’s The Adventures of Prince Achmed still astonishes. It’s the oldest feature-length animated movie that still exists, but it’s completely timeless, using German animator Lotte Reiniger’s intricate cutout technique to create gorgeous silhouettes that depict a gripping, surreal adventure from the Arabian Nights, populated by sorcerers and demons. NED LANNAMANN
4:30 pm, NW Film Center’s Whitsell Auditorium, $6-9
Dan Sheron
Tonight is the last night of Balto frontman Dan Sheron’s week-long residency at Al’s Den. Sheron’s rootsy musical leanings stem from his troubadour days in Siberia and Moscow, and he recently returned from a 16-stop tour through Russia by train. His wanderlust has yielded several releases under the Balto parasol, beginning with 2011’s October’s Road, followed by 2012’s Monuments, and later 2015’s 7-inch Call It by Its Name. Balto’s most recent record, Strangers, dropped in early 2017 via Total Reality Meltdown, and bursts with feel-good rockers like the addictive opening track “Lost on the Young” and the Paul Simon-esque “Restless Generation.” Wind down the year with comforting suds and one of the better songwriters in Portland. RYAN J. PRADO
7 pm, Al’s Den, free
Pink Martini: New Year’s Extravaganza
Pianist Thomas Lauderdale and his legendary Portland-based jazz and classical pop ensemble return to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall to help ring in the New Year.
7:30 pm, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, $40-125
Don’t forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!