This is the last week before the sun goes out one way or the other. Hopefully it’s the celestial event version, as opposed to the version caused by our tweet-happy, mentally-deficient slumlord-in-chief. So might as well try to get as much enjoyment in as possible before everything comes to a full stop for the weekend. Watch a classic movie on a rooftop, hear an honest-to-god troubador pour his countryfied heart out onstage, pound a couple tallboys in the name of glory, and visit the palace of Shabazz when it sets down at the Star. It’s a full week ahead; hit the links below and load your plate accordingly.
Jump to: Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday
Monday, Aug 14
Steve Earle & The Dukes, The Mastersons
Earle’s mistakes, excesses, and fuckups shaped the three-time Grammy winner into one of the most respected living American songwriters. He’s also an accomplished actor, author, playwright, and political activist, often aligning with progressive politics. For his new album, however, Earle returns to what he’s always done best: swaggering country-rock and story-driven ballads. With So You Wannabe an Outlaw? Earle continues the long tradition of country songs about heartbreak and hell-raising. SANTI ELIJAH HOLLEY
8 pm, Revolution Hall, $35-38
Ahleuchatistas, U Sco, Teton
Hailing from Asheville, North Carolina, Ahleuchatistas make it their mission to defy a listener’s expectations. Much like Philadelphia’s Palm or like minded locals U Sco (who are also on tonight’s bill), guitarist Shane Parish and drummer Ryan Oslance will lock into a complex and inventive math-rock composition, only to strip mine the entire thing and pave it over with a new layer of noise just when you thought you had it figured out. It’s a mesmerizing and thrilling thing to behold, and it’s made all the more breathtaking when witnessed live. CHIPP TERWILLIGER
8 pm, The Know, $10
Bystander Intervention Workshop
In light of the tragic TriMet tragedy, Teressa Raiford of Dont Shoot Portland has organized an intervention workshop to help individuals learn ways to confront racism and threats, while also reducing danger and keeping those vulnerable safe. This workshop has a suggested $5-20 sliding scale donation to benefit Don’t Shoot Portland, with no one being turned away for lack of funds. 3 pm, Ecdysiast
Hecklevision: Steel
Your opportunity to turn your phone into a weapon of textual comedic destruction, aimed directly at what is maybe (if you discount Frank Miller’s The Spirit) the most misguided superhero film ever made: Steel, a kinda-sorta-not-really Superman spinoff starring amiable lunkhead and part-time rapper Shaquille O’Neal. If you are still—somehow—valiantly fighting the indisputable truth of the 1990s as awkward, aesthetically deficient, confused clusterfuck of a decade? This installment of Hecklevision oughta snap those nostalgia glasses in half before the first 20 minutes of this cinematic mistake finish lumbering across the text-littered screen. And if you’re lucky, that text will include the lyrics to Shaq’s guest verse on 1994 gimmick rap single “What’s Up Doc?” by Fu-Schnickens, which is roughly 3.7 times more entertaining than the entirety of his performance in Steel. BOBBY ROBERTS
7:30 pm, Hollywood Theatre, $9
The Selecter, The Grand Yoni
The reformed 2 Tone ska revival band out of Coventry, England bring their politically-charged punk and ska music to the Aladdin Theater for an all ages headlining show. DJ The Grand Yoni (of XRAY.fm’s The IMPACT! Sound) provides support.
9 pm, Aladdin Theater, $30, all ages
Tuesday, Aug 15
Bryan Ferry
The swoon-worthy voice of crooner Bryan Ferry is elegance personified, and tonight he’ll seduce every last row of the Schnitz with his luxurious siren songs. With a brimming back catalog that features Roxy Music classics, dapper solo albums, and impeccable taste in cover songs, tonight will be a perfectly appointed tour through Ferry’s rock-cabaret world. NED LANNAMANN
8 pm, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, $41-99, all ages
The Ghost Ease, Jo Passed, Ah God
Guitarist/vocalist Jem Murciano and her shapeshifting garage punk outfit return to the Mississippi Studios stage for a headlining show. Joining Murciano for tonight’s performance are drummer Kathy Foster (The Thermals, Hurry Up) and bassist Cayla Davis (Break-Up Flowers, Cay is Okay). Vancouver, B.C.’s Jo Passed and Portland’s own Ah God provide support.
9 pm, Mississippi Studios, $8-10
Jazz in the Garden
Closing out Lan Su’s 2017 summer concert series is Yoruban singer Daymé Arocena, blending jazz styles and Afro-Cuban soul into a powerful sound.
7 pm, Lan Su Chinese Garden, $25-30
Standing Rock Call to Action
The fight to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe isn’t over, despite the state of our current administration. At this event, you’ll get the chance to hear from social justice attorneys Chase Iron Eyes and Daniel Sheehan, who serve as counsel for the Lakota People’s Law Project. They’ll retrace the #NoDAPL movement from their own perspectives and share updates on the current legal battles against water protectors in the Dakotas. EMILLY PRADO
7 pm, Eliot Center, free w/ rsvp
Kung Fu Theater: Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow
This month’s installment in Dan Halsted’s ongoing celebration of all things whoop-ass is a very rare 35mm print of the Jackie Chan classic Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow. Don’t go in expecting the ridiculous action-comedy frenzy of Drunken Master II or Project A, or you’re probably going to be a little nonplussed by the straightforward “master teaches student how to take out the rogue clan” story. This is a slower film than the average Chan fan might expect, but director/master Yuen Woo Ping still brings the goods from a choreography standpoint,
and 1978-vintage Jackie is pretty goddamned impressive. And if you need a little outlandishness to go with your action, there is a kung fu Jesus in the mix. Catch the birth of a kung fu legend in 35mm while you can! BOBBY ROBERTS
7:30 pm, Hollywood Theatre, $9
The Moth StorySLAM
A spinoff of the nationwide storytelling success, in which potential soul-barers put their names in a hat, and once called, have five minutes to tell their tale. “Deadlines” is the theme for tonight’s story session.
8 pm, Holocene, $10
The Buttertones, The Goobs, Psychomagic
Regardless of how overdone, overplayed, and cliché it’s become, surf rock will always have a place in the West Coast music landscape. Los Angeles group the Buttertones’ new record, Gravedigging, plays more like the soundtrack for an action-packed ’60s teen surf film than an indie rock album made in 2017. It’s got everything—the slow dance song, the beach hangout song, the being-chased-by-the-school-principal-after-partaking-in unruly-antics song. Though they certainly capture that seaside sound, Gravedigging’s got a healthy dose of creepy punk vibes. Richard Araiza’s theatrical vocals call to mind artists like the B-52’s, the Cramps, and the Clash, while wavy guitar riffs stay true to the surf genre and pair flawlessly with wild saxophone parts. DELANEY MOTTER
10:30 pm, Lola’s Room, $10-12
Wednesday, Aug 16
Shabazz Palaces, Porter Ray
When he’s not performing with his legendary jazz rap outfit Digable Planets, pioneering emcee and producer Ishmael “Butterfly” Butler (AKA Palaceer Lazaro) can be found pushing hip-hop forward alongside multi-instrumentalist Tendai “Baba” Maraire in Shabazz Palaces. Catch up with the Seattle-based duo tonight when they return to Portland supporting their 2017 full-length, Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star.
9 pm, Star Theater, $18.50
Guantanamo Baywatch, Patsy’s Rats, Melt
For years, the hard-working, surf-rocking punks of Guantanamo Baywatch have been a major part of Portland’s soundtrack—and tonight at the Know, they’re celebrating the release of their latest album on Suicide Squeeze, Desert Center. Pulling speedy riffs from classic rock and surf while brimming with rambunctious attitude, it’s a must-listen—and hearing its tracks live will be even better. ERIK HENRIKSEN
8 pm, The Know
Sylvan Esso, Flock of Dimes
Sylvan Esso has all the easy qualities we’re drawn to in indie and electronica: haunting songs, clear vocals, varied percussion. Yet somehow it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what artist they most closely resemble. Sylvan Esso is the new-school folk voice of Amelia Meath, paired with the synth stylings of Nick Sanborn. Though relatively new on the music scene, the pair has such a cohesive sound, you’d think they’d been playing together since they used to listen to Neutral Milk Hotel in their college dorm room, smoking weed and eating Eggo waffles. ROSE FINN
Aug 16-17, 8 pm, Crystal Blalroom, $25-28
Fruit Bats, Small Leaks Sink Ships, Dana Buoy, Dusu Mali
Philia: Artists Rise Against Islamophobia presents an evening with folk rock singer/songwriter Eric D. Johnson, who will be performing an intimate solo set under his Fruit Bats moniker, along with support from locals Small Leaks Sink Ships, Dana Buoy, and Dusu Mali.
9 pm, Doug Fir, $20
Kid Koala
Hot on the heels of his contributions to Edgar Wright’s acclaimed summer blockbuster Baby Driver, the renowned Canadian scratch DJ, producer, and award-winning graphic novelist returns to Portland to take control of the Holocene dance floor with a full live DJ set.
8:30 pm, Holocene, $12-14
Space Jam
POINT: Space Jam is very terrible and has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Trust no one who says otherwise.—Erik Henriksen, Film Editor COUNTERPOINT: Space Jam is the most precious kids’ basketball movie ever made! In a confusing time when GOAT Michael Jordan retired to play less watchable sports, kids were gifted Space Jam to aid in the grieving process. Portrayed as a humble family man, MJ gets sucked into a golf hole and recruited by the Looney Tunes to beat cartoon aliens at basketball. Is it far-fetched? DUH. But the Looney Tunes stay comically solid (as does Bill Murray), and the opening montage of Jordan’s career is chill-inducing. Space Jam was also the debut of Lola “Don’t Ever Call Me ‘Doll’” Bunny, who yes, plays Bugs Bunny’s romantic interest, but was also initially seen as a feminist icon. And don’t get me started on the soundtrack!—Jenni Moore, Copy Chief
4:50 pm, 9:10 pm, Academy Theater
Tracy Bryant, The Lavender Flu
Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter and Corners frontman Tracy Bryant brings his goth-tinged pop-rock solo project up the west coast for a free show at the White Owl Social Club supporting his infectious new 7-inch, Parachute. Portland’s own Lavender Flu provide support with their dynamic blend of garage punk.
8 pm, White Owl Social Club, free
Solar Eclipse Tap Takeover
Ecliptic Brewing hosts a pre-game for the looming solar eclipse, giving you the chance to enjoy an array of Ecliptic beers, including those of the rare and barrel-aged variety. Swing by and grab a pair of special solar eclipse glasses, and stick around to talk space with other likeminded individuals while you kill some time before the big event.
5 pm, Ecliptic Brewing
Sample Size: A Stand-Up Showcase
Phil Schallberger is in control of the soundboard. Phil Schallberger has a fusillade of samples loaded and ready for bear. JoAnn Schinderle, Jason Traeger, Caitlin Weierhauser, and Milan Patel have stand-up sets that will become improv sets as the samples are dropped and everyone has to try and remix a night of comedy on the fly. Hosted by Nick Walker.
9 pm, Kickstand Comedy Space, free
Psychic Ills
New York’s Psychic Ills use their many influences for the sole purpose of spacing out. Over the past decade and a half, core members Tres Warren and Elizabeth Hart have dabbled in electronic psychedelia, improvised raga, and, more recently, jangly garage rock. MARK LORE
9 pm, Mississippi Studios, $10-12
Thursday, Aug 17
Umii, Hosannas, Brown Calculus
Portland R&B singer Reva Devito and Los Angeles-based producer B. Bravo recently joined forces as Umii, and tonight they’re celebrating the release of their shimmering debut EP, This Time. Between Devito’s sultry vocals and Bravo’s slo-mo grooves, these electro-funk tracks are ideal for both the bedroom and the dance floor. CIARA DOLAN
8:30 pm, Holocene, $8-10
BJ the Chicago Kid, Blossom, Epp
Chicago exports, man. We don’t appreciate them enough. The City of Broad Shoulders gave us the innovation of celery on hot dogs, and the best kind of pizza to make fun of. You’ve had Malört, right? It’s disgusting in all the right ways. Sure, sure: R. Kelly. But Chicago’s marketing R&B singers these days that aren’t complete creeps! BJ the Chicago Kid puts out soulful, timeless tracks. More importantly, the man can sing. DIRK VANDERHART
9 pm, Mississippi Studios, $3 w/ rsvp
Matthew Zapruder
Ever since reading Matthew Zapruder’s mordantly sweet poetry collection Come On All You Ghosts, whose title poem is simultaneously an elegy for Zapruder’s father and David Foster Wallace and a pep talk for the disaffected everywhere, Zapruder’s been one of my favorite writers. His work is funny, sad, and so very smart, and makes you feel better about the world by making you feel worse about it, somehow. MEGAN BURBANK
7:30 pm, Powell’s City of Books, free
Army of Darkness
“Alright, you primitive screwheads! Listen up! You see this? This is my boomstick. The 12-gauge, double-barreled Remington! S-Mart’s top of the line! You can find this in the sporting goods department.” Part of the NW Film Center’s Top Down: Rooftop Cinema series, preceded by a local short film.
7 pm, Hotel deLuxe
Pallbearer, Gost
The Arkansas-hailing outfit bring their crossover blend of soaring melodic rock and doom metal back to Portland for an all ages show in support of their 2017 full-length,
Heartless.
6 pm, Bossanova Ballroom, $16-18
Aspergers are Us
A special one-night-only appearance from the country’s only sketch comedy troupe composed entirely of autistic performers. And just in case you were worried about the subject matter—their press release makes sure to let you know they think Big Bang Theory is bad, too. (Because holy shit what a terrible fucking show that is).
8 pm, Siren Theater, $10
Tyler Nordgren
Tyler Nordgren reads from Sun Moon Earth, providing all the information you need to get ready for the 2017 solar eclipse, including illustrations and a detailed map.
7 pm, Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, free
Lady Rizo
Blessed with a dump truck full of charisma, gargantuan eyelashes, and lungs that can blow out the back of any theater, Her Ladyship sings standards in a way that never fails to hilariously entertain. WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
9 pm, Star Theater, $20
Phone Call, Planet Booty, DJ Freaky Outty
Don’t hang up, this is not a wrong number! The Portland nu-soul duo work synths and beats into a sound that’s sure to get your body rocking.
9 pm, The Liquor Store, $7
Macro Brew Fest 2017
O’Malley’s puts their own irreverent spin on the parade of beerfests that troop through town by setting aside a weekend honoring the underappreciated Tall Boy, with visitors choosing to spend $10 on a beer pass getting four Tall Boys and a ballot to help choose 2017’s finest (and tallest) boy.
Aug 17-19, 7 pm, O’Malley’s Saloon & Grill, free
Don’t forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!