THURS JAN 2
Icebreaker: Benefit Show for Friends of Noise
Friends of Noise, an organization advocating for more all-ages music opportunities in Portland, is kicking off 2020 by throwing a benefit show to raise funds for future programming. The lengthy lineup includes Wav Pro (featuring Daniel Josef, TwoThreeFive, Rain Ezra, Sotaé), Voodoo and the Dollz, plus DJ Stretchman, DJ Kro5, Out of Luck, and Pocket. Perhaps the most alluring part of the show, however, will be an appearance from emerging young R&B singer White Lotus. (Thurs Jan 2, 7 pm, Holocene, $10, all ages) JENNI MOORE
FRI JAN 3
Galaxe, Brown Calculus, Lisa Vazquez
Energetic, bilingual beat genius Lisa Vazquez not only writes and raps over her own samples, but she loops them in exhilarating displays of controlled melody making, playing with her soulful vocal samples until she approaches Erykah Badu-levels of smoothness. This is why we keep hearing stories of her sets snapping people back to the stage, though she’s still a relatively unknown—but rising—presence. Pair that with the thoughtful rhymes of Galaxe and the spiritual bedroom pop/jazz/hip-hop of Brown Calculus, and you’ve got one hell of a show. (Fri Jan 3, 9 pm, Doug Fir, $10) SUZETTE SMITH