GOOD MORNING, SUNDAY! It’s the perfect time to catch up on some of the great reporting and stories the Mercury churned out this week! (PRO TIP: If you despise being “the last to know,” then be one of the first to know by signing up for Mercury newsletters! All the latest stories shipped directly to your email’s in-box… and then… YOUR HEAD.)
• Tax the Rich? Oregon Voters Could Weigh In on First-of-its-Kind Wealth Tax
What could Oregon do with an additional $2.7 billion in revenue each year? That’s about how much a 2 percent wealth tax—imposed on Oregon taxpayers with assets at or above $30 million—is expected to generate.
In this week’s trivia quiz: ridiculous Republicans, celebrity statues, and whether or not nude sunbathing and go-kart racing should be allowed in Portland public parks. See how well YOU score!
• Machetes Brings Mexico City Nostalgia (and Giant Quesadillas) to Hey Love
A Portland pop-up famous for its big, machete-shaped quesadillas, has a found a new long-term home.
• The Sun Ra Arkestra Descends Upon Hollywood Theatre
Last month The Sun Ra Arkestra descended from their Saturian heights to grace the stage of Hollywood Theatre for three nights of powerfully nourishing music. Mercury photographer and writer Corbin Smith connected with several members of the Arkestra for insight on Sun Ra himself, jazz music, and where the Arkestra might be headed next.
Last spring, numerous organizations, including in Portland, received emails stating that their National Endowment for the Arts grants—provisionallly approved before Trump took office—were canceled.
• Open & Shut: The Latest in Portland Restaurant News
While there are plenty of exciting openings to look forward to, lots of restaurants are also closing their doors, from neighborhood gathering places to fine dining restaurants. This month, we welcomed a tapas bar and a Damian Lillard-backed sports bar, while Republica has (sort of) closed, and Elephants Deli is shuttered due to fire.
• Your New Favorite Cat Painting Is Joseph Jones’ “Pink T-shirt”
At Adams and Ollman, an exhibition of Joseph Jones’ cat paintings (plus one bird, a few flowers, and a surprisingly sensual video) makes it clear that our attachment to cats is as emotionally complex as ever.
This week sees Bijoux Cone celebrating her new single and homecoming, VBC’s Piss jumping the boarder, and Brazilian tropicália man Sessa serenading us into a swoon.
• Blow Pony Rides Into the Sunset
Blow Pony, one of Portland’s longest and most beloved queer dance parties, is calling it quits after 19 years of glorious gay revelry. Andrew Jankowski spoke with Airick X after the announcement came last week. Blow Pony’s last rodeo bucks March 28 at Nova PDX.
Is being queer a test you can pass/fail? And how much actual studying should one have to do to be poly? Headmaster Dan Savage offers his lesson in this week’s educational edition of SAVAGE LOVE (university).
WOW, THAT IS A LOT OF GOOD READIN’. I hope you didn’t have any other plans this weekend! Dig in, and remember: Producing all this hard work costs moolah—so please consider contributing to the Mercury to keep it all coming! Thanks!
