Reel Music
The NW Film Center’s Reel Music Festival returns for its 35th installment in a much humbler fashion than before: There are a mere 17 films screening this time around, a far cry from the 30 documentaries and concert films offered last year—but there are plenty of films that should perk up the ears of music junkies. ROBERT HAM
Jan 12-30, NW Film Center's Whitsell Auditorium, see nwfilm.org for titles and showtimes.
Candace, Bitch'n
Portland trio Candace describe themselves as witchgaze, and I think that's a pretty apt description of their lush, dreamy sound. If you've ever been a fan of the Cocteau Twins or felt yourself melting into a song like sugar into coffee, you're gonna dig it. COURTNEY FERGUSON
9:30 pm, Bunk Bar, $10-12
Steel Panther
The Los Angeles based comedy-glam metal band known for their raunchy lyrics and exaggerated on-stage personae bring their act back to the Crystal Ballroom for the Portland stop on the "Lower The Bar" tour.
8 pm, Roseland, $23-25
1939 Ensemble, Golden Retriever
The Portland-based instrumental quartet known for playing a blend of percussion-driven krautrock, post-rock, and jazz celebrate the release of their latest EP, Beats & Saints. Acclaimed experimental duo Golden Retriever provide support.
9 pm, Mississippi Studios, $8
Studio Ghibli Film Retrospective
People talk about Pixar when they discuss artistic and financial dominance in the film industry, but Pixar ain't got shit on Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki's animation empire responsible for roughly 73 percentof all the world's current magic. This January, OMSI's Empirical Theater devotes its screen to Ghibli's features and little-seen animated shorts, with titles including Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, Grave of the Fireflies, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Porco Rosso, and more. Of all the film festivals that will hit Portland in 2018, this one's gonna be hard to top for sheer value. BOBBY ROBERTS
Jan 11-21, Empirical Theater, see omsi.edu for titles and showtimes
Surfer Rosie, Tender Age, Fantastic Plastic, Realized
Surfer Rosie’s debut EP helped counteract the feelings of anxiety that seemed to wash over us all last year. Some moments are loud and cathartic, with fuzzed-out riffs cutting through atmospheric noise with frantic energy. But these settle into quiet and contemplative valleys, only to rev back up again for acute sonic whiplash. Surfer Rosie’s music captures the kind of hope that’s perfect to soundtrack the beginning of a new year. DELANEY MOTTER
8 pm, Clinton Street Theater, $9
Improv Giants
A one-night only massive attack of Portland improv comedy all-stars, including Shelley McLendon, Nicholas Kessler, Chris Williams, Kara Moore, and Dylan Reiff.
8 pm, Siren Theater, $10
Li'l Buck & Jon Boogz
Renowned movement artists and "Movement Art Is" founders Lil' Buck and Jon Boogz bring their Love Heals All Wounds show to the Newmark Stage, featuring a range of dance and spoken word performances that aim to address social issues such as police brutality and violence in America, while also seeking to promote diversity, inclusion, and empathy.
7:30 pm, Newmark Theatre, $40-60
Rare Diagram, The Crenshaw, Ally, Paula
Rare Diagram utilizes unique textures of instrumentation to coax jazz phrasings and sophisticated symphonic flourishes out of pop songs. RYAN J. PRADO
8 pm, Turn! Turn! Turn!, $5
Black Leadership Round Table and MLK Celebration
The Multnomah County Democrats will host a panel and offer time for the community to collaborate and expand excellent Black leadership within the state and beyond. Speakers include NAACP Portland President and Portland City Council Candidate JoAnn Hardesty, House Representative Janelle Bynum, and more. EMILLY PRADO
6 pm, Hollywood Senior Center, free
Don't forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!
