Grails, Daniel Higgs, Abronia
With a moody catalog that has touched on post-rock, folk, metal, prog, electronics, and beyond, Portland-based instrumental band Grails have never stayed in one place. Thatâs true of the band members, too, who have scattered around the globe, but for tonightâs two shows (including a super-late Sunday night setâsorry, worker drones), founding members Emil Amos and Alex Hall have enlisted Zombiâs AE Paterra and local folk-psych mainstay Ilyas Ahmed to reinvent Grails once again. NED LANNAMANN
9 pm & 11:45 pm, Mississippi Studios, $13-15
Tune-Yards, Sudan Archives
The self-titled debut EP from Sudan Archives is one of the most interesting releases of last year; inspired by Sudanese fiddlers, Brittney Denise Parks sings and loops her violin over intricate, often hand-clapped rhythms, and the result is a lush, technicolor marriage of experimental folk and R&B (the best example is the standout âOatmealâ). If youâre going to see headliner Tune-Yards, get there earlyâbased on the weight and creativity of this first EP, itâs safe to say Sudan Archives is going to be a big name in the years to come.
8:30 pm, Wonder Ballroom, $27.50-29, all ages
Sibelius' Fifth Symphony
After witnessing 16 swans in the Finnish countryside, composer Jean Sibelius wrote, "God, what beauty! They circled over me for a long time. Disappeared into the solar haze like a silver ribbon." Lucky for us, Sibelius was equally gifted at writing musical notes, and went on to create a symphonic masterpiece that captures the ineffable sublimity of flight interjected with the surprising humor of honking swans. His Fifth's final, staggered chords, each separated by silence, still manage to blow minds a century later. BRIAN HORAY
2 pm, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, $25-120, all ages
Bully, Melkbelly
Donât let the name fool youâBully might be rough around the edges, but they play sticky-sweet grunge-punk with emotionally honest lyrics. After dropping their critically acclaimed debut Feels Like in 2015, last year the Nashville band released Losing via Sub Pop Records. Itâs another hard-driving record of rough-and-tumble rock guided by Alicia Bognannoâs powerhouse vocals. Two albums in, itâs clear that Bully can masterfully combine punk fuzz and catchy pop hooks, and the result is infectiously energetic. DELANEY MOTTER
9 pm, Aladdin Theater, $18-20
Jennifer Chambers
The author of Remarkable Oregon Women: Revolutionaries and Visionaries returns with Abigail Scott Duniway and Susan B. Anthony in Oregon, chronicling the inspirational efforts of Duniway and Anthony and the powerful relationship they shared.
7:30 pm, Powell's City of Books, free
Jared Mees, New Move
Tender Loving Empire co-founder and indie rock singer/songwriter Jared Mees teams up with pop shapeshifters New Move for the latest installment of Sunday Sessions, which doubles as a tour homecoming show for the beloved local acts.
8 pm, Rontoms, free
Cleopatra
In the early 1960s, 20th Century Fox tried to jumpstart the blockbuster era about 10 years too early with Cleopatra, a 248-minute-long (!) historical action/adventure epic starring a whole bunch of ostentatious white people (including Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Roddy McDowall, and Hume Cronyn) fucking and fighting in some of the most ridiculous costumes ever sewn, on some of the most lavish sets ever created. Cleopatra was basically the Waterworld of its time, down to the part where itâs beautiful to look at and somewhat entertaining despite its wholly unjustified runtime. BOBBY ROBERTS
2 pm, Hollywood Theatre
Portland Brunch Festival
The first annual Portland Brunch Festival invites you to come out and sample an array of brunch food and drinks from local restaurants and food trucks, with proceeds from ticket sales and sponsors benefiting The Jerome Kersey Foundation. Admission includes three drink tokens which can be exchanged for mimosas, bloody marys, wine, and beer. Additional food and beverages can purchased directly from vendors. To view a complete list of participating restaurants and their menus click here.
10 am, Leftbank Annex, $30
Night Heron, Wet Dream, S.E.C.R.E.T.S., Martha Stax, DJ Cat & Cone
XRAY.fm presents a release party for Gold Brix Tape 01, the first in a series of mix tapes from Gold Brick Records, featuring unreleased tunes from up-and-coming indie pops acts Night Heron, Wet Dream, S.E.C.R.E.T.S., and Martha Stax, all of whom will also be performing live as part of tonight's proceedings.
9 pm, Doug Fir, $8-10
Sketch Machine
Curious Comedy turns their stage over to the sure-handed silliness of veteran director Jason Rouse (Wonderland, Sweat, The 3rd Floor) for this monthly showcase of Portland's up-and-coming sketch talent.
8 pm, Curious Comedy Theater, $5
Don't forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!
