Cinco de Mayo weekend always feels way-too-full for its own good, but the alternative is... what? Not having a ridiculous smorgasbord of amazing stuff to bask in? It's a matter of planning and pacing: It's absolutely possible to witness Kung Fu Kenny (AKA Kendrick Lamar) wrecking the Northwest, while also enjoying the much more low-key but no less electric LeVar Burton as he reads to you (yes, you), while also sipping something delicious and inebriating on Derby Day as you read a Free Comic, while also getting the most out of the waterfront while a full blown carnival breaks out around you. There's like, a million possible combinations of quality entertainment to put together this weekend; hit the links below and (over) load your plate accordingly
Jump to: Friday | Saturday | Sunday
Friday, May 4
LeVar Burton Reads Live!
LeVar Burton is a hero for all kinds of reasons, from Roots to Reading Rainbow to Star Trek: The Next Generation. But his latest enterprise (eh? eh?) is the podcast LeVar Burton Reads, in which⌠well, LeVar Burton reads, to you, from short stories. Yes, it's as wonderful as it sounds, and this week, heâs in town with LeVar Burton Reads Live!, in which⌠well, LeVar Burton will read, to you, live. Yes, it will be as wonderful as it sounds. ERIK HENRIKSEN
8 pm, Revolution Hall, $30-100, all ages
Booker T. Jones
True fans of soul music know to bow deeply in the presence of Booker T. Jonesâthe Hall of Fame inductee best known for his time with Booker T. & the MGâs (responsible for such unforgettable soul mainstays as âGreen Onionsâ and âHang 'Em Highâ)âand heâs still pumping out the hits with his 2013 album Sound the Alarm. See him in person, and donât forget to bow deeply. WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
8 pm, Alberta Rose Theatre, $45-65
Rasheed Jamal, Ki$, Mal London
Portland rappers Rasheed Jamal and Mal London join forces with Dallas-hailing hip-hop artist and clothing designer Ki$ for a Friday night show at Kelly's.
9 pm, Kelly's Olympian, $7
Colter Wall, Jade Bird, Ian Noe
Throwback country is âa thingâ right now, as a new generation of twangy singer/songwriters rebel against the airbrushed glitz that pumped out of Nashville over the past couple of decades (and still does today). Colter Wall does not qualify as part of this movement. His guy-with-guitar-plus-pedal-steel sound fits, certainly, but âthrowbackâ seems like the wrong word for a dude who looks and sounds like he time-traveled from the mid-20th century to play pitch-perfect downcast barstool country-folk songs for modern times. Wall is from a tiny town in Saskatchewan, so heâs got that windswept Canadian Plains quality to his music, and though heâs only 22, he has the voice of a 77-year-old with a mouth full of molassesâthink Waylon Jennings, Townes Van Zandt, and Johnny Cash. Only time will tell if he ever comes anywhere close to those guysâ level, but for now: Yes, he seems to be that good. BEN SALMON
9 pm, Wonder Ballroom, $17-20
Horse Feathers
The beloved Portland-based indie-folk outfit stop off at Music Millennium for a hometown in-store performance supporting their new Kill Rock Stars-issued full-length, Appreciation.
7 pm, Music Millennium, free
Blesst Chest, Rubedo, Honey Bucket
Blesst Chest makes bizarro, acid-washed, fuzzed-out, groovy tunes that sound like Ratatat's cool prog-rock parent, lacking the sophisticated production of today's young 'uns but wailing hard like it's 1977. CIARA DOLAN
8 pm, Turn! Turn! Turn!, $7
Sedan: Haunted House Sleepover
Portlandâs comedy scene gets EVEN MORE delightful with Sedan, a new sketch group featuring seasoned performers Shelley McLendon, Loren Hoskins, Paul Glazier, Chad Parsons, and the Mercuryâs own Wm. Steven Humphrey. Though they did divulge that they were almost called the Crybaby Turtles, Sedan promises âaction, adventure, and tears.â I call shotty! MEGAN BURBANK
8 pm, Siren Theater, $10-20
The Smoking Popes, Bad Cop Bad Cop
The door Green Day kicked open swung both ways: For seemingly every kid that chased the scent of âLongviewâ into the basement, where harsher and obscurer sounds lived, there was a punkish band making the opposite trip, up into the rarefied air of modern rock radio and fleeting MTV exposure. Among the more deserving bands that made the latter journey were the Smoking Popes, whose 1995 breakthrough Born to Quit blends old-fashioned crooning and mall-friendly pop-punk to create a singular hybrid that didnât quite jibe with anything else happening at the time. I donât think anyone back then was wondering what Screeching Weasel would have sounded like if Ben Weasel had decided to become Frank Sinatra, but the Smoking Popes answered the question no one was asking, and it sounds as unexpected and lovely now as it did two decades ago. CHRIS STAMM
9 pm, Dante's, $12-15
Mic Crenshaw, Swiggle Mandela, Heyden Adama, Jana Crenshaw, Klavical
The longtime Portland music scene staple spearheads an evening of high quality local hip-hop at the Alberta Street Pub.
9 pm, Alberta Street Pub, $8
Stories I Only Tell My Friends
Depending on how old you are, Rob Lowe is either "that one brat packer" or "the sleazy dick from Wayne's World or "that pretty man who quit halfway through The West Wing" or "Chris from Parks & Rec." But after tonight, maybe he'll be "that one guy who was all of those things all at the same time and the star of a one-man stage show about his crazy-ass life."
8 pm, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, $25-55
Saturday, May 5
Fernando y Los Cochinos, SĂĄvila, Trujillo
Itâs been 20 years since Oregon Music Hall of Fame inductee Fernando Viciconte released Pacoima, his groundbreaking Spanish language record that marries the hard rock of his now-defunct band Monkey Paw with the musical traditions of his native Argentina and nostalgia for his former home in the Pacoima neighborhood of Californiaâs San Fernando Valley. For Record Store Day last month, Viciconte and his band Los Cochinos geared up for the 20th anniversary by dropping The Pacoima Radio Sessions, a stirring collection of live versions of the songs recorded before the albumâs release. Tonight heâll celebrate Pacoima with a blowout show at the Star Theater, joined by two fantastic local openers: psychedelic Chicano rocker Trujillo and up-and-coming cumbia band SĂĄvila. CIARA DOLAN
8:30 pm, Star Theater, $15
Crafty Wonderland Spring Art + Craft Market
Ever wondered what your aimless Etsy browsing would look like in three dimensions? Crafty Wonderlandâs got you covered. Portlandâs largest art and craft fair manages to fit more than 250 twee vendors, die-hard DIY-ers, and kitschy crafters under one roofâand somehow avoids making the experience too chaotic or overwhelming. Come pick up something for Motherâs Day (May 13!) or just buy yourself an ironic embroidered item you probably donât need but who cares. ALEX ZIELINSKI
11 am, Oregon Convention Center, free, all ages
Saba, Joseph Chilliams, Jean Deaux
Just last month, Chicago rapper Saba (AKA Tahj Malik Chandler) dropped his game-changing new album Care for Me. Across 10 immersive tracks (one featuring Chance the Rapper), Saba reflects on the death of his cousin and his own mortality, injecting stream-of-consciousness insights into his strikingly beautiful and intimate verses. CIARA DOLAN
9 pm, Hawthorne Theatre, $17-20, all ages
Derby Day Our Way
A fundraiser for the Urban League of Portland Young Professionals, taking the genial madness of the Kentucky Derby and spinning it into a party all about community, fashion, food and drink.
1 pm, Jupiter Hotel, $25-40
Free Comic Book Day
Every year comic nerds line up outside the doors of their favorite shops to pick up the dozens of free comics publishers put out for free comic day. This year, you can get the first issue of Bobâs Burgers, Star Wars Adventures, Avengers, and a special issue of Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake. Plus! Cosmic Monkey will be hosting creator signings throughout the day. KELLY KENOYER
Various Locations, click here for our list of participating venues and special guests
Tim Meadows
One of SNL's longest-running cast members, Tim Meadows has created such memorable characters as The Ladies Man Leon Phelps and Perspectives host Lionel Osbourneâand tonight he's stretching his legs into the world of stand-up comedy. Hilarity is practically ensured! WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
7:30 pm & 10 pm, Helium Comedy Club, $18-25
Portland Thorns vs. Seattle Reign
Girls, Inc. is kicking off a weeklong celebration of empowered women in the Pacific Northwest with a NWSL rivalry match that pits the defending champions against their Cascade rivals to the north. Come down and join the largest womenâs sports crowd in the world, and be on hand to witness the bittersweet return of former Thornsâ fixture Allie Long, who was traded to Seattle in the offseason after cementing her status as a club legend here in Portland. CHIPP TERWILLIGER
12:30 pm, Providence Park, $15-70, all ages
Club Kai Kai: Selena Tribute & Fundraiser
You love things that are over the topâso youâll adore the hilarious fun of the drag dance party, Club Kai Kai. But tonightâs edition is especially especial because itâs a tribute to the late, great Mexican/American diva Selena, as well as being a fundraiser for Pueblo Unido PDX, which supports East County community members facing deportation. Tonightâs show is hosted by the divine Daniel Giron and Kat Salas, with a performance by Selena impersonator Mynx, drag deliciousness from Hydrangea Strangea, Lola Coquette, and Boujee Cherry, as well as lots of DJ dancing magic! Celebrate the legacy of Selena while having the time of your life. WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
9 pm, Holocene, $10
Bridgetown Bluegrass Festival
The region's bluegrass bonafides return for this all-day celebration born of the Park Blocks and now having itself a little Cider Riot, with proceeds benefitting the Do-Good Multnomah Women's Shelter. Featuring performances from Laney Lou & the Bird Dogs, Alder Street, Left Coast Country, Scratchdog Stringband, and many more.
10 am, Cider Riot, $25, all ages
Portland Independent Record Label Swap Meet
The Portland Label Coalition comes together for a swap meet and DJ party at Royale Brewing Company. Come down and get to know the people working behind the scenes for some of the city's best labels, including Kill Rock Stars, Jealous Butcher Records, Mama Bird Recording Co., Fluff and Gravy Records, EYRST, Good Cheer Records, Party Damage Records, Infinite Companion, and more.
1 pm, Royale Brewing Company (Garrison Tap Room), free
Gaytheist, Nasalrod, Humours
Nasalrodâs explosive new LP Building Machines is the sort of record you put on when youâre conflicted. Woven into the folds of a wide-ranging musicality, it splices â80s progressive punk, socially conscious â90s thrash, and everything in between. Shades of early All, Nomeansno, and Living Colour get hazed out in surly tunes like âWage Slaveâ and the weirdo metal-lite âYaphet Kotto Made My Day.â Nasalrodâs live performances exceed expectations, with vocalist Chairman embodying an unhinged hybrid of David Yow, Keith Morris, and Mike Patton, rarely standing still and typically hovering about four feet off the ground. The dynamic, rhythmic interplay between bassist Mandy Morgan, drummer Spit Stix (formerly of LA punk legends Fear), and guitarist Mustin Douch is easily one of the most formidable aural attacks in the city. With perennial thrashers Gaytheist headlining, this is a must-see show. RYAN J. PRADO
9 pm, Tonic Lounge, $10
Dog Fight! A Corn Dog Smackdown Benefit for No Kid Hungry
An octet of top-notch local chefs meet up at Lardo to throw down over corn dogs, with proceeds benefitting No Kid Hungry, and corn-battered culinary masterpieces benefitting your taste buds.
12 pm, Lardo, $25
Global Based: Cinco de Mayo
The city's only monthly moombahton showcase returns with a special Cinco de Mayo installment, featuring a headlining set from Dominican-born and Miami-raised producer and DJ Happy Colors, along with support from MIJO, Daniela Karina & Casual Aztec, StickyBrixx, D3MKTRZ, and more.
8 pm, The Whiskey Bar, $10
Spring Used Book Sale
If youâre the literary sort, youâll be drooling over this one. Friends of the Library is hosting its biannual used book saleâa massive endeavor with thousands of used books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and more. Whateverâs left at the end of the weekend will be sold at 50 percent off on Monday, so be sure to check it out and find the best deals. KELLY KENOYER
9 am, Doubletree Hotel (Lloyd Center)
Sunday, May 6
34th Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
If you haven't already visited this three-day party with all the food, drink, rides, and dance the city can squeeze into Waterfront Park, today is the last opportunity to do so until next year. Events include face-painting, an artisan village, amateur boxing, a Day of the Dead art exhibit, and more.
11am, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, $6-10, all ages
Kendrick Lamar, SZA, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, SiR, Lance Skiiiwalker
With Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar as its headliner, youâd be insane not to attend Top Dawg Entertainmentâs âChampionship Tourâ this weekend. Hell, youâd be nuts to miss it even without Kung Fu Kenny; the lineup is stacked with TDEâs best talent. Along with big-name rappers like ScHoolboy Q and Ab-Soul, there will also be sets from fresh-faced R&B stars like SZA and SiR. Enough said. JENNI MOORE
7 pm, Sunlight Supply Amphitheater, $39-595
Lissie, Van William
Lissie has been stirring up the waters, and rightfully so; the girl can sing, and certainly holds her own as a musician/songwriter. RAQUEL NASSER
9 pm, Doug Fir, $20
James Veitch
An evening of technology-focused stand-up with the English comedian and writer known for his YouTube television show Scamalot, which highlights Veitch's humorous exchanges with scam emails.
7:30 pm, Mississippi Studios, $20-24
Roman Holiday
Everything about William Wyler's 1953 romantic comedy is soft and gentleâso gentle that I'm not even sure this is supposed to be an overt romantic comedy? There are a lot of would-be dramatic aspects involved in this plot about a newsman (Gregory Peck) who inadvertently helps free a princess (Audrey Hepburn) from her button down life. But everything is so picturesque, so deliberate, and adorable (even Eddie Albert, who is supposed to be hardened and wizened but just kinda comes off like an overgrown Keebler elf with a camera) that it's hard not to just soak in the movie like an indulgent, mid-afternoon bubble bath. BOBBY ROBERTS
2 pm, Hollywood Theatre, $6
Stephen Stills & Judy Collins, Kenny White
The best-known fruit from the late-â60s union of Judy Collins and Stephen Stills is the song Stills wrote about their breakup, âSuite: Judy Blue Eyes,â which Stills later made famous with some dudes named Crosby and Nash. But their brief romantic relationship began as a musical one, when Stills played lead guitar on Collinsâ excellent 1968 album, Who Knows Where the Time Goes. Fresh out of Buffalo Springfield and not yet a mega-star with CSN, Stills was at the time a wunderkind with talent oozing out of every pore, and the crystalline-voiced Collins was at the peak of her powers as a folksinger and interpreter. Who Knows Where the Times Goes contains, of course, the shiveringly lovely Sandy Denny song of the same name, plus the first recording of Rolf Kempfâs âHello, Hoorayâ (which Alice Cooper would later cover), but the stunner is the closing track, a loose, haunting jam on the murder ballad âPretty Polly,â which features Van Dyke Parks, drummer Jim Gordon, and Gram Parsons collaborator Chris Ethridge alongside Collins and Stills. Itâs a jaw-dropping recording, one of those takes that just has the âspookâ to it. With any luck, Collins and Stills have brought some of that magic to this current tour, which supports their new collaborative album Everybody Knows. At the very least, Stills is gonna sing âSuite: Judy Blue Eyesâ while Judy Blue Eyes is in the room, which has to be awkward. NED LANNAMANN
8 pm, Revolution Hall, $55-85
Don't forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!
