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Readings & Talks

Michael Ondaatje, Mary Szybist
The bestselling author of The English Patient returns with Warlight, chronicling the lives of a small group of characters in the decade following the Second World War. Ondaatje will be joined in conversation by National Book Award-winning poet Mary Szybist, author of Incarnadine.
Thurs May 24, 7:30 pm, Powell's City of Books, free

Joshua Mensch, Ed Skoog, Kevin Craft
Poet and artist Joshua Mensch reads from Because, a lyric memoir chronicling Mensch's experience of childhood sexual abuse. Mensch will be joined in conversation by poets Ed Skoog and Kevin Craft.
Wed May 23, 7:30 pm, Powell's City of Books, free

Michael Pollan
The author of The Omnivore's Dilemma and the Botany of Desire holds court at the Newmark for an evening of personal stories from his latest, How to Change Your Mind, a "deeply researched" look at the revelations one can gain from psychedelic drugs. Ticket price includes a copy of How to Change Your Mind.
Wed May 23, 7:30 pm, Newmark Theatre, $38


Performance

Framed & Dried: A Tori Amos Tribute Night
Seattle's Anna T. Rexia hosts this cabaret-styled homage to one of the most prolific and celebrated songwriters of all time, with DJs Aurora and Mateo Segade spinning classic tracks, Shai doing audio tarot, live interpretations of her songs, and performances from Northwest burlesque stars including Alexandra Paris, Prince Peanutbutter, Tula Petals, Jasmine Rain, Kat Van Dayum, Marla Darling, and more. Proceeds benefit The Living Room, a safe space for LGBTQ youth in Clackamas County.
Fri May 25, 8:30 pm, Crush, $5

Crossing
Crave Theatre presents Reza de Wet's Victorian-era supernatural drama incorporating spectral possession and time travel as a means to help explore the conflict between dreams and responsibilities.
Thurs-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2 pm, Shoe Box Theater, $15-25, Through Jun 3

Drag Queen Brunch
Liven up your Sunday brunch with an early afternoon cabaret show featuring celebrity tributes, comedy, and glamour served up by some of Portland's premier drag queens. Coffee and brunch buffet is included with admission, but you'll need to bring extra funds for Bloody Marys or mimosas.
Sun May 27, 10 am, Night Light Lounge, $22

An Interlude in Birdsong
Rutabaga Story Co., an up-and-coming theater group in Portland, presents Eve Johnstone's story of three birds who have a boy wander into their woods and prompt existential musings on higher purposes.
Thurs-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2pm, Shaking the Tree Studio, $15-20, Through Jun 2

It's Gonna Be Okay!
Barbara Holm's It's Gonna Be Okay is the only local showcase I've seen tout its lack of meanness as a selling point, which is next-level in a city KNOWN for its safe-space shows. It's the cheerful slumber party of Portland stand-up, which is exactly what's needed to reclaim comedy for those of us who aren't obnoxious ancient white dudes. MEGAN BURBANK
Mon May 28, 7:30 pm, EastBurn, free

Nacho Gold
Don't call it a comeback, and don't call it a one-off. From the ashes of local legends The 3rd Floor has arisen the sketch comedy phoenix that is Nacho Gold, with a brand new set of ridiculous situations to luxuriate in, written and performed by Portland veterans Jordi Barnes, Lori Ferraro, Jason Keller, Jason Rouse, Tony Marcellino, and Ted Douglass.
Fri-Sat 8 pm, Siren Theater, $12-15, Through Jun 2

Mick Foley
In a world of Nice Guys™, Mick Foley is the real deal. The three-time WWE champion's got a mane of dark curls and a heart of gold: He's a big fan of Tori Amos, advocated for victims of gay-bashing and sexual assault, AND ONE TIME HIS EAR CAME OFF. Dude's got some stories, is what I'm saying, and you can hear 'em tonight. MEGAN BURBANK
Wed May 23, 8 pm, Helium Comedy Club, $25-75

Sincerity is Gross
The latest edition of James Barela's stand-up showcase features sets from El Sanchez, Kirsten Kuppenbender, Joshua Chambers, and Corina Lucas.
Sun May 27, 7:30 pm, The Slide Inn, free


Visual Arts

50 Years of KBOO
The half-century of history tied up with Oregon's first community radio station is put on display at OHS, with an exhibition that walks through the journey the station's taken on its way to being a megaphone for the city's counter-culture and activist voices.
Oregon Historical Society Museum, Through Jul 29

59 Cats
Portland cat illustrator Cat Champion showcases a collection of hand-painted pop-art cats created between 2016 and 2018 as a means to both comment on the internet's preoccupation with cats, as well as to help cope with clinical depression, printed in the Depression Cats coloring book.
Bar Carlo, Through Jun 14

Children of Revulsion
Tabitha Nikolai curates this group exhibition featuring works by Alan Page, Garima Thakur, Rani Baker, Stephanie Mendoza, and more.
Killjoy Collective, Through Jun 16

Magenta Nights
An exhibition of new paintings from artist Katherine Bradford, featuring figures floating through dreamlike imagery.
Adams and Ollman, Through Jun 27

Don't forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!