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Friday, Feb 8

The Aces: State Fair
It’s the middle of winter so please put some laughter on your faces with the latest from legendary sketch comedy duo the Aces. Shelley McLendon and Michael Fetters slip into so many different characters (swingers in peacock chairs, distracted show dogs in slow motion—the list is ever-evolving) that it’s impossible to know what to expect. For State Fair we’ve been promised 4H, barfy rides, and “a chance to see the world’s largest buffalo.” (Fri-Sat 8 pm, Siren Theater, $14-24, through Feb 23) SUZETTE SMITH

Fiji, Sly & Robbie, The Taxi Gang & Bitty McClean
In the early ’70s, Sly Dunbar was working as a studio musician in his hometown of Kingston, Jamaica, where he’d already drummed for Lee Perry and played on an Upsetters track. When he met Robbie Shakespeare, one of Kingston’s most sought-after bass players, the two clicked. Over the duo’s multi-decade partnership, Sly and Robbie have worked with Peter Tosh, Grace Jones, Gregory Isaacs, Joe Cocker, Joan Armatrading, and many more. Remember that Chaka Demus and Pliers song “Murder She Wrote?” That’s a Sly and Robbie sample. (9 pm, Aladdin Theater, $30) ISABEL LYNDON

Broncho, Pinky Pinky, Oh Rose
It seems like every other band that captures more than its fair share of buzz comes from a big city. This is understandable, but it also means acts like Broncho—a fine pop-rock combo from little ol' Tulsa, Oklahoma—are often left to toil in the shadows. The solution? Record killer albums and tour like crazy so people have no choice but to pay attention. For nearly a decade now, Broncho has been one of America’s great (if underappreciated) purveyors of poppy guitar rock, and their new album Bad Behavior finds them mixing in more beats, more ’80s vibes, more echo, and more danceableness. That’s not a word, but then again, neither is Broncho. (9 pm, Mississippi Studios, $17-20) BEN SALMON

BOYeurism
The January installment of the (mostly) male revue doubles as a birthday celebration for Portland drag scene staple Isaiah Esquire. Expect an array of dance, drag, and burlesque performances from the region's most talented performers, all hand picked by Isaiah himself. (7:30 pm, Bossanova Ballroom, $20-35)

Portland Winter Light Festival
The citywide showcase for over 40 visual artists and performers returns for 2019 to celebrate the light and the love of winter. Major venues include the World Trade Center, Salmon Springs Fountain, PSU, OMSI, and the Eastbank Esplanade, with other smaller installations spread out and around the city. (Fri-Sat 6 pm, Various Locations, click here for a full programming schedule and map, free, all ages)

Le Butcherettes
Le Butcherettes need to be seen to be believed. On record, Teri Gender Bender and her cohorts resemble a hard rock band in possession of grit and talent, but there's not always a ton that'll make them leap from the speakers and grab you by the neck. Onstage, it's a different story. Gender Bender (born Teresa Suarez) becomes an emotional firehose, adding a confrontational theatrical element that doesn't always sit well with the crowds of bros who make up the fanbase of the bands that Le Butcherettes have opened for (Faith No More, Queens of the Stone Age). In past performances, Gender Bender's drenched her '50s housewife costume in blood and brought pieces of raw meat onstage. While these over-the-top shock-rock moves may have receded, the band's power and Gender Bender's undeniable passion make Le Butcherettes a force to reckon with. (9 pm, Star Theater, $15) NED LANNAMANN

Torment is Flesh, Vol. 2
The second annual installment of Torment is Flesh brings some of the harshest, sludgiest, spikiest sounds in the country to the Tonic Lounge stage, with performances from Devil Master, Spite, Siege Column, Rectal Hygienics, Vile Gash, City Hunter, Ululatum Tollunt, Human Agony, Cerebral Rot, and more. (Fri-Sat 8 pm, Tonic Lounge, $30)

Ezza Rose, Genders, Prolly Knot
Portland indie rock singer/songwriter Ezza Rose heads up a hometown show along with support from likeminded locals Genders and Prolly Knot. (9 pm, Doug Fir, $10-12)

Russell Peters
The internationally-beloved stand-up returns to Portland with his latest blockbuster world tour, "Deported," featuring all new material and of course, his unscripted stuff when he gets into it with the audience. (8 pm, Keller Auditorium, $50-100)


Saturday, Feb 9

Drama, Chanti Darling, Claire George
Comprised of vocalist Via Rose and producer Na’el Shehade, Chicago-based duo Drama makes a moody blend of electronic soul, pop and house music. Drama’s already reason enough to pile into the Wonder Ballroom, but with Portland’s own retro-futurist disco and soul outfit Chanti Darling also on the bill, this show is surely one of the most fun ways to get warm this weekend. (9 pm, Wonder Ballroom, $15-17, all ages) JENNI MOORE

Michelle Obama (postponed to March 19)
Everyone look your best! American treasure and cultural icon Michelle Obama comes to the Moda Center to discuss her new book Becoming. She’ll be giving “honest reflections on the experiences and events, both public and private, that have shaped her,” from career to motherhood, and of course discussing lessons from becoming the first Black woman to serve as First Lady of the United States. Not sure how “intimate” this “conversation” can get in the Rose Quarter arena, but I also don’t doubt Michelle’s ability to surpass all expectations. You won’t find tickets for less than $200 (check StubHub), but at least us broke folk can hope to catch a glimpse of Mrs. Obama’s Secret Service cavalcade this weekend. (Tues Mar 19, 7 pm, Moda Center)

Y La Bamba, SĂĄvila
Y La Bamba's newest single, “Mujeres” remains the most powerful response to machismo bullshit of 2018. As we enter a new year, allow Luz Elena Mendoza’s invincible, ethereal vocals and her Portland bandmates’ dynamic rhythms light the way. Y La Bamba will be joined by another local group with Mexican roots, Sávila, with melodies that give classic cumbia beats a Portland spin. (9 pm, Revolution Hall, $16-18, all ages) ALEX ZIELINKSI

Portland Black Film Festival: Sign O' the Times
Purple Rain was one of the five biggest things to happen to pop-culture in the '80s. This is undeniable fact. Also undeniable: None of why it resonates has anything to do with its qualities as narrative fiction. Purple Rain is, of all Prince's stabs at storytelling through cinema, best described as "the least half-assed." This is why Sign O' the Times is such a treasure—Sign O' the Times doesn't want to tell you a story, it wants to stand next to Stop Making Sense and then blow it off the stage if it can, and almost all of Prince's effort (and it's a lot) is devoted to that goal—well, that and moving more copies of the accompanying album, which never sold anywhere near as well as it should have. Watching him in his prime, devoted fully to his performance, in 35mm on a giant screen? This is as close to resurrection as you're gonna get. (7:30 pm, Hollywood Theatre, $7-9) BOBBY ROBERTS

The One Motorcycle Show
For those who live and breathe motorcycles (or for those who just love great design), the One Motorcycle Show (celebrating its 10th anniversary this year) is a home-grown thing of awe-inspiring beauty. Witness the glory of over 200 custom, classic, rare motorbikes, as well as bands (like Danava and Mother Mariposa), artwork, food and drink, AND electric mini bike races (which are simultaneously exciting and hilarious). Plus, they also sponsor a flat track race down in Salem which will be live-streamed at the venue for your enjoyment. Miss this super fun event at your own peril. (Sat-Sun 9 am, The Pickle Factory, $10-40) ERIK HENRIKSEN

Zyanose, Lebenden Toten, Frenzy, Physique
It’s easy (and admittedly kind of fun) to crack wise about crust punk and its peacocking adherents, but this lineup of Discharge descendants pushes the trusty formula so far into the red, they break through to a realm beyond reproach. From Physique’s coiled, Doom-laden attacks to the distortion-worshipping storms of Japan’s Zyanose, tonight’s blistering showcase will reach deafening intensity right away. You might not be able to hear anything tomorrow, which will be okay: You’ll have already experienced the end of music. (7 pm, Black Water Bar, $12) CHRIS STAMM

Frankenstein's Comic Book Swap
With admission only a buck, it's hard to justify not swinging by Frankenstein's Comic Book Swap—which returns this weekend to take over the Eagles Lodge with table after table and crate after crate of classic comics, weird old magazines, battered VHS tapes, dog-eared paperbacks, creepy toys, and all sorts of half-forgotten pop-culture ephemera. Chances are good you'll find something you had no idea existed, and chances are also good you'll end up taking it home. (11 am, Eagles Lodge, $1-5, all ages) ERIK HENRIKSEN

Sad Horse, Cay Is Okay, Whisper Hiss
Sad Horse makes some of the best punk to come out of Portland since Dead Moon’s heyday. It’s clear Elizabeth Venable and Geoff Soule draw creative inspiration from Fred and Toody—their releases play like short jolts of unbridled weirdness (“You Are Idiots” and “Old Daze”) cut with sweet, jangly duet interludes (“If I Was a Duck”). (5 pm, Green Noise Records, free) CAMERON CROWELL

Deathlist, Abronia, John-Paul Harrison
Jenny Logan brings her punk and gloomy pop band Deathlist back to the Fixin' To to celebrate the release of A Canyon, the project's third full-length in as many years. Local experimental outfit Abronia and John-Paul H (featuring members of Deathlist, Wet Fruit, and Divers) round out the proceedings. (9 pm, The Fixin' To, $7)

Tropitaal: A Desi-Latino Soundclash
DJ Anjali & the Incredible Kid set the Goodfoot floor on fire with a night of Tropitaal, blending the hottest sounds of India and Latin America together into one epic dance party. (9 pm, Goodfoot, $8)

Valentine's at Pix
One of Portland's favorite patisseries does Valentine's splendidly and early, with a special "Tea for Two" service that includes 20 sweet & savory treats alongside two pots of Townshend's tea and two glasses of sparkling wine ($80 per couple); special Valentine's desserts including mousse cake, heart-shaped macarons, and more; and a lucky customer will pick up the one box of handmade chocolates that also contains a pair of 14 karat white gold earrings. (Sat-Sun 2 pm & 3:30 pm, Pix/Bar Vivant, $80)

Sympathy for the Disco
Holocene hosts the Portland launch party for the new Rolling Stones-themed dance night from the creators of Fleetmac Wood. Get down to a slew of Stone's remixes and edits that have been prepped and primed with the dance floor in mind. (9 pm, Holocene, $10-12)

Vundabar, The Red Pears, Le Grotto
Vundabar, from Boston, skillfully walks the line between catchy and chaotic, sugarcoating its jagged art-rock with irrepressible melodies. The group’s 2018 album, Smell Smoke, explores the lessons learned by frontman Brandon Hagen while he spent years caring for a loved one in mental and physical decline. (9 pm, Mississippi Studios, $13-15) BEN SALMON

Cover Your Hearts
Cover Your Hearts brings you a pre-Valentine's Day heaping of guilty pleasure love songs served up by a handful of local acts including Lael Alderman, UHF, Camp Crush, Billie Gale, Risley, and the Frequence. Plus, it's all for a good cause, with proceeds going to benefit the Jeremy Wilson Foundation. (9 pm, Doug Fir, $20-25)

Year of Asé
Ori Gallery, a North Portland space dedicated to showcasing the art of Black, Indigenous, and POC artists, is celebrating one year of steadfast work! Join them at this gathering of creatives and community partners, with plenty of fundraising opportunities to directly support their work. Enjoy performances by experimental Afro-Latinx musician, Guayaba, DJ Larsupreme, and House of Flora’s Bouton VolontĂ©, and hosting by Carlos the Rollerblader. (6 pm, Disjecta, free) EMILLY PRADO


Sunday, Feb 10

Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y
Fresh off putting the finishing touches on their long-awaited 2009 mixtape, two of the biggest hip-hop acts of the last decade join forces for a collaborative tour that stops off at the Roseland tonight (8 pm, Roseland, $39.50-55)

King Tuff, Tropa Magica, MĂĄscaras
Kyle Thomas wrote his 2018 album The Other after an identity crisis left him feeling disconnected from King Tuff—the “party monster” alter ego he’d assumed on his previous three records of grimy, glammy rock ’n’ roll. In an interview with the Mercury last year, Thomas explained that the inspiration for his new album is “kind of indescribable, and that’s what makes it ‘other.’ You can’t really pin it down, but it’s there, I know it’s there. Sometimes you get an idea or a flash of something and you’re like, ‘Where did that come from?’ It’s the beyond—that’s what I’ve always been after.” Throughout The Other, Thomas contemplates the cosmos and ditches the guitar solos for Sun Ra Arkestra-inspired horns and warm organ tones. King Tuff is dead; long live King Tuff! (8:30 pm, Wonder Ballroom, $18-20, all ages) CIARA DOLAN

Kulululu, Human Ottoman
Portland art-punk outfit Kulululu and cello-driven industrial dance band Human Ottoman combine forces for a special performance of Steve Reich's "Drumming." (8 pm, Mississippi Studios, $7-10)

Shadowgraphs, Plastic Cactus
Portland quartet Shadowgraphs head up the latest installment of Sunday Sessions at Rontoms with their pop-tinged neo-psychedelia. Likeminded locals Plastic Cactus round out the bill with their own sun-drenched psych and surf. (9 pm, Rontoms, free)

Adrianne Lenker, Luke Temple, Joshua Thomas
The details of Adrianne Lenker’s 27 years on Earth are stranger than fiction: In interviews Lenker has described how she was born into a religious cult in Indianapolis, moved around the Midwest frequently throughout her youth, and at one point was being groomed for child pop-stardom. Now she’s the frontwoman of the wildly popular indie folk-rock band Big Thief and has spent most of the past three years touring the world, nomadic once again. Recorded in West Marin—a deceptively peaceful swath of California countryside that sits atop the San Andreas Fault—Lenker’s new solo album abysskiss is a collection of musical vignettes that open these universe-windows with just a few guitar notes, while her mind ambles through passing thoughts and observations like wind rippling through a field. (8 pm, The Old Church, $18-20, all ages) CIARA DOLAN

Simone Lamsma, The Oregon Symphony
Conductor Carlos Kalmar and violinist Simone Lamsma lead the Oregon Symphony in a program including performances of Prokofiev's Symphony No. 1, “Classical,” Khachaturian's Violin Concerto, and Dvoƙák's Symphony No. 8. (2 pm, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, $24 & Up, all ages)

The Aces
Not to be confused with the local sketch comedy duo headed up by Shelley McLendon and Michael Fetters, Provo, Utah's the Aces bring their shimmering blend of indie pop through Holocene for an all ages show supporting their debut full-length, When My Heart Felt Volcanic. (7 pm, Holocene, $15-17, all ages)

Ron Gallo, Post Animal, Stuyedeyed
Philadelphia's Ron Gallo and Chicago's Post Animal bring their driving garage rock and infectious psych-pop sounds back through Portland to split a co-headlined bill at the Doug Fir Lounge. (9 pm, Doug Fir, $18-20)

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