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Monday, July 8
The Portland Mercury's Summer of Slushies
First there was Burger Week. Then we thought Pizza needed some love too. And then we let the wings take flight. And now, the Mercury, with the help of Jim Beam, are dedicating the summer of 2019 to the wonderfulness of chilled-out cocktails, with $5 booze-infused slushies at participating bars from now to September 8! New slushies and locations will be announced weekly. (Starts Mon, July 8, Various Locations, $5)
The Struts, The Glorious Sons, Pink Slips
The UK-based retro glam rock quartet brings their arena-tailored live show back to the Roseland stage for the Portland stop on a North American tour supporting their latest album, Young & Dangerous. (Mon July 8, 6:30 pm, Roseland, $25-30, all ages)
Timecop1983, Arcade High, Korine
Timecop 1983 brings the "We Are Dreamers" Tour through Portland to transport the Doug Fir back to the decade of decadence with their romantic blend of electronic dance music and dreamy synthpop. (Mon July 8, 9 pm, Doug Fir, $20-25)
Demons
Northwest Film Center is often known for being one of the last places in the world to offer a true arthouse cinema experienceâthe theater is literally in an art museum for Christ's sake! Hell, they just did a mini-marathon of Terrence Malick movies this past weekend! But don't believe the erroneous stereotype that arthouse = "doily movies by Merchant Ivory"âart is meant to provoke as much as it's meant to enlighten, and the Film Center's "Head Cleaner" series is all about provocation with a screening of Lamberto Bava and Dario Argento's 1985 sleaze-wallow Demons, about a gaggle of Italian hardbodies trapped in a haunted theater with a cursed film, a possessed mask, and nothing to combat the demonic plague rising up against them but a motorcycle and some swords. And then a helicopter crashes through the roof! It's fuckin' shameless! And watching this sweaty trash at the Film Center is like hearing your great aunt tell a filthy joke before cutting some pungent cheese, and that's a beautiful, wonderful thing indeed. (Mon July 8, 7 pm, Northwest Film Center's Whitsell Auditorium, $8-10) BOBBY ROBERTS
Tin House Summer Workshop Series
Some thick-skulled halfwits (RAISES HAND) mire themselves in tens of thousands of dollars of debt to get a creative writing degree. Smart people, on the other hand, just wait for the annual Tin House Summer Reading seriesâwhere, thanks to a diverse lineup of brilliant writers, you can find a new favorite author and get a master class in writing, FOR FREE. Part of the Tin House Summer Workshop, the open-to-the-public readings take place at fancy-schmancy Reed College; this year, those reading include Michelle Tea (How to Grow Up), Jamel Brinkley (A Lucky Man), R.O. Kwon (The Incendiaries), Mitchell S. Jackson (The Residue Years), and many more. For a complete list of participating writers, along with details on how to attend, visit the event website. (Mon July 8-Sun July 14, 8 pm, Reed College, free) ERIK HENRIKSEN
Tuesday, July 9
Heartbeat Opera
Rather than rolling over in a grave, Mozart is likely smiling grandly at Heartbeat Opera's radical reimagining of his Don Giovanni. Invited to be part of Chamber Music Northwest's ongoing festival, this NYC-based ensemble has created a stripped-down live version of the 1787 work for a 21st-century audience. This new version instills the tale of this shape-shifting seducer with fresh cultural perspectives for seven singing actors who are supported by a small band, allowing each performer to shine. An encore gig at this intimate venue happens Tuesday night, so Portlandâs got two chances to catch the ingenious revelations of these trailblazing artists. (Tues July 9, 8 pm, PSU Lincoln Performance Hall, $10-62.50) BRIAN HORAY
Kung Fu Theater: Bloody Monkey Master
This monthâs installment in Dan Halstedâs ongoing celebration of all things whoop-ass is one of his recent kung-fu rescues, and the only known 35mm print of 1977's Bloody Monkey Master, which some of you may remember from the late '90s VHS days as "that sketchy copy of Iron Monkey you overpaid for at Suncoast when you meant to buy the Donnie Yen movie." It stars Chen Kuan Tai as a lazy, shiftless student who is forced to consider getting his shit together after the Eagle Claw Master of the Imperial Army murders his whole fuckin' family. So he hides out at the Shaolin Temple, as orphaned, revenge-hungry layabouts are wont to do, where Bitter Monk trains him in Monkey Style kung fu. And once his vicious Monkey Fist is mad strong, you'd better believe that's when the blood starts gushing. (Tues July 9, 7:30 pm, Hollywood Theatre, $7-9) BOBBY ROBERTS
The Other Favorites, Reina Del Cid
The Brooklyn-based folk and bluegrass duo comprised of Carson McKee and Josh Turner link up with Minneapolis-hailing Reina del Cid folk-rock singer/songwriter Reina del Cid for a co-headline show at the Jack London Revue. (Tues July 9, 8pm, Jack London Revue, $25)
Fruit Cocktail
Produce Organic Records takes over the Doug Fir Lounge for a special showcase, featuring sets from an array of rising Portland hip-hop artists, including Bocha, Burhon Nassir, Donte Thomas, Fountaine, Ki$, Marcus McCauley, Scooty, SXLXMXN, YoungShirtMayne, and more. (Tues July 9, 9 pm, Doug Fir, $12-15)
Zoe Berman, The Paradise Buffet, Adam Rea, TJ Thompson Duo
What's on service at the Paradise Buffet? Just a whole lot of damn good, soul-infused, jazzy music, cooked up with friends Zoe Berman, Adam Rea, and TJ Thompson. (Tues July 9, 9 pm, No Fun, $5)
Anthony McCann, Leah Sottile
Shadowlands is Anthony McCann's in-depth exploration of the 2016 Bundy occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. McCann will be joined in conversation by Leah Sottile, journalist and host of the Bundyville podcast. (Tues July 9, 7:30 pm, Powell's City of Books, free)
Wednesday, July 10
Wicked
Objectively, Wickedâthe musical that tells the âUntold Story of the Witches of Ozââhas one of the best original scores in all musical theater. Composed by Stephen Schwartz, the Broadway soundtrack was popularized by the unparalleled Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda the Good Witch) and Idina Menzel (Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West) in the early â00s. Iâve only ever known the story via what was included on my burned CD copy of Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast), but the Broadway in Portland series provides multiple chances for me to see the full story live, with a new cast slaying gorgeous harmonies on âFor Good,â and âAs Long As Youâre Mine,â as well as Glindaâs iconic âPopular,â and Elphabaâs absurdly epic âDefying Gravity.â (Starts Wed July 10, 7:30 pm, Keller Auditorium, $59-169, all ages) JENNI MOORE
Jawbox
During their original incarnation in the late â80s and â90s, Jawbox almost broke into the mainstream with their rough-hewn combination of Wireâs deconstructivist blurts and Killing Jokeâs angular assaults. But like many of their peers, they were washed away by the arrival of nĂŒ metal and the dominance of hip-hop and split up in 1997. The DC bandâs reunion for a 12-date tour that stops by Wonder Ballroom tonight isnât an attempt to reclaim the throne; itâs a high-volume reminder of their unique power and unshakable chemistry. (Wed July 10, 8:30 pm, Wonder Ballroom, $28-30, all ages) ROBERT HAM
Brown Calculus, Just Pretend, Omari Jazz, Reliqs
Acclaimed Portland cosmic soul, R&B, and jazz duo Brown Calculus hit Holocene for a hometown show, with Just Pretend, Omari Jazz, and Reliqs rounding out the bill, and projection mapped visuals setting the scene on the stage backdrop. (Wed July 10, 8:30 pm, Holocene, $8-10)
Doll Party
Doll Party is the cityâs best (and only) Dolly Parton cover band, featuring members of Wampire, Mini Blinds, and Melt, and they're here to serenade youths with songs about the perils of capitalism (â9 to 5â), adultery (âJoleneâ), and contemplating the almighty (âEarly Morning Breezeâ)âyou know, regular kid stuff. Part of the 2019 Music on Main summer concert series. (Wed July 10, 5 pm, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, free, all ages) CIARA DOLAN
Pasta & Pinot
One of the finest pairings in culinary history, as presented by Artigiano and Apolloni Wines for the third year in a row, with menu items including wild mushroom lasagna, grilled octopus, rigatoni with black pepper and pancetta-laced sauce, porchetta, and more. (Wed July 10, 6:30 pm, Artigiano, $65)
Petunia & the Vipers, Eric Earley
In the tradition of first-wave rock 'n' roll, Vancouver, BC's Petunia and the Vipers offer slick steel-guitar leads Ă la Don Helms, stand-up bass, kazoos, and some of the best goddamn yodeling you're ever going to hear. The Vipers' live penchant for exploding into dynamic Western swing is infectious and invigorating. (Wed July 10, 8 pm, The Fixin' To, $10)
Lost Ox, TV Broken 3rd Eye Open
Portland quartet Lost Ox bring their genre-defying blend of neo-funk, progressive blues, and folk back to the Goodfoot for a hometown show with support from 7-piece psych jammers TV Broken 3rd Eye Open. (Wed July 10, 10 pm, Goodfoot, $8)
Voices of a People's History: A Movement of Movements
A Movement of Movements takes over Revolution Hall, with activists and leaders gathering to perform readings of notable speeches and essays from inspiring figures past and present, all in an effort to strengthen the community's resolve to fight for racial, social and economic justice. (Wed July 10, 7 pm, Revolution Hall, $25-50, all ages)
Thursday, July 11
Beck, Cage the Elephant, Spoon, Starcrawler
1994 was the year of Beck Hansen. In that one year, Beck released his major-label breakthrough Mellow Gold, his K Records bedroom-folk masterpiece One Foot in the Grave, and his epic punk-label oddity Stereopathetic Soulmanure. I was 12 years old, and I loved them all. 25 years later, it's striking what a distinct artist he was from the very beginning. With his range of influences and his unmistakable style he could have established himself as a cult icon had he followed any of the potential paths presented on the album. But, decidedly, he followed none of those paths. Instead, he made lounge music and orchestral-pop, psych-folk, trip-hop, bargain-basement hip-hop, and bizarro R&B. Even if I don't care for most of what he's done in the past decade-and-a-half, he's nonetheless building up arguably one of the wildest and most varied discographies of any living artist. (Thurs July 11, 6 pm, Sunlight Supply Amphitheater, $29.50-313, all ages) JOSHUA JAMES AMBERSON
The Portland Sketch Comedy Festival
The third year of Portlandâs Sketch Comedy Festival brings another swarm of great comedy troupes from across the countryâand Vancouver, BC, we didnât forget youâto join Portlandâs already powerful sketch comedians like The Aces, D&D and Spectravagasm! LAâs Pure and Weary look promising, as does the festivalâs first solo sketch fest performer: Anne Zander who takes the stage as Juice Box and promises âClowning⊠and very bad seduction.â
Stay tuned to the event website for a complete schedule and a detailed list of performers. (Thurs July 11, 7 pm, Siren Theater, $12-95) SUZETTE SMITH
The Well-Read Black Girl Book Club
The American Booksellers Association is teaming up with Well-Read Black Girl founder Glory Edim to bring book club meetings to independent bookstores around the country in an effort to spotlight writers of color and amplify diverse voices. Tonight's launch of the club will focus on The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, with further meetings exploring classics and newly published work by authors of color every 2nd Tuesday of the month. (Thurs July 11, 7 pm, Powell's City of Books, free)
Kyle Craft & Showboat Honey, Weezy Ford
Expanding upon the raucous Americana shuffle of his 2018 LP Full Circle Nightmare, Kyle Craft and his newly minted band, Showboat Honey, dials up the spacey psych-rock on their new self-titled record. Craft is an adventurous lyricist in the vein of Dylan and Bowie, and his strengths lie in his ability to go beyond mere idol worship into dynamic rock ânâ roll explorations that propel songs like â2 Ugly 4 NYâ and the heavy-lidded âJohnny (Free & Easy)â into anthems for a new tomorrow. (Thurs July 11, 9 pm, Mississippi Studios, $15-17) RYAN J. PRADO
Miss Rayon, Mini Blinds, Cay is Okay
âDomestic Gesture,â my favorite track off Miss Rayonâs 2018 album Eclipse, pairs hard, driving drums with jarring guitar licks and eerie vocals reminiscent of a Gregorian chant. Itâs moody but danceable, with clear post-punk influences and a disco undercurrent. The song wouldnât be out of place on a mixtape with Au Pairs or ESG. Eric Sabatino, whoâs played in Cat Hoch and Vexations, started Miss Rayon as a solo project, but it grew to include musicians-about-town Jenny Logan and Hannah Billie. This Holocene lineup includes local dream-pop outfit Mini Blinds and Cay is Okay, whose honest, quiet lyrics sound like words pulled from a diary. (Thurs July 11, 8:30 pm, Holocene, $8) ISABEL LYNDON
Red Molly
An evening of original folk tunes and covers from this New York-hailing trio comprised of Laurie MacAllister, Abbie Gardner, and Molly Venter. (Thurs July 11, 8 pm, Alberta Rose Theatre, $24-28)
Fanno Creek, Sama Dams, Linus Kyle
Portland folk-rock outfit Fanno Creek is back for a special reunion show at Liquor Store, celebrating the release of their final album, recorded live at the Banana Stand years ago. Local favorites Sama Dams and folk singer/songwriter Linus Kyle round out the proceedings. (Thurs July 11, 9 pm, The Liquor Store, $10)
Dylan Meconis
Graphic novelist (and Mercury contributor) Dylan Meconis returns with Queen of the Sea, a beautifully illustrated hybrid novel loosely based on the exile of Queen Elizabeth I by her sister, Queen Mary. (Thurs July 11, 7:30 pm, Powell's Books on Hawthorne, free)
Ache Son w/ Solo: A Star Wars Story
The Cuban jazz spinoff of Dina Y Los Rumberos provides a laid-back yet playful sound, which just so happens to pair perfectly with the Star Wars prequel Solo, screening directly afterwards. Part of Portland Parks and Recreationâs 2019 Concerts in the Park series. (Thurs July 11, 6:30 pm, KÊ°unamokwst Park, free, all ages)
Don't forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!
