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Friday, Aug 9
Fortune Feimster
Fortune Feimsterâs writing and acting credits read like a highlight reel of popular TV comedies over the last decade or so: Glee, Two Broke Girls, Drunk History, Chelsea Lately, The Mindy Project, WorkaholicsâI could go on. An unapologetically butch lesbian who employs broad physical comedy and tells jokes about her Southern upbringing, relatable dating woes, and her relationship with her mother, Feimster is the 22nd centuryâs answer to the mass-appeal stage comic. If you want an evening when you chuckle more than you think (and we all need those sometimes), catch one of Feimsterâs shows. (Fri-Sat Aug 9-10, 7:30 pm & 10 pm, Helium Comedy Club, $25-28) BLAIR STENVICK
Marc Maron & GLOW
After Marc Maron popped up on most peoplesâ radars thanks to his WTF podcast, his work has gotten better and better. That goes for his sharp, clever, and insightful stand-upâwhich heâs bringing to Revolution Hall for two sold-out nightsâand his acting, particularly with his great performance on Netflixâs excellent GLOW. You can scramble around online trying to find scalped tickets for his Rev Hall shows, but if that fails, you can also just stay homeâbecause on the same weekend Maron's in Portland, season three of GLOW premieres on Netflix. (Fri-Sat Aug 9-10, 7:30 pm, Revolution Hall, $35-45) ERIK HENRIKSEN
Ural Thomas & the Pain, The Fur Coats
Itâs tragic that in this era of revitalized appreciation for deep soul heroes, Ural Thomas, Portlandâs best-kept secret, hasnât hit the national consciousness as Charles Bradley and the late, great Sharon Jones have. Thomas is the absolute definition of a genuine articleâdespite releasing a few criminally obscure (yet collector-coveted) gems in the late â60s, heâs still delivering his tireless passion for music to his beloved community. Simply put, Ural Thomas is a Northwest treasure, and watching him radiate wizened positivity through the warm grooves of an excellent band is a must for music fans searching for heartwarming togetherness. (Fri Aug 9, 9 pm, The Fixin' To, $10-12) CHRIS SUTTON
Monophonics
If you grew up listening to George Clinton, got high to the Budos Band, and jammed out to Fela Kuti, you're going to enjoy Monophonics. The Bay Area soul outfit employs trippy guitar solos, tight horn lines, and slow but mighty beats that rival the Dap-Kings in funkiness. They've recorded with Blackalicious, played on the same bill as R&B greats like Al Green and Booker T, and their six musicians play with enough energy and girth that they sound like 15. (Fri Aug 9, 9 pm, Aladdin Theater, $18-20, all ages) ROSE FINN
The Stumptown Improv Festival
Ah, improv comedy, who knows what fun fruit roll-ups youâll come out with next? Stumptown Improvâs sixth year looks pretty incredible with fan favorites like White Women (LA) and The Future (PHI) returning to zow us, plus a whole slew of new performers entering the gauntlet, following that funny, like Switchie! (LA) and Dark Side of the Room (ATL), a team which improvises the adventures of black characters missing from classic films. Visit https://www.stumptownimprov.com for tickets and showtimes. (Fri-Sun Aug 9-11, Curious Comedy Theater, $15-20) SUZETTE SMITH
Reproductive Rights are Human Rights: Metal Benefit
Usnea, Blackwater Holylight, Vouna, and Dire Trine bring their dark and heavy sounds to the Tonic Lounge to help raise funds for the Northwest Abortion Access Fund and Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette, both of whom will also be tabling at the event with more info for anyone looking to get involved. (Fri Aug 9, 9 pm, Tonic Lounge, $10-20)
Maarquii
High femme rapper/multidisciplinary artist Maarquii invites the public to wear their best full outfit to a video premiere party in Kenilworth Park thatâll double as a cookout. Produced by Philip Berger and Fran Bittakis of Joop Joop Creative, the video was filmed on location in Portland and promises âvignettes of fantasy, sexuality, power and dance,â plus hot rods and a taste of S&M. In addition to seeing their new visual for the saucy track âFull Outfit,â a sexed-up highlight from their debut full-length C.A.B.O. (Cut A Bitch Off), attendees can load-up on potato salad, mac ânâ cheese, cornbread, and banana pudding from Moelicious Burgers and Wings. Bring a blanket or low-profile lawn chair, and your own snacks if you have dietary restrictions. (Fri Aug 9, 7 pm, Kenilworth Park, free, all ages) JENNI MOORE
Cool Original, Dogbreth, Alien Boy, Growing Pains
I had this sci-fi idea where I could get a sad song with vague lyrics about driving in bad weather implanted near my bicep to release feelings of trauma and feeling cold. Then I wouldn't desperately hunger for songs like those found on I Never Said I Didnât Care, the latest release from Cool Original (formerly known as Cool American). Synthesizing gravelly indie rock with Morrissey-level melodies, the album builds a mountain of hook-laden tracks, inclining in catchiness and peaking with âItâs Not Like Thatâ and âTeethingâ at the midpoint. (Fri Aug 9, 7 pm, Black Water Bar, $6) SUZETTE SMITH
Ghost-Note, Nolatet
Soul'd Out presents an evening of jazz, hip-hop, and funk-tinged rhythm with Snarky Puppyâs multi Grammyâwinning percussion duo of Robert Sput Searight and Nate Werth. (Fri Aug 9, 9 pm, Star Theater, $15)
Portland Cello Project's Extreme Dance Party
The Portland Cello returns to the Doug Fir Lounge to head up their annual dance party to perform everything from Pantera to Taylor Swift to Kanye West to Elliott Smith, alongside traditional classical works from Bach, Rossini, and Saint-Saens. (Fri Aug 9, 9 pm, Doug Fir, $22-25)
Saturday, Aug 10
George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, Fishbone, Dumpstaphunk, Miss Velvet & the Blue Wolf
Hot damn, what a bill! If the funk lives within you, that is. Dumpstaphunk is a monster funk ânâ soul band from NOLA led by Ivan Neville. Fishbone solidified a freaky fusion of funk and punk in the late â80s. And if that ainât enough, the night is headlined by George Clintonâs futuristic Parliament-Funkadelic collective, arguably the greatest funk act ever. Clinton has been making people shake it for decades via classic albums like Uncle Jam Wants You and Motor Booty Affair and their deep influence on modern hip-hop. Not for nothing was he award a Lifetime Achievement Grammy this past May. And with this being billed as his farewell tour before he retires from the road, catch a glimpse of Dr. Funkenstein while you still can. (Sat Aug 10, 6 pm, Oregon Zoo, $44.50-250) BEN SALMON
Open Signal Fest
A unique and local media festival from Open Signal, celebrating the community and its abundance of creativity, with live music, comedy, and performance art, as well as visual art, interactive works, a giant geodesic dome, food and drink carts, and workshops for those looking to exercise their inventiveness at one of the city's very best places to do it. (Sat Aug 10, noon, Open Signal, $8-10)
Flying Lotus
Los Angeles-born musician/rapper/producer Flying Lotus released his sixth studio album Flamagra in May and the project is loaded with some seriously exciting features: from the laid back âMoreâ featuring Anderson .Paak to âYellow Bellyâ featuring rapper Tierra Whack, plus appearances from George Clinton, Shabazz Palaces, Solange, Thundercat and more. Known for also making original scores, the artistâs 3D live show could be a cinematic experience. (Sat Aug 10, 9 pm, Roseland, $29.95, all ages) JENNI MOORE
New Seasons presents the Portland Mercury's Burger Week
Today is the last day to bless yourself with a city's worth of delicious $5 burgers made special for this glorious event BURGER HOLIDAY. Check our Burger Week calendar for a complete list of participating restaurants. (Sat Aug 10, Various Locations, $5)
Brews for New Avenues
New Avenues for Youth (NAFY) provides vital services for youth at risk and experiencing homelessness including meal times, supportive housing, job training, avenues to college and education, and much more. Support the organization at their annual fundraiserâAccording to NAFY, this event is âconsidered to be the largest rare beer auction in the world,â and brings in many visitors from across the globe. Secure your spot by buying a ticket online. (Sat Aug 10, 9 am, Leftbank Annex, $20) EMILLY PRADO
VegOut! Portland Vegan Beer & Food Festival
The VegOut Vegan Beer & Food Festival returns to Holladay Park with two jam-packed days full of live entertainment, educational speakers, chef demonstrations, fitness classes, and over 100 vendors. (Sat-Sun Aug 10-11, 10 am, Holladay Park, $15-50, all ages)
Oregon's Salsa Music Festival
Beloved Cuban ensemble the Buena Vista Social Club head up a dance party underneath the Hawthorne Bridge as part of Oregon's Salsa Music Festival. Andy Montañez, Eliades Ochoa, Dina Y los Rumberos, Conjunto Alegre, and DJ Denver round out the proceedings, with Latin food, salsa dancing lessons, and activities for the whole family served up throughout the evening. Admission for kids under 10 is free. (Sat Aug 10, 1 pm, Eastbank Esplanade, $35-100, all ages)
Menopause the Musical
GFour Productions brings the comedic musical back to Portland, featuring the hits of the '60s, '70s, and '80s remixed and reworked into songs about "the change." One day only, two shows tops! (Sat Aug 10, 2 pm & 7:30 pm, Newmark Theatre, $42-52)
Music Millennium Customer Appreciation BBQ
Now in its 27th year, the Music Millennium Customer Appreciation BBQ featues an array of food and drink from an array of local sponsors (including Portland Beverage, La Buca, Movie Madness, Off the Griddle, Staccato Gelato, and many more), a prize wheel, and live music from Ragon Linde (11am), Roselit Bone (noon), Rich Layton & Tough Town (1pm), Reverberations (2pm), Tracey Fordice (3pm), Johanna Keith and the Paradigm Crushers (4pm), and Louder Oceans (5pm). (Sat Aug 10, 11 am, Music Millennium, free, all ages)
Portland Festival Symphony
Director Gregory Vajda and the Portland Festival Symphony fill Laurelhurst Park with fine and free classical sounds. Part of Portland Parks and Recreationâs 2019 Concerts in the Park series. (Sat Aug 10, 6:30 pm, Laurelhurst Park, free, all ages)
Bacon Eggs & Kegs
Breakfast gets bigger and better at the Rose Quarter, with a 30 foot Bloody Mary bar, over 80 local beers and ciders, and some of Portland's finest chefs contributing their spin on breakfast staples, as well as live entertainment in the form of dueling pianos (!) and more. (Sat Aug 10, 11 am, Rose Quarter Commons, $35 & Up)
Comedy at the Gap
Broken Zipper presents this special edition of Comedy at the Gap, providing audiences an opportunity to see the best sets from Portland's Funniest Person contest one more time, just in case you missed it the first go-round, or you saw it and need to revisit the good stuff. Featuring performances by Adam Pasi, Corina Lucas, Shain Brenden, Amanda Arnold, Lance Edward, Chris Johnson, Seth Johnston, Bryan Bixby, Dianna Potter, Dylan Carlino, Ben Harkins and Christian Burke. Hosted by Steven Wilber. (Sat Aug 10, 9 pm, Buffalo Gap, $12-18)
Dogheart, Ghost Frog, Super Hit at Bunk Bar
There are a million(-ish) bands in Portland, and a lot of them are even good! Take, for example, this three-band bill, which features dudes doing good things with guitars. Super Hit seems to be a one-man bedroom-pop project from a guy named Kyle Handley who knows how to write a sharp melody. Ghost Frog sounds like a post-punk band playing lounge music in a seedy bar on Jupiter. And Dogheart is one of the best-kept secrets in town. Their new album, Yeah No for Sure, is a lovely blend of bummed-out folk-pop and surf-rock that fits in nicely with, oh, the past 30+ years of indie rock. (Sat Aug 10, 8:30 pm, Bunk Bar, $8) BEN SALMON
Flynt Flossy & Turquoise Jeep
Purveyors of a genre they call EMB hip-hop ("Existing Musical Beings"), for nearly a decade Turquoise Jeep have brought humor back into hip-hop and R&B. There have been a few changes to the Turquoise Jeep roster, as they've said goodbye to the sultry voice of Pretty Raheem and Yung Humma, the creator of their most famous hit "Lemme Smang It," but the boys continue to churn out hilariously sensual jams. For those in the mood to get a little "Licky Sticky" belting out lyrics about their "Cavities," Turquoise Jeep know how to bring seductive performances (which often include audience participation). It's no wonder they've managed to "keep the jeep ridin'" for all these years. (Sat Aug 10, 9 pm, Mississippi Studios, $15) CERVANTE POPE
Sunday, Aug 11
Providence Bridge Pedal
The fact that the best part about Bridge Pedal isnât biking over Portlandâs mightiest bridges to the beat of Japanese Taiko drumming should say something. While pedaling across bridges usually reserved for cars feels really cool, the true highlight is zipping through downtown Portland on I-405. If you want to envision the future of a car-free society where bikes rule the freeways (while eating a free doughnut), look no further. (Sun Aug 11, 6 am, SW Naito & Taylor, free) ALEX ZIELINSKI
Portland Thorns vs North Carolina Courage
With all the space we've dedicated lately to the things Portlanders are doing wrong, weâd be remiss not to mention that you are absolutely nailing it when it comes to supporting the cityâs beloved NWSL team. This afternoonâs rematch of the 2018 NWSL Championship will feature a who's who of stars from around the world. So if youâve still got a case of Womenâs World Cup fever, Providence Park is here with a sure-fire remedy. (Sun Aug 11, noon, Providence Park, all ages) CHIPP TERWILLIGER
Lents Street Fair
If youâre yearning for some of that old-school Portland weirdnessâthe kind that is less twee and more realâthen do not miss the annual extravaganza known as the Lents Street Fair! They have food, a beer garden (and a root beer garden for the kids), live music, a 26-foot inflatable slide, a 90-foot inflatable obstacle course, and the much beloved highlightâthe Chicken Beauty Contest. It does not get much more ârealâ than this. For more information, visit lentsfair.org. (Sun Aug 11, 11 am, Wattles Boys & Girls Club, free, all ages) WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
Gauche, Conditioner Disco Group, All Hits
Gauche makes music for bodies. The DC quintetâs skittering brand of post-punkâall guitar scribbles and bouncing bassâis a tried and true formula traced back to trail blazers like Delta 5 and the Au Pairs. And every song is a demand: move, flail, loosen those limbs, shake it all out. Gaucheâs debut album, A Peopleâs History of Gauche, forgoes the shock of the new for the bone-deep pleasure of the familiar. It is a tool for corporeal joy that has worked for decades, and itâs going to continue to work as long as we are all trapped in these weird bone bags that crave ecstatic release. (Sun Aug 11, 9 pm, Mississippi Studios, $10-12) CHRIS STAMM
Alt Wine Fest 2019
In these fraught times you might see something called "Alt Wine" and think the absolute worstâbut rest easy, this isn't some nefarious right wing political plot to ruin wine, but instead a festival at the Old Schoolhouse intended to spotlight the 71 other grape varieties in Oregon as opposed to simply squashing some pinot noir into a liquid and calling it a day. Over 30 winemakers are offering up over 100 wines to sample and enjoy, with food by Ricky's Tacos to help balance that palate. (Sun Aug 11, 1 pm, The Old Schoolhouse, $40)
And And And, Marshall Poole
Portland indie rock stalwarts And And And head up the latest installment of Sunday Sessions at Rontoms, with Boise's Marshall Poole rounding out the bill with their own infectious blend of psych-rock and pop. (Sun Aug 11, 8 pm, Rontoms, free)
The Revivalists, Dirty Revival
94/7's "An Unforgettable August" series rolls on with a blend of rock and soul straight outta New Orleans courtesy of the Revivalists. Portland's own Dirty Revival get the proceedings underway. (Sun Aug 11, 9 pm, Crystal Ballroom, $50)
Don't forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!
