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Monday, Sept 9

Mountain Goats, Lydia Loveless
Life doesn't have many hard-and-fast rules, but here is one of them: Never pass up a chance to see the Mountain Goats. John Darnielle has been killing it in the literary scene the past few years (if you haven't already, hit Powell's and pick up his acclaimed, haunting novels Wolf in White Van and Universal Harvester), but the best way to be thrilled and moved by his clever, melancholy tales is to hear him sing them into a microphone over guitar and drums—not many bands are this smart, and not many bands are this fun to see live. (Mon Sept 9, 8 pm, Crystal Ballroom, $31-36) ERIK HENRIKSEN

Emily Nagoski
The award-winning author of the New York Times bestseller Come As You Are returns with Burnout, exploring the stress cycle, specifically as it applies to women, and detailing an easy-to-follow science-based plan designed to minimize and manage burnout. (Mon Sept 9, 7:30 pm, Powell's City of Books, free)

Iya Terra, The Ries Brothers, For Peace Band
Los Angeles based roots-reggae outfit Iya Terra kick off a massive North American tour with a Monday-night set at the Doug Fir Lounge, with Tampa Bay's the Ries Brothers and Guam's For Peace Band rounding out the bill. (Mon Sept 9, 9 pm, Doug Fir, $12-14)

Headwaves, Nothing in the Dark, Wax Statues
Seattle's Headwaves specialize in dream pop with a psychedelic bent sure to send you surfing into an altered mindspace. (Mon Sept 9, 8:30 pm, Bunk Bar, $10)

Ron Artis II & the Truth
The Hawaii-hailing outfit and Pickathon 2017 stand-out brings their soul, funk, blues, and jazz to Music Millennium for a free in-store performance celebrating the release of the band's latest album, Love is Love. (Mon Sept 9, 6 pm, Music Millennium, free)


Tuesday, Sept 10

Bon Iver, Sharon Van Etten
Admit it: You fuck with “Skinny Love.” Or maybe you don’t—Bon Iver’s mumble-whine of a singing voice certainly isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a secret sentimentalist like me, then his music can have a way of punching you in the proverbial gut if you aren’t careful. Regardless, this show may be worth going to for Sharon Van Etten’s folk-inspired tunes and ramblin’-woman vibes alone. (Tues Sept 10, 7:30 pm, Theater of the Clouds, $39.50-109.50)

Deep Purple, Joyous Wolf
Although proto-metal pioneers Deep Purple haven’t formally said this is their farewell, the name of the tour—“The Long Goodbye”—might be a hint. So this is very likely your last chance to see the band responsible for air-guitar classics like “Highway Star,” “Woman from Tokyo,” “Hush,” and “Smoke on the Water.” Although they’re without pioneering organist Jon Lord (RIP) and legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore these days, the original rhythm section of Ian Paice and Roger Glover are intact, and classic-lineup-era shrieker Ian Gillan’s on board as well. (Tues Sept 10, 8 pm, Keller Auditorium, $69.50-125) NED LANNAMANN

Reptaliens, Marinero, Weeed
Fans of oddity and eclecticism, here is a bill for you! Fresh off the release of their new album Valis, local heroes Reptaliens lit up Pickathon last month with their funky take on synth-pop (and some guest lizards and aliens dancing onstage). Local weirdos Weeed are the band behind You Are the Sky, a meandering psych-noise-rock trip and one of the most unpredictable records to come out of Portland this year. And Marinero is a Bay Area project helmed by Chicanx singer/songwriter Jess Sylvester, whose newest album Trópico de Cáncer is a lovely blend of lounge music, psych-pop, bossa nova beats, and vintage vibes. Good stuff all around! (Tues Sept 10, 8 pm, Mississippi Studios, $10-12) BEN SALMON

Oso Oso, The Sidekicks, Future Teens
Long Island-hailing singer/songwriter Jade Lilitri and his emo-tinged indie rock outfit Oso Oso stop off at the Paris Theatre in support of their acclaimed 2019 album, Backing in the Glow. Cleveland indie rock stalwarts the Sidekicks and Boston's Future Teens round out a stacked all-ages bill. (Tues Sept 10, 6:30 pm, Paris Theatre, $14-16)

Cross Record, Adam Torres
Holocene presents an evening of shape-shifting chamber pop and experimental folk with Austin-based artist Emily Cross, who is currently crossing the country in support of her new self-titled album on Ba Da Bing Records. (Tues Sept 10, 8 pm, Holocene, $10-12)


Wednesday, Sept 11

Bilal
A conservatory-trained wonder who embedded himself in his hometown jazz and hip-hop scene as a teen, there are few sounds that elude Bilal, but he leans toward the spectacular, the cool, the monstrous. (Wed Sept 11, 8:15 pm, Jack London Revue, $25) JAYLAH BURRELL

Melvins, Redd Kross
For more than four decades, Redd Kross have been defying the trappings of the alternative rock ’n’ roll ruse, producing spectrum-spanning pop-culture love letters over seven studio records, the latest of which is Beyond the Door, which will be released by Merge Records. Helmed by brothers Jeff and Steve McDonald, the band has endured a revolving cast of band members since their 1978 inception, and their new record features the recorded debut of longtime live band members Dale Crover (Melvins, OFF!) and guitarist Jason Shapiro. Whether dabbling in power-pop excess or unhinged rock ragers, Redd Kross’ insatiable energy and great songwriting are still as intoxicating and reverential as ever. (Wed Sept 11, 9 pm, Doug Fir, $30-33) RYAN J. PRADO

Portland Thorns vs. North Carolina Courage
The Thorns welcome the North Carolina Courage back to Providence Park for another rematch of last season's NWSL Championship game. (Wed Sept 11, 7:30 pm, Providence Park, all ages)

Warbringer, Enforcer, Soul Grinder
Sweden’s speed metal kings Enforcer teased a more grandiose sound with “Mask of Red Death,” the last track on their 2015 release From Beyond. So, it comes as no surprise that this year’s full-length, Zenith, is one part killer speed metal and three parts sweeping, anthemic, classically influenced heavy metal. For the longtime fans, “Thunder and Hell” and “Searching for You” rip with the best of Enforcer’s definitive rippers. But, songs like “Zenith of the Black Sun,” “The End of a Universe,” and “Forever We Worship the Dark” display the new Enforcer—orchestral without much orchestration. There is a fair amount of piano and keyboards peppered throughout Zenith, but the layered vocal harmonies of brothers Olof and Jonas Wikstrand could also lend themselves to a grand choir, and the melodies provided by the guitars could easily be transcribed for a massive symphony of instruments. Enforcer has evolved into a more sophisticated heavy metal band, meaning attendees of this show are in for a more cultured headbanging experience. (Wed Sept 11, 8 pm, Hawthorne Theatre, $15-17, all ages) ARIS HUNTER WALES

Hater, Sonoda
Not to be confused with the Seattle grunge supergroup of the same name, rising Swedish quartet Hater bring their charming and infectious blend of indie-pop to Holocene for the Portland stop on a North American tour supporting their acclaimed 2018 album, Siesta. (Wed Sept 11, 8 pm, Holocene, $10-12)

George Winston
Acclaimed pianist George Winston brings his blend of "rural folk," stride, and New Orleans R&B piano music to the Aladdin Theater stage for an all-ages performance. (Wed Sept 11, 8 pm, Aladdin Theater, $28-30)

Queer Commons: Call Me By Your Name
There aren’t many films that can paint a picture of the extravagant turmoil of young romance without lapsing into clunky cliché. But Call Me by Your Name is such a film—and it succeeds by seamlessly juxtaposing the lush Italian countryside with the burgeoning desires and tumultuous emotions of a lovesick teen, creating a sumptuous world of dreams and romantic loss. (Wed Sept 11, 7:30 pm, Hollywood Theatre, $7-9) WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY


Thursday, Sept 12

The Cool Kids Patio Show
Look, I’ve decided that, while some people may question your coolness factor, you are certainly cool enough to attend and enjoy one of the better weekly comedy shows in Portland, the Cool Kids Patio Show. Held on the patio at Doug Fir and hosted by the inimitable Nariko Ott, Cool Kids regularly books a very impressive lineup of the city’s hottest stand-up comics—and they’ve done it again with this slate of performers which includes Corina Lucas, Wendy Weiss, Seth Johnston, Hyjinx, and Katie Nguyen! Plus there are drink specials! And best of all, the show is FREE. Everything is cool about this. (Thurs Sept 12, 6 pm, Doug Fir, free) WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY

Bossin' Up
Holy shit! Bossin’ Up, Shrista Tyree’s monthly hip-hop showcase at Bossanova Ballroom, has been going strong with fresh lineups for more than a year now. This month’s bill is extra appealing: R&B singer/songwriter Aaron O’Bryan (FKA Aaron O’Bryan Smith) headlines, and stellar hip-hop/reggae artist Mickey Taelor will also take the stage, along with melodic rapper Taye Levell and Tyre Pinlight. (Thurs Sept 12, 9 pm, Bossanova Ballroom, $8) JENNI MOORE

Feast Portland
Clear your stomach and your palate, the biggest food festival of the year is underway! Feast brings chefs, food lovers, and delicious eats together for a weekend-long celebration of tasting. There are tons of events to enjoy like "East Coast vs. West Coast," "Brunch Village: Breakfast Around the World," and "The Big Feast Presented by New Seasons Market," many of which may be sold out by now, but there's definitely something for everyone! Visit feastportland for a full list of venues and times. (Starts Thurs Sept 12, Various Locations) WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY

Live Wire! Radio
Portland's own syndicated variety show returns to the Alberta Rose Stage, hosted by the ever-amiable Luke Burbank as always, with special guests including comedian/actor Rhys Darbys, Seattle-based musician, composer, and comedian Ahamefule J. Oluo, and local comic book writer Kelly Sue DeConnick, along with live music from Cataldo. (Thurs Sept 12, 7:30 pm, Alberta Rose Theatre, $20-35)

Ehiorobo, Deca, DJ Marvl
The Doug Fir Lounge presents a night of alternative hip-hop, R&B, and future soul courtesy of New Jersey's Ehiorobo, NYC's Deca, and San Francisco's DJ Marvl. (Thurs Sept 12, 9 pm, Doug Fir, $12)

Maggie Rogers
Since her song “Alaska” went viral in 2016, Maggie Rogers has described the experience as overwhelming, and not necessarily in a good way. On Heard It in a Past Life—her debut LP, released in January—the rising pop-star reclaims her voice across 12 tracks of soulful, danceable electro-folk. (Thurs Sept 12, 8 pm, Keller Auditorium, $39.50-59.50) CIARA DOLAN

SUNN O))), Papa M
If you’re new to Sunn O))) (just say “Sun”), have no new-fan insecurities. The long-worshipped ambient drone group from Seattle is still putting out great work, guaranteed to vibrate your whole body down to a cellular level. Seeing Sunn O))) live also remains a wholly rewarding experience—if being Maxell’s Blown Away Guy is your thing, and it is my thing—because unless you have a very finicky soundsystem friend there’s just no way you’re getting the full Sunn O))) experience from their albums. It’s also interesting to see Sunn O))) touring with Papa M, a folksy multi-instrumentalist who carries a similar ambient-bliss vibe, but will do nothing to prepare you for the heavier aspects of the headliner. Well played. (Thurs Sept 12, 9 pm, Revolution Hall, $25-28) SUZETTE SMITH

Ted Chiang, Jack Skillingstead, Daryl Gregory
Pacific Northwest-based Sci-Fi writers Ted Chiang, Jack Skillingstead, and Daryl Gregory head up the latest installment of a quarterly reading series with readings from their latest works, along with opportunities for networking and conversation. (Thurs Sept 12, 7 pm, Lucky Lab, free, all ages)

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