This weekend promises large doses of loud fun, to be taken frequently and with lots of liquid. Balls are bouncing in both literal and metaphorical meanings, Atmosphere will be charged, some might catch a Lavender Flu, local legends make noise, home town heroes rise up, and that's just for starters. Hit the links below and plan your weekend accordingly.
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Friday, Feb 21
NW Black Comedy Festival
Comedy festival organizers Courtenay and Tyrone Collins (you may know Tyrone better under his stage name, the Real Hyjinx) started the NW Black Comedy Festival from a place of low-tech loveâcalling people on the phone and getting the first three yearsâ seats filled via press and word-of-mouth. This year, the 2020 NW Black Comedy Festival has a website and a new location, moving downtown into Harveyâs Comedy Club where the Real Hyjinx regularly hosts open mics. Donât miss all the awesome talent this fest brings to town like Marsha Warfield, Chaz Carter, D'Lo, Papp Johnson, Debbie Wooten, and so many more! (Fri-Sun Feb 21-23, Harvey's Comedy Club, $20-275) SUZETTE SMITH
Portland Trail Blazers vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Tonight the Trail Blazers celebrate Black History with a full-night of special performances and activities honoring the Black and African American community, along with fundraising efforts benefiting local nonprofit Elevate Oregon. It's also Portland's first chance to get a live look at rookie phenom Zion Williamson. With Rip City's own superstar Damian Lillard in the midst of a season for the ages, the Pelican's No. 1 draft pick will have his work cut out for him as these two Western Conference teams fight to stay afloat in the playoff chase. (Fri Feb 21, 7:30 pm, Moda Center, $42 & Up, all ages) CHIPP TERWILLIGER
Atmosphere, The Lioness, Blimes & Gab, Nikki Jean, DJ Keezy
West Coast hip-hop duo Blimes and Gab, the joint project of Seattleâs Gifted Gab and Los Angeles rapper Blimes, last came to town as one of the stunning supporting acts for Dodgrâs headliner debut at the Roseland. Tonight theyâre back again to open up for legendary underground hip-hop duo Atmosphere and perform tracks like the bass-driven âUn, Deux Troisâ (which they recently dropped a super dope music video for). As always, theyâll succinctly demonstrate why theyâre some of the leading voices in hip-hopâs resurgence of top-notch women MCs. (Fri Feb 21, 8 pm, Roseland, $32.50, all ages) JENNI MOORE
Sexy Pants, Internet Beef, Rap Class
Portland boy band Sexy Pants returns after a decade-plus absence, reuniting to spread their global agenda of sexiness live on stage at Mississippi Studios. Locals Internet Beef and Rap Class round out the proceedings. (Fri Feb 21, 9 pm, Mississippi Studios, $10-12)
Destroyer, Eleanor Friedberger
Canadian singer/songwriter Dan Bejar brings his ever-evolving indie rock outfit back to Portland for a headlining show supporting his latest Merge Records-issued album, Have We Met, his 12th album released under the Destroyer moniker. Eleanor Friedberger (The Fiery Furnaces) rounds out the all-ages bill. (Fri Feb 21, 8 pm, Aladdin Theater, $22-25)
The Lavender Flu
Portland-based band The Lavender Fluâs first two albumsâMow the Glass and Heavy Airâestablished the group as an expansive, spacey, and deliberative take on the classic garage-punk genre. Their new album Admiration for a Dancer (letâs take a moment to appreciate the poeticism of all three album titles here) comes highly recommended by Mercury Copy Chief and encyclopedic music writer Robert Ham. You can celebrate the release of that recordâand eat a chili cheese dogâat Turn! Turn! Turn! (Fri Feb 21, 8 pm, Turn! Turn! Turn!, $5) JENNI MOORE
Tall Heights
This indie-folk duo from Boston uses guitar, cello, and a drum machine to create their attention-getting indie pop and progressive folk sound. How attention-getting? Well, they've basically been on tour with Ben Folds for about the last two years. (Fri Feb 21, 9:30 pm, Bunk Bar, $17-20)
Carl Stone, Takako Minekawa, Francisco Botello, Visible Cloaks
Two sonic groundbreakers arrive in Portland to celebrate the opening of new retail space Tone Poem and the work of PCCâs Music & Sonic Arts program. Carl Stone, a former student of synth pioneer Morton Subotnick, will offer up compositions that shatter and reconstruct samples of Afrobeat rhythms, Japanese traditional music, and maybe some familiar pop tunes. Takako Minekawa has dabbled in everything from jangly pop to immersive sound installations. Each will make full use of a quadraphonic speaker system thatâll surely make attendees feel like theyâre inside a Tron-like universe of sparking transistors and potentially dangerous soundwaves. (Fri Feb 21, 7:30 pm, Leaven Community Center, $10, all ages) ROBERT HAM
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Goose
Baltimore's Pigeons Playing Ping Pong bring their energetic psych-funk stylings back to Portland for a headlining show supporting their latest album. (Fri Feb 21, 7:30 pm, Wonder Ballroom, $23)
Terry Riley with Gyan Riley: Live at 85!
Terry Rileyâs first major work was 1964âs In C, a minimalist classic comprised of short musical phrases, the duration of each one depending on the whims of the players. It sounds like a recipe for chaos but the results are an enthralling swirl of polyrhythms and clashing tones. Riley has spent the past six decades searching for further sonic delights, including forays into jazz, ambient, and classical Indian music. Tonight, as part of the PDX Jazz Fest, he will be joined by his son, Gyan, for a performance of freeform wonder and joyful eccentricity. Part of the 2020 PDX Jazz Festival. (Fri Feb 21, 10 pm, Winningstad Theatre, $39.50-49.50) ROBERT HAM
Bruno's Memorial Rock 'n' Shop Benefit
Dante's pays tribute to late Satyricon bouncer, bartender, and booker Bruce "Bruno" Berger with help from a who's who of Portland rock royalty, including Toody Cole and the Spurs (playing Dead Moon songs), Chris Newman and friends (playing Snow Bud songs), The Mistons, Monica Nelson and The Jack London Trio, and many more. (Fri Feb 21, 8 pm, Dante's, $5-20)
Pigtails, Boreen, Laith
Olympia's Pigtales bring their indie rock and folk sounds down the I-5 to head up an intimate show at Portland's newest all-ages space, with like-minded locals Boreen and Laith rounding out the bill with solo sets. (Fri Feb 21, 7 pm, Hawthorne Game Exchange, $5-10, all ages)
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Farnell Newton & The Othership Connection
The prolific funk and jazz saxophonist, flutist, and vocalist brings his band back to Portland as part of the "Election Year - Winter Edition" Tour. (Fri Feb 21, 8 pm, Crystal Ballroom, $25-30, all ages)
EPROM, Huxley Anne
The renowned West Coast bass music producer returns to Portland for a headlining set at 45 East, with Huxley Anne rounding out the proceedings. (Fri Feb 21, 10 pm, 45 East, $20)
Larry Carlton, Stanley Jordon
The Newmark presents an evening with the Grammy-winning jazz guitarist known for his solo output, his contributions to the jazz fusion group The Crusaders and the smooth jazz band Fourplay, as well as his in-demand session work, which has led to him collaborating with the likes of Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Herb Alpert, and dozens more. Part of the 2020 PDX Jazz Festival (Fri Feb 21, 7 pm, Newmark Theatre, $35-55)
Saturday, Feb 22
Douyé
Nigerian vocalist Douyé brings her bossa nova- and samba-infused jazz down to the Jack London Revue for an intimate Portland performance supporting her 2019 album, Quatro (Bossa Nova Deluxe). Part of the 2020 PDX Jazz Festival. (Sat Feb 22, 8 pm, Jack London Revue, $20)
Sudan Archives
Sudan Archives isnât from some far-off land, as her name implies, but Cincinnati, Ohio. Born Brittney Denise Parks, the singer/violinist has been known as Sudan since she was a teen, a name she not only assumed but has come to embody in her sound. Her combination of earthy and electro sounds is reminiscent of trip-hop, though instead of jumping off from jazz and hip-hop, itâs rooted in R&B and African sounds. Its ethereally groovy, pared-back production is magnetic, a mix of bowing and pizzicato plucking thatâs often layered, looped, and/or effected to add texture and dimension to her compositions, while her violin limit-pushing and experimentation remain accessible. (Sat Feb 22, 9 pm, Doug Fir Lounge, $15-17) LEILANI POLK
Portland's 10th Annual Mardi Gras Ball
Mysti Krewe of Nimbus oversees their annual Mardi Gras shenanigans (this years theme: Magical Mystery Krewe), lending Portland some of that Louisiana flair with live music from Lucky Beaucoup, Too Loose Cajun Zydeco Band, Northwest Bone Gang, and the Magical Mystery Revue Band, dancing, costumes, king cake, and of course, beads. (Sat Feb 22, 7 pm, Wonder Ballroom, $30)
Preseason: Timbers vs. New England Revolution
Rejoice! Timbers preseason is returning to Portland, with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Minnesota United FC, and the New England Revolution making their way to the Rose City for a weekâs worth of doubleheader fixtures at Providence Park. With newly-signed Columbian winger Yimmi CharĂĄ set to join his brother Diego in the ranks of the Timbersâ midfield, itâs also your first chance to catch a glimpse at the dynamic duo that will haunt opponents like the Grady sisters in The Shining when MLS action returns in March. (Sat Feb 22, 5 pm, Providence Park, $15 & Up, all ages) CHIPP TERWILLIGER
8th Annual Brazilian Carnaval Ball: Infinite Light
The 8th installment of the Brazilian Carnaval Ball takes over the Crystal Ballroom with the first-ever all-ages installment of the annual Portland celebration. This year's theme of "Infinite Light" brings music from Bloco Alegria, Mandela Dance, Maracatu PDX, and DJ DĂŹgo DalĂ, along with an appearance from the Oregon Country Fair costume group, Risk of Change, as well as a few special guests. (Sat Feb 22, 7 pm, Crystal Ballroom, $10-45, all ages)
Archie Shepp Quartet, Blue Cranes
Saxophonist Archie Shepp has played a role in every major development in jazz music during the â60s and â70s. He helped move bop into more modal territory; brought elements of Latin and African rhythms, as well as soul and gospel into the mix; added in a heated element of Afrocentrism; and took his compositions to the farthest extremes of free jazz. While his output and striving spirit has slowed over the past 40 years, the 82-year-old is still a strong player and a lucid improviser. His mere presence in Portland is exciting enough. Hearing this living legend perform feels nothing short of historic. Part of the 2020 PDX Jazz Festival (Sat Feb 22, 7 pm, Newmark Theatre, $39.50-69.50) ROBERT HAM
PIGSquad: Global Game Jam 2020 Showcase
The Portland Indie Game Squad's latest showcase shines the spotlight on games made by local developers during this year's Global Game Jam, a 48-hour game-making challenge with sites all around the world, including right here in Portland. Come out and sample the fruits of their labor and get to know the makers and creators contributing to this vibrant local scene at this free and all-ages event. (Sat Feb 22, 7 pm, Vacasa, free, all ages)
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
Perhaps Cleveland, Ohio's chief contribution to the history of hip-hop, the melodic rap stylings of Bone Thugs, now seem almost prophetic, with more rappers singing these days than actually rapping. The Eazy-E-signed quintet have undergone many changes and bumps along the way since their smash single "Crossroads," releasing the album New Waves in 2017 with just Krayzie and Bizzy Bone. Expect to see the original lineup in full force, combining old-school lyricism and forward-thinking harmonies that will get any crowd going. (Sat Feb 22, 8 pm, Roseland, $26.50-40) NICK ZURKO
Swiggle Mandela, Raz Simone, Cool Nutz, Mighty, Timmi HendriXXX, Figure 8
The third installment of "Prominence" at the Bit House Saloon serves up sets from rising Pacific Northwest hip-hop artists, including Swiggle Mandela, Raz Simone, Cool Nutz, Mighty, Timmi HendriXXX, and Figure 8. (Sat Feb 22, 9 pm, Bit House Saloon, $15-25)
Antibalas, The True Loves
Even if you've never heard the sharp afrobeat tunes of Antibalas, their home on Daptone Records gives them immediate and funky cachet. If you're sick of floating around like a stoned pixie at your usual electro/indie shows, Antibalas' upbeat tempo and great horn lines will refresh the shit out of you. Part of the 2020 PDX Jazz Festival (Sat Feb 22, 8 pm, Stage 722, $22-25) ROSE FINN
Portland Opera presents An American Quartet
Portland Operaâs commitment to balancing out their big productions with much smaller presentations of their chosen artform is on display this month with their upcoming performances of four one-act operas at the humble Hampton Opera Center. On the docket is Douglas Mooreâs Gallantry, a loving spoof of â50s soap operas; Bon AppĂ©tit!, a tribute to the late celebrity chef, Julia Child; charming comic opera The Telephone, which premiered in 1947; and Samuel Barberâs A Hand of Bridge, a lovely piece where four singers express their inner thoughts over a game of cards. (Sat Feb 22, 7:30 pm, Hampton Opera House, $72) ROBERT HAM
ANDAZ Bhangra Bollywood Dance Party
Since 2002 this power duo has inundated late-night revelers with rhythms from South Asia and beyond. Catch them tonight when they link up with Seattle-based Dholi drummer Adam McCollom and the Gulabi Gang dancers for the latest installment of their monthly extravaganza. (Sat Feb 22, 9 pm, The Liquor Store, $5-10)
Oregon Distilled
Over 120 spirits from 25 Oregon distilleries are not just on display but available for the imbibing at this giant-sized tasting festival, offering opportunities to try new drinks, make your own cocktails, and enjoy bites made especially for the event from five all-star chefs. (Sat Feb 22, 5 pm, The Redd on Salmon, $45-195)
Murder By Death, Saintseneca
The beloved noir-country and indie-folk band out of Bloomington, Indiana brings their 20th-anniversary tour to Revolution Hall. Every stop on the tour will feature a fan-curated setlist spanning the band's entire discography, and all attendees will receive a free zine looking back at two decades of Murder By Death. (Sat Feb 22, 8 pm, Revolution Hall, $24, all ages)
Jake Silberman
One of Portland's finest stand-ups is spending a couple shows talking to his audience and recording what happens. It's bound to be remarkable. (Sat Feb 22, 8 pm & 10 pm, Funhouse Lounge, $5-10)
King Ghidora, Pink Tornado, Bad Tattoo
Originally from outer space but now living in McMinnville, King Ghidora are a masked quartet that make real-deal surf-rock that falls in line with that genre's traditions: roiling drums, waves of reverberant electric guitar, occasional theremin appearances, and no vocals. They call it "sonic surf rock." You might just call it fun, at least for a night. (Sat Feb 22, 9 pm, No Fun, $5) BEN SALMON
Willy Tea Taylor, The Sam Chase, Tommy Alexander
Oakdale, California-hailing singer/songwriter Willy Tea Taylor brings his melodic folk sounds back up the coast to do a show with the Sam Chase, guaranteeing for that night the Bunk will be the place for top-notch songwriting craft on display. (Sat Feb 22, 8:30 pm, Bunk Bar, $12)
Sunday, Feb 23
Hometown Heroes: A Comedy Show
L.A. transplants Simon Gibson and Milan Patel return to town to headline the latest installment of this showcase of Portland talent, with local favorites Chris Johnson, Jake Silberman, and Katie Nguyen along to round out the proceedings. (Sun Feb 23, 8 pm, Siren Theater, $10-15)
The Stone Foxes, Strange Vine
With a blues-rock foundation and vocals just hidden behind a wall of distortion, the Stone Foxes could easily confuse you into thinking Arctic Monkeys just collaborated with Dan Auerbach. The coolest thing about this band is their Goodnight Moon Project; lead singer Shannon Koehler recruited homeless musicians to play on a track he wrote about living on the streets, and the band collects canned goods at their shows to give to homeless shelters. Based out of San Francisco, the Foxes are modern-day blues slathered on slow, loud rock. Though their gritty vocals and basic chords sound like a lot of bands within the genre, they undoubtedly do it well. (Sun Feb 23, 9 pm, Doug Fir Lounge, $15) ROSE FINN
Moon Shy, Shutups
Fresh off the release of their debut album Ethereal Whispers In The Void, rising local garage rock outfit Moon Shy bring their fuzzed-out sounds to the latest installment of Sunday Sessions at Rontoms. Like-minded Bay Area band Shutups round out the proceedings. (Sun Feb 23, 8 pm, Rontoms, free)
The Black Futures Ball
If you're a participant, a member of a house, or just someone who wants to bear witness to all the amazing talent showing itself, the Black Futures Ball invites you to be there for the competition in seven categories, including Face, Future Fashion, Mic Drop, Runway, Old Way Vogue, and Vogue Femme. Part of Black History Fest Northwest 2020. (Sun Feb 23, 8 pm, Portland Center Stage, $5-20)
Branford Marsalis
The Newmark presents a full evening with the dynamic saxophonist, composer, and bandleader (and brother of Jason, Wynton, and Delfeayo) who has been heading up the Branford Marsalis Quartet for the better part of the last four decades Part of the 2020 PDX Jazz Festival (Sun Feb 23, 7 pm, Newmark Theatre, $39.50-69.50)
joan, Ralph
The rising duo out of Little Rock, Arkansas brings their '80-leaning synth-pop to the Holocene stage for an all-ages performance, with like-minded Toronto-based artist Raffaela Weyman, known by her stage name Ralph, rounding out the bill with her own disco-tinged pop sounds. (Sun Feb 23, 8 pm, Holocene, $13-15, all ages)
Shostakovichâs Eleventh
Conductor Robert Trevino and violinist Sarah Kwak lead the Oregon Symphony through a performance of Gian Carlo Menottiâs Violin Concerto, with the symphony tackling Walker's "Icarus in Orbit" and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 11, âThe Year 1905â to round out the program. (Sun Feb 23, 2 pm, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, $24 & Up)
Leanne Morgan
Fresh off the release of her 2018 special, So Yummy, Leanne Morgan brings southern charm and storytelling to the Helium stage to offer insight into her hilarious journey through motherhood at a one-off Portland performance. (Sun Feb 23, 7 pm, Helium Comedy Club, $20-28)
Don't forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!
