The beginning of a new week! The start of a new month! Maybe February can shine a little more light on 2020 than January did? There’s a lot of opportunities to light up the night just this week alone, with illuminating festivals, musical legends, comedic weirdos, unmentionable fashions, and so, so much more. Hit the links below and plan accordingly
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Monday, Feb 3
Loudon Wainwright III
With almost 30 albums under his belt, Loudon Wainwright III has been going strong since the ’70s, which makes it hard to figure out where to start digging into his catalog of funny, melancholic folk rock. So I’ll tell you where I started: Strange Weirdos, Wainwright’s 2007 album consisting of songs inspired by Judd Apatow’s comedy Knocked Up. These days, Knocked Up seems most memorable for introducing the world to the now-derided genre of “Seth Rogen making out with women who are out of his league,” but Knocked Up is also an excellent showcase for Apatow’s unmatched ability to blend crassness and sentiment, unearthing laughs and heart in equal measure. Apatow chose Wainwright to contribute to the film’s soundtrack—as well as casting the musician, who’s been acting since appearing in M*A*S*H as a gynecologist—and Wainwright went to town with an album that’s clever, tender, warm, and sharp. Wainwright’s from-the-gut songs on Strange Weirdos (particularly his take on Peter Blegvad’s “Daughter”) hit hard, but when taken altogether, they come with a grin and a quick elbow to the ribs. “When it’s gray in LA/ it’s much better that way,” Wainwright sings. “It reminds you that this town’s so cruel/ yeah, it might feel like fun when you’re sportin’ sunglasses/But really you’re one more fool.” (Mon Feb 3, 7:30 pm, Alberta Rose Theatre, $28-45) ERIK HENRIKSEN
Clyde W. Ford
The Legacy Award-winning writer and Executive Director of Ecomarine Institute reads from Think Black, about his father, John Stanley Ford, the first black software engineer at IBM. (Mon Feb 3, 7:30 pm, Powell’s City of Books, free)
Shuck Portland
A weeklong tribute to the slurp-tastic glory of all things oyster, with special dinners, classes, and parties spotlighting the culinary magic you can create once you get to shucking. Visit shuckportland.org for a full list of events at participating locations. (Mon-Sat Feb 3-8, Various Locations)
2020 Fertile Ground Festival
Get ready for SO MUCH THEATER, because Portland’s annual festival of new performance, Fertile Ground, is here! One of Portland’s most accessible and affordable arts festivals, this year’s Fertile Ground features some of the most adventurous artists in the region putting bold new theatrical, dance, performance, experimental, and storytelling works on a wide variety of Portland stages. For a full list of participants, venues, and showtimes, click here. (Thurs Jan 30-Sun Feb 9, Various Locations, $50-70 all-access festival pass)
Fashion in Film: Singles
The Hollywood Theatre’s film series keeping an eye on cinematic fashion gets grungy—or rather, Cameron Crowe’s idea of “grungy.” There’s only so much grunge to be wrung out of actors like Kyra Sedgwick, Bridget Fonda, and Matt Dillon. But if you want a bold reminder of what Seattle looked like in the pre-internet days, with all the biker shorts, flannels-tied-around-the-waist, chunky-boots-and-sundressed glory? Tonight’s your night. (Mon Feb 3, 7:30 pm, Hollywood Theatre, $7-9)
Tuesday, Feb 4
Mattiel, Calvin Love
Atlanta artist Mattiel got one of her big breaks when Jack White invited her to tour with him in 2018; when listening to her latest album Satis Factory, it’s easy to see why. Like White, Mattiel’s got a handle on Southern blues-rock that sounds modern but rooted in tradition—a slightly spooky, vibrating voice and haunting, body-shaking instrumentals. She’ll be joined tonight by Calvin Love, a master of West Coast indie rock ennui, as evidenced in the lyrics to songs like “Warm Blindness & a Cool Breeze”: “I’m lying here/ staring at the moon/ trying to find you/ again.” (Tues Feb 4, 9 pm, Doug Fir Lounge, $13-15) BLAIR STENVICK
Lidia Yuknavitch
The acclaimed Portland author behind the bestselling novels The Book of Joan and The Small Backs of Children returns with Verge, her first collection of short fiction. (Tues Feb 4, 7:30 pm, Powell’s City of Books, free)
Josiah Johnson, Caitlin Jemma
I haven’t heard Josiah Johnson’s solo work before—but if it’s anything like that of his band, The Head and the Heart, then I know what to expect: sweet, melodic pop-rock that’s perfect for a road trip or a dinner party. Caitlin Jemma, on the other hand, is a bit more stripped-down and bare, unapologetically acoustic. On “Lean On My Love,” from her new album Places Beyond You and Me, she seduces without much more than a few guitar plucks and a smooth, steady voice. (Tues Feb 4, 8 pm, Mississippi Studios, $12-14) BLAIR STENVICK
Queensrÿche, John 5, Eve to Adam
Seattle heavy progressive giants Queensrÿche bring their heavy sounds down the I-5 and through the Crystal Ballroom for the Portland stop on a tour supporting their latest album, The Verdict. (Tues Feb 4, 8 pm, Crystal Ballroom, $38-40)
Relentless Splendor: Femme-uary
Suki’s plays host to the “Femme-uary” installment of this monthly comedy smorgasbord from Relentless Splendor, featuring a headlining set from Hofstra Law Professor-turned-comedian Liz Glazer, and support from Portland’s own Ben Harkins, Kellie Irwin, and more. Hosted by Riley McCarthy. (Tues Feb 4, 8 pm, Suki’s Bar & Grill, $5)
Beer Belly Dinner
EastBurn’s Beer Belly Dinners are a reliably delicious dining endeavor, pairing their cuisine with local breweries, ensuring an amazing and filling night of dining. Tonight’s four-course collaborators are Threshold Brewing and Blending, and representatives will be present to answer any questions about their beers and telling the stories behind their creation. (Tues Feb 4, 6:30 pm, EastBurn, $48)
Smosh: Try Not To Laugh Live
The wildly popular YouTube sketch comedy channel celebrates its 15th anniversary with a live tour featuring new sketches, songs, local food roundups from Smosh founder Ian Hecox, along with members Courtney Miller, Damien Haas, and Shayne Topp. (Tues Feb 4, 8 pm, Revolution Hall, $35 & Up)
Vic Ruggiero, Lauren Napier, King Strang
NYC’s Vic Ruggiero and Tacoma’s Lauren Napier team up to bring an array of blues-tinged punk to the Twilight Bar, with Portland’s own King Strang holding down the local support with his one-man ragtime punk band. (Tues Feb 4, 8:30 pm, Twilight Cafe & Bar, $10)
Wednesday, Feb 5
Sinead O’Connor
Maybe the reason so many folks in America and beyond still connect with O’Connor and her music (her show at the Crystal has long been sold out) is due to how absolutely human she is. She still has possession of a powerhouse of a voice that has won her Grammys and accolades the world over, but it is powered by a mind that is full of contradictions, messy thoughts, and moments of blinding clarity. And she dares to publicly ask difficult questions and confront ugly issues that many of us wouldn’t dare address if we were put in the same spotlight. If you can’t see some flicker of yourself in O’Connor, or at least recognize how rare and remarkable she is, you’re simply not looking hard enough. (Wed Feb 5, 8 pm, Crystal Ballroom, Good Luck on the Ticket Resale Sites) ROBERT HAM
Begonia, Jessica Manolo, Blossom
Straight outta Manitoba, Canada, Alexa Dirks (AKA Begonia) has made quite an impression here in the states after releasing 2019’s Fear, a collection of R&B-inspired songs that also touch on gospel, jazz, and indie rock—not surprising since it was produced by members of Royal Canoe. Blessed with powerful vocals, Dirks excels on songs like “Beats,” which soars with introspective, clever, and self-aware lyrics; as well as “The Other Side,” a gospel-infused howler that touches on the yearning vagaries of relationships without ever dipping into desperation. Dirks exposes her life and loves through music—and this heartfelt openness is something that’ll keep making Begonia a name to watch out for. (Wed Feb 5, 8:30 pm, Bunk Bar, $10) WM. STEVEN HUMPRHEY
Lloyd Cole
Guesswork, the latest album from British-born singer/songwriter Lloyd Cole draws together, for the first time, his twin interests: writing literate pop songs about life’s joys and disappointments, and messing about with modular synthesizers. The combination was just the spark the 58-year-old artist needed to craft some of the most lush and meaningful material of his lengthy career, also inspiring him to reflect with some resignation and appreciation at this older age. Cole returns to Portland in solo mode, with an acoustic guitar, his wry wit, and a setlist crammed with pop masterpieces. (Wed Feb 5, 8 pm, Polaris Hall, $25-28, all ages)
Chastity Belt, Loose Tooth
Fresh off the release of their new Hardly Art-issued self-titled album, the beloved Seattle-based feminist punk and indie rock quartet headed up by Julia Shapiro, Lydia Lund, Annie Truscott, and Gretchen Grimm make their way back to Portland for their biggest headlining show yet. (Wed Feb 5, 8:30 pm, Wonder Ballroom, $15-18, all ages)
Dogheart, Norman, Neuma
Dogheart is one of the best-kept secrets in town. Their 2019 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. (Wed Feb 5, 8:30 pm, Holocene, $8)
MAITA, Sama Dams, Wave Action
Maria Maita-Keppeler, known by her stage name MAITA, has quickly risen to Portland indie-rock fame in the past few months. After inspiring Kill Rocks Stars’ founder Slim Moon to return to the label (dubbing MAITA the record label’s “guiding light”), MAITA’s ready to drop a fresh album, Best Wishes, on April 3. The forthcoming project boasts the single “Can’t Blame a Kid,” a powerful ode to a childhood friend that weaves Maita-Keppeler’s cool, vulnerable vocals with power chords and pop hooks. (A personal favorite lyric: “My old friend/ she used to be a dick.”) At the Doug Fir, MAITA will be joined by fellow Portland indie darlings Sama Dams (no, not the former-mayor-turned-council-candidate) and Wave Action to formally release this new single. (Wed Feb 5, 9 pm, Doug Fir Lounge, $10-12) ALEX ZIELINSKI
Randy Feltface
Helium presents an evening of high-energy stand-up with the puppet sensation who has done sets at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Montreal Just For Laughs Festival, along with an eight-week off-broadway stand in New York City, and is operated by Australian puppeteer, writer, and singer Heath McIvor. (Wed Feb 5, 8 pm, Helium Comedy Club, $20-28)
Yardbirds
Original Yardbirds drummer Jim McCarty links up with guitarist Godfrey Townsend, bassist Kenny Aaronson, percussionist Myke Scavone, and vocalist John Idan to bring the songs of the legendary English psych-rock and rhythm and blues band to life at the Alberta Rose Theatre. (Wed Feb 5, 8 pm, Alberta Rose Theatre, $47.50-65)
City of the Sun
New York trio City of the Sun started getting stuck in my head after I heard their New Age mariachi-style song “Ventura” on Spotify’s Brain Food playlist. Seeing as how that song has been listened to approximately 13 million times, I choose not to be embarrassed by this admission. Brain Food playlist is legion! Another place you may have heard City of the Sun’s spaced out, instrumental ballads is on the streets of New York City where the group legendarily created their complicated song composition style over the course of endless busking and outside jam sessions. This all sounds super crunchy—and IT IS—but the prowess the band shows in their classical string playing and the entertainment quality of their live shows cannot be denied. (Wed Feb 5, 8 pm, Mississippi Studios, $15-18) SUZETTE SMITH
Thursday, Feb 6
Unmentionable: A Lingerie Exposition
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here comes the sexiest, most body positive fashion event of the year, Unmentionable! Billed as a “lingerie exposition,” this wildly popular show features original designs from great local fashion houses including Lille Boutique, Chubby Cartwheels, Thunderpants and more. Unmentionable also has gorgeous runway models of all shapes and sizes (just like you!), and plenty of vendors if you’re looking for the perfect V-day gift. If there’s a more fun and exciting fashion show in town, I’d certainly like to hear about it! (Thurs Feb 6, 6 pm, Jupiter NEXT, $25-40) WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
Portland Winter Light Festival
The holidays are behind us, but the Portland Winter Light Festival is here to remind you that the city’s best winter lights tradition actually happens in February. The three-day celebration features dozens of illuminated art installations, along with unique performances and live events to help brighten up the Northwest winter doldrums. With massive interactive spaces to explore on both sides Willamette River, the Portland Spirit will be working overtime to offer complimentary cruises between the festival’s East and West hubs, and who doesn’t love a free boat ride? (Thurs-Sat Feb 6-8, Various Locations, free, all ages) CHIPP TERWILLIGER
Young Dolph & Key Glock
The cover of Dum & Dummer, the 2019 mixtape from Young Dolph and Key Glock, shows the Memphis rappers passing a blunt from one man to the other. One could read that as Dolph, the older of the two at age 34, passing the metaphorical torch to his younger protégé (Glock clocks in at 22 years of age). But to these eyes and ears, the mixtape is more a reflection of two talented spitters on equal ground; a mutual admiration society of shared interests (drip, ice, weed), and shared frustrations (girl problems, a lack of weed). (Thurs Feb 6, 8 pm, Roseland, $22, all ages) ROBERT HAM
Basil Strawberry, Sheers, Ancient Pools
This Pabst Extra $5 show is guaranteed to do the opposite of what live shows usually promise: It’ll settle your pulse right down. Get chill and dreamy with the crooning harp melodies of Sheers, or slowly dissolve into the ether of Ancient Pools’ ghostly sweet electro-pop. Basil Strawberry is the electronic singer/songwriter project of Basil Jane Stevens, whose 2019 debut Woman explores gender transition with warm, synthy, punk production and lyrics like “My body is nothing / more significant / than a single drop / or everything at once.” (Thurs Feb 6, 8 pm, Mississippi Studios, $5) SUZETTE SMITH
The I, Anonymous Show
If you love sick secrets, crazy rants, and side-splitting laughs, have we got a show for you! The I, Anonymous Show stars the fabulous Kate Murphy, who selects the wildest, strangest submissions from the beloved Mercury column and reads them live on stage. Joining Kate is a panel of whip-smart comedians—including the oh-so-funny Ben Harkins, Kirsten Kuppenbender, and from the All Fantasy Everything podcast, Sean Jordan!—who dissect these submissions with hilarious precision. If you’re looking for serious fun, the I, Anonymous Show is the place to be! (Thurs Feb 6, 7:30 pm, Curious Comedy Theater, $10) WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
Temples, Art d’Ecco, Shadowgraphs
Until last year’s fantastic Hot Motion, I hadn’t really listened to Temples since their 2014 debut, Sun Structures, an album of ’60s-soaked psych rock that I dug, though it didn’t rock my socks off (it felt a bit too derivative). Fast forward five years to the British quartet’s third and latest album, the aforementioned Hot Motion, one of my favorites of 2019. Their sound has slipped naturally and easily into neo-psychedelia, an evolution that makes perfect sense, and finds them playing around with melody and sonic textures in vaguely vintage rock that’s both catchy and trippy as hell. It’s hard not to compare them to their Aussie contemporaries, Tame Impala, especially in tracks like the fine, drug-fueled “You’re Either on Something,” or the urgent, doomy “Atomise,” but Temples definitely has their own distinctive appeal. (Thurs Feb 6, 8 pm, Doug Fir Lounge, $25) LEILANI POLK
Galaxe, DVR
Portland-via-Indiana drummer, producer and MC Nick Werth brings his futuristic hip-hop and electronica project to Bunk for a night guaranteed to fill your head with the best beats. (Thurs Feb 6, 8:30 pm, Bunk Bar, $10)
Forty Feet Tall, Dream Wulf, Wax Statues
Portland quartet Forty Feet Tall rounds out a night of Pacific Northwest indie-rock, post-punk, and psych as part of a cheap and local Thursday-night bill at Holocene. (Thurs Feb 6, 8:30 pm, Holocene, $8)
Trixie Mattel: Grown Up
The beloved Los Angeles-based drag queen, comedian, and singer known for winning the third season of third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars brings an arsenal of music, comedy, and costume changes to the Revolution Hall stage with a full backing band in tow. (Thurs Feb 6, 8 pm, Revolution Hall, $39.50-175)
I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House, Savage Family Band
What better way to recognize 20 years of Dante’s hell-raising than to reunite one of Portland’s most legendary collection of musical hell-raisers, I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch in the House? The Savage Family Band lends their support. (Thurs Feb 6, 9 pm, Dante’s, $10)
Don’t forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!