THURSDAY JUNE 14
DRAG–What better way to start off your weekend than with a bunch of big hairy moustaches, stiletto heels, and sweaty plastic melons–all jiggling in your face?! The lovely Poison Waters will be hosting this drag-a-rrific hodgepodge of kings, queens, and general gender fucks, along with Max Ferry, Portland’s favorite drag king. KD
Genderbenders shows at the Egyptian Room, 3701 SE Division, 9 pm, 236-8689
ROCK–It takes a lot for me to get busy with the blues-rock, but Bantam Rooster
gets me shaking the shimmy all night long. They play old-school hot and swampy
without sounding derivative; they’ve got their own trashy energy without being
poseurs; and they’re LOUD without being cocksure pee-holes. Check ’em out before
they get extra-famous. JS
Satyricon, 125 NW 6th Ave, 243-2380, 9 pm
FRIDAY JUNE 15
READING–Who the hell doesn’t like David Sedaris? I mean, he’s only like the
funniest, most clever, most relevant essayist and radio voice in America. He’ll
be reading from his new book, Me Talk Pretty One Day, a collection of
short stories about growing up in America. But get there early–the bookstore
will be packed to the brim.
Twenty-Third Avenue Books, 1015 NW 23rd Ave, 7:30 pm, 224-6203, free
IPRC BENEFIT–The Independent Publishing Resource Center helps all the lovable
zine-fiends in Portland get their fine publications off the ground. That’s just
about as nice as adopting a lonely stray from the pound. Support these do-gooders
and hear some kickin’ tunes in exchange. Featuring Willy Vlautin, Amy Annelle,
Kissing Book, and Roy Tinsel. KS
Stumptown Coffee, 4525 SE Division, 230-7797, 7pm, $5
SATURDAY JUNE 16
DR. OCTAGON–I was supposed to see Dr. Octagon about five years ago, but right
before, some guy came on stage and said “Sadly, Dr. Octagon’s mom died and he
won’t be able to play.” Thankfully, he can only use that excuse once, so he
should be showing up for this gig and bringing along his seamless lyrics, frenetic
energy, and uncomplicated crystal clear beats. I guarantee you’ll kick yourself
if you don’t go. KD
Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W. Burnside, 7:00, $20-$25
SARDINE-IT–The best arena-pop organ/ drum duo in the universe, Mates of State, literally packed the Meow Meow last time they were here. So when they play a free in-store at Jackpot Records today, how are we all going to fit? You should probably camp outside with your sleeping bag. I am not kidding. JS
Fabulous Jackpot Records, 3736 SE Hawthorne Blvd, 239-7561, noon, free
SUNDAY JUNE 17
GAY PARADE–Ahhhhh… the one day every year when Portland throws her arms
open to hot sweaty homos humping down the street. And though you will probably
not witness anything even remotely shocking, you will see the Mercury float, which at least promises to be slightly disturbing. See page 11 for other
fun gay events! WSH
Gay Pride Parade, starts at Lincoln High, ends at Saturday Market, 12:30 pm, free (except for your everlasting SOUL.)
MONDAY JUNE 18
HIPHOP–Who needs the gays when you’ve got funk? Especially when you’ve got
these kind of West Coast jazz beats and razor-fine MC skills?! Check out the
Beatnuts, including Swollen Members, Checkmate, Primero, DJ Bles, and a crazy
B-Boy Battle with $150 cash prizes! KD
Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside, 225-0047, 8 pm, $16-$18
TUESDAY JUNE 19
BASKETBALL–Joy is to disappointment like the WNBA’s Portland Fire are to
the Blazers. With more flare, make-up, and well-oiled team playing than their
male counterparts, the Fire has moved into their first winning season ever!
Lead by new recruit, Jackie Stiles–a two-season, top NCAA scorer–the team
is putting together a potential championship run. Eat your heart out, Rasheed.
PB
Rose Garden, One Center Ct, 797-9622, 7 pm, $5-75
WEDNESDAY JUNE 20
FILM–It’s about time that Americans got a load of some Asian pop icons–instead
of it always being the other way around. Time & Tide has a bunch of Eastern
stars, an accidental pregnancy, quality friendship, and of course, gang war!
Certainly better than another re-run of the stupid West Wing. KS
Cinema 21, 616 NW 21st, 223-4515, 7 pm, $6