Stephanie’s Portland Picks: May 1 – 15

As we head into summer, the pace of social life in Portland really picks up. I’m breaking down the next few months into two posts per month because there’s a lot of ground to cover.

Featured Event

It’s been a long, long time since I’ve been to The Twilight Café and Bar (1420 SE Powell), but I remember those good old crazy days. Everyone got too drunk. The stage was crappy. But there were some really fun shows there. I’ve heard they’ve redone the stage and one of my favorite local bands, Don’t, will be playing there on Saturday, May 7^th. Energetic surf-tinged post punk, call it what you will, it will be a great show as always.

Shows You Don’t Want to Miss

Tender Age plays Mississippi Studios on Sunday, May 1^st. They are booking a lot of gigs around town now, and I saw them at The Liquor Store recently at a Past Haunts night. Catch these melodic darkwave up-and-comers celebrating the release of their LP.

Get your groove on at Uplift at The Liquor Store on Friday, May 6^th. $8 cover.

I’m sad that Monarques will be playing on Saturday, May 7^th in conflict with the Don’t show, but if you’re in the NoPo area, they’ll be at Mississippi Studios.

Jenny Don’t and The Spurs will bring their alt-country sound to The Liquor Store on Wednesday, May 11^th. Being a big fan of Don’t, I’m excited to check out this other project for the first time, finally!

Tough choices on Thursday, May 12^th. Swansea at Alberta Street Pub or Soft Kill at Star Theater? Two completely different sounds, but both are excellent.

Second Fridays at The Liquor Store are for Believe You Me, and it’s usually a top-notch house/techno night. This particular night there’s a long line up from Mule Musiq and an invite-only after hours show until 6 am. The novelty of staying out so late does appeal to me. $15, although it sounds like there are tickets for the first half of the show and other tickets for the whole night

Saturday, May 14^th is the Bowie Vision Davie Bowie tribute at Doug Fir Lounge, but if that’s not your thing, it’s 90s night at Lola’s Room (inside the Crystal Ballroom).

I’m sorry I was not able to get Damien Jurado tickets for his show at Doug Fir on Sunday, May 15^th, but the website says some tickets may be released the night of the show at the box office. However, then the PDX Pop Now! compilation party at Holocene was announced for the same day, so no need for me to cry. I am happy that after many years of attending my favorite Portland event, I finally started volunteering this year. I was on the listening committee for the 2016 compilation. Let me tell you, there is some amazing stuff and this will be a groovy show full of genuine music lovers in the audience. All-ages. Early show with doors at 7 pm. $8 at the door with digital download of the compilation or $10 at the door with physical CD compilation.

Film

I have been looking forward to NW Film Center’s “Through Indian Eyes: Native American Cinema” for months now. May 1^st through the 22^nd, catch a variety of Native American and First Nations films.

Literary

Another Read Through is a charming bookstore at 3932 N Mississippi that showcases local authors every Thursday, among other workshops and readings. My reading there with other VoiceCatcher authors on April 14^th was amazing. Definitely go check this store out and get some sushi and drinks at Uchu Sushi next door.