Jenni Moore
Jenni is an Alaska-born, Oregon-raised writer living in Portland. Read More
The New Class of the Portland R&B Scene
Portland has become a hot spot for up-and-coming R&B musicians.
Jenni Moore
Jenni is an Alaska-born, Oregon-raised writer living in Portland. Read More
When it comes to Portland’s Black community and its musical history, the discussion is often focused on jazz and hip-hop. These days, however, a new generation of artists is attracting more light to the Portland R&B scene than perhaps ever before.
Here are 10 local artists making soulful waves in Portland.
TYuS
For fans of PARTYNEXTDOOR, Bryson Tiller, Usher
TYuS is often credited with putting Portland on the nation’s map of modern R&B hubs. The then-20-year-old singer’s career took off in 2016 when his self-published songs went viral, thanks to his fierce online following. “City of the Rose,” a popular cut about a romance with a Portland woman, has racked up a staggering 1.2 million views on YouTube.
Now signed to Warner Brothers Records, Tyus released his 2017 EP Phases with the help of famed producer Hit-Boy. And although he’s gained recognition nationally, his work continues to feature Portland in content and collaborations with Portland rapper Cassow. The music video for “Other Side//Brand New” is filled with immediately recognizable shots of Portland’s skyline and bridges. Tyus croons to the upbeat R&B track while walking downtown, visiting Alberta Market and exploring Forest Park.
Chanti Darling
For fans of Patrice Rushen, Morris Day, Cheryl Lynn
After winning Willamette Week’s Best New Band poll in 2015, retro-futurist R&B group Chanti Darling’s star has continued to rise. Meanwhile, frontperson Chanticleer Tru has become one of the most in-demand artists in town. Tru grew up with a diverse music background, listening to jazz, R&B, gospel, opera, dance music and musical theater. This range of influences is apparent in singles like “Stars” and “Casual” (featuring Portland’s the Last Artful, Dodgr), which show off Tru’s immense vocal ability.
When you see the band live, you’ll understand why they draw crowds. Keys, live tracks and two enthralling back-up dancers typify the Chanti Darling experience. Shows often feel like traveling back in time to the days of disco — or jumping forward to a dance party in the funk-i-fied future. A similar vibe prevails at Jump Jack Sound Machine, the monthly dance party Tru DJs with singer Natasha Kmeto. Chanti Darling’s studio debut RNB: Vol.1 — a 10-track project that includes a wide range of R&B genres and production help from Portland’s Damon Boucher — was released in August 2018 on Portland’s Tender Loving Empire label.
Blossom
For fans of Erykah Badu, Solange, Brandy
If you called Blossom — aka Keisha Chiddick — the queen of Portland soul music, not many would argue with you. Blossom is also one of the hardest working solo artists in town; she frequently brings her fun live act to venues like Holocene, Mississippi Studios, Rontoms and Doug Fir. She’s also been known to open for established national stars like Ginuwine and BJ the Chicago Kid.
With roots in Trinidad and Tobago, Blossom has lived in Portland since her youth. Her sound is diverse and ever-evolving; earlier songs like “Sass” mix jazz and neo-soul to create super-chill vibes, while newer single “Black Magic Woman,” produced by local artist Fountaine, shows strong reggae influences. Tease, her debut full-length with producer Hot16, includes poppier takes on soul, with summer anthems like “Get Over It,” “So Cool” and the ’90s-tinged “Loves Comin.” With Clout Atlas (a collaborative EP with EYRST labelmate Ripley Snell) released in summer 2018 and another solo album on the way, Blossom’s career is just getting started.
The Last Artful, Dodgr
For fans of Missy Elliott, Anderson .Paak
Originally hailing from Los Angeles, rapper and singer the Last Artful, Dodgr has become one of Portland’s biggest hip-hop acts. Another member of Portland label EYRST, the artist (whose given name is Alana Chenevert) gained wide acclaim with her 2016 single “Squadron.” Bone Music, a collaboration with producer Neill Von Tally, is regarded as one of the best Portland albums of 2017.
Chenevert’s raspy flow, commanding stage presence and impressive singing and rapping talents have earned her opportunities to back up Portland rapper Aminé on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, make an appearance on Sway in the Morning and even tease a studio session with “Uptown Funk” producer Mark Ronson, Christina Aguilera and Anderson .Paak on Instagram.
The Portland Hip-Hop Scene
Fritzwa
For fans of Lauryn Hill, India.Arie
A transplant from New York City, Fritzwa makes contemporary R&B that’s laced with hip-hop. Often performing live with a full band, the singer/emcee is constantly refining her craft as a musician and bandleader. Her full-length project Avenue A is a nostalgia-induced R&B daydream and an ode to New York that’ll resonate with anyone who feels like they’ve left a piece of themselves somewhere. Standout tracks include “Like My Art,” “Ice Queen” and the Trox-produced “Bouncin.’”
Fritzwa is also a spectacular DJ, regularly spinning at spots like Church Bar and Holocene, getting crowds bouncin’ with a holy trinity of hip-hop, Afrobeat and dancehall.
Brown Calculus
For fans of Erykah Badu, SassyBlack
Formed in 2016, interstellar neo-soul duo Brown Calculus features Andre Burgos and Young, Gifted and Brown co-founder Vaughn Kimmons — also known as Brown Calvin and Brown Alice, respectively. The duo, who are also members of soul/hip-hop outfit Tribe Mars, are a stalwart act on local bills around town.
In 2017, Brown Calculus released its debut EP Live at the Map Room, featuring spacey, twinkling production and spoken word/vocals from Kimmons. Highlights include the surprisingly cheery “Good Job” and the much-needed “Self Care.”
Festivals
Portland Jazz Festival
The Portland Jazz Festival returns every February with a stellar series of concerts and events celebrating Black History Month.
Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival
Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.
Soul’d Out Music Festival
Whether you’re a lifelong soul fan or hunting for your new favorite band, Portland’s annual Soul’d Out Music Festival delivers.
Fountaine
For fans of originality and Michael Jackson-esque dance moves
Rapper/producer Fountaine (aka Michael Stewart, formerly known as Mikey Fountaine) is popular for his forward-thinking sound, energetic and captivating live sets, and innovative “anime rap,” first seen on his free 2015 project Blak $ushi. A native Portlander, Stewart plays the protagonist in Seena Haddad’s X-Ray web series about a young rapper hustling in Portland’s underground hip-hop scene.
Fountaine’s massive third full-length H.F.I.L (Hell for Infinite Losers) is a highly personal story of his experience dealing with depression and racism as a Black artist born and raised in Northeast Portland. Although the album is largely hip-hop, it includes “All for Me,” featuring Blossom and a sample of Aaliyah, as well as a danceable soul-infused song called “Dressed to Kill,” which utilizes talk-boxy vocal treatment. Fountaine also produces an array of sounds for other artists, and plans to release a more R&B-focused solo project soon.
I$$A
For fans of Akon, Sean Kingston, Shaggy
Senegal-born singer/producer I$$A is one of the most experienced and hardest working artists in the Portland R&B category. His sound pulls from global influences — most notably dancehall and Afrobeat.
His most popular release by far is “Sleep on You,” a 2015 single featuring Canadian rapper/singer Tory Lanez. Since then, I$$A has released a pair of catchy island-hop singles: “Bambi” and “Open Your Heart.”
Maarquii
For fans of Princess Nokia, Big Freedia, Mykki Blanco
Marquis Dickerson, who performs under the moniker Maarquii, is probably best known for being a hip-hop artist with a focus on experimental booty-house music. But if you’ve listened to their 2016 EP Heavy Petty, you know not to place Maarquii in any one box. In addition to rapping, Maarquii also sings on select tracks and is a former dancer for Chanti Darling.
The 26-year-old’s stunning presence in the local spotlight has become a beacon of empowerment for Black femmes, and songs like “Wirecutters” and “Dam God” should show you why. Slowed-down R&B tracks abound on 2017’s Lullaby in Gemini EP, with highlights like “2Chill” and “Prettywrecked.”
Reva DeVito
For fans of Robyn, Alina Baraz
Portland R&B songstress Reva DeVito is known for her solo work, like her sultry debut EP The Move and tracks like “Babe Squad.” Lately, however, she’s been making waves as one half of Umii, a joint project with Cali funk producer B. Bravo.
The duo’s aqua-themed album This Time from the Fresh Selects label feels both timeless and modern, with fluid and electronic production, funky guitar and DeVito’s heavenly vocals. Lead singles “Masquerade” and “Dangerous” are especially addictive, with throwback vibes that’ll win the heart of every ’90s kid who appreciates a quality pop record.
Upcoming Concerts & Shows
Portland's Singing Christmas Tree
Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree is back at Keller Auditorium for a spectacular new holiday extravaganza. Special guest artists Katie Harman and Georgene Rice and all-new show-stopping numbers. This is a Christmas celebration you will not want to miss.
Sing Out, Portland! A Celebration of Community in Music
Sing Out, Portland! is a benefit concert intended to showcase the best parts of a city that we love here in the Pacific Northwest. The night will consist of three to four local musical artists at The Old Church, a beautiful 300-seat venue which also happens to be a historic landmark. Every single dollar from…
Black Nativity 2019
By Langston Hughes. The show was originally first performed off-Broadway on December 11, 1961 and the first play written by an African American to be staged there. Traditional holiday carols are sung in gospel style with a few additional songs selected for the show. This powerful holiday musical will appeal to everyone regardless of their…
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Every year, thousands of Portlanders gather at Pioneer Courthouse Square to celebrate the lighting of the spectacular 75 Douglas-fir tree provided by Stimson Lumber Company. Join up for a community sing-a-long (limited edition holiday songbooks will be available at the event or for download on our website). Pre-show entertainment begins at 5 p.m. With a…
White Album Xmas
White Album Xmas has become a tradition – a way to keep Portland weird during the holiday season. The Nowhere Band – a full 15-piece Beatles orchestra plays the White Album in its entirety, while the jugglers, aerialists, clowns and acrobats of the Portland Circus Allstars present feats of remarkable strength, focus and dexterity. Guaranteed…
Portland Night Market
The Portland Night Market showcases many unique businesses that call Portland home. Blending food, culture, music, drinks and retail together for an adventurous evening in the Central Eastside. Come meet some of Portland’s best makers and creators! The Portland Night Market is a bimonthly, free event and open to all ages.
The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
Together, Pioneer Courthouse Square and Portland Mall Management, Inc. are hosting the Sixth Annual Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition that was originally held throughout Downtown in the early ’90s. The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition is a fun and festive event that will bring caroling groups of all ages to the heart of downtown.
Tuba Christmas Concert
Downtown will pulse with the melodic sounds of big brass as nearly 300 tubas play in unison for the 29th Annual Tuba Christmas Concert in the heart of downtown. This event is free and open to the public.
PDX Jazz Festival
The Portland Jazz Festival returns every February with a stellar series of concerts and events celebrating Black History Month.
Waterfront Blues Festival
Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.
Cabaret White Presents: Look At Me Now!
Darcy White’s monthly live music show Cabaret White welcomes Oregon-grown performers to the stage for Look at me Now! Cabaret White, a popular monthly music series, features popular local artists from a variety of musical backgrounds who perform and invite the audience to join them on their authentic and intimate journeys. The series is the…
Cher: Here We Go Again Tour 2019
Cher, an Oscar, Emmy, Cannes Film Festival and Grammy Award-winning icon, was recently honored at the Kennedy Center in 2018. She is co-producer of The Cher Show, the hit Broadway musical. Featuring: Special guests Nile Rodgers & Chic.
Steel House: Scott Colley, Brian Blade & Edward Simon
Presented by PDX Jazz. Three well-known instrumentalists are building a new band called Steel House. The foundations of this house are deep and strong, the roof sturdy. Inside is one big, light-filled room occupied by the three leaders: Edward Simon on piano, Scott Colley on acoustic bass and Brian Blade on drums. Each man is…
Matisyahu
Singer-songwriter Matisyahu has been on journey inward for more than a decade. The journey has been private and public. The journey has at times been explicitly external, even while being driven by internal change. Now nearly 13 years after the release of his first studio record, Matisyahu and his band have done something unmatched in…
Abronia
Lagunitas Brewing Company presents a $5 bill. With: Void Realm, Sea Moss.
Hit Machine
Created by Bart Hafeman, the energy projected from this five-piece band is highly contagious to say the least. The band plays hits from all eras. It’s not uncommon to here “Stayin’ Alive” (Bee Gees), “Kiss” (Prince), “Dynamite” (Taio Cruz) and “You Shook Me All Night Long” (AC/DC) all in the same set.
Fiddlers She – feat. Caitlin Warbelow, Aarun Carter, Brongaene Griffin
With special guests Gerry O’Beirne, Kevin Burke and Cary Novotny. A fantastic lineup of Irish musicians performs tonight at the Alberta Rose, including: Preston HowardChanning DodsonConnor O’BryanKelsey Wilson-O’BryanMaldon MeehanJoe Trump (no relation)Patricia FairmanLuke Price
Brent Amaker Deathsquad
The Seattle avant-cowboy provocateur returns with new band, along with new and old songs. With: Kulululu, Mattress.
Julia Jacklin
The second full-length album from Australian singer/songwriter Julia Jacklin, Crushing embodies every possible meaning of its title word. It’s an album formed from sheer intensity of feeling, an in-the-moment narrative of heartbreak and infatuation. And with her storytelling centered on bodies and crossed boundaries and smothering closeness, Crushing reveals how our physical experience of the…
The Cinematic Orchestra
The Cinematic Orchestra is a British nu jazz and electronic music group, created in 1999 by Jason Swinscoe. The group is signed to independent record label Ninja Tune. With: Photay, PBDY.
Pacific Latitudes
Started in 2016, Pacific Latitudes is a rock band from Portland, Oregon, featuring former members of Poison Beaches, Roman Candle, The Skeleton Keys and Spectator Pump. Ghosts In The Land of Promise is their debut album. With: Coastlands, Lauren Lakis.
Una Noche de Bienestar: Building Hope in the Immigrant Community
Latinx performers take the stage in a musical celebration of immigrant culture, community and strength. Featuring Luz Elena Mendoza, San Cha and Orquestra Pacifico Tropical. 100% of proceeds go to benefit Bienestar, a nonprofit affordable housing developer. Bienestar builds housing, hope and a brighter future for Latinx, immigrant, farmworker and other low-income families in the…
Live Wire with Luke Burbank
Enjoy original comedy, local music and captivating interviews at live tapings of this weekly variety show.
Kendall Concerts Presents Korgy & Bass
Kendall Concerts: Music Under the Dome is a monthly planetarium concert series combining live performances with stunning visuals in riots of color, shape and movement, enveloping the audience into an adventure of the senses without ever having to leave their seat. History, running hand-in-hand with art, has always been an exploration of tension and release,…
Hovvdy
Presented by XRAY.FM. Charlie Martin and Will Taylor met at a baseball game while on tour drumming for different bands. Back home in Austin, the two Texas natives discovered both held batches of compatible songs, intended for solo projects. They merged as Hovvdy instead. With: Nick Dorian, Caroline Says.
Jesse Cook
Jesse Arnaud Cook is a Canadian guitarist, composer and producer. Widely considered one of the most influential figures in “nuevo flamenco” music today, he incorporates elements of flamenco rumba, jazz and many forms of world music into his work.
Juke Ross
Singer-songwriter with a dusky warm voice and infectious spirit. With: Joshua Thomas.
The Black Keys
The Black Keys recently debuted the new song “Lo/Hi” (Nonesuch Records), the first new music from the band since their 2014 album, Turn Blue. Listen here. “Lo/Hi” was written and produced by Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, and recorded at Nashville’s Easy Eye Sound studio. Rolling Stone named the track a “Song You Need to…
Crossing the Channel: Immigrant Composers in London
18th century London was one of Europe’s great cultural capitals, thanks in part to a tide of immigrant composers. In Crossing the Channel, guest director and harpsichordist Avi Stein explores the music of these new arrivals alongside English-born composers seeking to emulate the sounds of the continent. Sunday concert held in Kaul Auditorium on Reed…
Scheherezade and other Epic Odysseys – Portland Columbia Symphony
Three epic odysseys, one epic program! Rimsky-Korsakov’s fantastical Scheherezade brings Arabian Nights to life with dazzling effects and brilliant displays of virtuosity from around the orchestra. The ride begins with Portland-based composer – and PCSO member – Nicole Buetti, whose fun and energetic music gives even the most thrilling film scores a run for their…
Finehouse: A Tribute to Amy Winehouse – Night 1 with Adebisi
Join up for a tribute to the music and life of Amy Winehouse, as Finehouse recreates the lush and vibrant sounds of her classic final album Back to Black plus a selection of hits from Frank and Lioness. Finehouse is an immersive experience for lovers of soul and fierce, emotive music. The 10-piece powerhouse features…
Petty Theft – San Francisco Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
At the forefront of classic and contemporary American Rock and Roll, you are sure to find Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. If you’re a fan of Tom Petty’s amazing song catalogue, then you’re sure to like Petty Theft. With: S.O.S. – A Tribute to The Police.
Polyrhythmics
Rich with bold brass and hypnotic percussion, Polyrhythmics’ latest album, Caldera, showcases the instrumental eight-piece’s impossibly tight grooves and virtuosic musicianship as they tear through a singular blend of funk, soul, psychedelic rock, R&B, progressive jazz and Afrobeat.
The Woolen Men
Rafael Spielman, Alex Geddes and Lawton Browning have made independant music in the Pacific Northwest as the Woolen Mwenn since 2009. Since then they have written hundreds of songs, three LPs, four 7-inches, 13 tapes and six videos, the majority of which were written, recorded and produced by the band themselves. With: Nick Normal and…
Tim Reynolds and TR3
With a musical career spanning more than thirty-five years, guitarist, sonic innovator, and two time Grammy nominee Tim Reynolds is known for his masterful command of melody and timing and for his uncanny ability to improvise on any instrument he touches. Having explored most musical styles, from rock, jazz and blues to classical and reggae,…
That 1 Guy
With an extensive and amazing track record of unique and imaginative performances featuring his curious instrument and copious amounts of originality, Mike Silverman, a.k.a. That1Guy, has set himself apart as a true one-of-a-kind talent that rivals any other artist currently in the entertainment industry.
Demun Jones w/ Cypress Spring and Long Cut
Demun Jones has always had a way of keeping it real when it comes to the music he has written, recorded and performed throughout his career. “I’ve had inspirations that cover the whole gamut of genres,” Demun said. His musical influences are not all southern or country. His oldest brother Chris introduced him to Led…
Yak Attack
Yak Attack’s new album is a continuous DJ-style dance mix of electro-funk, pop and house played on real instruments along with a world-class roster of guest musicians. With: Diggin’ Dirt.
Portland Saturday Market
Portland Saturday Market, the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the United States, opens every Saturday and Sunday from March–December. The market combines the vibes of an arts show, a live street concert and an open-air bazaar, this riverside market has been a beloved Rose City tradition since 1974. In fact, the market is considered the largest…
Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2019
The multi-platinum, critically acclaimed progressive rock group is on its anticipated Winter Tour 2019. Returning with all-new staging and effects is the unforgettable show that started it all, Christmas Eve and Other Stories. TSO’s show that started small, performed to 12,000 people in five cities in 1999, which then exploded onto the national scene, eventually…
Mesmerica
In these fast-paced, and often challenging times, music and art can provide us with relief from stress, and provide us with a sense of peace, tranquility and renewal. Experience the magic of this 360 degree immersive art and music cinema experience in the OMSI Kendall Planetarium. Mesmerica is a visual music journey that brings the…
Sibelius’ The Tempest
“Shakespeare and Sibelius, these two geniuses, have found each other,” commented one reviewer at the 1926 premiere of Shakespeare’s The Tempest with incidental music by Finland’s national hero, Jean Sibelius. Acclaimed stage director Mary Birnbaum, whose direction of Bluebeard’s Castle stunned audiences in 2016, returns to bring this iconic tale of magic and betrayal to…
The Nutcracker – Oregon International Ballet Academy
Following last year’s rave reviews and sold-out shows, Oregon International Ballet Academy (OIBA) returns this holiday season for The Nutcracker! This spectacular production combines the charm and joy of young student dancers along with stunning appearances from the school’s top performers, surprise guest artists and local celebrities of the ballet world. The production is accompanied…
Finehouse: A Tribute to Amy Winehouse – Night 2 with POPgoji
Join up for a tribute to the music and life of Amy Winehouse, as Finehouse recreates the lush and vibrant sounds of her classic final album Back to Black plus a selection of hits from Frank and Lioness. Finehouse is an immersive experience for lovers of soul and fierce, emotive music. The 10-piece powerhouse features…
Harlequin Gold
Harlequin Gold is a Canadian duo that consists of the sisters Avery and Elle O’Brien. Singing together since they were young, they have developed a unique sound that blends their two voices together as if they were one. Taking influences from bands such as First Aid Kit, Maggie Rogers and Half moon run- Harlequin Gold…
Nahko And Medicine For The People
“As storytellers, we turn the experience into something shared. We are taking to that great road again to bring our medicine to you. Naming this tour the ‘Take Your Power Back Tour’ felt entirely appropriate given the state of the planet and all Her creatures great and small. Women of wonder and potent poetry will…
The Maine
The Maine is an American rock band from Tempe, Arizona. With: Twin XL.
Aaron Crawford
Aaron Crawford is an independent Country artist based in Seattle, Washington. As the founder and original Cascade Country artist, Aaron Crawford is forging a new path: paying respect to the roots, instrumentation and songwriting of traditional country, yet blending those flavors with the Seattle sound including the likes of the grunge scene icons Nirvana, Pearl…
Dan Balmer and Dan Faehnle: The Imagination of Grant Green
Presented by PDX Jazz. From coffee house gigs at 15 to chart-topping success with the Tom Grant Band in the ’90s, world tours with two-time Grammy Award winner Diane Schuur and contemporary jam-bands, Dan Balmer brings fire and heart every time he plays the guitar. His playing spans nearly 100 albums, including 12 as a…
Federale
As a mournful whistle carves through fevered melancholia, the first stirrings of No Justice’s title track evoke the mean streets and rusted prairies of a blighted small folk roiling with palpable desperation. Embracing the enormous scope of orchestral cinematic production while subduing the bombast of electrified riffage, longtime Brian Jonestown Massacre bassist Collin Hegna has…