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 Lindy Exchange
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. Established in 2008, the Portland Lindy Exchange (PDXLX) is the biggest annual swing dance weekend in Oregon. Join us for 3 days of celebrating the music and vintage swing dances of the early 20th Century including Lindy Hop, Charleston, Balboa, and Collegiate Shag. The Music…
Funklandia: Portland Funk Music Festival
This star-studded Funk Music Festival features some of the Northwest’s funkiest musicians and a couple of funk legends that toured with Bootsy Collins, Parliament Funkladelic and James Brown.
Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn
Since 2008, McMenamins Edgefield, a bucolic venue located 15 miles east of Portland in Troutdale, has welcomed musical acts to its Concerts on the Lawn series, which is a local rite of summer.
Sabertooth Music Fest
Mark your calendar for the 6th annual Sabertooth festival. The psychedelic stoner rock festival is back in Portland on Friday, June 5. The full lineup is coming very soon, so be sure to join the Facebook event to stay up-to-date on all of the details. Last year’s highlight was the Melvins, and this year we’ve…
Turn the Radio Up!
Join Portland’s Gay Men’s Chorus at their annual Pride Month concert! In 2020, the theme is “Turn the Radio Up,” featuring some of the best pop hits from the 1980s through today (think Madonna, Cher, George Michael, Jennifer Lopez, Lizzo, Pink, Taylor Swift and Whitney Houston). Joined by a cappella super group Cascade and dance…
Chamber Music Northwest Summer Festival
Chamber Music Northwest’s annual summer festival combines high-caliber classical music with a laid-back atmosphere.
Waterfront Blues Festival
Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.
Noon Tunes Summer Concert Series
The Noon Tunes Summer Concert Series will return for its 30th year on Tuesdays in July and August! From noon-1:00pm enjoy music from some of Portland’s best regional and local musical talent. With eight FREE concerts, dancing, some of Portland’s favorite food vendors at Carts on the Square and interactive activities, the Square is sure…
Harefest
The annual Harefest music festival in Canby presents the Northwest’s best tribute bands performing on three stages over two days. The Harefest experience has been described by many attendees and performers as “adult summer camp” not only for the fun-loving, good-natured attendees, but also because of its rustic location and tent camping around the festival…
Northwest String Summit
The annual Northwest String Summit celebrates Bluegrass, roots, and Americana sounds during its multi-day festival in North Plains, Oregon. Visit their website early to purchase tickets, as they usually sell out fast.
Pickathon
Every August since 1999, Pickathon draws diverse musical performers to celebrate music and the outdoors at the lush Pendarvis Farm just outside of Portland.
Vanport Jazz Festival
The Vanport Jazz Festival honors the city of Vanport and the voices who formed Portland’s jazz community. Near the site of the historic 1948 flood, the event transforms Colwood Golf Course into a cultural revival, welcoming nationally renowned artists and breathing new life into Portland jazz.
Inner City Blues Festival
Soul Queens & Blues Kings A benefit for HEALTH CARE FOR ALL- OREGON “Healing the Healthcare Blues” This very special showcase will celebrate icons of Soul and the Blues pioneers that helped shape the history of music. Norman “Boogie Cat” Sylvester brings together some of our local R&B favorites: Lenanne Miller, Renato Caranto, LaRhonda Steele,…
Jerusalem Quartet
Friends of Chamber Music presents the Jerusalem Quartet. The heart of the Jerusalem Quartet is its warm, full, human sound and an egalitarian balance they maintain between high and low voices. This approach allows the quartet to maintain a healthy relationship between individual expression and a transparent and respectful presentation of the composer’s work. “Passion,…
The Squirrel Nut Zippers Inevitable 25th Anniversary Tour
with Beckylin & Her Druthers We all saw it coming, didn’t we? I guess it was truly “inevitable” in every sense of the word. The Squirrel Nut Zippers will kick off 2020 with a run of dates with The Dirty Dozen Brass Band followed by their contractually obligated “The Inevitable 25th Anniversary Shows.” Band leader…
Flight- Techno Terminal W/ SCi Fi SOL
This month Flight returns with a night of TECHNO. Come dance with us HOUSE:TECHNO:DISCO:ACID SciFiSol Music (DJ SET) The driving electronica of Sci Fi Sol, awash in psychedelic rhythm and texture, lusters with an unforgettably strange and exotic brilliance. Born of gritty metallic machines in search of telepathic connection, her sound reaches through the chaos…
Beethoven’s Ninth
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. Beethoven’s profound musical statements about freedom, equality and humanity resonate even more powerfully today than they did when the Ninth Symphony premiered almost 200 years ago. Oregon Repertory Singers join the orchestra and four soloists for a full-throated celebration of Beethoven’s final masterpiece.
Renowned Organist Gail Archer Performs Free Portland Concert
About Gail Archer:Gail Archer is an international concert organist, recording artist, choral conductor and lecturer who draws attention to composer anniversaries or musical themes with her annual recital series including Max Reger, The Muse’s Voice, An American Idyll, Liszt, Bach, Mendelssohn and Messiaen. Ms. Archer was the first American woman to play the complete works…
Circles Around The Sun featuring Scott Metzger
with Californiosos Los Angeles-based instrumental supergroup Circles Around the Sun returns with the release of their self-titled, third full-length studio album, Circles Around the Sun. The seven-track collection marks a stylistic shift from their previous LPs. It’s an evolution that sees the band embracing a sleeker, shinier, even DANCIER version of themselves – a cosmic…
Be Svendsen with Niema Lightseed
Beloved Presents Be Svendsen Man On The Run in PDX with Niema Lightseed A medicinal invocation to open the evening will be read by Niema Lightseed. Known for his spell-binding music and with his delicate sense of atmosphere and style, Be Svendsen will perform a four chapter live-set on an open stage, backed by mesmerizing…
Meeping / Night Hikes / Cay is Okay
A cozy night of dream pop at The Liquor Store featuring: Meeping https://meeping.bandcamp.com Night Hikes (Seattle) https://nighthikes.bandcamp.com Cay is Okay https://cayisokay.bandcamp.com
Ten Grands 20th Anniversary Show
Ten Grands Celebrates 20 Years of Supporting Music Education Ten Amazing Pianists – One Sensational Stage Featuring local legends and rising stars from the Pacific Northwest, with special guests Hunter Noack (In A Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild) and Thomas Lauderdale (Pink Martini) Performers include: Vocal legends Julianne Johnson-Weiss, Erin Tamblyn, Haley Johnsen, Molly…
Motorbreath (Metallica Tribute)
Motorbreath captures the look, sound and feel of hard rock’s most recognized band, the mighty Metallica. Each performance is a lesson in raw power and passion while delivering a set list that spans the 30+ years that Metallica has reigned over all that is metal, from NO LIFE ‘TIL LEATHER to HARDWIRED…TO SELF-DESTRUCT! It’s a…
The Flaming Lips with the Oregon Symphony
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. The Flaming Lips will perform their iconic 1999 masterpiece The Soft Bulletin in its entirety, joined by the Oregon Symphony. The ever-evolving psychedelic pop-rock group led by legendary front man Wayne Coyne will create an unmissable, moving, and magical experience. The band’s career breakthrough album…
Bang On A Can All-Stars
Friends of Chamber Music presents Bang on a Can All-Stars. The Bang on a Can All-Stars are recognized worldwide for their ultra-dynamic live performances and recordings of today’s most innovative music. Freely crossing the boundaries between classical, jazz, rock, world and experimental music, this eclectic six-member ensemble has consistently forged a distinct category-defying identity, taking…
A Golden Era at DarSalam
Enjoy an evening of authentic Iraqi food (including vegan and gluten free options), live music and entertainment with a Middle Eastern flair!
Kristin Chenoweth in Concert – For the Girls
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. The wildly talented star of Broadway, film and TV joins the Oregon Symphony for a spectacular evening featuring songs from her latest album, For The Girls. Celebrated for originating the role of Glinda the Good Witch in the Broadway smash hit Wicked, the Emmy and…
Sammuel Murry-Hawkins & The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra
Portland’s homage to the luscious dance bands of a bygone era launches into its fourth year of producing dances every month. The 11-piece ensemble painstakingly recreates the sounds of the large society dance bands that were so prominent in the 1920s and ’30s, found performing on ocean liners and in the grand ballrooms of Art…
Bach Sonatas: Intimate Works for Violin and Harpsichord
Monica Huggett is joined by harpsichordist Elliot Figg in this recital of the beloved six sonatas for violin and obligato harpsichord by Bach.
Guilds of Manzoa : Power Metal Musical
EVENT POSTPONED. Please visit the event website for current information. Jaimie, Max, Spencer, Kelly, and Steve are your typical Dungeons & Dragons group with their typical campaign. That is until the group decides to “branch out” and play a mysterious role playing game called The Guilds of Manzoa. Through the game, the group of friends…
Newberg Camellia Festival
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. The Camellia Festival is an annual all-day festival in April celebrating the City of Newberg’s official flower the Camellia and its Asian origins. The day kicks off at 9 a.m. with a 5k and 10k run/walk coordinated by Chehalem Parks and Recreation District (CPRD) followed…
Dave Brubeck Tribute by Ray Hardiman & Band
2020 marks the 100th birthday of Brubeck and we’re joining in the nationwide centennial celebration. This exclusive evening will feature songs Brubeck made famous such as, “Take Five,” and his own classic compositions, “The Duke” and “In Your Own Sweet Way.” Canby Pioneer Chapel’s grand structure was built in 1884, making it one of the…
Mike Massé in Concert: Epic Acoustic Classic Rock
Join Mike Massé for an intimate evening of epic acoustic classic rock at this benefit concert for Candlelighters For Children With Cancer. Don’t miss this amazing show of Mike Massé performing some of the best classic rock songs of all time acoustically: Toto, Simon & Garfunkel, U2, the Beatles… His YouTube video views are in…
Ezra Weiss Sextet
Composer/Pianist Ezra Weiss’s sextet takes up residence at Portland’s The 1905 (830 N Shaver St. ) on the third Saturday of every month. Hear new original music exploring the theme of empowerment combining their contemporary take on Art Blakey’s sound with such disparate influences as Kate Bush and Matilda the Musical. The Ezra Weiss Sextet…
Amarcord
Friends of Chamber Music presents Amarcord. Founded in 1992 by former members of St. Thomas’s Boys Choir in Leipzig, Amarcord has since become one of the world’s premier vocal ensembles and leading representatives of Leipzig’s music scene in Germany and abroad. Amarcord’s hallmarks include a unique tone, breathtaking homogeneity, musical authenticity and a good dose…
Oregon Symphony Annual Community Concert
Everyone’s invited! Join the Oregon Symphony for its annual FREE community concert. The program will include a side-by-side piece with members of the David Douglas High School orchestra, winner of the 2019 Schnitzer Wonder Award. Tickets are free but you must reserve a ticket by calling the Oregon symphony ticket office at 503-228-1353 Tickets: Limit…
3rd Annural Enchanted Forest Ball- Rainforest Fantasy
A Costume party honoring our priceless and endangered rainforests with live music and dancing, entertainment, a light buffet, and a silent auction full of wondrous “artifacts”. Join our world rainforest costume theme, or wear formal wear. Costumes admired, not required. 21 and over. Beer, cider and non-alcoholic drinks available. Live Music and Entertainment by: Whitehorn…
Michael Curry’s Night of the Mayas
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. Award-winning designer Michael Curry – whose 2017 imagining of Stravinsky’s “Persephone” dazzled three sold-out halls – returns to the Oregon Symphony, drawing from ancient Mayan tradition to create a mysterious, supernatural setting for Revueltas’ 1939 film score La Noche de los Mayas.
An Evening with Maria Schneider Orchestra
Maria Schneider’s music has been hailed by critics as “evocative, majestic, magical, heart-stoppingly gorgeous, and beyond categorization.” She and her orchestra became widely known starting in 1994 when they released their first recording, Evanescence. There, Schneider began to develop her personal way of writing for what would become her 18-member collective, made up of many…
Oregon Symphonic Band in Concert
The Oregon Symphonic Band 2019-2020 season “Opposites” concludes with our spring concert “Serious Music – And Not So Much”—featuring our guest artist Barbara Heilmair on Clarinet—and featuring serious as well as lighter pops music. Program: Symphony No. 9 (The New World) Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) IV. Allegro con fuoco Concertino, Op. 26 Carl Maria von Weber…
BEATLORIC!
A special night of music and film, featuring and benefiting “A Portland Story”, a new documentary celebrating Derek Rieth. Performances by: Thomas Lauderdale, China Forbes, Farnell Newton, GoGringGo, Free Beat Nation. General Admission $25 Preferred Seating $40 (seating in the first 7 rows of the center section) “A Portland Story” funded in part by the…
Shoshana Bean and Friends: A Night of Broadway
Broadway Star Shoshana Bean returns to her alma mater, Beaverton High School, to perform alongside students and with special industry guests. Event proceeds benefit the BHS’s performing arts program. The 3rd annual Shoshana Bean and Friends: A Night of Broadway concert April 30th at Beaverton High School addresses the need for alternative arts funding due…
Music of Brazilian Piano Legends: Donato, Pascoal, Salvador
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. An exciting evening of jazz piano trios performing the music of Brazilian living legends, and an introduction by KMHD radio host Allen Thayer. This event has been funded by the Regional Arts & Culture Council.
Beethoven and Tchaikovsky – Portland Columbia Symphony
As savvy listeners know, it’s all about the B-side – what’s overlooked at first can become illuminating, even defining, with hindsight. Beethoven’s King Stephen Overture contains the first hints of his immortal Ninth Symphony, while Tchaikovsky’s Second Piano Concerto offers an auditory glimpse into the composer’s limited happier days. It’s a toast to rare gems,…
Last Stop on Market Street
“The song ended and CJ opened his eyes. Everyone on the bus clapped, even the boys in back. Nana glanced at the coin in CJ’s palm. CJ dropped it in the man’s hat. ‘Last stop on Market Street,’ Mr. Dennis called.” CJ and his Nana journey through familiar territory: their own neighborhood. CJ would rather…
China Forbes: 50!
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. Join Portland legend China Forbes for a 50th birthday celebration of her favorite songs as she takes the stage for her first solo performance with the Oregon Symphony!
The California Honeydrops
EVENT POSTPONED. Please visit the event website for current information. The California Honeydrops celebrate their 11th year together with the release of their latest live album, “Honeydrops Live 2019” and international touring to Australia, New Zealand and Europe. This follows the release of their 7th studio album and first-ever double album, “Call It Home: Vol….
Beethoven and Tchaikovsky – Portland Columbia Symphony
As savvy listeners know, it’s all about the B-side – what’s overlooked at first can become illuminating, even defining, with hindsight. Beethoven’s King Stephen Overture contains the first hints of his immortal Ninth Symphony, while Tchaikovsky’s Second Piano Concerto offers an auditory glimpse into the composer’s limited happier days. It’s a toast to rare gems,…
Portland Youth Philharmonic Presents: Nielsen's Sinfonia Espansiva
We wrap up our 96th season with not one, but TWO pianists – the second prize winners of the 2019 PYP Piano Competition, presented by Portland Piano International. 16-year-old Zayan Akmal performs Oregon native’s Ernest Bloch’s Scherzo Fantasque for Piano and Orchestra, and 16-year-old Jenna Tu presents César Franck’s Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra….