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 Old Time Music Gathering
For fans of square dancing, banjo playing, guitar picking and everything else acoustic and old timey, January in Portland is the best time of year, and the upcoming winter will be no different. For its 21st year, the Portland Old Time Gathering will bring together talented musicians — and those who just love to be…
Gould Piano Trio
The Friends of Chamber Music presents Gould Piano Trio, with guest clarinetest Robert Plane. British-based Gould Piano Trio has remained at the forefront of the international chamber music scene for a quarter of a century. Their many appearances at London’s Wigmore Hall and their diverse discography have included masterpieces of the repertoire, but also many…
Reel Music Film Festival
Featuring a kaleidoscopic selection of genres, movements, labels, bands, and solo artists, the annual Reel Music film festival features the latest in music film—from intimate portraits to career-spanning celebrations—alongside archival films ripe for re-discovery. Whether your passion is jazz, blues, folk, rock, electronic, world, classical—or anything between—we hope you find something to discover and inspire…
Mochitsuki
A Japanese New Year tradition, Mochitsuki refers to the pounding of sticky rice to make mochi rice cakes. Mochitsuki Portland has been an annual Japanese-American New Year cultural celebration in the local community since 1996. The family-friendly festival has grown in popularity each year since, bringing together food, artwork, cultural booths, demonstrations, and local music…
Portland Mini Musical Festival
Join Live On Stage for Portland’s own festival of all new musicals and check out shows by local writers and composers. Brett Campbell from Oregon Arts Watch writes that Portland’s Mini Musical Festival is “one of the most enjoyable theatrical experiences of the year.”
Sexology! The Musical
Part of Portland’s annual Fertile Ground festival, Sexology: The Musical cracks open the tyranny of societal expectations when it comes to love, sex, and relationship. A powerful and funny story about the journey from monogamy to polyamory (complete with show tunes), Melanie Moseley’s solo show explores new pathways to intimacy. Through courageous and authentic storytelling,…
Ho'ike
Celebrate Hawaiian culture at the annual Ho’ike show, featuring traditional Polynesian dancing, accompanied by live music from a halau band. Enjoy Lu’au: Ohana (family) style dining and a silent auction with items donated by local businesses and sponsors.
Genghis Barbie
“Geghis Barbie, the premiere “post-post-feminist all-female horn experience,” is a quartet of orchestral horn players known for sporting stage names such as “Attilla the Horn” and “Alpine Barbie,” along with for playing vivid, creatively faithful reimaginings of popular songs by the likes of David Bowie and the Eurythmics. Local music organization Third Angle brings the…
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.
Pictures at an Exhibition
From its stately opening to its majestic finale, Mussorgsky’s depiction of a stroll through an art exhibit is a perennial symphonic favorite, thanks to Ravel’s splendid orchestration. Augustin Hadelich, Musical America’s 2018 Instrumentalist of the Year, brings his astonishing technical wizardry to Paganini’s dazzlingly virtuosic First Violin Concerto. “Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an…
Trousers & Tiaras: Gender Roles in Handel Operas
For centuries, opera has manipulated gender: men playing women, women singing “trouser roles” as men. In this production, contralto Vicki St. Pierre sings roles written for several of the Baroque era’s famed castrati. Monica Huggett leads the orchestra in a new twist of gender in Handel opera, including the captivating “mad scene” from Orlando. “Portland…
PDX Jazz Festival
The Portland Jazz Festival returns every February with a stellar series of concerts and events celebrating Black History Month.
Brazilian Carnaval Ball: Infinite Light
Celebrate Portland’s annual Brazilian Carnaval Ball. The theme for 2020 is Infinite Light, and this year is the first time that the event will be celebrated at the Crystal Ballroom and as an all-ages event. Kids welcome! Presenting: Bloco Alegria – Authentic Rio Drums Carnaval BandMandela Dance – Presenting and teaching Funk Carioca & AxéMaracatu…
Shostakovich’s Eleventh
Concertmaster Sarah Kwak takes center stage in opera composer Gian Carlo Menotti’s sensuous and expressive Violin Concerto. Dmitri Shostakovich’s cinematic Eleventh Symphony depicts the struggle and drama of the Russian Revolution of 1905 in vivid detail. “These concerts feature a pair of mid-century compositions: an American violin concerto and a Russian symphony. Oregon Symphony concertmaster…
SheBrew
Join the Human Rights Campaign and the Oregon Brew Crew for this all genders, all ages, fundraising event to show support for female-identified members of our community all while supporting LGBTQ+ people here in Oregon and across the nation. Featuring local female craft beer, cider and mead makers, musicians, comedians, businesses and community partners.
Prohibition Party with the Oregon Symphony
Relive the 1920s in all its decadence. The Oregon Symphony will take you through the dark cabarets and speakeasies of New York, Paris, Berlin, London and Atlantic City, featuring the top hits of the decade, from Rudy Vallée to Josephine Baker and from Kurt Weill to King Oliver. This concert will feature vintage imagery and…
Waterfront Blues Festival
Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.
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.
School of Rock Showcase: Stranger Things & CBGB
School of Rock Portland students perform ’80s hits from Netflix’s Stranger Things and from the bands that got their break at the lengendary club CBGB.
Miz Kitty's Parlour Vaudeville Variety Show: The Queen of Winter
An evening of music, magic, bubbles, stories, comedy, door prizes, song and fun.
Ghostbusters in Concert
Buckle up for this comedy classic! The Ghostbusting team must take up their proton packs and save the world from a paranormal crisis. Elmer Bernstein’s Grammy-nominated score is one of the most recognizable of the ’80s. Kick back and enjoy the fun. Presented by Oregon Symphony.
Martha Redbone Trio
Martha Redbone is one of today’s most vital voices in American roots music. A multi award-winning musician, the charismatic songstress is celebrated for her tasty gumbo of roots music embodying the folk and mountain blues sounds of her childhood in the Appalachian hills of Kentucky, mixed with the eclectic grit of her teenage years in…
Big Head Todd and The Monsters
Big Head Todd and the Monsters are not that big on anniversaries, so there won’t be any big hoopla over the fact that the band is officially crossing the three-decade mark this year. Thirty years would seem like something to commemorate, especially with the same core lineup, an achievement few other name-brand bands can boast…
David Wilcox
The fabled singer-songwriter returns to the Alberta Rose. “Fueled by brilliantly articulate guitar, an honestly pretty baritone, and deft lyrics, he combines the best of both pop and modern folk aesthetics.” – Boston Globe
Fog Lake w/ Foxes In Fiction
First West Coast tour from intimately majestic Canadian lo-fi pop artist.
Hot Water Music: No Division
Celebrating 25 years, Hot Water Music will be playinng their album No Division in full.
Official PBR After Party feat. Kurt Van Meter
Kurt Van Meter and his band make the crowd the show. Kurt Van Meter has shared the stage with country super stars Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Little Big Town and Montgomery Gentry just to name a few. This is the official after-party of PBR: Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour. Get in free with your PBR ticket.
School of Rock Showcase: Fleetwood Mac & Black Sabbath
School of Rock Portland students perform music from Fleetwood Mac and Black Sabbath.
Kaki King
Hailed by Rolling Stone as “a genre unto herself,” Brooklyn-based composer and guitarist Kaki King has released nine albums over the past 14 years. Kaki’s newest project, DATA NOT FOUND, will premiere in September 2020.
Dessa
To celebrate the November 8, 2019 release of Sound the Bells, her groundbreaking live record with the Minnesota Orchestra, Dessa will present a limited run of special performances. For these events, she’ll combine elements of her touring show (backed by a live band, MONAKR) with orchestral arrangements performed by a string quartet. The evening will…
Rex Orange County
Rex Orange County has independently amassed over one billion streams, self-released two albums — bcos u will never b free (2016) and Apricot Princess (2017) — and featured on Tyler The Creator’s 2017 album, Flower Boy.
The Curious Cabaret
The Curious Cabaret – A Riotous Vaudeville Revue is a brand-new monthly variety show hosted by Portland’s 20-time award winning physical comedy duo, A Little Bit Off. The show brings you the absolute best in top-notch local talent, with acts ranging from acrobatics and dance, to magic and juggling, with a whole lot of comedy…
Patrick Watson
Patrick Watson is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Montreal, Quebec. It also refers to the eponymous band formed by Watson, whose blend of cabaret pop and classical music influences with indie rock.
Hot Water Music: Caution
Celebrating 25 years, Hot Water Music will be playing their album Caution in full.
35th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute
Keep Living the Dream: The American Dream of Freedom is an educational, cultural arts and historical event. Emphasis is placed on illuminating the contributions of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr through the arts. This year will feature International opera star Angela Brown and DaNell Daymon & Greater Works Choir (America’s Got Talent Semi-Finalist, 2017),…
Amber Liu
Amber Josephine Liu, known professionally as Amber or Amber Liu, is an American singer, rapper, songwriter. She debuted as a member of the South Korean girl group f(x). With: Meg & Dia, Justice Carradine.
Midge Ure: Songs, Questions and Answers Tour
Midge Ure returns to North America’s intimate venue circuit with his open and honest Songs, Questions and Answers Tour 2020. Direct from the hugely successful U.K. leg of the tour, Midge will be playing alongside multi-instrumental musician Tony Solis, performing acoustic versions of his catalogue and taking questions, and maybe the odd song request, from…
Cursive
Over the past two decades, Cursive has become known for writing smart, tightly woven concept albums where frontman Tim Kasher turns his unflinching gaze on specific, oftentimes challenging themes, and examines them with an incisively brutal honesty. 2000’s Domestica dealt with divorce; 2003’s The Ugly Organ tackled art, sex and relationships; 2006’s Happy Hollow skewered…
…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
The world’s most endeared art-rock mothertruckers …And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead return to celebrate the release of their 10th album, X: The Godless Void and Other Stories.
The Green
Since forming on O’ahu, Hawai’i, in 2009, The Green has become one of the most successful and beloved bands in the reggae genre. During their relatively short career, the band has been awarded a Best Reggae Album nod from iTunes (2010, for their self-titled debut), four coveted Na Hoku Hanohano awards in their native Hawai’i…
Drunken Prayer
Drunken Prayer (a.k.a. Freakwater’s Morgan Geer) celebrates the release of his fifth full-length album, Cordelia Elsewhere. With: Hearts of Oak, Annachristie Saphire.
Leif Vollebekk
Melancholy pop songs from Montreal adopted singer-songwriter.
Wet Fruit
Wet Fruit’s debut self-titled release is a powerful first move for the Portland, Oregon group of DIY shredders. They have come from many different underground projects such as Tender Age, Máscaras, Sávila, Bitch’n, Sun Angle and countless others to form this star-studded super group. With: Gamelan Wahyu Dari Langit, Salol.
Dopapod
Symmetry defines Dopapod. The band and each of its seven albums sports a palindromic name, meaning it can be read the same forward as backward.
Eddie Berman
Poetic, soulful Portland songwriter with naturalistic new LP, Frontiers.
Ozomatli
Since its inception in 1995, innovation and creativity have defined Ozomatli. Hailing from Los Angeles, the group found a way to represent the city’s eclectic culture through music that appeals to the local community and the world beyond. Ozomatli’s success is exemplified in an impressive variety of genres from classic to modern Latino, urban, hip-hop…
The Mother Hips
The Mother Hips’ harmony-driven, sun-drenched guitar rock has been lighting up the West Coast for 25 years and shows no sign of stopping, with their latest release Chorus.
Bonny Light Horseman
Mississippi Studios & Pickathon present the eclectic folk supergroup.
Rick Monroe
Where’s there’s smoke, there’s fire — and for Rick Monroe the artist, the future burns quite bright indeed. It’s taken Monroe a lifetime of searching, stretching and experimenting to finally get to make a record as solid as Smoke, but the results have made the overall journey quite worthwhile.