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 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.
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…
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…
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.
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…
Reel Music Film Festival
Featuring a kaleidoscopic selection of genres, movements, labels, bands, and solo artists, the 37th 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…
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.
Cinnamon Bear Holiday Cruises
A holiday tradition for generations, the Cinnamon Bear Cruise brings magic to life. Be the guests of honor on this two-hour cruise. Enjoy holiday treats while a cast of fanciful characters entertains you with storytelling, music and magic. Have your picture taken with the Cinnamon Bear himself atop his magical throne. Make this a holiday…
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…
Prokofiev’s Fifth
Prokofiev’s richly melodic Fifth Symphony – described by the composer as “a symphony on the greatness of the human soul” – shimmers with the joy of one of the happiest times in his life. Gabriel Kahane, who wowed Oregon Symphony audiences two seasons ago with emergency shelter intake form, returns to share his incisive wit…
The Most Wonderful Season
There is no better way to start your holiday season than joining in the revelry of The Most Wonderful Season, presented by the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus (PGMC). PGMC’s hit holiday concert returns to welcome audiences with seasonal selections celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, winter solstice and the New Year. This festive production is packed with…
Aaron Meyer Christmas Concert
Aaron Meyer is considered Portland’s best rock violinist. Audiences are truly mesmerized by Aaron’s unique stage presence blended with awe-inspiring performances. He immediately engages his fans, displaying an affinity for the violin in a seemingly effortless mastery of the instrument. Aaron puts on an amazing holiday performance with a six-piece rock orchestra that will lift…
Miró Quartet: Beethoven’s “Razumovsky” Quartets
Celebrate Beethoven’s 250th birthday with the charismatic Miró Quartet performing all of Beethoven’s famous Opus 59 “Razumovsky” string quartets. Presented by Chamber Music Northwest.
St. Jude Jam w/ Blanco Brown, Ryan Hurd & King Calaway
98.7 The Bull presents the St. Jude Jam benefit concert featuring memorable performances by Blanco Brown, Ryan Hurd and King Calaway. Blanco Brown blurs the lines between Country and hip-hop music and makes a southern sound that he proudly calls “TrailerTrap.” His song, “The Git Up” launched a boundary-breaking, multicolored genre of his very own…
CMA Songwriters Series
Currently in its 15th season, the CMA Songwriters Series presented by U.S. Bank showcases the best of country music’s mega-hit songwriters all over the world. Each night of the series features successful songwriters, who line up on stage and take turns telling the stories behind their hit songs and then perform them in the raw…
Joe Powers – A Very Harmonica Christmas
Joe Powers and his musical friends invite you to kick off the holiday season with a program of classical, jazz, holiday melodies and more. Featuring: Award-winning harmonica virtuoso Joe Powers who’s performed around the world from Paris to Tokyo, pianist Dan Gaynor who’s played with everyone from Esperanza Spalding to Nancy King, Courtney Von Drehle…
Portland Cello Project: Purple Reign
Portland Cello Project (PCP) turns Revolution Hall purple. Revolving around the artistic power of Prince, PCP blends their deep textures with the unique harmonic landscape of Prince’s catalogue. Joined by musicians who have worked with Prince such as Saeeda Wright and Tyrone Hendrix, expect a lively evening of diversely curated music that influenced or was…
Kamaal Willaims
London’s Kamaal Williams is a gifted keyboardist, DJ, and producer known for combining his love of ’70s-style jazz fusion and funk with contemporary hip-hop and electronic dance music influences. An integral part of the vibrant South London scene, he holds a special place among jazzmen, rappers and DJs for his accessible, easy-grooving style. With: Korgy…
Noontime Showcase: Intel Singers
Get into the spirit of the season with a performance by the renowned Intel Singers. The choir, made up entirely of Intel employees, will give their unique take on holiday classics and Christmas choral pieces. About Noontime Showcase: Portland’5 Centers for the Arts presents Noontime Showcase, bite sized entertainment for you to squeeze into your…
Angel Olsen
That’s the recurring sentiment Lætitia Tamko carried with her through the writing and recording of her second album under the Vagabon moniker. Her first, 2017’s Infinite Worlds, was an indie breakthrough that put her on the map, prompting Tamko to tour around the world and quit her job in electrical/computer engineering to pursue a career…
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Catfish and the Bottlemen are a British indie rock band, formed in Llandudno, North Wales in 2007. Their debut album, The Balcony, reached number 10 in the U.K. Albums Chart and achieved Platinum status in December of 2016.
Khemmis
Khemmis is an American doom/heavy metal band from Denver, Colorado. Their debut record, Absolution, earned the four-piece outright critical praise from the underground, including a slot on Decibel Magazine‘s ’Top 40 Albums of the Year‘ list, which allowed them to start seeping into the mainstream consciousness. 2016’s Hunted helped break down those final barriers in…
The Make-Up
Elusive and electric garage rock legends with dynamic live show. With: Seth Bogart.
Lee Fields & The Expressions
Soul music pours out of Lee Fields, as free and unstinting as God’s love. It has ever since the 1960s, when he was a teenager in North Carolina sweating it out on juke joint stages, crumpled dollars hailing at his feet. It continues now that the living legend is in his late 60s, ushering in…
Omni
Angular ambitious Atlantans melding Wire and Gang of Four with new sounds.
Phantogram
The New York duo’s second full-length album, Voices, catches the ear quickly, melding hazy dream pop, dark atmospheres and head-knocking rhythms into a compelling, original sound. Since 2007, the Phantogram sound has evolved gradually and organically, and the band’s career has mirrored that progress. Formed in Saratoga Springs, a small city in upstate New York,…
It's a Tony Starlight Christmas
Remember the classic holiday TV shows of your childhood, when entertainers like Bing Crosby and Dean Martin spread the holiday cheer far and wide and you couldn’t help but feel the warmth and glow of the season? Now in its 13th year, It’s a Tony Starlight Christmas brings back these uplifting holiday traditions and puts…
Of Monsters and Men
You think you know the Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men, but you have no idea. Within the first minute of their new single Alligator, you’ll be wondering if this huge anthem is the brainchild of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs fronting Arcade Fire – all thumping drums, brimming guitars and a call-to-arms chorus about taking…
Rare Monk / Bodies On The Beach
A co-headlined evening with intricate and emotive Portland bands with new music. With: J. Graves.
DIIV
Rebirth takes place when everything falls apart. On DIIV’s forthcoming third full-length album, Deceiver, they craft the soundtrack to personal resurrection under the heavy weight of metallic catharsis, upheld by robust guitars and vocal tension that almost snaps, but never quite. With: Froth, Storefront Church.
Magic Sword
The music of Magic Sword tells the story of the most powerful weapon ever created: a sword of infinite power that appears only to those in the greatest need. When the Magic Sword appears, good will always prevail. With: Equip.
Alex Cameron
Alex Cameron is an Australian musician, singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Sydney, he is best known for his solo career, a high-concept act in which Cameron initially adopted the persona of a failed entertainer. He is also a member of the electronica act Seekae. With: Holiday Sidewinder
Charlie Parr
Charlie Parr is the eponymous new album by the Minnesota-based folk blues artist the same name. The album is a collection of new songs and new studio versions of classics/audience favorites from throughout Parr’s career and features Charlie’s trademark resonator guitar and 12-string with co-producer Liz Draper on bass, longtime collaborator Mikkel Beckmen on percussion,…
Drae Slapz
Willamette Week G!G Presents a showcase of the finest in Portland hip-hop. With: Brown Calculus, Rasheed Jamal.
The Head and the Heart
It wasn’t that long ago that the members of Seattle’s The Head and the Heart were busking on street corners, strumming their acoustic guitars, stomping their feet and singing in harmony as they attempted to attract the attention of passersby. That unbridled energy informed their earliest original material, which was honed in local clubs before…
Gospel Christmas
Celebrate the joy of the season at the 21st Gospel Christmas. Clap your hands and stomp your feet along with the region’s premier gospel singers and the Oregon Symphony at this beloved annual concert.
Handel's Messiah
Hallelujah! Monica Huggett takes the stage to lead one of the most-performed works in musical history– Handel’s Messiah. Portland’s only annual production of this holiday tradition on period instruments features soprano Mary Wilson, mezzo-soprano Krisztina Szabó, tenor Dann Coakwell and baritone Sumner Thompson. Choose full-length (3 hours) or highlights performances (2 hours on Monday, Dec….
The Christmas Revels: Ghosts of Haddon Hall
Will historic Haddon Hall be torn down to build a highway, or will the ghosts save the day? Portland’s 25th annual Christmas Revels show is a magical story full of wonder, music, laughter and quite a few ghosts. The 25th annual Portland Christmas Revels also features guest instrumentalists Phil and Gayle Neuman of The Trail…
John Craigie – Keep It Warm 2019 Tour
Renowned for his eloquent Americana style, engaging live shows and off-the-cuff clever observations, John Craigie carries on the legacy of classic singer-songwriters while blazing a trail of his own. Recently, that trail twisted and turned into new territory for the Portland-based performer whom The Stranger appropriately dubbed “the lovechild of John Prine and Mitch Hedberg.”…
The Dream Syndicate
Iconic L.A. psychedelic/alt-rock vets with a driving, kaleidoscopic sound. With: Eyelids.
Hot Buttered Rum
Well-traveled, eclectic and progressive Bay Area bluegrass string quintet. With: Band Of Comerados.
Ladytron
Ladytron are a British electronic music band formed in Liverpool, England in 1999. With: YourYoungBody.
Marco Benevento
It’s impossible not to hear freedom and excitement coursing through the veins of Marco Benevento’s new studio album, Let It Slide. Produced by Leon Michels (The Arcs, Lee Fields), the record introduces a gritty, soulful edge to Benevento’s brand of high-octane keyboard wizardry—an uptempo, uplifting sound he playfully describes as “hot dance piano rock.” For…
Steelhorse – Bon Jovi Tribute
Steelhorse delivers all the Bon Jovi hits performed by some of the most dynamic musicians and performers in the Northwest. You’ll be transported back to the hair band glory days, singing along with the classics like “Living on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Runaway,” just to name a few.
Music of Phish
Music of Phish for Kids Holiday Celebration. The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series hosted at historic music venues across the country, allows kids to “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon” (New York Times). Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock…
The eXtraordinary League of Rockers Live Showcase Matinee
The eXtraordinary League of Rockers (XLR) gives young musicians (ages 8-18) the opportunity to join a band, learn what it means to take the stage and bring down the house playing real venues. In three months, each band participates in three live shows: The Showup, where rockers get their first taste of the stage; The…
A VSO Holiday Celebration
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) kicks off the holiday season with a celebration of classic pieces by Tchaikovsky, Bach and Strauss. Joining the VSO are renowned Austrian soprano, Charlotte Pistor, and dancers from the local Columbia Dance Studio, who are back by popular demand following last year’s triumphant performance. The concert features the 70+ member…