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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.
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
Biamp 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.
Music Festivals in and Near Portland
Looking for a tuneful way to enjoy your time in Portland? Get your tickets now for these exciting annual celebrations.
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
Come celebrate Christmas with Portland's favorite holiday tradition. Let the glory of Christmas come alive as the three hundred-voice choir creates a Christmas extravaganza for the whole family, featuring your favorite holiday songs, dancing Santas and a beautiful cinematic Nativity. It is an awe-inspiring presentation of the true gift of Christmas and an experience not…
It's a Wonderful Life
It’s A Wonderful Life is an award-winning musical adaptation of Frank Capra's classic film, with book and lyrics by Janet Mouser, and music and lyrics by Michael Allen Harrison, Alan Berg and Julianne R. Johnson-Weiss. It’s A Wonderful Life is a holiday favorite for all ages. An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman…
Darcelle XV’s Weekend Drag Show
Darcelle XV and Company have been entertaining audiences from all walks of life for over 50 years with Las Vegas-style cabaret revues of Glitz, Glamour and Comedy. Stop by when you are in Portland and you will be glad that you did! We have traveled the United States presenting a show that you have to…
Handel's Messiah
No composition kindles the warmth of the holiday season like Handel’s Messiah. Bringing to life the theatrical splendor that’s made Messiah an audience favorite for 300 years, the Portland State University Chamber Choir and a quartet of astounding soloists join your Oregon Symphony for Handel’s meditation on faith, hope, and redemption.
WinterSong
A holiday concert featuring choral classics and new works, Wintersong brings together the Choir’s membership and local high school choirs in music-making across generations. Wintersong features contemplative and festive choral music. This year, the concert includes works by local composers, including Judy Rose’s I Feel Tired Sometimes and the premiere of our New Composition Competition…
Oregon Repertory Singers: Glory of Christmas
Oregon Repertory Singers and Youth Choir welcome Union High School’s string orchestra for Glory of Christmas. This year they are not only celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Oregon Repertory Singers and the 30th Anniversary of ORS Youth Choir but also the 40th year of teaching for Tim Siess, Union High School orchestra director and long-time…
The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
Pioneer Courthouse Square is excited to host the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition — a fun, festive, and joyful competition bringing caroling groups to Portland’s Living Room and extending to a ten-block radius downtown. The top three caroling groups will hold a “carol-off” at the Square hosted by KGW’s Drew Carney, and the grand prize…
Portland Gay Men’s Chorus
It’s the day of the show, y’all, and the Portland Gay Men's Chorus has set out to put on “the gayest holiday concert of all time”. Inspired by classic variety and sketch shows — with a modern twist — enjoy as PGMC presents a joyous and humorous extravaganza filled with holiday cheer. One of Portland’s…
Gospel Christmas
Bring joy to your holiday season with the 24th annual performance of this beloved concert, featuring the region’s premier gospel singers alongside your Oregon Symphony. Experience the joy and spiritual uplift of gospel music, performed with passion and feeling by some of the finest musicians in the region.
Comfort and Joy
Join the Oregon Symphony for an evening of good cheer with season classics such as “We Need a Little Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “White Christmas,” as well as a very merry sing-along. It will be a jubilant celebration sure to put you and yours in the holiday spirit. Artists: Deanna Tham, Conductor
Tuba Christmas Concert
Welcome you back downtown for this holiday tradition. Experience the sounds of big brass as over 200 tubas play in unison for the 32nd Annual Tuba Christmas Concert in Portland’s Living Room. Attending this seasonal performance is FREE for the public.
Inspiring Nye Weekend: Together
Enjoy an INSPIRING NYE WEEKEND: TOGETHER TROPITAAL Stage ________________ *Genre/s: Global Bass *Sound: L’Acoustics DJ ANJALI THE INCREDIBLE KID BASSWITCH Stage ________________ *Genre/s: Witchy Bass *Sound: KV2 Audio AMRITAJI (SLC) MEESHROOM (Tahoe) DJ SPITFIRE HAZEL WOLF LIQUID LOVE DROPS SHEENA MEDICINA REVERIE Stage _______________ *Genre: B2B Deep Hypnotic House *Sound: KV2 Audio BIZIO BLAKE RUDOLPH…
Portland Music Month
January is officially Portland Music Month and MusicPortland has curated a lineup of 100+ local artists to support the music community. Get tickets to hear extraordinary live music that will light up the winters at venues all over Portland.
Portland Old Time Music Gathering
Portland Old Time Music Gathering is thrilled to announce our 2024 artist in residence: Hubby Jenkins. He’ll be featured at the Saturday night concert (January 13) along with Foghorn Stringband. The concert takes place at the Alberta Abbey. Other highlights include Cajun/Honky Tonk Night at Mississippi Pizza on January 11, the Friday Night Square Dance…
Portland Folk Festival
Portland's Folk Festival began in 2018 at McMenamin's White Eagle as a way for Portland musicians to come together to celebrate the burgeoning local scene and enjoy each other's craft. It was a 12-hour love fest that started at noon and continued until early in the morning with 24 local and regional artists performing. Since…
Biamp Portland Jazz Festival
The Portland Jazz Festival returns every February with a stellar series of concerts and events celebrating Black History Month.
PSU Choirs: At the Foundation: A Community Sing and Concert
In this concert experience developed through a season of giving, grieving and growing, the PSU Social Justice Choirs, under the direction of Coty Raven Morris, present an evening of seasonal and cultural selections, with guest performances by the Maybelle Community Singers and other special guests. This is part of the PSU Social Justice Choirs initiative…
Home for the Holidays
Passengers bussing home to Chicago for the holidays find themselves stuck in Iowa when a blizzard shuts down the highway. Forced to spend the night before Christmas Eve at a deserted bus depot, they make the best of a bleak situation and get into the Yuletide spirit with stories and songs while they wait out…
Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn
Jim and his new friend, Linda, turn a Connecticut farmhouse into an inn with spirited performances to celebrate each holiday. But when Jim’s best friend Ted tries to lure Linda to Hollywood to be his new dance partner, will Jim be able to salvage his latest chance at love? A joyous musical featuring Irving Berlin…
Liberace & Liza Holiday at the Mansion (A Tribute)
Don’t miss this exhilarating parade of musical and comical fireworks. Local favorites David Saffert and Jillian Snow have dazzled audiences from New York to Portland. Get ready for nonstop glamor and glitz as they take the stage as Liberace and Liza Minnelli. Featuring rousing musical numbers, enchanting costumes, and unforgettable laughs, this cheeky and delightful…
The 1975
Britain's ever-evolving The 1975 balances hooky dance-rock and adult contemporary sophistication with arty forays into electronica and Auto-Tuned pop. It was a sound they first debuted on 2013's The 1975, which brought them international stardom, topping the charts in the U.K. and reaching the Top 30 on the Billboard 200. They fared even better with…
The Gothard Sisters
A Celtic Christmas Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with the internationally acclaimed Celtic folk group The Gothard Sisters. The three sisters present a high-energy, festive evening weaving together Christmas carols, Celtic tunes and songs, irish dancing and more. Great for the whole family – a perfect Christmas tradition.
Indigo De Souza
"I was finally able to trust myself fully," says Indigo De Souza of making her masterful third album All of This Will End. When the North Carolina-based artist released her compelling and explosive second LP, Any Shape You Take, in 2021, it led to a successful year of sold-out tours and rave reviews from outlets…
White Album Xmas
White Album Christmas 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 note for note, while the jugglers, aerialists, clowns and acrobats of the Rose City Circus present feats of remarkable strength, focus and dexterity. Guaranteed to…
Ken Marino and David Wain's Middle Aged Dad Jam Band
Ken Marino and David Wain met at NYU in 1988, where they co-founded the legendary sketch comedy group THE STATE. They stayed friends and collaborators over the years, working together on movies like Role Models, Wet Hot American Summer and Wanderlust and TV shows like Children's Hospital, Medical Police and The State. Ken also has…
One Night in Cuba
Join Aztec Willie’s on the first Friday of each month for One Night in Cuba. It’s a full night of the best Cuban music hosted by Gabby and Aaron Webb. Bring your friends, neighbors, family and co-workers along for a night to remember. New to the scene? No problem. Come early for a lesson/mixer at…
Sounds of the Season
Enjoy the festive sounds of professional, strolling entertainers throughout the holiday season – including the Village Carolers, Plaid Tidings and the Yuletide Belles. This festive season, Bridgeport Village will feature a special community performance by the Flute Alliance on December 17 at 4 p.m. as a portion of its Sound of the Season series.
Ukrainian Winter Fest and Concert
Enjoy the first-annual holiday bazaar and fundraiser. Ukrainian Winter Fest begins at 1:00 p.m. and continues until late evening. Visitors to the Holiday Bazaar can look forward to interactive Ukrainian craft demonstrations, a photography and art exhibit, an exciting art auction and raffle, plus various gift displays where visitors can stock up on unique Ukrainian…
Visions of Christmas – Choir and Orchestra Concert
Visions of Christmas will delight with musical wonders, secrets, and surprises. Come share the experience with Portland Choir and Orchestra in two performances.
A Very Drag Dangerzone Reunion Holiday Show
Drag Dangerzone Productions presents A Very Drag Dangerzone Holiday Reunion. Enjoy a very special reunion of Drag Dangerzone … A one-of-a-kind drag open mic that ran from 2017-2022. If you ever went to one of their shows, get ready for another dose of top-notch performances by their performers of years past. If you’ve never attended…
Latin Dancing Nights
Every Saturday, Nico's Cantina has a live band or DJ playing. Music alternates between Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia, and Banda every Saturday. NIco's Cantina offers a laid-back atmosphere, a simple menu, and affordable prices.
Elephant Revival
The five members of Elephant Revival share a deep commitment to certain ideals: community; recognizing one’s place in the flow of the natural world; harmony. Holding on to these ideals in the midst of heady career growth and strong individual creative forces can be difficult, but they weather these storms with aplomb, and in doing…
Tether Vol.1 Alejo, Easyjack. Humandala, Walk.iLL & John Deer
Live music and arts event at The Den in inner SE Portland, Oregon. Featuring a few favorite producers on The Den's new L-Acoustics sound system. Performances by Alejo, Easyjack, Humandala, Walk.iLL, and John Deer.Alejo Visuals by 3NA.Sound system operation by Ethos Audio. Public Event: Tiered Tickets Available. Live Painter and Vendor lineup coming soon. Tap…
Boris Giltburg
Boris Giltburg, whose "pianism is ideally suited to late Beethoven … enormously pleasurable and revelatory" (BBC Music Magazine), opens his PPI recitals with the composer's lyrically rhapsodic Sonata No. 31 — a work of both serene respite and operatic pathos that, even upon first listen, envelops the soul with its loving embrace. From a dark,…
For King + Country
The highly-anticipated annual holiday spectacle will feature an extraordinary production, blending festive visuals and stunning lighting and staging effects, for a high-octane show that the brother duo (made up of Joel and Luke Smallbone) have become known for.
Jason Duckles performs Dvorák's cello concerto
The Tualatin Valley Symphony is thrilled to announce a captivating evening of classical music. The event will take place at the NW Christian Church – Tigard Campus, and promises to be an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts of all ages. Conducted by Mark Perlman, this enchanting musical journey will feature an exquisite selection of pieces,…
Yemen Blues
In 2010, singer and composer Ravid Kahalani founded a rare combination of top musicians called Yemen Blues. From the start, Yemen Blues created an original sound that became a new language in contemporary music. The intense musicians hail from NYC, Uruguay and Tel Aviv. This includes the core members of creation: Rony Iwryn, Itamar Doari…
Pacifica Quartet
The multiple Grammy award-winning Pacifica Quartet has achieved international recognition as one of the finest chamber ensembles performing today, known for its virtuosity, exuberant performance style, and daring repertory choices. “Nothing short of phenomenal.” The Telegraph Program: Mon, Dec 4 PRICE Quartet No. 1 in G Major Ben JOHNSTON Quartet No. 4 “Amazing Grace” BEETHOVEN…
Low Bar Chorale
You show up at a bar or music venue. You grab a drink, and within minutes you’re singing the hell out of your favorite rock song with a hundred other folks and – wait for it – a live band of nationally known musicians. In three-part harmony, no less. Wait, what just happened? Welcome to…
alt-J
alt-J are one of the most successful British bands of the millennium. Joe Newman, Gus Unger-Hamilton and Thom Sonny Green have released four studio albums that, between them, have sold more than two million copies, and their songs have been streamed over two and a half billion times. Their 2012 Mercury Prize and Ivor Novello…
Codeine
90’s band Codeine is playing 10 EU/UK shows in support of their lost album Dessau, recorded in 1992 but released just last year, along with new, colored vinyl reissues of their three original Sub Pop records: Frigid Stars LP, Barely Real(EP), and White Birch, all via the archival label Numero Group. With the release of…
Jazz at Jo Bar: Annie Averre & Zsofia Tardy
Jo Bar is jazzed (pun intended) to once again have music flowing through and they hope to see you soon. See Annie Averre and Zsofia Tardy live at Jo Bar & Rotisserie. No cover
The People's Jam
Come On Down To The People’s Jam, Where Space Meets The Earth And Dreams Come True. A trio will play the first set. There is a signup sheet with 10 tunes picked out, as well as openings for songs of choice and originals. This is not just a jazz jam. Any genre, style and flavor…
Holiday Brass
Feel the power, precision, and prowess of the Oregon Symphony brass section as they fill the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall with a festive mix of classical and popular holiday favorites. Artists Deanna Tham, Conductor
The Menzingers
Since forming as teenagers in 2006, The Menzingers have shown their strength as rough-and-tumble storytellers, turning out songs equally rooted in frenetic energy and lifelike detail. On their new album Hello Exile, the Philadelphia-based punk band takes their lyrical narrative to a whole new level and shares their reflections on moments from the past and…
Dante Elephante / Rudy De Anda
DANTE: Santa Barbara-based Ruben Zarate created the musical persona known as Dante Elephante in 2013. Shortly thereafter, Lollipop Records released his first two LPs, German Aquatics and Anglo-Saxon Summer, both produced by Jonathan Rado (Foxygen), which saw praise from Consequence of Sound, Funny or Die, and Brooklyn Vegan. In the summer of 2018, Elephant then…
Hania Rani
Hania Rani is a pianist, composer and musician who was born in Gdansk and splits her life between Warsaw, where she makes her home, and Berlin where she studied and often works. her debut album Esja, a beguiling collection of solo piano pieces on Gondwana Records, was released to international acclaim on April 5, 2019,…
CloZee
A purveyor of lucid sounds, French producer Chloé Herry is a worldly and rhythmic figure in the electronic music atmosphere. CloZee has made a name for herself by skewing the usual curves of bass music and evoking a spiritual and evolutionary sound. She recently announced her next album, Microworlds, will be coming out Summer of…
Crash Test Dummies
In 2018, 25 years after the release of their multi-Grammy nominated hit album “God Shuffled His Feet”, The Crash Test Dummies hit the road for the first 8me in 20 years with an Anniversary Tour that spanned North America. The overwhelming reception led to a 30th Anniversary Tour in 2022 for their debut release, “The…
Lil Tjay
Bronx-bred rapper Lil Tjay is one of the most prominent faces of the New York drill scene, with a pair of high-charting albums and several platinum-certified singles to his name. After building an audience in the late 2010s with well-received EPs, he integrated R&B elements into his style and became a mainstay on the Billboard…
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