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
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.
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 2020 EVENT IS CANCELED. The Vanport Jazz Festival is scheduled to return Aug. 7, 2021. See website for details. 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,…
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,…
Gondwana with E.N Young
Charismatic Chilean reggae group with a fresh blend of Latin and Jamaican rhythms. GondwanaWebsite | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube For over thirty years, the Chilean band Gondwana has been touring, performing, and recording uninterrupted. Emerging from the underground music scene during the brutal dictatorship of Agusto Pinochet, Gondwana brings forth a fresh…
Mew
Mew And The Glass Handed Kites 15th Anniversary Tour Mew Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | Youtube Mew frontman Jonas Bjerre has worked on the projections for the band’s live shows since their early days. Usually, the Danish trio finish an album and Bjerre gets to work on the visuals. For their seventh…
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…
Oregon Symphony Presents Ravel’s Bolero
The longest crescendo in the repertoire, Ravel’s magnificent Boléro begins at pianissimo and builds up to such astonishing intensity that it brings audiences to their feet every time.
Dead Winter Carpenters
with Kellen Asebroek (of Fruition) Sinners ‘n’ Freaks EP Release Party celebrating 10 Years of DWC Dead Winter CarpentersWebsite | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Hailing from North Lake Tahoe, CA, americana/roots rock band Dead Winter Carpenters has built a reputation for pouring their heart and soul into each performance. Over the past decade, the…
Soovin Kim: Unaccompanied Bach
Join violin virtuoso Soovin Kim – Chamber Music Northwest Artistic Director Designee – for an evening of some of Bach’s most beloved solo works, including the beloved “Chaconne” from Violin Partita No. 2. Presented by Chamber Music Northwest.
Zoë Keating
Cellist and composer Zoë Keating is a one-woman orchestra. She uses a cello and a foot-controlled laptop to record layer upon layer of cello, creating intricate, haunting and compelling music. Zoë is known for both her use of technology – which she uses to sample her cello onstage – and for her DIY approach, releasing…
Shoshana Bean and Friends: A Night of Broadway
Powerhouse vocalist and Broadway star Shoshana Bean is back for her third fundraiser for Beaverton High School’s performing arts department — this time, streamed at YouTube.com/ShoshanaBean. The Shoshana Bean and Friends: An Evening of Broadway show will be streaming live on YouTube and will welcome Beaverton School District students hand-picked by Shoshana Bean from a…
Jasper String Quartet & Friends: Collaboration in Concert
The Jasper String Quartet, hailed as “sonically delightful and expressively compelling” by The Strad, team up with pianist Gloria Chien and violinist Soovin Kim to perform three collaborative compositions including the world premiere of a new Four Seasons composed by Joan Tower, Christopher Theofanidis, Lera Auerbach and Akira Nishimura. Presented by Chamber Music Northwest.
Gloria Chien, Soovin Kim & David Shifrin: Solos, Duos & Trios
Chamber Music Northwest Artistic Director David Shifrin is joined by his soon-to-be successors Gloria Chien and Soovin Kim for a powerful program of solo, duo and trio masterpieces by Brahms, Mendelssohn, Paul Schoenfeld and more. Presented by Chamber Music Northwest.
Long Beach Dub Allstars
Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh met in childhood (in 1979) and later started their first garage punk band, consisting of drums, bass and vocals. They later formed Sublime with Bradley Nowell. The Long Beach Dub Allstars (LBDAS for short) were founded after Nowell died in 1996 of a heroin overdose (frequent contributors to Sublime including…
We Were Promised Jetpacks
Transformative and confessional melodic indie-rock stalwarts from Scotland. Sometimes you have to go back to basics in order to find yourself again. This is something Scottish rock band We Were Promised Jetpacks realized over the course of creating their fourth full-length album, The More I Sleep The Less I Dream. Lyrically, The More I Sleep…
Tony Starlight’s 50th Birthday Party
Tony has made a career of big time productions, gloriously embracing the notion that “everything worth doing, is worth over-doing!”. But for this one night, it’s back to basics. A microphone, a guitar, a slideshow and a lifetime of stories. This night is will be an intimate and special evening for the longtime Tony Starlight…
Jason Lytle: An Evening of Acoustic Piano and Guitar
The Grandaddy frontman playing in an intimate, stripped-down setting. Jason Lytle first wandered into the public consciousness as the principal singer and songwriter for the band Grandaddy. Formed in Modesto, CA in 1992, and eventually consisting of Lytle along with Aaron Burtch, Tim Dryden, Jim Fairchild and Kevin Garcia, the band initially broke through with…
The Moldau and Water Music
Handel’s joyful Water Music, Smetana’s beloved Vltava (The Moldau), and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ masterful “Sea Symphony” close the Classical Season in a program that celebrates the beauty, power, and mystery of bodies of water the world over.
EDEN, Keshi, MACKandgold
Vocalist/producer/multi-instrumentalist EDEN will release his new album no future on Feb. 14 via Astralwerks. no future marks the follow up to his acclaimed 2018 full-length debut, vertigo. The Dublin-bred artist born Jonathon Ng recently unveiled the album’s lead single, “projector,” and accompanying video directed by EDEN’s frequent collaborators Zhang + Knight. As with all of…
Siren Nation presents the 15th Annual Dolly Parton Hoot Night
Doors open at 7:00 The 15th annual Dolly Parton Hoot Night. Portland’s best musicians pay tribute to one of country music’s most iconic songwriters. It’s time again for Siren Nations’s annual Dolly Parton Hoot Night at the Alberta Rose Theatre! This show always proves to be a fun night of local ladies singing their hearts…
Showbox Presents: Shallou With Special Guests Chet Porter and Phil Good
18 and Over Event VIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE include: One (1) GA ticket to the show ‘Skip the line’ access/entry Meet & Greet and photo opportunity with Shallou Group Q&A with Shallou Exclusive Tote Bag Exclusive Plant item Please note: VIP packages are fulfilled by the artist. You Will receive an email with details for your…
Alex Lahey with Liv Slingerland
Melbourne pop-rock songwriter with new 2020 LP, ‘Sucker For Punishment’. Alex Lahey FACEBOOK On her sophomore LP, The Best of Luck Club, 26-year-old Alex Lahey navigates the pangs of generational ennui with the pint half-full and a spot cleared on the bar stool next to her. Self-doubt, burn out, break-ups, mental health, moving in with…
PVRIS
VIP- Photo Opportunity Experience tickets available includes: o One General Admission Ticket to the Show o One Photo Opportunity with Pvris Taken by Pvris’ Personal Photographer o One, VIP Only, Pvris Poster Limited and Numbered o One Limited Edition Pvris Accessory o One Commemorative VIP Laminate & Lanyard o Priority Entry into the Venue* o…
Tanya Tucker — CMT Next Women of Country Bring My Flowers Now Tour
Born in Seminole, Texas, Tanya Tucker had her first country hit, the classic “Delta Dawn,” at the age of 13 in 1972. Since that auspicious beginning, Tucker has become one of the most admired and influential artists in country music history, amassing 23 Top 40 albums and a stellar string of 56 Top 40 singles,…
The Lemon Twigs
Artist presale starts 3/4 at 10 am Local presale starts 3/5 at 10 am On sale starts 3/6 at 10 am
Danse Macabre: The Testament of Francois Villon
Danse Macabre: The Testament of François Villon is a one-person show with music and puppetry based on the surprisingly modern and relevant autobiographical poem, The Testament by the 15th century French poet, revolutionary rabble-rouser, balladeer, thief, a prototypical “protest singer,” and a something of a medieval “rock star,” François Villon. Villon’s poetry and his wild…
The Naked and the Famous
with special guests Circa Waves and Luna Shadows For over a decade, The Naked and Famous have delivered a boldly nuanced breed of pop that’s both effervescent and imaginative—a direct reflection of the sheer resilience at the heart of their collaboration. Founded in their hometown Auckland, New Zealand, the critically lauded act immigrated to the…
Braids
Artful, theatrical Montreal electro-pop trio with new LP, ‘Shadow Offering’ FACEBOOK Braids, composed of Raphaelle Standell-Preston, Austin Tufts and Taylor Smith, are a Montreal-based three-piece. Formed in 2007 in Alberta, they have solidified a decade-long reputation for their musical ingenuity and established themselves as one of Canada’s most acclaimed art rock bands, garnering two Polaris…
STRFKR
Artist presale starts 3/3 at 10 am Local presale starts 3/5 at 10 am On sale starts 3/6 at 10 am This event is all ages
The Good Life
Seminal indie-rock group playing the acclaimed ‘Album of the Year’ in full. FACEBOOK The Good Life’s “Sweet 16” Album Of The Year Tour The Good Life is pleased to announce a handful of dates in select cities to celebrate the 16th ‘birthday’ of their noteworthy 2004 record, Album Of The Year. They will perform the…
Stabbing Westward Dead & Gone Tour
with I Ya Toyah, All Good Things Now free from the shackles of mainstream or commercial expectations, one of the staples of mid ‘90s alternative music makes a triumphant return in 2020 as Stabbing Westward releases their first helping of new material in 18 years – the D ead and Gone EP – an ironic…
Built to Spill
Local presale starts 2/27 at 10 am General on sale starts 2/28 at 10 am This event is 21 and over
Woods
Brooklyn psych/folk-rock veterans with new 2020 LP, ‘Strange to Explain’ FACEBOOK “Woods have always been experts at distilling life epiphanies into compact chunks of psychedelic folk that exists just outside of any sort of tangible time or place. Maybe those epiphanies were buried under cassette manipulation or drum-and-drone freakouts, or maybe they were cloaked in…
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!
The BellRays / Slim Cessna's Auto Club
A doubleheader of bluesy and gothic country-rock from Riverside and Denver. The BellRays FACEBOOK Blues is the teacher. Punk is the Preacher. It’s all about emotion and energy. Experience and raw talent, spirit and intellect. Exciting things happen when these things collide. Bob Vennum and Lisa Kekaula made The BellRays happen in 1990 in Riverside,…
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…
David Grisman's Dawg Trio with Danny Barnes & Sam Grisman
Originating a signature mix of bluegrass, gypsy jazz, Latin rhythms, klezmer music, and myriad global influences into a holistic approach he calls “dawg music,” David Grisman began his career during the explosive folk and blues revival of the 1960s, working in the Even Dozen Jug Band with future stars Maria Muldaur and John Sebastian before…
Thao & The Get Down Stay Down
The Temple Tour Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/artist/2dn0CGCWvtrwZ66bOeLNb2 Website: http://thaoandthegetdownstaydown.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/thaogetstaydown Facebook: http://facebook.com/thaoandthegetdownstaydown Twitter: http://twitter.com/thaogetstaydown YouTube: http://youtube.com/channel/UCcekYs41vGIHlnnDoV2ZNYg
R.A.P. Ferreira (FKA Milo) with Dazeases
Hyper-literate Nashville-based MC with trippy production and new 2020 LP. R.A.P. Ferreira (FKA Milo) FACEBOOK R.A.P. Ferreira fka milo aka scallops hotel is an mc, producer and theorist working in the Black arts tradition commonly categorized as rap. Having founded the label ruby yacht in 2015 and since releasing all of his music through this…
Opening Night: Schumann & Brahms Piano Quartets
Our 50th Anniversary kicks-off with Robert Schumann’s only piano quartet and one inspired by it written by Schumann’s friend and protégé, Johannes Brahms. Join Opus One – pianist Anne-Marie McDermott, violinist Ida Kavafian, violist Steven Tenenbom, and cellist Peter Wiley – as they perform these two Romantic masterpieces. Presented by Chamber Music Northwest. Join us…