The GZA, Sims, Bretto, DJ Wicked
In most cases, it's right to be skeptical when someone proclaims himself "The Genius." When it comes to GZA, I, for one, am not. Setting aside his contribution in co-creating one of the most important cultural fixtures of the past half-century, GZA has released a platinum solo record in Liquid Swords, guest lectured at MIT, become a grandmaster in chess, and began work with a youth educational charity that combines rap and science. GZA's unique style of wordy bars over consistent scratch beats and interesting voiceover short stories on top of breakup songs continues as a thread in hip-hop today. Tonight's proof that Wu-Tang still ain't nuthin' to fuck with. CAMERON CROWELL
9 pm, Star Theater, $20
Cake
They haven't released a new album since 2011's Showroom of Compassion, but that's not going to keep the Sacramento-hailing alternative rock institution from bringing their genre-defying sound to the Edgefield Lawn for a headlining show smack dab in the middle of the dog days of summer.
7 pm, Edgefield, $48-49.50
Golden Retriever, Visible Cloaks, Dolphin Midwives, Ilyas Ahmed, Danielle Ross & Chloe Alexandra
Portland's Golden Retriever put on one of the most mesmerizing live shows you'll ever come across. Tonight the local duo (consisting of modular synth player Matt Carlson and bass clarinetist Jonathan Sielaff) celebrate the release of their new Thrill Jockey-issued album, Rotations. They'll be joined by a sax quartet and some backing percussion, making this the perfect opportunity to dive head-first into their absorbing world of sonic experimentation.
8:30 pm, Holocene, $8
9th Annual Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon Pink Party
DJ Moody Two Shoes and DJ Graceless provide the beats by which this annual fundraiser stays moving, with happy hour drink specials, raffle prizes, and all manner of family-friendly fun, with proceeds benefitting Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon.
5 pm, Dig a Pony, $5-10
Alex Napping, Little Star, Surfer Rosie
Austin-based pop quartet Alex Napping headline Mississippi Studios for the Portland stop on a tour supporting their recent Father/Daughter Records-issued full-length, Mise En Place.
9 pm, Mississippi Studios, $10-12
Game of Thrones Wine Tasting
The return of the wine shop's annual tradition of pairing their selection of wines to characters from the award-winning HBO show.
noon, Pairings, $25
Kulululu, Attic Ted, Modal Zork
Portland-via-outer space avant rockers Kulululu bring their far out sounds and theatrical live show to St. Johns for a headlining show at the Fixin' To.
9 pm, The Fixin' To, $5
Don't forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!