Shabazz Palaces, Porter Ray
When he's not performing with his legendary jazz rap outfit Digable Planets, pioneering emcee and producer Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler (AKA Palaceer Lazaro) can be found pushing hip-hop forward alongside multi-instrumentalist Tendai "Baba" Maraire in Shabazz Palaces. Catch up with the Seattle-based duo tonight when they return to Portland supporting their 2017 full-length, Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star.
9 pm, Star Theater, $18.50
Guantanamo Baywatch, Patsy's Rats, Melt
For years, the hard-working, surf-rocking punks of Guantanamo Baywatch have been a major part of Portland's soundtrack—and tonight at the Know, they're celebrating the release of their latest album on Suicide Squeeze, Desert Center. Pulling speedy riffs from classic rock and surf while brimming with rambunctious attitude, it's a must-listen—and hearing its tracks live will be even better. ERIK HENRIKSEN
8 pm, The Know
Sylvan Esso, Flock of Dimes
Sylvan Esso has all the easy qualities we're drawn to in indie and electronica: haunting songs, clear vocals, varied percussion. Yet somehow it's hard to pinpoint exactly what artist they most closely resemble. Sylvan Esso is the new-school folk voice of Amelia Meath, paired with the synth stylings of Nick Sanborn. Though relatively new on the music scene, the pair has such a cohesive sound, you'd think they'd been playing together since they used to listen to Neutral Milk Hotel in their college dorm room, smoking weed and eating Eggo waffles. ROSE FINN
Aug 16-17, 8 pm, Crystal Blalroom, $25-28
Fruit Bats, Small Leaks Sink Ships, Dana Buoy, Dusu Mali
Philia: Artists Rise Against Islamophobia presents an evening with folk rock singer/songwriter Eric D. Johnson, who will be performing an intimate solo set under his Fruit Bats moniker, along with support from locals Small Leaks Sink Ships, Dana Buoy, and Dusu Mali.
9 pm, Doug Fir, $20
Kid Koala
Hot on the heels of his contributions to Edgar Wright's acclaimed summer blockbuster Baby Driver, the renowned Canadian scratch DJ, producer, and award-winning graphic novelist returns to Portland to take control of the Holocene dance floor with a full live DJ set.
8:30 pm, Holocene, $12-14
Space Jam
POINT: Space Jam is very terrible and has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Trust no one who says otherwise.—Erik Henriksen, Film EditorCOUNTERPOINT: Space Jam is the most precious kids' basketball movie ever made! In a confusing time when GOAT Michael Jordan retired to play less watchable sports, kids were gifted Space Jam to aid in the grieving process. Portrayed as a humble family man, MJ gets sucked into a golf hole and recruited by the Looney Tunes to beat cartoon aliens at basketball. Is it far-fetched? DUH. But the Looney Tunes stay comically solid (as does Bill Murray), and the opening montage of Jordan’s career is chill-inducing. Space Jam was also the debut of Lola “Don’t Ever Call Me 'Doll'” Bunny, who yes, plays Bugs Bunny’s romantic interest, but was also initially seen as a feminist icon. And don’t get me started on the soundtrack!—Jenni Moore, Copy Chief
4:50 pm, 9:10 pm, Academy Theater
Tracy Bryant, The Lavender Flu
Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter and Corners frontman Tracy Bryant brings his goth-tinged pop-rock solo project up the west coast for a free show at the White Owl Social Club supporting his infectious new 7-inch, Parachute. Portland's own Lavender Flu provide support with their dynamic blend of garage punk.
8 pm, White Owl Social Club, free
Solar Eclipse Tap Takeover
Ecliptic Brewing hosts a pre-game for the looming solar eclipse, giving you the chance to enjoy an array of Ecliptic beers, including those of the rare and barrel-aged variety. Swing by and grab a pair of special solar eclipse glasses, and stick around to talk space with other likeminded individuals while you kill some time before the big event.
5 pm, Ecliptic Brewing
Sample Size: A Stand-Up Showcase
Phil Schallberger is in control of the soundboard. Phil Schallberger has a fusillade of samples loaded and ready for bear. JoAnn Schinderle, Jason Traeger, Caitlin Weierhauser, and Milan Patel have stand-up sets that will become improv sets as the samples are dropped and everyone has to try and remix a night of comedy on the fly. Hosted by Nick Walker.
9 pm, Kickstand Comedy Space, free
Psychic Ills
New York's Psychic Ills use their many influences for the sole purpose of spacing out. Over the past decade and a half, core members Tres Warren and Elizabeth Hart have dabbled in electronic psychedelia, improvised raga, and, more recently, jangly garage rock. MARK LORE
9 pm, Mississippi Studios, $10-12
Don't forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!