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by Jenni Moore

The political climate and sullen vibe in these streets calls for some escapism and we’re fortunate that in an artsy, music-loving town like Portland, there’s never a dull moment. This week, we’re touting an irreverent post-holiday country show on Friday and a post-holiday evening of drag, music, and comedy at the end of December. If you don’t want to go anywhere—if you don’t want to make plans—we’ve got you on that, too, with an excellent new rap album about processing feelings into phoenix fire. Let’s Hear it—in Portland!

MUST SEE: 

Upcoming local event(s) featuring local artist(s).    

The Barbaras

At this summer’s Pickathon, the Barbaras’ tight harmonies and musicianship made quite a positive impression on this critic, and we’ve come to consider their sweet old fashioned doo-wop-inspired harmonies a near-unmissable draw. If you’re in search of an intimate, irreverent country show this Friday, look no further than the duo’s set at Turn! Turn! Turn! on a day after Thanksgiving bill with Portland honky tonk band Neon Prairie Dogs and West Coast roots rockers Redwood Revue. Post-holiday energy will vary, but the Barbaras—sisters Weezy and Sallie Ford—have promised to play this upcoming show backed by a full band, which sounds charming as all get out. For a crash course in the group’s songwriting shine, check out tracks like “Walk of Shame,” “Alone and Enough,” “Tall Glass of Water,” and “Mail Yourself to Me” on 2022’s Oh My God Barbara, before hustlin’ on over. (Turn! Turn! Turn!, 8 NE Killingsworth, Fri Nov 29, 8 pm, $15-20 sliding scale at the door, 21+)

MUST LISTEN: 

New release from a Portland-relevant artist.

Messier 7, Fountaine

Rapper and producer Fountaine dropped his fifth album last month, taking what he described as “originally… a throw away album” and giving us the stellar, expertly arranged tracks we find on Messier 7. The record processes a slew of emotions about grief, death, moving, and taking time away from social media into a collection of funky hip-hop magic—something we’ve come to expect from the Portland-raised musician. On the album’s October 20 release date, the artist described it in a post as “a testament to everything I am, everything I’m not yet still, everything as a kid I wanted to be. Like the phoenix, rising from the ashes stronger and more resilient, we move through life’s sands of time. I took two years off getting back to the roots of my existence just making my emotions flow… not trying to sound like anything relevant or anyone else just me processing.” In addition to previously released singles, like “Bruce Wayne X,” and “Skyrocket X,” stand-out tracks include the ultra lit two-minute album opener “Busted,” the chill and vulnerable “Giovanni the Great, and the somber warning of “N.E.R.E (Northeast Run Everything).” Also worth noting: “Ms.Philadelphia (ABC),” in particular feels reminiscent of earlier Fountaine work, “Kings Cup,” features fellow Portlander Weezbeats, and the final track “64 Psalms” briefly and beautifully samples the Isley Brothers hit “(At Your Best) You Are Love.”

ADDED TO THE QUEUE: 

Some upcoming music buzz to add to your radar.

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show

Starring legendary drag icons Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme, our favorite Christmas-themed, NYE-timed musical comedy show is back for another year, and we couldn’t be more pleased. Drag fans can head to the Schnitz to get their fill of unadulterated chuckles, while watching the two very different queens slay plenty of new original songs (hopefully some of the old ones, too), and comedy bits that poke fun at silly Christmas traditions and all the most religious, relatable, and cringey aspects of the holiday season. The two co-write a completely new show every year, but who knows, maybe just maybe there’s a chance for a reappearance from that sentient eggnog from the original special!? For a taste of what to expect from this year’s show, dig into the duo’s COVID-safe special from 2020, The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Special, which is available to stream on Apple TV or Prime Video. (Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, Wed Dec 29, 8 pm, $49- $299+, tickets here, show may contain adult themes and language)