Stay safe out there, Portland! As always, get tested and stay home if you feel sick—and get your booster while it's hot. Speaking of omicron, we advise checking directly with venues for the latest updates—including health guidelines, postponements, and cancellations—before heading out.
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MONDAY
FILM
BANDITS in 35mm
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As part of their #OregonMade film series, Hollywood Theatre will screen a 35mm print of Bandits in celebration of the film’s 20th anniversary. This early-aughts heist flick is also a darkly funny love letter to Oregon. Join Billy Bob Thornton, Cate Blanchett, and Bruce Willis on a bank-robbing romp through Oregon City, Lake Oswego, Silverton, and other recognizable spots.
(Hollywood Theatre, Hollywood District)
READINGS & TALKS
Laura Coates in Conversation With Soledad O'Brien
Past Event
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Former DOJ prosecutor and current CNN senior legal analyst Laura Coates' experience with our legal system gave her deep insights into how "Black communities are policed differently, Black cases are prosecuted differently, and Black defendants are judged differently." Her second book Just Pursuit: A Black Prosecutor's Fight for Fairness "explores the tension between the idealism of the law and the reality of working within the parameters of our flawed legal system, exposing the chasm between what is right and what is lawful." She will be joined by award-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien. Fun fact: Coates has Alex Trebek's seal of approval—she was suggested by the late Jeopardy! host as a possible replacement for his vacant post.
(Virtual via Powell's Books)
TUESDAY
MUSIC
Samia
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Singer-songwriter Samia gained widespread acclaim for her impressive vocals and confessional songwriting. Her wit and self-deprecating humor shine through on her debut album, Baby. On her latest EP, Scout, she tapped into something more emotional by taking inspiration from themes of mental health and self-help, which we can all relate to after the last two years.
(Holocene, Buckman)
Shinedown
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The Jacksonville-hailing alt-rock/post-grunge outfit have a massive committed fanbase that have made them a multi-platinum and record-breaking band over the last two decades. Shinedown will make their way back to town ahead of their seventh studio album, Planet Zero, which is set to come out this spring.
(Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, South Park Blocks)
READINGS & TALKS
Chuck Klosterman
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In The Nineties, bestselling author and essayist Chuck Klosterman gives his take on the much reminisced upon decade, examining "wholesale shifts" in society such as the rise of the internet and the "paradoxical belief that nothing was more humiliating than trying too hard." Klosterman runs through the film, music, sports, TV, politics, and culture of the era with his signature precision, delivering a "fascinating examination of a period still remembered by most, refreshingly free of unnecessary mythmaking." (Kirkus)
(Virtual via Powell's Books)
WEDNESDAY
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
OMSI After Dark: Rise
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Rise up in support of freedom and equality at this social justice night where you can catch the Nelson Mandela exhibit
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before it closes, check out science demos, see a Beyoncé laser show, enjoy music from Freeform Portland DJs, and listen to lectures from community organizations Don't Shoot Portland, Black United Fund, Engage to Change, and In4All.
(OMSI, Central Eastside)
MUSIC
Houndmouth
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Indiana-born rockers Houndmouth find their roots in classic blues songwriting, creating worlds within their songs that tell stories about colorful characters. On their latest album, Good For You, the band shies away from popular fast-paced indie rock and leans into more folk-rock sensibilities.
(Wonder Ballroom, Eliot)
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
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Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis mastered the works of classic jazz legends like Duke Ellington and John Coltrane before carving out a unique voice and becoming one of the biggest names in contemporary jazz. Marsalis will lead a fifteen-piece band for an unforgettable evening of music including originals as well as those definitive masterworks that started his career.
(Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, South Park Blocks)
Wave Action with Rayon
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Twin brother duo Wave Action brings you a night of punk rock with dashes of surf and new wave. Fellow Portland punks Rayon will support with their experimental influence from cult heroes like Sonic Youth, Yoko Ono, and ESG.
(Holocene, Buckman)
THURSDAY
MUSIC
David Archuleta: OK, All Right Tour
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When David Archuleta appeared on American Idol in 2008, he was beloved for his baby face and velvety vocals. These days, he’s all grown up and wowing a whole new set of fans with his vocal range on his OK, All Right Tour.
(Alberta Rose Theatre, Concordia)
Quantic and Small Skies
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New York producer Quantic stops by with his dancefloor-oriented grooves sprinkled with deep funk and tropical rhythms. Joining the party will be Portland's own dream-pop beat maker Small Skies.
(Holocene, Buckman)
The Dodos
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Indie duo The Dodos claim that they started their band over fifteen years ago with the intention of replicating how a guitar might sound and feel from the inside. On their eighth album, Grizzly Peak, they may have achieved their initial goal with its quiet and meditative nature. The band will be joined by Dana Buoy and their late night pop sounds, and Scarves who will serve up some emotional indie rock.
(Mississippi Studios, Boise)
OPERA
Portland Opera presents When the Sun Comes Out
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Leslie Uyeda's poetic chamber opera tells the story of Solana, who falls in love with a woman from her past in a state that oppresses fluid expressions of gender and sexuality. With libretto by Rachel Rose, the production features a quintet of violin, cello, flute, clarinet, and piano.
(Hampton Opera Center, Central Eastside)
FRIDAY
CABARET & BURLESQUE
BOYeurism presents DECADENCE
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Acclaimed revue BOYeurism presents a very special edition of their show in celebration of Black excellence and magic. An all-star POC cast will entertain, inspire, and make you inquire with acts ranging from cabaret and burlesque to aerial performance to music. Plus, it's co-producer Isaiah Esquire's birthday, so you know they're gonna turn it out.
(Bossanova Ballroom, Buckman)
MUSIC
Aries with Brakence
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Singer, songwriter, and rapper Aries initially gained a following by making YouTube videos that break down how beats in hip-hop hits (such as Drake’s “God’s Plan”) are made. He evolved into a genre-defying artist by self-releasing two albums, most recently, BELIEVE IN ME, WHO BELIEVES IN YOU. Starting off the night will be singer-songwriter Brakence who likes to describe his music as "self care punk."
(Holocene, Buckman)
Galactic with Too Many Zooz
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Proud New Orleans quintet Galactic have held their own as a successful funk-rock jam band for over 25 years, seamlessly collaborating with artists such as Mavis Staples, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, and most recently with Juvenile on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE! New York City brass band Too Many Zooz will join with a collection of covers and originals.
(Crystal Ballroom, West End)
Lavender Country
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Released initially as a private press LP in 1973, Lavender Country’s eponymous album was the first gay country album ever, beating out Peter Grudzien’s The Unicorn by a year. The messages in the music still resonate with modern audiences, but they no longer have to be delivered from the shadows. Opening things up will be local folkies Laith & The Texas Birds followed by Jack Habegger’s Celebrity Telethon.
(Alberta Abbey, King)
Your Song: A Valentine's Singalong Tribute to Elton John and Friends
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No need to be alone this Valentine's Day, “Sir Elton John” and fellow members of the Rocket Club are here to help you get through it with a singalong celebration featuring all of his hits about love and loss. You may hear some tunes from his friends and frenemies, too.
(Mississippi Studios, Boise)
SATURDAY
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Black & Beautiful
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Flawless Shade and her drag daughter Kwanzaa Shade plus fellow performers Sheniqua Volt and Cruz Daniels will celebrate Black queerness and share its history.
(Kelly's Olympian, Downtown)
In My Shoes: Walking Tour Storytelling Project
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In honor of Black History Month, Word Is Bond (an organization whose goal is "creating positive relationships between young Black men and law enforcement") presents a storytelling campaign featuring nine walking tours in neighborhoods across Portland designed to highlight the "voices, dreams, and experiences of rising Black men" and the neighborhoods they call home.
(Various locations)
Trail Blazers Celebration of Black History
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The main event for Rip City's Celebration of Black History will take place at their February 12th game vs. the Knicks, where, in addition to cheering the 'Zers to a W, you can see a pre-game concert, take part in their fundraising effort for the nonprofit Black Educational Achievement Movement, and score a free beanie. The team dubbed their game against the Nuggets on February 27th HBCU Night, where they will celebrate local HBCU and D9 alumni. Additionally, you'll be able to enjoy a free meal at local Black-owned eateries—Batter on Deck (Feb 11) and Kiss Coffee (Feb 19)—courtesy of the team.
(Moda Center, Lloyd District)
MUSIC
A Pink Martini Valentine
Past Event
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Whether you're looking for the perfect date night or to be cheered up on this dreaded holiday, Pink Martini has a certain je ne sais quoi that puts everyone in a good mood. Portland's "little orchestra" features over a dozen musicians who perform a multilingual repertoire that seamlessly switches between jazz, classical, pop, and global music sounds. They don't just perform a show, they know how to throw a party.
(Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, South Park Blocks)
SUNDAY
MUSIC
Faye Webster
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Faye Webster is a multi-talented creative based out of Atlanta, Georgia, who recently came out with her fourth full-length album, I Know I’m Funny haha. The album mixes soft R&B with country-folk twang, and her lyrics portray a close vulnerability.
(Wonder Ballroom, Eliot)
SPORTS & RECREATION
Portland Timbers Preseason Tournament
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PTFC gears up for another season by hosting a preseason tournament consisting of three doubleheaders between the Timbers, Minnesota United FC, Real Salt Lake, and Norway's Viking FK.
(Providence Park, Goose Hollow)
MULTI-DAY
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
All Power to the People: Remembering the Legacy of the Black Panther Party
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Former Black Panther Kent Ford and community members have put together a three-day program of talks, screenings, a newly commissioned solo play, and more that draw links from the party’s 10-Point Program to the challenges we face today.
(Cerimon House, Concordia, Friday-Sunday)
FILM
32nd Annual Cascade Festival of African Films
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This local film festival, which shows African films made by African filmmakers and encourages Western viewers to engage authentically with African cultures, will offer a mix of in-person and virtual screenings this year. The program, which lasts for over a month, includes acclaimed films like Ephraim Asili’s The Inheritance, Sundance favorites like Suzannah Mirghani Al-Sit, and many others.
(Virtual, Monday-Sunday)
Love Struck! Drive In
Past Event
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Order some nosh to go from one of Washington Square's restaurants then cozy up with your honey, Galentine, or undefined loved one for a drive-in double feature of some of the greatest rom-coms to ever hit the big screen. The event will have a food cart pod conveniently stocked with light meals, candy, and popcorn.
(Washington Square Mall, Tigard, Friday-Sunday)
Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America
Past Event
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Civil rights lawyer and ACLU deputy legal director Jeffery Robinson paints a portrait of the United States and its foundation on white supremacy that The Austin Chronicle writes "should be part of the standard curriculum in every school in America." The SXSW Documentary Spotlight Audience Award winner weaves together lecture, personal anecdotes, interviews, and more to "draw a stark timeline from slavery to modern America."
(Cinema 21, Nob Hill, Friday-Sunday)
FESTIVALS
Chinese New Year 2022 at Lan Su Chinese Garden
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Celebrating the traditional 15-day period of Chinese New Year, Lan Su will welcome the Year of the Tiger with cultural programming, lantern viewing evenings (Feb 3-6 and 10-13), and more. The festivities will be kicked off with a free community event (Tues Feb 1) at the garden's entrance plaza featuring a lion dance performance by Portland Lee's Association Dragon & Lion Dance Team. Garden visitors will also receive a hong bao (lucky red envelope).
(Lan Su Chinese Garden, Old Town-Chinatown, Monday-Sunday)
Fall in Love with Lents Fest
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The East Portland neighborhood is vying for your affection during this multi-day event that will build community and showcase art. On the festival's first evening, "bring what you can and take what you want/need" at a mutual aid-inspired event that will also feature live music and performances. Mid-weekend, SOLVE will lead a community clean-up at Lents Town Center and local businesses will welcome folks in for open houses and demonstrations during the East Portland Art Fest. To cap it all off, Sunday's Community Connections Fair will keep the momentum going by connecting folks with local nonprofits for future volunteer opportunities.
(Lents Town Center, Lents, Friday-Sunday)
Portland Winter Light Festival 2022
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The holidays are behind us, but the Portland Winter Light Festival is here to remind you that the city’s best winter lights tradition actually happens in February. The celebration features dozens of illuminated art installations, along with unique performances and live events to help brighten up the Northwest winter doldrums. With massive interactive spaces to explore on both sides of the Willamette River, the Portland Spirit will be working overtime to offer complimentary cruises between the festival’s East and West hubs, and who doesn’t love a free boat ride?
(Various locations, Monday-Saturday)
SHOPPING
Portland Night Market
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Sip, snack, and peruse Portland's finest local vendors and makers at this indoor/outdoor market which tends to draw 'round-the-block lines. This month, the market will be swathed in red and pink decorations, making it the perfect place to find a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift for your honey.
(100 SE Alder, Central Eastside, Friday-Saturday)
THEATER
Anastasia
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This Broadway musical is an adaptation of the 1997 animated film, a fictionalized fantasy about a young amnesiac woman who falls in with a pair of con men trying to pass her off as the Russian duchess Anastasia. But who is she really?
(Keller Auditorium, Downtown, Tuesday-Sunday)
Bakersfield Mist
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Maude, a 50-something unemployed bartender living in a trailer park, buys a painting for a few bucks from a thrift store and is convinced it’s a lost masterpiece by Jackson Pollock worth millions. But when world-class art expert Lionel Percy flies over from New York to authenticate the painting, his discovery is bigger than either of them could have imagined. Inspired by true events, this dramedy comes from Stephen Sachs.
(Triangle Productions, Kerns, Thursday-Saturday)
Great Gatsby's Daisy
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This interactive reimagining of The Great Gatsby will offer some surprising twists on F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic 1925 novel. Not only will attendees get the chance to party with the likes of Nick Carraway, Tom Buchanan, Jordan Baker, Jay Gatsby, and Ms. Daisy Buchanan; they'll also get to explore Buchanan manor, Nick's cottage, the speakeasy club called the Miramar, and of course, Gatsby's mansion.
(The Beaverton Masonic Lodge, Central Beaverton, Monday-Sunday)
The Great Leap
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Penned by playwright Lauren Yee, this comedic production "traverses history both personal and political." Set in 1989 San Francisco, Manford Lum dominates the basketball courts of Chinatown. Using her father's basketball background as a template, Yee catapults her teenaged protagonist to China for a "friendship" game, resulting in a story with unexpected outcomes.
(Gerding Theater at the Armory, Pearl District, Wednesday-Sunday)
Thurgood
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Actor Lester Purry and director Lou Bellamy, founder of Penumbra Theatre (the largest African-American theater in the country), return to the Portland Playhouse to tell the story of Thurgood Marshall, the first Black justice to serve on the Supreme Court. The one-man show spans Marshall's 58-year career, from his beginnings as a civil rights lawyer arguing Brown v. Board of Education to his SCOTUS appointment.
(Portland Playhouse, King, Monday-Sunday)
MUSIC
Dinosaur Jr.
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Dinosaur Jr. are a blessed hard-rock institution at this point. True, their best work occurred in the last half of the 1980s, peaking with the one-two punch of You’re Living All Over Me and Bug. But J Mascis, Lou Barlow, and Murph are still issuing robust guitar-hero showcases and blustery melodic gems. They’ve honed their formula to a science and, against odds, it’s still moving as hell.
(Wonder Ballroom, Eliot, Friday-Saturday)
Little Things
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Puerto Rican–born composer and multi-instrumentalist Angélica Negrón will present an evening of electroacoustic works with her show "Little Things." This unique presentation will take place on a mini-basketball court featuring an array of glittering music from flutist Sarah Tiedemann, cellist Valdine Ritchie Mishkin, percussion from Chris Whyte, and Susan DeWitt on piano.
(Bodecker Foundation, Northwest Portland, Thursday-Friday)
EXHIBIT
Mandela: The Official Exhibition
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Created in collaboration with Nelson Mandela's family, friends, and colleagues, this global exhibition tells the story of the anti-apartheid revolutionary and political leader through personal memorabilia. With the freedom fighter's wisdom still remaining relevant in today's politically tense society, this look into the recent past can help us create a better future.
(OMSI, Central Eastside, Tuesday-Sunday; closing)