PoMo Picks: November 2014
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Horse Feathers
After a decade of making intimate, lush folk music under the moniker Horse Feathers, Portland musician Justin Ringle (in the horns) almost gave up his guitar in disillusionment following the 2012 album Cynic’s New Year. (Did the title reflect his mood?) Instead, he returns with a desire to make happier music on So It Is With Us. It’s not a dance album, but there’s certainly a new zest to the band’s sound.
Comedy
John Oliver
Image: Courtesy Gersh Agency
In April, for his opening episode of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, this former Daily Show correspondent invited singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb to skewer Laura Gibson’s winsome jingle for the ultimately disastrous Cover Oregon health exchange:
Like artists in Portland, your site doesn’t work
That 404 error is not just a quirk
You blew all our money on these stupid sets
So when you break your leg, try the neighborhood vet
You stupid Oregon idiots
You human Pinterest boards
Your passion for cuteness might kill your whole state
So long, Oregon
Bitterly funny medicine, John. We still plan to pelt you with organic heirloom tomatoes.
Enter to win tickets to on of Oliver's back-to-back performances.
JAZZ
MIGUEL ZENÓN QUARTET
With a slew of awards, including a MacArthur “genius grant,” this alto saxophonist is widely considered one of the most innovative musicians working today. His polyrhythmic blend of contemporary jazz and traditional musical styles from his native Puerto Rico reaches almost symphonic heights in his newest album, Identities Are Changeable. He’ll talk about his Latin music heritage before the concert with the opening act, local Cuban favorite Jesse Marquez.
Image: Shutterstock
CLASSICAL
MOZART’S REQUIEM
This masterpiece’s origin story—unfinished at Mozart’s death, secretly completed by other composers at his widow’s request—has taken on a mystery and mythology almost as towering as the music itself (see: the film Amadeus). Portland Symphonic Choir will perform it alongside Tarik O’Reagan’s Triptych, which has been hailed as a modern choral classic.
