Arts & Culture

Music

Nu Shooz Returns with New Tunes

Three decades after "I Can't Wait," the '80s pop icons are back with a brand-new album and a show this weekend.

05/18/2016 By Fiona McCann

BOOKS

Portland Writers Pay Tribute to Geek Love’s Katherine Dunn

In the wake of the death of author and beloved Portlander Dunn, we asked four local writers for their thoughts on her impact and influence.

05/18/2016 By Fiona McCann

TELEVISION

The Bachelor Winner Lauren B. on How the Show Empowers Both Men and Women

We asked the Portland native the important questions. And also how she looked so sparkly.

05/17/2016 By Katherine Berman

FREE STUFF

20 Totally FREE Ways to Make This Your Best Portland Summer Ever

Leaving town this summer? Well, OK. But you're gonna miss all this free stuff—from a Nu Shooz show to JAW's three new plays to an actual screening of Jaws (plus so much more).

05/17/2016 By Ramona DeNies, Rebecca Jacobson, and Tuck Woodstock

B-SIDES

Will Portland Finally Get an All-Ages Music Space?

The city’s underage music fans have few places to go. A new nonprofit aims to change that.

05/16/2016 By Casey Jarman

MUSIC

Can Friends of Noise Pull Off an All-Ages Music Space in Portland?

Columnist Casey Jarman speaks with board members of the new nonprofit and finds plenty reason for hope.

05/16/2016 By Casey Jarman

POP CULTURE

Two Portland Artists Weigh In on Beyoncé’s Lemonade

Filmmaker Melissa Lowery and photographer Intisar Abioto take a look at the art and politics of the pop queen's latest work.

05/12/2016 By Fiona McCann

Music

Andrew Bird Is Portland-Bound—and He's Bringing His Bicycle

We caught up with the Midwestern musician and songwriter to talk babies, bikes, and being direct.

05/12/2016 By Amy Martin

POMO PICKS

Top Things to Do This Weekend: May 12–15

From a St. Johns street fest with a stellar music lineup to an encore Hump screening to a rangy dance show, here's what you should be doing this weekend.

05/12/2016 By Ramona DeNies, Rebecca Jacobson, and Sylvia Randall-Muñoz

THEATER

In a New Play, a Noirish Detective Battles Anxiety—and Shady Portland Real Estate Deals

Action/Adventure's Hawthorne follows a sleuth as she traces a missing-person case through present-day Portland.

05/12/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson

FILM FESTIVAL

Five Shorts You Must See at the Northwest Animation Festival

The annual fest returns with a smorgasbord of international shorts and themed screenings. We’ve picked our five favorites from more than 150 animated goodies.

05/11/2016 By Portland Monthly Arts Team

PLAYLIST

May: A Month of Portland Concerts in 20 Songs

Paul Simon, Leon Bridges, Richmond Fontaine, and Deep Sea Diver—it's all coming together in Portland this month, our first in a sadly post-Prince world. We salute the Purple one and more in this 20-song playlist culled from live shows lined up for May.

05/09/2016 By Michelle Porter

MUSIC

If You Don’t Love Aretha Franklin’s 'Ain’t No Way,' You’re Probably a Robot

We talked to beloved Portland record producer Tucker Martine, ahead of Songs We Love Live—Tiny Desk Concerts' touring show—coming to the Doug Fir on May 9.

05/05/2016 By Lisa Dunn

THEATER

Why Are Portland Millennials So Theater-Averse?

Portland theater has an age problem. But some of the city's most established companies are looking for ways to bring in younger audiences.

05/05/2016 By Jack Rushall

POMO PICKS

Top Things to Do This Weekend: May 5–8

Bike-themed movies hit the Hollywood, the Oregon Symphony takes on the Back to the Future score, and a slew of art galleries open fresh shows. We're happy to see you, May.

05/05/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson, Ramona DeNies, Sylvia Randall-Muñoz, and Jack Rushall

BOOKS

Once Upon a Time: Katie Chase's Short Stories Have No Happily Ever After

Portlander Chase's debut collection of dark and twisty tales has already earned her the attention of Publisher's Weekly, which dubbed her work "consistently provocative." She reads May 12 at Powell's on Hawthorne.

05/04/2016 By Fiona McCann

MUSIC

Five Places Beach House Brought Us Last Night

The Baltimore–based band went for a journey via their Crystal Ballroom show on Thursday, and invited Portlanders along for the ride.

04/29/2016 By Emma Mannheimer

URBAN FUTURES

Can Art Save a Neighborhood? The Creator of Houston's Project Row Houses Speaks

Rick Lowe, an artist/activist, transformed 22 shotgun shacks into a haven of community-minded creativity. Can Portland learn from his work?

04/29/2016 By Randy Gragg

POMO PICKS

Top Things to Do This Weekend: Apr 28–May 1

From Bombino's entrancing guitar licks to International Tabletop Day to some next-level, one-on-one theater, send out April with a bang.

04/28/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson, Ramona DeNies, Sylvia Randall-Muñoz, and Jack Rushall

PERFORMANCE

The Surprising Gender Bending of Drag Queen Cherdonna Shinatra

Seattle's Jody Kuehner is a female-bodied, female-identified dance artist. But when she performs as high-camp clown Cherdonna, people sometimes get confused.

04/27/2016 By Rebecca Jacobson