All Ages until 8pm, 21+ after 8pm
Join XRAY DJs, staff and friends for a Holiday Happy Hour at Dream House on Beech Street!
Featuring a live DJ set from the Wayward Girls Soul Club (The 'IN' Crowd, Saturdays 2-3pm) from 6-9pm followed by Dream House's regularly scheduled programming with DJ Kyle Reese (VCR TV, Fridays 12-1am) from 9pm-1am.
Join us for an afternoon of music and collaboration on December 10th featuring amazing performances from youth artists showing off their musical craft from seven nonprofit organizations!
MVM has opened up the doors to their annual holiday event at their new music center at SE 89th/Stark to highlight the work of youth served by several organizations and Give!Guide partners amplifying young voices across our community.
Get to know the organizations at their tables throughout the space while enjoying dynamic performances from young artists pouring their passion into music. Your presence at this event supports the collective effort to empower and uplift young voices throughout our community.
Synth Library Portland will be tabling for hands-on synth fun before, during, and after the showcase performances for all ages and skill levels to play with modular synthesizers and other electronic music equipment.
Event Info on MVM website
https://myvoicemusic.org/events/2023youthmusicshowcase
Facebook Event
https://www.facebook.com/events/1418921845355128
All Ages // FREE
Complimentary wine and light fare will be served for the event. Please note: Studios are not ADA accessible and require going down a flight of stairs.
Come check out the wonderful community of artists we're apart of and see the XRAY studios firsthand! If you didn't know, we're housed in a community of creative studios that doubles as an art gallery of their creations, with magnificent creations from floor to ceiling through the entire area.
Our studios will be open for this annual tradition alongside the dozens of artists we call neighbors including sculptors, painters, multimedia artists, singers and musicians, screenprinters, and many more we share the space with.
All Ages // $20 Advance, $25 Day-Of // TICKETS
Doors 6:30pm, Show 7:30pm
The Old Church invites you to be part of a series that celebrates intentional healing through sound, and creative visuals, and presence of mind. Each concert in the series is carefully booked to coincide with either the Full or New Moon.
This sound bath celebrates the Full Frost Moon on November 26th, 2023.
Ora Cogan is a recording artist based on Vancouver Island. She is known for her singular voice and cinematic compositions. Cogan has released seven albums to date while collaborating with a multitude of artists and touring extensively. She has performed at numerous festivals throughout Europe & North America while sharing the stage with the likes of Grouper & Mazzy Star. Her latest EP, Dyed, was released October 21, 2022 and her new full length record will be out in 2023.
“Ora Cogan draws from a wide web of influence, but – truly – she sounds like no other.” CLASH Magazine
“Spent many nights listening to this captivating music.” - Hope Sandoval, Mazzy Star
Cogan can be strikingly sparse and overwhelmingly composed in the same sublime breath. She summons orchestral waves of violins and rolling psychedelic guitars, propelled forward by a voice that sweeps audiences away under a tsunami of blissful sonic complexity. - Sled Island Festival
Multi-instrumentalist Ora Cogan makes gorgeous experimental folk compositions laced with hints of psychedelia, chamber pop, and rock. - She Shreds
While her lyrics focus on corporate greed and environmental degradation, her transcendent arrangements provide relief and hope. - Bandcamp
Ora’s music is effortlessly extravagant. This is not music made for passive listening, rather, it is something that needs to be experienced. Discorder Magazine
“Cogan’s drawl evokes the tone of Karen Dalton and the technique of John Martyn.” - The Wire
Tispur is a chamber-folk project fronted by Samwise Carlson from Boise, ID, now located in Portland, OR. Known for their intricate guitar-work, dream-like vocals, and ornate lyricism that excite evocative imagery of imaginary worlds; Samwise creates gently hypnotic, moving performances akin to the spirits of Nick Drake, Vashti Bunyan, and Joanna Newsom.
Alexis Mahler explores her softness through the dark and earthy colors of the cello, a somber strum comforted by delicate lyrics and playful melodies. Her debut EP, Low Moon, innocently reaches for the most tender and heartful listener, while following intricate, moving layers of cello, violin, and distant vocal harmonies that seem to fall exactly where they should.
Bundy’s unique career has brought him across the world, with concerts in 28 countries and counting-from high-tech performance halls in South Korea and Italy, to remote villages in Zimbabwe and Guatemala. He has independently sold over 150,000 albums on his record label, Honest Ninja Music. His video clips circulate virally at astonishing speed, with over 45million YouTube views to date.
Jimmy Leslie at Guitar Player Magazine blogs “It was easy to see why Bundy plays bigger venues on each tour. In his hands, the acoustic guitar is an imagination station, and there was no telling where he is going take the audience at any given turn. Thrilling stuff.”Audiocast Magazine from Austin, TX agrees: "Bundy's live show is without a doubt an event that needs to be witnessed rather than told about. With such a jaw-dropping performance, Bundy's live concert is a slap in the face that would leave a palm print on the memory of everyone in the audience.
All Ages // $20 Advance, $25 Day-Of // TICKETS
Doors 7pm, Show 7pm
Legendary Irish folk singer Karan Casey has released 11albums to date. She has toured extensively throughout North America, Europe and Japan, singing songs charged with a sense of social responsibility in a career spanning over 25 years. Karan is joined by Niamh Dunne on fiddle and vocals, and guitarist and accordionist Sean Óg Graham (both of the
Irish folk band Beoga). The evocative trio have toured together for several years and this show premieres new material developed and recorded since the start of the pandemic as well as favourites from Karan’s back repertoire. The songs draw inspiration from a wide range of sources from the personal to the historical and political, touching on themes of family, loss, love, the empowerment of women and Irish revolutionary struggle.
Lindsay Clark finds balance between traditional and english folk, country, and her own version of experimental folk that seems to come from within. Exquisite and pitch perfect, her music speaks of quiet revelation, with a background of (usually her own) multi-tracked vocal arrangements. With influences ranging from the Beach Boys, Elizabeth Cotton, Joni Mitchell, Appalachian folk, her classical upbringing, and her father's record collection, she blends many worlds into a uniquely warm sound. She has carved out a vibrant place as an artist with a penchant for poetry, rich harmony, and a style of self-taught fingerpicking influenced by Nick Drake, John Fahey, and others.
All Ages // $25 Advance, $30 Day-Of // TICKETS
Doors 6:30pm, Show 7:30pm
Named one of Variety's Top Ten Comics to Watch, comedian Jenny Yang tours her unique blend of personal storytelling and social commentary through her standup comedy and hit stage show SELF HELP ME, a competitive self-care comedy show. She has been featured at Just For Laughs Montreal, headlined at San Francisco Sketchfest, and has shared the stage with such legendary comedians as Maria Bamford, Margaret Cho, Sarah Silverman and Chelsea Handler. Jenny voices Clarissa on Fox's The Great Northand will star opposite Michelle Yeoh in the Netflix action-drama television series, The Brothers Sun. Her perspective as a food-obsessed, former labor organizer, and Asian American community activist working in comedy and entertainment is a sought-after voice in media projects covering the most pressing political and cultural issues of the day.
Jenny is a proud union member of the Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA). As a television writer, Jenny has penned scripts for HBO Max’s “Gordita Chronicles,”Netflix’s Peabody-award winning animated show, City of Ghosts, two seasons of Fox’s “Last Man Standing''and E!’s late-night talk show “Busy Tonight” with Busy Philipps.
Taiwan-born and Southern California-raised, Jenny was honored by President Obama as a “White House Champion of Change” for her leadership in “Asian American and Pacific Islander Art and Storytelling." Yes, she shook hands with him, and yes, his hand felt firm and supple.
Subscribe to her Substack newsletter “everything’s fine with Jenny Yang” for stories and essays to find joy in an unjust world. Find her online at jennyyang.tvand on all social media at @jennyyangtv.
With a quarter million miles under her belt and counting, North Carolina native Emily Scott Robinson travels the dusty highways of America's wild country, capturing the stories of the people she meets and expertly crafting them into songs. Robinson received critical acclaim for her debut album Traveling Mercies-- Rolling Stone named it one of the “40 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2019.”
In 2021, Robinson signed with Oh Boy records, the label founded by the legendary John Prine, and released her follow-up album American Siren. It made numerous “Best of 2021” lists including NPR, Rolling Stone, American Songwriter, and No Depression. In 2022, Robinson released a collaboration for theater called Built on Bones, a song cycle written for the Witches of Shakespeare's Macbeth, featuring artists Alisa Amador and Violet Bell.
“Colorado singer-songwriter Emily Scott Robinson mixes folk and country with gorgeous, clear-eyed examinations of faith, hope and regret.” --NPR.
“Country-folk songs about America in all its pain and glory with the literate, Southern gothic sensibility of Flannery O’Connor.” -- Rolling Stone.
With masterful strokes, she takes her Fender Rhodes, guides it through an echo pedal, giving birth to extra layers of atmosphere & rhythm . Lush layers of French horn infuse her music with an otherworldly aura, while throwback drum grooves ground each beat with that good nostalgia - to top it all off Megan sprinkles in spacey-racey pedal steel guitar for an extra touch of cosmic beauty.
But she doesn't stop there. Megan is currently engrossed in releasing her highly anticipated second album - "Cabin Fever" at the beautiful Old Church in her hometown of Portland, Oregon. Delving deeper into uncharted realms of musical invention, pushing boundaries and dancing under any disco ball she can find (or bring to the venue). Let’s Boogie!
"When music journalists say things like 'this artist is a fixture in Seattle music,' there's probably no one right now who fits that title better than Nakayama." - KEXP
Born in Japan and raised in Seattle, Washington, Tomo Nakayama is an artist whose melodic, complex and emotionally compelling music has been praised by NPR, New York Times, and The Stranger. After two critically acclaimed indie-folk albums "Fog on the Lens" and "Pieces of Sky" (named "Best Folk Act" by Seattle Weekly), he surprised his fans by releasing the synthpop album "Melonday" (on Seattle label Porchlight Records). Co-produced by Yuuki Matthews (The Shins, Teardrops, Sufjan Stevens) and mastered by Dave Cooley (M83, Paramore, Tame Impala), "Melonday" was named one of the Top Albums of 2020 by Seattle Times, KEXP, and Seattle Met Magazine, and debuted at #1 on KEXP's NW Charts. He has toured across the US and Japan, sharing the stage with Built to Spill, Thao, Daði Freyr, Fleet Foxes, Michael Hurley, Sons of Kemet, Ben Gibbard, Damien Jurado, Wye Oak, and Cornelius. He has collaborated with Dave Matthews, Sera Cahoone, Jherek Bischoff, and Jeremy Enigk (Sunny Day Real Estate). He also composed music and appeared as an actor in the Lynn Shelton film "Touchy Feely" with Elliot Page and Rosemarie DeWitt.
Mauro -
Mauro Samaniego is one of the most influential artists in the Ecuadorian scene of the last decade. He is mainly recognized for being the leader of Da Pawn and Tripulación de Osos, two precursor bands of the Ecuadorian indie rock scene.
Samaniego is an exceptionally skilled guitarist who became a singer over the years. This fact outlines his work with wide dynamics and unexpected musical structures. Between folk, rock, electronic sounds and even orchestral movements, he manages to completely separate himself from the classic mold of the “Latin American singer-songwriter."
All Ages // Free to Attend
- 4-6 pm, DJ Theo Craig with Take It To the Bridge!
- 6-8 pm, DJ Nate C (Heavy Metal Sewing Circle) & DJ Primitiva! (Last Schmaltz on the Left)
Join the XRAY crew as the community comes together to work towards our final goal for the Fall Drive!
James Mercer of The Shins sits down with XRAY Board President Lee Shaker on the 20th anniversary of the Chutes Too Narrow album. They discuss the album’s rerelease on Sub Pop just last week, the recording process back in 2003, and a take a moment to play a few of James’s favorite songs 🎶
A Portland music legend in his own right - Dave Depper guest DJs on XRAY Thursday 10/26 from 4-6 PM⚡️
These days, he’s perhaps best known for being the guitarist, keyboardist, and backing vocalist for iconic indie rockers Death Cab for Cutie. In addition to his work with Death Cab, Dave has collaborated live or in the studio with such luminaries as Robyn Hitchcock, Sharon Van Etten, Ray LaMontagne, Fruit Bats, Mirah, Laura Gibson, and countless others.
With Marisa Anderson, Dragging An Ox Through Water & Strange Babes DJs
All Proceeds go to Mississippi Records Fire Recovery
21+ // Doors 6:30pm, Show 7pm
$15 // TICKETS
Last weekend someone threw a flaming projectile into Portland's beloved Mississippi Records. A magical little shop in North Portland, the store is packed to the rafters with an astonishing collection of music and historical artifacts. It is also a gathering space and performance venue for underground musicians and thinkers, an absolutely essential part of our local music culture. Owner Eric Isaacson's unyielding community spirit and kindness give hope in a cruel world. And although thankfully nobody was hurt, the fire damaged stock and broke windows, leaving Eric with bills. We are coming together October 25 at Polaris Hall to help raise money for something truly worth believing in. Quasi, Marisa Anderson, Dragging an Ox Through Water, and Strange Babes are donating their time, and all proceeds from the show (after venue expenses) go to Mississippi Records.
James Mercer of The Shins sits down with XRAY Board President Lee Shaker on the 20th anniversary of the Chutes Too Narrow album. They discuss the album’s rerelease on Sub Pop just last week, the recording process back in 2003, and a take a moment to play a few of James’s favorite songs 🎶
FREE! // All Ages
Featuring a Round Robin of XRAY DJs with their spooooookiest records taking turns on the decks!
All Ages | $20 Advance, $25 Day-Of | TICKETS
Big Top, the new-old Lucky Hound Music release from veteran singer-songwriter Michael Fracasso, is the opposite of what’s commonly referred to as a “grower.” Expertly produced by his fellow Austinite Charlie Sexton, who is probably picking guitar alongside Bob Dylan as you read this, Fracasso’s sweetly affecting voice and masterful songcraft have never sounded so vibrant. To say it another way, Big Top features 10 hook-filled gems that simply demand repeat listens.
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– NO DEPRESSION
“BettySoo may well have the most gorgeous voice in Texas …if not in all contemporary folk – its purity and strength can be downright devastating.” – ACOUSTIC GUITAR
“Beautiful, heart-wrenching songwriting that is also edgy and unwavering.” – KUT, Austin
“Exceptionally well written and arranged songs with a confidence that speaks volumes.” – AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Featuring Mic Crenshaw, Shabaaz & Homie Tom - Moderated by Julianne R. Johnson
Admission is free | Donations are appreciated | RSVP
All Ages | Doors 6pm, Show 7pm
Save the date for XRAY's Fall Fund Drive!
Fund Drives are very special times at XRAY, because, above all, we believe they should be fun! Rather than spending all that airtime only talking about giving money, we enhance our programming--by covering topics we don't normally, bringing on special guests, putting on live broadcasts, and much more. They're also a great time to get a peek under the hood, hearing from folks that may otherwise not spend much time on air and getting a firsthand look at what's coming next for the station.
Plus, while listeners can become members at any time of year, we bring out the perks during drives. That means limited edition merchandise designed by different local artists, major giveaways every day of the week, new thank you gifts for those becoming members, and the elusive matching gifts that let you double your impact (which our Board of Directors and Staff work extra hard to make happen in the weeks and months leading up to a drive).
Join us in having a blast this drive! Or don't, we're not the boss of you, but we'll keep at it anyway.
21+ | Reserved Seating $34.75 - $39.75, PDX Jazz Members receive $5 off | TICKETS
Doors 7pm, Show 8pm
The Bad Plus are the ultimate originals. A democratic unit with a clear vision and a refusal to conform to convention. For the past two decades they have played with spirit and adventure, made their own rules and done so with a bold sense of creativity and intent. Avoiding easy categorization, The Bad Plus has won critical acclaim and a legion of fans worldwide with their unique sound and flair for live performance.
Now in their 21st year, The Bad Plus continues to push boundaries as founding members Reid Anderson (bass) and Dave King (drums) embark on a new piano-less incarnation of the band with Ben Monder (guitar) and Chris Speed (tenor saxophone) – instigating a new wave of excitement and anticipation within the band that is re-energizing their sound and inspiration. The Bad Plus have constantly searched to bridge genres and techniques while exploring the infinite possibilities of exceptional musicians working in perfect sync.
The Bad Plus is set to release their 15th studio recording and debut self-titled album as a dynamic new quartet via Edition Records on Friday, September 30th. “Evolution is necessary for life and creativity,” say Dave King and Reid Anderson. “We’ve evolved, but we’re still The Bad Plus.”
On the band’s 5th studio release, Connection, Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog have pushed their long-brewing tension between traditional pop songcraft and avantgarde improvisational music to the breaking point, bridging their customary genre-agnostic approach with elements of glam boogie, minimalist disco, psychedelic boogaloo, garage-punk-against-the-machine agitprop, and so much more. Recorded at Figure 8 Recording in Brooklyn, NY and mixed by Ben Greenberg (Danny Elfman, Depeche Mode, Lamb of God) the album sees Ribot – whose prodigious, impossible-to-categorize body of work as bandleader and musician spans no wave and jazz, Brazilian and Cuban music, roots and avant-garde and protest songs (often at the same time) alongside legendary collaborations with Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, The Lounge Lizards, John Zorn, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Caetano Veloso, and Laurie Anderson (to name but a few) – continuing to utilize Ceramic Dog as the vessel for his distinctive stream-of-consciousness songwriting, penning three out of the album’s four vocal tracks including the groove-infected “Ecstasy” (showcasing Anthony Coleman’s slinky Farfisa and longtime friend and associate Syd Straw behind the mic). From the anthemic manifesto “Soldiers in the Army of Love” to the unhinged ranting of “Heart Attack” and indescribable “No Name,” Ceramic Dog unleash a fury of complex time signatures, blues abstraction, and free-blowing energy to create their most unapologetically audacious collection thus far, their one-of-a-kind daring evidenced by the unlikely cover of Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz’s “That’s Entertainment,” written especially for the 1953 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical film The Band Wagon but here, in Ribot and Co’s hands, deconstructs Hollywood cliches while simultaneously winking at both the post-punk and post-Cultural Revolution iterations of the Gang of Four. Fueled by what Ribot calls “several bolts of creative lightning,” Connections stands as a vibrant, odd, and in many ways definitive milestone in what is truly a singular creative journey for Marc Ribot and Ceramic Dog, its zeitgeist-busting sound and vision not only affirming their place in the musical universe but raising the stakes for whatever comes next.