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It might seem strange to focus on music and arts at this particularly dystopian stage of American life. When the city is under threat of President Trump deploying National Guard troops to quell protesters who are “ruining” the city of Portland, which, according to the President’s TV news diet, [checks notes] is now like living in hell.
On the contrary, there’s at least a trio of exciting local updates on Portland’s music forecast that are more than worthy of your time; from celebrating alternative Black artists at Black and Loud Fest, a thrilling new pop single from Alana Rich, and an upcoming visit from queer singer-songwriter and Mean Girls (the musical) star Renee Rapp—you can consume and support them in good faith knowing that MAGA would label them all DEI hires and “paid agitators.”
MUST SEE:
Upcoming local event(s) featuring local artist(s).
Black and Loud Fest
Founded by Cameron Lavi-Jones and Anthony Briscoe, Black and Loud Fest started in a parking lot in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood in 2022, with the goal of spotlighting Black artists and Black-fronted bands creating music alternative to mainstream Black music. In addition to throwing “one of the most kick-ass music festivals in the Pacific Northwest,” the festival celebrates the history of Black alt-rock, aiming to give alternative Black artists their flowers. In April 2024, the festival expanded to serving Portland’s alternative Black music fans at Bossanova Ballroom. The festival returns to Portland this month for Black and Loud 2025, this time heading to Revolution Hall. While the Portland lineup isn’t nearly as robust as Seattle’s the day prior, New York alt-rock legends Living Colour will be headlining both installments. The Portland lineup also sees sets from reggae and blues percussionist-vocalist Cyril Neville (also featuring her son’s band, Omari Neville and the Fuel); frontman and Black and Loud founder Cameron Lavi-Jones’ alt-rock four piece King Youngblood; and Seattle-based soul-punk rockers Down North. (Revolution Hall, Sun Sept 14, more info here, 6 pm)
MUST LISTEN:
New release(s) from Portland-relevant artist(s).
“The Thrill” by Alana Rich
On August 28, Portland-based pop singer-songwriter Alana Rich released new single “The Thrill,” maintaining her reputation of releasing glossy, emotional retro-pop. Co-produced by Justin Sprout, with Samantha Dang and Ken Tran, this one has a cinematic feel, with shimmering synths, and intense nostalgia-laced longing. It’s the type of song that should be strategically placed during a sentimental episode of Love Is Blind or The Ultimatum. “This song feels like the feeling right before everything changes,” says Rich. “It’s nostalgic, a little dangerous, and a little euphoric—like the flicker of something just out of reach.” In the second verse, Rich sings: “Remember all the nights sipping cherry wine off Cornell / We’re two bodies moving in sync and so now / I still wonder if I’m wasting away / In the back of my mind / Tasting your fingertips in summer’s bloom / When I think about you.” The perfect late summer steamer.
ADDED TO THE QUEUE:
Some upcoming music buzz to add to your radar.
Reneé Rapp / Syd
Initially made famous for her enchanting, smoldering, borderline witchy portrayal of Regina George in the Broadway musical Mean Girls, reprising the role again in the 2024 film adaptation, singer-songwriter Reneé Rapp also has a budding solo career. From her 2022 debut EP Everything to Everyone, to 2023’s full-length studio album Snow Angel in 2023, along with her new album Bite Me, Rapp is on fire. For her upcoming stop in Portland, she’ll be joined by special guest Syd (The Internet) at Moda Center’s Theater of the Clouds. All in all, expect to hear granular powerhouse vocals as she reviews highlights from her catalog. Look for standouts like the saucy, ’90s reminiscent “Shy;” poignantly restrained, effervescent single “I Think I Like You Better When You’re Gone;” the moody “Why Is She Still Here?” about being an undercover lover; and the sensuous “Kiss It, Kiss It,” on which the rising queer icon delivers killer lyrics like, “You’re gonna kill me if you kiss it like that / Got me in tears, but not because I’m sad.” And of course, there’s a chance of being blessed with at least one or two renditions from Mean Girls, like “Someone Gets Hurt,” “World Burns,” and the delightfully petty Regina George anthem, “Not My Fault.” (Theater of the Clouds, Mon Oct 13, 8 pm, more info here, all ages)
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Jenni Moore
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