This summer was full of the biggest festivals and concerts in the world, but even though many annual events have passed, there are still plenty of musical talents on their way to Portland this fall. Every night Portland showcases different sounds, experiences, and emotions from artists you may or may not be familiar with. It’s impossible to highlight all the city has to offer in one article. So for whatever reason you want to go see a show: whether that be experiencing live music, discovering new music, or simply having a night out with friends; this article is a guide to the best upcoming concerts you can catch in Portland, and why you should consider going to them.
Jeremy Zucker: “Is Nothing Sacred?” The Tour
Jeremy Zucker is a 27-year-old musician who gained lots of traction early in his career for notable records like “comethru” and “all the kids are depressed,” both with over 400 million streams on Spotify. Zucker taps into a variety of sounds, webbing around indie pop, bedroom pop, electronica, and more. With the newest release of his 8th EP “is nothing sacred?” Zucker explores a more R&B/Pop style. With positive reception for his EP, Zucker awarded fans with a North American tour. The “is nothing sacred?” tour kicks off on Oct. 23 in Phoenix, Az and will touchdown at the Wonder Ballroom on Nov. 26 in NE Portland. Franklin alum Christian Waite will be on tour with Zucker as his official show photographer. Waite has shot at 14 solo concerts for artists like UMI, beabadoobee, Peach Pit, Dayglow, and recently finished shooting a tour with Grentperez. Waite believes that the deciding factors for what makes a great show is an artist’s stage presence and the chosen venue. “You could have a shitty show and have great stage presence and you will still be amazing,” he explains. “And I recommend anybody to go to the Wonder Ballroom. The security is really nice and easy, there’s a parking garage nearby and it also fits around 2,000 people.” That being said, a Jeremy Zucker concert checks off all of the right boxes for what you should expect from a great show. “It’s gonna be fire,” Waite says. “[Zucker] has great stage energy and I recommend anybody to go… So come to Jeremy Zucker, I’ll be there because I’m on tour with him.”
The DIY Shows: Weekly Community Pop Up Events
If you find yourself out and about on the weekends in downtown Portland, you’re likely to hear a ruckus coming from under the Hawthorne Bridge at night. What’s causing it? A community of fans and local bands who love rock music. The DIY Shows are pop-up concerts around downtown Portland mainly found under the Hawthorne Bridge. These shows offer a hectic and raging experience hosted by up to seven performers per night. The DIY Shows are very community-based events, with local bands coming up on the punk scene and fans there to support and have a great time. Ysabella Anay and Tully O’Connor, both seniors at Franklin, have been consistent show-goers for over two years now. If you ever plan on attending, they advise you to be aware of what type of environment you’re stepping into. “It’s going to be very, very loud. There’s gonna be a lot of people moshing. Everyone’s super friendly, but super intense,” O’Connor claims. Anaya adds, “Also, everyone’s super hot. But seriously, bring earplugs and lots of water. You might get punched by accident… It’s all friendly and protective but it’s still hardcore.” These shows usually go on from 7pm-11pm every Friday and Saturday night. These shows are usually planned through social media, and all information about these events can be found through @gloomhouse_pdx and @talkloudericanthearyou via Instagram.
Travis Scott: The Circus Maximus Tour
Travis Scott has had an incredible couple of months post-release of his fourth studio rap album, “UTOPIA.” “Utopia” has skyrocketed to the top of the music charts, debuting as the number one album on “Billboard’s Top 200 Chart”, earning nearly 500 thousand album sales. With every record on the 19 song tracklist reaching “Billboard’s Hot 100 Songs Chart,” the album was no disappointment for fans who feared how he could follow up from his era of “Astroworld,” his previous Grammy nominated album. After performing “Utopia” for the first time in Rome, fans could only sit back and wait for Scott to announce his tour. He did just that, and will be at the Moda Center for two shows on Nov. 12 and 13. Daivon Hendrix, a Franklin alum and current university student, has been a fan of Scott for seven years, and will be in attendance for one of the back-to-back shows. “The concert is more than the music… it’s an entire experience… I expect to go in and I expect to consume his music differently than I ever had before,” Hendrix describes. “Fans should expect to have one of the best nights of their life.” Although an unforgettable time is promised, ticket pricing has put a lot of fans at a halt before purchasing their tickets. Prices range from $30 in the nosebleeds to over $600 for general admission. As Hendrix views it, “The money will come back and the memories won’t.”
There’s always music in Portland, whether it’s on the corner of a street, a local band at a bar, or even a prized artist on tour; you will always find music somewhere in town. With so much variety, it’s possible some of your favorite genres were overlooked.
Here is a list of additional artists and shows coming through Portland:
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: 10/7 @ Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (Jazz)
Laufey: 10/11 @ Revolution Hall (Bedroom pop/ Jazz)
Joji: 10/14 @ Moda Center (R&B/ Soul)
Wu-Tang Clan: 10/17 @ Moda Center (Rap/ Hip-Hop)
Suicide Boys: 10/18 @ Moda Center (Punk Rap/ Trap Metal)
Grentperez: 10/20 @ Polaris Hall (Soul/ Funk/ Jazz)
Eric Nam: 11/4 @ Roseland Theater (Pop)
Jonas Brothers: 11/8 – 11/9 @ Moda Center (Pop)
The 1975: 12/1 @ Moda Center (Alternative/ Indie)
Olivia Rodrigo: 8/10/2024 @ Moda Center (Pop-Punk / Ballad)
