Stage Selects
Stage has curated a hit list of our ‘can’t miss’ shows for the month of September!
Live music is back baby and Portland is paving the way for killer shows, high energy, and performances you won’t want to miss. We get it, life can get busy and it can be hard to keep up, so to make it easier for you, we here at Stage Cannabis have curated a list of top shows coming to Portland this month so you can stay in the loop and jam out to the best shows coming to town.
The summer may be coming to an end soon but live music here in Portland will keep going. Here’s what’s happening in September:
THE WAR ON DRUGS
Whether you’ve never been to Portland’s State Theatre or you’re a frequent flyer, it’s a venue you have to keep on your radar. Coming up on September 12, The War on Drugs will be hitting the State’s stage for a killer show of neo-psychedelia and indie rock.
This band is a blast to watch on stage as it’s comprised of many parts. There’s so much to keep up with, listen to, and awe at with vocals, bass guitar, three keyboards, drums, two guitarists, and a saxophone.
Inspired by Bruce Springsteen, Talk Talk, and Wilco, the indie/Americana band is pleasant to listen to while giving you the reverberations that make you move. Their newest songs are about reconnection, change, and uncertainty, which is something we can all vibe and relate to right now. Check it out for yourself on Sept. 12 at the State!
Gary Clark Jr.
Speaking of State Theater… it is going to be one hell of a week for the venue because right after The War on Drugs, the infamous and iconic Gary Clark Jr. will be rocking out on the State Stage.
I don’t even know where to begin on this one; this is going to be an EPIC show and if you’re going to pick one show to go to this month, I would hit this. Clark’s fusion of blues, rock, and soul music with elements of hip-hop creates a distinct and addicting sound you can’t get enough of whether it’s live on stage or through your headphones.
There’s a reason this man is regarded as being one of our last living rock idols, comparable to Jimi Hendrix, Jack White, and Prince. He is blessing us with his presence at the State Theatre on September 15 and if you’re free, you need to be there.
Won Pound
Now we’re going to talk local for a bit because we here at Stage love to support our local artisans and musicians. Won Pound is a Portland musician inspired by the sounds of electronic music, hip hop, jazz fusion, pop, and idm to create a unique sound that differs from other concepts you’ll hear around town.
The local act produces, records, and mixes his own music right in his bedroom, studio, laboratory, and greenhouse, generating an organic, raw, and idiosyncratic sound that is easy, interesting, and fun to listen to. Some songs of his like ‘stress walkin’ I would even relate to Flamingosis.
You can hear it for yourself for free at Portland Zoo on September 19.
Rigometrics
While we’re on the topic of local musicians, let’s talk about Rigometrics. Portland’s very own original Rock n’ Roll band has been tearing up the city selling out local shows and even hitting the road for tours along the East Coast. These boys are always on the move, so you want to catch them live locally when you can.
Even if you don’t like dancing, this band makes it impossible to stand still. Inspired by legends like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zepplin, their fusion of rock, blues, and dance creates an energetic and impressive sound that is exceptionally unique.
Their debut album ‘Rig N’ Roll’ releases on September 9 and will be celebrated on September 23 at Portland House of Music and Events for an epic and lively album release party. You can read more about them on our blog for featured artists!
Billy Ocean
I smile just typing his name – that’s the effect his music has on you. If you want to swing your hips, smile until your cheeks hurt, and truly feel the music flowing through you, you need to see Billy Ocean live at Aura on September 30.
Rhythm, blues, pop, soul, and reggae are just a few of the genres Ocean can be defined as. Even if you don’t recognize the name, you’ll recognize the sound. I’m sure you’ve heard his legendary and classic hits like “Love Really Hurts Without You” and “Caribbean Queen”.
Beautiful and nostalgic music is the most simple way I can describe it. Whether it’s a sunny day and you’re driving with the windows down with blue skies or it’s a crappy cold rainy day, Billy Ocean just hits. He’s timeless!
