This week is filled with happy local music developments, like Wynne invited lots of local hip-hop talent to support her upcoming “Some Like It Hot” tour—from Mic Capes, to Bocha and Donte Thomas, to 3Way Heff—but we’ve got some even more exciting music news afoot. This week we’re over the moon about The Thesis on a boat, and two upcoming album release shows. Let’s get into it all, Hear In Portland!

MUST SEE: 

Upcoming local event(s) featuring local artist(s).        

The Thesis Yacht Party: Karma Rivera

YES, YOU HEARD ME. For the first time in nine years, the Thesis' September edition provides a truly epic last hurrah to summer, ON A BOAT. Board the swanky Portland Spirit cruise, munch on complimentary hors d'oeuvres, and vibe out, for a two and a half-hour ride, to rhymes by billed emcees like Lambo Larsen, Bird Bennett, and singer-songwriter Alana Rich. Karma Rivera is the cruise headliner, treating all aboard to her growing catalog of eclectic and danceable rap. It wouldn't be a yacht party without a VIP top deck, but the GA tickets are all you need to hear the evening's surprise special guests. After the river cruise docks at 10:30 pm, Thesis fans are encouraged to head over to the series’ usual stomping grounds, Kelly's Olympian, where the vibes continue at the after party. (Portland Spirit Office & Caruthers Landing, 1010 SW Naito, Thursday, Sept 7, 7:30, $50-500, tickets here, 21+)

 

MUST LISTEN: 

New release(s) from a Portland-relevant artist. 

Small Million 

Hot on the heels of poignant singles like “Overkill,” and “Old Habits” Portland-based four piece Small Million released a new album on September 1, via Tender Loving Empire. Now, as part of a string of West Coast tour dates promoting the brand new Passenger, Small Million is set to bring their emotive, epic, and intimate sound to the not-long-for-this-address Doug Fir Lounge. Excellent Portland band MAITA supports, along with singer-songwriter Sam Pinkerton, in the opening slot. This is one of your last chances to catch a great local show in the iconic, log cabin-inspired space. (Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E. Burnside, Sat Sept 9, 8:30 pm, $15, tickets here, 21+)

ADDED TO THE QUEUE: 

Some upcoming music buzz to put on your radar.

Red Yard Album Release Show

During his 2023 Pickathon set, family music maker Andy Furgeson AKA Red Yarn put on quite a show for the kiddos with his original country-folk tunes—performed alongside his wife and singing partner Ms. Jessie, their two musical children, and a team of woodland critter puppets. Later this month, in celebration of Red Yarn’s tenth studio album The Get Together, Red Yarn is throwing... a get-together (!) album release show and family dance party at Crystal Ballroom. Red Yarn will perform backed by a full band, DJ Action Slacks spins danceable cuts on the ones and twos, and Lauren Kawa Funk of PIVOT PDX teaches retro dance moves to attendees. And what do this event and the aforementioned yacht party have in common? A promise of surprise guests. The Get Together drops on September 22. (Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside, Sun Sept 24, 4 pm, $12 child-$15 adult, tickets here, all ages)