Concert-going in Portland knows no genre as it welcomes them all. The following is a quick look at what the city has in store this summer.
From Imagine Dragons to Ziggy Marley, the city offers up a plethora of fine music. To get an example of how to enjoy concerts in Portland, just check out the Oregon Zoo. That’s right, the zoo. In fact, the Oregon Zoo became the first in America to host a summer concert series, notes their website. Now, in its 36th year, the zoo offers up some favorites. It all kicks off June 21 with Chicago – The Band. Some others include Emmylou Harris (July 31), Ziggy Marley (Aug. 8) and Peter Frampton and Cheap Trick on Aug. 27.
So, Frampton comes alive once again at the zoo, along with a group that has been longing to be included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cheap Trick. Go hear them live and see why they think that. Cheap Trick’s “Live at Budokan” is an early example of their live show. Frampton and Cheap Trick come alive and help concert-goers take a trip back in time to the 1970s. For a complete list, head to Portland concerts. The Oregon Zoo is located at 4001 SW Canyon Road.
The unique sound and vision of The Imagine Dragons comes to the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter on June 3 for the Smoke and Mirrors tour. Ed Sheeran plays on June 20 while Rush returns to live performing for a July 2 show and Kelly Clarkson takes the stage Aug 10. The home of the Portland Trail Blazers is also the home for some well-known artists to perform. The venue is located One Center Court. For a complete listing of their upcoming shows, head here.
Fresh off his recent judging gig on “American Idol,” Harry Connick Jr. hits the road and will appear at the Arlene Schnitzer Center Hall on July 17. Connick Jr. will be a judge on the final year of “American Idol” in 2016, it has been announced. Also playing this venue is John Mellencamp, who takes the stage on July 21. From “Small Town” to “Pink Houses, ” Mellencamp is sure to please with his Midwestern roots and solid songwriting skills. The venue is located at 1037 SW Broadway Drive.
“Chuck E’s in Love” and more will be heard when Rickie Lee Jones takes the stage at the Aladdin Theater July 22, but earlier, on July 18, Graham Nash performs. On Aug. 21, A Watkins Family Record Release will take place and will feature many stars. Some of them are Fiona Apple, Nickel Creek and more. This venue does sell out many shows, so check ahead. For a complete list, head here. It is located at 3017 SE Milwaukee Road.
For a songwriter with a long history of penning quality songs, then Jackson Browne may be the ticket. “The Pretender” comes to the Roseland Theater for two shows, Aug.4-5. Before that, Gordon Lightfoot will bring “Sundown” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” to the theater on June 14. Third Eye Bind will play July 23. The theater is located at 10 NW 6th Avenue.
Best Bet
For a sure-fire winner on the Portland concert scene takes place at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park on Aug. 21-23. It features three days of music in the park, with fresh faces and favorites. It is located at SW Naito Parkway.
Aug. 21: Foster The People, MisterWives, Milo Greene, Lost Lander
Aug. 22: Beirut, Belle and Sebastian, Twin Shadow, Battles, TITLE FIGHT, Cayucas, Talk In Tongues, SALES, Alialujah Choir
Aug. 23: Modest Mouse, The Tallest Man On Earth, DANNY BROWN, The Helio Sequence, Lady Lamb, Strand Of Oaks, Pure Bathing Culture, Divers, Beat Connection
Seeking out music at festivals is also a must thing to do. Here is one major example in Portland. The Waterfront Blues Festival also takes place at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland. It is held from July 2-5, and it features fireworks on July 4. Some of the acts include Buddy Guy, Gregg Allman, and Gallactic and Macy Gray.
Two others
Hawthorne Theater, 1507 SE 39th Street. 503-233-7100
Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell Street. 503-284-8686
