So many music venues, so little time.

But with so many clubs struggling to stay afloat right now, what can we – Portland’s live music enthusiasts – do to help?

We couldn’t call each and every music venue in the Portland metro area. But those we did reach have very doable requests – likely applicable to any of your favorite watering holes.

(Newsflash: Jim Brunberg – owner of Mississippi Studios, is founding the Independent Venue Coalition. They hope to lobby local and state officials for music industry-specific financial relief. Other venues may also join).

How to help

Meanwhile, many of Portland’s popular music destinations are asking for support via online purchasing of gift cards and merchandise. That’s a great place to start!

Portland’s Mississippi Studios, above, is built, owned, and operated by musicians.

Mississippi Studios – built by and for musicians – has an online store. It offers lovely hoodies and T-shirts, coffee mugs and gift cards.

Mississippi Studios makes great burgers! They absolutely adore those who frequent their restaurant for take-out these days.

Here’s a link to their BarBar Burgers Menu to keep handy.

The Holocene, located in SE Portland, has unforgettable dance parties and great food. They also boast a superb sound system.

The Holocene regularly hosts a variety of exciting talent. Right now, The Holocene features many Livestreams as part of their fundraising. Please check out their merch site here.

Portland’s Doug Fir Lounge is always a great spot for a night out. At the Doug Fir, you can count on good food plus live music by talented, up-and-coming new bands.

Their Jupiter Hotel offers online purchases of gift cards, T-Shirts, keychains, tote bags and ball caps.

Portland’s iconic Crystal Ballroom is another hoppin’ and happening place for music lovers. Their website offers drinking glasses, T-shirts, guitar picks and lovely venue posters for sale.

James Bay at Portland’s iconic Crystal Ballroom

Portland’s fabulous Wonder Ballroom is always a wonder. There, music fans enjoyed a fantastic show by Half Moon Run in January! The Wonder is very much in need of customer support now.

“We’re doing our best to stay positive and prepare for our musical future,” says Wonder Ballroom’s Kat Lovesky. “We have set up a GoFundMe for our staff. It’s also on Wonder Ballroom’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.”

Please consider making a donation!

Another opportunity to help? There’s a joint campaign by  Star Theater, Dantes and Jack London Revue to help their laid-off employees, here.

Lastly, please support local Portland musicians by buying their music – especially now, while so many are being affected by current events.

Canada’s acclaimed Half Moon Run playing The Wonder Ballroom in January

Concert dates are in flux

Remember, all is not lost. We will get through this. When the pandemic is over, we can all put on our dancing shoes again!

Meanwhile, many, many concerts have been pushed back to this summer and fall. Be flexible and stay tuned as shows and dates keep changing.

For now, here’s a sample of some great concert dates still happening:

Waxahatchee plays The Aladdin August 23rd. Howie Day plays Doug Fir Lounge September 26. And Milky Chance plays Crystal Ballroom September 30.

Support Portland Radio Project

Please remember we here at PRP play a local artist every 15 minutes. Show us some love!

Won’t you please help us stay on the air by making a small donation today? You can also become a monthly donor of any amount with just one click!

 

Cynthia Orlando
Latest posts by Cynthia Orlando (see all)