The onset of fall means things are picking up here in Portland. Oftentimes, there are so many awesome events happening, that keeping track of it all can feel impossible, never mind deciding which ones to attend! Here at Renegade, we want to highlight some of our favorite incoming shows and inspire you to go support them. Every month, we’ll share our top pick of concerts in and around Portland that we think you should consider.
This month, Gorillaz headlines the Moda Center. The Shins, Interpol, and Spoon are all playing Pioneer Square Courthouse. Plus, Odesza is bringing their “Last Goodbye” tour up to Ridgefield.
11 Awesome Concerts in Portland this September
The Pretty Reckless
Hailing from New York City, The Pretty Reckless is fronted by Taylor Momsen and Ben Phillips. After their critically acclaimed debut album Light Me Up in 2010, the group continued to dominate modern rock charts. After losing their producer and friend Kato Khandwala in 2018, the group is finally back to performing. They’re currently supporting their forthcoming album Other Worlds.
Mon. Sept 5 | Roseland Theater | Tickets starting at $32.50
Girlpool
Girlpool is the loving brainchild of Avery Tucker and Harmony Tividad. The two have been making DIY indie pop since high school and gaining fans across the world because of it. Their 2017 album Powerplant was named “Best New Album” by Pitchfork, cited for their vulnerable glory and growing sound.
Thur. Sept 8 | Wonder Ballroom | Tickets starting at $17
Coast Contra
Rap collective Coast Contra just released their debut album Apt. 505 earlier this year, but they’re already generating a huge buzz. We’re willing to bet their upcoming show at Holocene will be a breakout performance, one that you should definitely catch before this foursome blows up into stardom.
Sun. Sept 11 | Holocene | Tickets starting at $20
Gorillaz
Far from a measley “concert,” a show from the Gorillaz is a futuristic party experience. Hailed by Rolling Stone as “an overwhelming pop spectacle,” this will be the virtual act’s first time on the road in nearly 5 years. Spearheaded by Damon Albarn, brought to life by the 14-piece Gorillaz live band, and aided by a varying cast of guest performers, this is a show that truly cannot be missed.
Wed. Sept 14 | Moda Center | Tickets starting at $65
Cigarettes After Sex
If you’re not really in the mood for a pop spectacle, wander over to Crystal Ballroom instead for some “slow dancing with your sweetheart” energy. With their sultry take on indie pop, Cigarettes After Sex immerse you in their world of romantic euphoria.
Wed. Sept 14 | Crystal Ballroom | Tickets starting at $28
The Shins
The Shins were immeasurably influential to the formation of indie rock in the early 2000s. Headed by James Mercer, The Shins’ 2008 album Wincing the Night Away earned a Grammy nod for “Best Alternative Album.” They’ll be performing for two nights in Pioneer Square–part of downtown’s series of concerts in Portland–to help celebrate the 21st anniversary of their debut album Oh, Inverted World.
Thur. Sept 15 | Pioneer Square Courthouse | Tickets starting at $53
Pavement
In the 1990s, Pavement combined their deadpan alt-rock with elements of British post-punk and a general slacker attitude. Still widely celebrated by indie rockers and vinyl aficionados everywhere, the legacy group is currently on the road for their second reunion tour. Their time on the road this year will bring them to McMenamins Edgefield in the middle of the month.
Fri. Sept. 16 | McMenamins Edgefield | Tickets starting at $49.50
Chris Lake
British house music producer Chris Lake has amassed several Billboard chart-toppers, a platinum record, a Grammy nomination, and a successful record label. The electronic music heavyweight is bringing his epic dancefloor selections to 45 East later this month.
Fri. Sept 16 | 45 East | Tickets starting at $40
Spoon & Interpol
NYC’s Interpol just released their seventh studio album, The Other Side of Make-Believe, earlier this year. The latest from Spoon, Lucifer On The Sofa, was also released this year. Back in March, they announced their collaborative Lights, Camera, Factions Tour. Along with the opening band Water From Your Eyes, they’ll play Pioneer Square Courthouse on two dates this month.
Sat. Sept 17 | Pioneer Square Courthouse | Tickets starting at $55
Lane 8
Denver-based Lane 8 has become a leading figure in the modern melodic house music scene. His fourth album Reviver makes emotional teeming tracks ready for the dancefloor. 80s synth pop, indie electronica, and progressive house all come together to make Lane 8’s euphoric and increasingly iconic sound.
Sat. Sept 17 | McMenamins Edgefield | Tickets starting at $38.50
Odesza
PNW’s own electronic music duo Odesza sold out three consecutive nights at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena earlier this summer. With their lush soundscapes and heartfelt tracks, this Last Goodbye Tour has been described as: “a get-your-popcorn, dig-your-nails-into-the-armrest summer blockbuster, with all the CGI firepower and suspenseful plot twists of a big-budget Hollywood flick.” We may have cheated our “concerts in Portland” tag with this one, but the 30-minute pilgrimage out to Ridgefield will definitely be worth it.
Thur. Sept 22 | RV Inn Style Resorts Ampitheater | Tickets starting at $29.50
