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LEARN: Science on Tap
What is confirmation bias? Why would we evolve such a seemingly maladaptive trait? Are there any advantages? And if so, how do we harness them? Tonight, at Science on Tap, Dr. James C. Zimring will explore all of this and more, focusing especially on how confirmation bias can either propel science forward…or send it right off a cliff. Anywho, we think science is a lot more fun when you’ve got a little something to sip on…but maybe we’re biased. Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St., 503-719-6055, albertarosetheatre.com. 7 pm Wednesday, Jan. 22. $15–$45.
LISTEN: Beethoven x Beyoncé
Ah, yes, the collab we’ve all been waiting for and very much expecting…Beethoven x Beyoncé. The unlikely musical pairing comes from the mind of Steve Hackman, a composer and conductor intent on redefining the classical genre. In Beethoven x Beyoncé, Beyoncé’s iconic repertoire—we’re talking bops like “Run the World (Girls),” “Halo” and “Single Ladies”—is interwoven with Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. The pop, R&B and classical blend will be performed by three female soloists, a guest drummer, a guitarist-keyboardist, and a bassist—and accompanied by the Oregon Symphony. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, 503-248-4335, portland5.com. 7:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 23. $25+.
GO: Trivia Thursdays at Pinky’s Pizza and Whiskey Bar
Seeing as how our readers have voted it “Best Trivia Night” in our Best of Portland Readers’ Poll for three years running…we know we don’t have to sell y’all on Untapped Trivia. Whether it be at Fracture Brewing, Tough Luck, Automatic Bar, Rose & Thistle, Advice Booth, White Owl Social Club, Oakshire Beer Hall, Wonderwood Springs or Bye and Bye…Untapped is, erm, on tap pretty much every night of the week. Today, we’re plugging Trivia Thursday at Pinky’s Pizza and Whiskey Bar, a woman-owned whiskey bar in North Portland—where whiskey connoisseurs, Dungeon & Dragons nerds and pizza snobs gather to get their trivia on. Pinky’s Pizza, 3990 N Interstate Ave., 503-288-4453, untappedtrivia.com. 6–8 pm Thursday, Jan. 23. Free.
WATCH: Love, Shakespeare
What’s better than watching a performance of traditional Elizabethan Shakespeare? Well, depends on whom you ask. But we’d argue the correct answer is: watching a performance of traditional Elizabethan Shakespeare based entirely on audience suggestions. That’s right, folks, Love, Shakespeare is an improv show in which Portland comedians pay tribute to the Bard’s comedy—with a little help (for lack of a better word) from y’all. This particular unscripted Shakespeare performance will unravel the “unfinished gem” of Twelfth Night. Lincoln Performance Hall, 1620 SW Park Ave., 503-725-3011, loveshakespearepdx.com. 7:30–9 pm Thursday–Friday, Jan. 23–24. $15–$40.
DANCE: Vroom Vroom: a Charli XCX Dance Night
Has the big SAD left you longing for warmer days of yore? Have no fear, for the Holocene is here. This Friday night, relive the hot, sweaty, dancy energy of Brat summer at Vroom Vroom: a Charli XCX Dance Night. Those of y’all who went in June for the Brat album release know the vibes…it’s essentially a dance night featuring bops from Charli, and Charli-adjacent artists (think The Dare, Addison Rae, Caroline Polachek, Kim Petras, et al.). Very Julia. Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison St., 503-239-7639, holocene.org. 9 pm–2 am Friday, Jan. 24. $20.
LAUGH: Neon Rainbow: A Queer Comedy Showcase
Considering that this comedy show features a couple of winners of WW’s Funniest Five past (s/o Joe John Sanchez III and Mx. Dahlia Belle)...we can almost guarantee that it’ll be a good one. Hosted by Brendan Creecy at Helium Comedy Club, the lineup for the first edition of Neon Rainbow: A Queer Comedy Showcase is absolutely stacked with iconic LGBTQ+ Portland comedians. In addition to Sanchez and Belle, we’ll see sets by names like: Arlo Weierhauser, Rachelle Cochran, Lee H. Tillman, Sagan Genesis and Kristin Rowan. Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE 9th Ave., 503-583-8464, portland.heliumcomedy.com. 4 pm Saturday, Jan. 25. $20–$28.
EAT: Portland Mercury Wiener Week
Our pals over at Portland Mercury have done it again…constantly raising the Portland Food Week bar for us all. The latest holiday they’ve cooked up? It’s MF Wiener Week, y’all. Well, on Monday it will be. We thought we’d deliver the scoop a tad early, ensuring you access to a full week o’ wieners…you’re welcome. Various restaurants across the city will be serving up 40-plus different wiener creations—some with fondue, some with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, some with peanut butter, some vegan with kimchi—for just $8 a pop. Or, should we say, a pup…sorry, got wieners on the brain! Various locations across Portland. Monday–Sunday, Jan. 27–Feb. 2. $8.
Got a tip? Email shannon@wweek.com.