Wednesday, Jan. 8
Oregon State University professor and ethnomusicologist Kelly Bosworth’s American Strings series has brought some of the world’s best musicians to Portland, including Delta blues master Keb’ Mo’ and country legend Rosanne Cash. The latest edition features Portland singer-songwriter Katherine Paul, aka Black Belt Eagle Scout, whose volcanic 2023 album The Land, the Water, the Sky suggests a connection between the ruggedness of Pacific Northwest indie rock and the extremes of the landscape itself. The Reser, 12625 SW Crescent St., Beaverton. 7 pm. $28. All ages.
Friday–Saturday, Jan. 10–11
Portland’s Team Dresch is one of the best queer punk bands of all time, but if that statement makes you feel a twinge of regional pride, you’re missing the point. Donna Dresch and her eponymous band struck a chord with so many kids in the ’90s precisely because she spoke to those for whom the Northwest’s reputation as a progressive enclave couldn’t be further from the truth (see “Growing Up in Springfield,” from their masterpiece Personal Best). The band is playing two shows for its 30th anniversary. Polaris Hall, 635 N Killingsworth Ct. 7 pm. $25. All ages. Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St. 6 pm. $25. All ages.
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Rebelution has become one of the biggest bands in the West Coast reggae-rock sphere in part thanks to the vocals of Eric Rachmany, whose crystal-clear voice is in the tradition of Jamaican boy wonders like Hugh Mundell and Tenor Saw but mercifully devoid of fake patois. Rachmany’s solo tour includes an acoustic set of music from throughout his career and a performance by Unified Highway, his duo with DJ AmpLive. Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave. 7 pm. $35. All ages.