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FRIDAY, JULY 28
Worriers, Typesetter, paper Thin Youth, Brave Hands
Worriers' Imaginary Life was one of 2015's best albums, a poppy punk document of political and personal upheaval that was equal parts rousing and wrenching. The Brooklyn band recently previewed their forthcoming SideOneDummy follow-up with "Future Me," a midtempo anthem that would have been right at home on Imaginary Life. There's always been a hint of John K. Samson's delicate method in Lauren Denitzio's songwriting, and "Future Me," a literary sketch of nostalgic longing and lonely drift, could go toe-to-toe with any of the Weakerthans' lovely odes to getting lost. The Analog Cafe, 720 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 503-206-7439. 6 pm. $10. All ages.
Endless Poetry
Even in its grimmest moments, Alejandro Jodorowsky's autobiographical Endless Poetry is delightful. By combining hallucinogenic images with joyously hyperbolic performances, Jodorowsky has made a film that is not only blackly funny, but above all, beautiful in its fearless embrace of the bizarre. Read our full review here. Cinema 21, 616 NW 21st Ave., cinema21.com. 4:00, 6:45, 9:20. $8-$10.
Blue Velvet
Of all the cinematic attempts to highlight the creepiness of American suburbs, Blue Velvet is probably the most disturbing. More than any other David Lynch film, it's harrowing, eccentric and understated. NW Film Center's Whitsell Auditorium, 1219 SW Park Ave., nwfilm.org. 7 pm. $9.
Mystery Science Theater 3000
After almost two decades, Mystery Science Theater 3000 is back—and still really funny. The show's live tour will include performances by current host Jonah Ray and series creator Joel Hodgson, plus lots of wacky robot mayhem. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, 503-248-4335, portland5.com. 8 pm. $39.50-$299.
SATURDAY, JULY 29
Portlandia Mermaid Parade
For its second year, the Mermaid Parade will include a mermaid beach swim and beach party at Poet's Beach and conclude in a 21-plus Sirens Masquerade Ball after-party. Japanese American Historical Plaza, 2 NW Naito Parkway, portlandiamermaidparade.com. Noon-4 pm. Free. All ages.
JAW Festival
Portland Center Stage's annual festival of plays in progress continues with staged readings of two feminist plays about women's sports and Pandora's box. Portland Center Stage, 128 NW 11th Ave., 503-445-3700. See pcs.org for full schedule. July 28-30. Free.
Blackalicious, Zion I, Randall Wyatt
Gift of Gab doesn't get enough credit for his impeccable lyricism and blue-collar tales. In an age where Auto-Tuned flows mumbling over hard beats is the style du jour, the Bay Area icon has earned his rep as an underground technician who pushes positivity and an Afrocentric message with deft raps. When he links with producer Chief Xcel, they form Blackalicious,who recently reunited for Imani Vol. 1, their first album together in 10 years. The pair brings out the best in each other, combining slick rhythms and slicker rhymes into a smooth, head-nodding experience. Star Theater, 13 NW 6th Ave., 503-248-4700. 8 pm. $20. All ages.
Kulululu, An Atomic Whirl, Plastic Cactus
Kulululu's debut album sounds more like a Southern California ska-punk outfit than anything their heavy conceptualized ethos might imply. Songs are short, fast and intentionally puerile. The members of Kulululu are trained musicians from different parts of the country who all relocated to Portland separately but for the drummer and frontman—known as Ku and Lu, respectively. The term "Kulululu" is used by the band in an interchangeable elasticity. It's a verb, a noun, a philosophy. If you ask them what it is they'll tell you it could be anything. Read our profile on Kulululu here. Turn! Turn! Turn!, 8 NE Killingsworth St., turnturnturnpdx.com. 8 pm. $5. 21+.
Driller Killer
For its midnight movie series, PSU's student-run theater is screening the black comedy/slasher flick about an artist who decides to channel his stress into a power-drill killing spree. 5th Avenue Cinema, 510 SW Hall St., 5thavecinema.com. Midnight. $5.
SUNDAY, JULY 30
7th Annual Water Gun Fight
Apparently, there's a massive water gun fight in Laurelhurst park every year. Just show up and be prepared to get wet. The only rule is that you're not allowed to spray people eating in the picnic area. Seems fair. Laurelhurst Park, Southeast Cesar Chavez and Oak St. 2-5 pm. Free. All ages.
Pfriem Crawfish Boil
The only thing better than crawfish by the pound with corn and andouille sausage is all that served up with killer small-batch beers from Pfriem: Juicy IPA, guava Saison, Kolsch, Oud Bruin and kumquat farmhouse. Other Southern foods will be served, but seriously: crawdads. Interurban, 4057 N Mississippi Ave., 503-284-6669, interurbanpdx.com. 3-9 pm.
Taiwan Housing Project, Lithics, Miss Rayon
Taiwan Housing Project's Kill Rock Stars debut, Veblen Death Mask, is nightmare music for people who fear the worst. The Philadelphia outfit, which features members of Little Claw, Harry Pussy and Tyvek, traffics in ominous noise rock salvaged from the Birthday Party's Junkyard and Skin Graft Records' early 2000s heyday. The bleating sax and thundering drums and squealing guitars simulate chaos, but Kilynn Lunsford's chants and maledictions keep the proceedings tethered to sense and something like pop pleasure. Lumbering, beastly melodies emerge from the morass, and they are all the more haunting for having been through something that seems like hell. The Know, 3728 NE Sandy Blvd., 503-473-8729. 8 pm. $9. 21+.