The upcoming show at Holocene is a much-needed celebration of innovative and eclectic R&B artists from the Pacific Northwest.
This Thursday is expected to be a rare treat, with a lineup that kind of reminds me of the generational archetype that was conveyed in the movie DOPE; its youthful protagonists are characterized by non-conformity, nerdiness, queerness, being black but liking “white shit”, but most of all an appreciation for the old school and glory days of hip-hop. But in this IRL case, the underlying obsession centers on jazz and R&B. Portland neo-soul singer Blossom says she’s excited to perform at an all-R&B show.
New Portland band Chanti Darling headlines the gig, while SassyBlack (of Seattle) and locally beloved Blossom provide a backbone of support. DJ Lamar Leroy will kick off the evening and get us grooving.
WOHM is also proud to partner with Holocene to give you an opportunity to win FREE tickets to Thursday night’s event! Check out our post on Instagram, TAG a friend, write #ChantiDarling in the comments, and make sure you FOLLOW @weoutherenet and @holoceneportland. We’ll pick a winner by the end of the day on Wednesday 7/14.
Blossom
Father God, please let her perform “Love’s Comin Atcha”. That’s all I ask. (Well, actually I need her to play an extended version of “Black Magic Woman” as well because our community could REALLY use some more Black girl magic right about now. You understand.)
Fortunately, Blossom (aka Keisha Chiddick) has promised to include the new H0t16-produced track on her setlist, in addition to “So Cool.” The EYRST-signed siren will be performing during Prince Tribute Nights later this week, and Pickathon music fest as well. Since she’s been so busy booking shows over the past couple months, she says she hasn’t had time to film the music video for “Black Magic Woman” like she wanted, but Blossom promises to put out some kind of visual before summers end. Bloss says she’s looking forward to seeing Chanti Darling again, and the Holocene show will be her first time seeing SassyBlack perform. You can catch her having the time of her life at the EYRST One Year Anniversary Party on August 12th.
SassyBlack
Catherine “Cat” Harris-White recently parted ways with rapper Stasia “Stas” Irons, who made up the other half of the Seattle-based duo, THEESatisfaction. In an interview with The FADER she explained their reasons for the split:
“As growing artists, the members of THEESatisfaction reached a point that in order to continue growing each individual needed to move on to the next phase of their career.”
I can certainly understand that. Which hyphenated category her solo music falls into—whether it’s Afrofuturism-jazz, hologram-funk, or future-soul—I’m not completely sure. I do know that I personally really like “Give it to God” which encourages her lover to reach her standards, and suggests that they use a step ladder if they should need assistance. In fact, her entire album No More Weak Dates feels like a dating revelation of sorts, emphasizing self worth, geekdom, and the importance of enjoying yourself through all the stages of romance. This week’s show will be her first time performing for a Portland audience. Harris-White, whose vocal background is in jazz, has a professional resume that extends beyond being a music artist and producer; she’s also a freelance writer who curates shows and sells her own knitting.
She’s be performing at Capitol Hill Block Party later this month, a festival she’s used to playing as part of the duo, so that will be another first for the singer as well.
Chanti Darling
This headlining act, the previous winner of Willamette Week’s Best New Band, comprises Chanticleer Tru, Natasha Kmeto and Damon Boucher. They are self-described as “Future Funktified Post R&B(oogie).” Basically, they make futuristic R&B music but with a distinctly disco feel and 80s dance influences. Chanti Darling got together in 2015 and have been sounding like the lovechild of Earth Wind and Fire and Janet Jackson ever since. Their sound is complemented by a bold and colorful style choices and flamboyant backup choreography. I, for one, am super stoked to see, dance and listen to them live. Like Blossom, they are also scheduled to play at Pickathon later this month.
Thursday, July 14, 2016
8:30pm
21+
$12 in advance, $12 at the door
BUY TICKETS on Ticketfly!