Since we're all ready to long jump the hell into 2017, now's the time to sift through the various activities Portland offers for us to boozily ring the new year in to. One of these tipsy turn ups happens to come from the least crappy thing to come out of 2016 - Jump Jack Sound Machine.

The monthly dance party give us a slight peek into what Studio 54 must have been like, spinning funk, disco, boogie and almost every other genre that used to get rumps shaking. For their New Years Eve bash, some live performances will be added to their usual lineup of DJs, coming from integral starters of the Jump Jack Sound Machine glory. 

The soulful intonations that landed Chanti Darling as the best new artist of 2016 will be bellowing out of the Mississippi Studios speakers, with sexy sashays all along the stage. Natasha Kmeto, who often sings along with Chanti Darling but most definitely can rock the mic solo, will also be blessing us with that beautiful voice.

Unfortunately for most, tickets for this are sold out, but if you've got your hands on some or consider yourself close to a door guy, hit up Jump Jack Sound and sweat this toxic year out.

Are you down with local music? Are you down with non-profits? As Portlanders, I think the answer is a resounding yes. 

PDX Pop Now! – Portland's non-profit of rock is celebrating the release of its annual compilation of local talent with a fundraising/concert extravaganza at Mississippi Studios THIS Sunday!

For those of the “below 21” persuasion – never fear. In true, punk rock fashion PDX Pop Now! is including an all ages portion of the event that starts on the Bar Bar patio at 2pm, featuring performances by New Move, Blak Neon, LEO and Natasha Kmeto and a DJ Set. The festivities subsequently move indoors for a 21+ set featuring Illmaculate, Bearcubbin'!, Sara Jackson-Holman and Hosannas.

According to PDX Pop, “all proceeds of this event will support the PDX Pop Now! mission to stimulate and expand participation in the Portland music scene” - an admirable cause to say the least, considering all the hard work this organization has done to support local art. From its early days as a listserv for Portland music lovers in 1998, PDX Pop Now! has grown into an “all-volunteer organization committed to…provid[ing] and support[ing] live performances and recorded materials.”

Listen to Hosannas for spiritual uplifting, check out the track list for the compilation and get a copy for yourself at Mississippi Studios this Sunday. 

- Ted Jamison 

This June 19-22, Central Oregon plays host to the third annual What The Festival, which boasts a stellar lineup this year that includes a handful of great local artists. From the headliners to the early sets by up and comers, music fans will have many opportunities to see what this region has in it’s electronic suitcase, while partying night and day. 

While we would love to rightfully claim festival headliner Washed Out as one of Portland's own, having written the theme song to Portlandia, he hails from the other side of the country. However, on the same musical plane and also performoing at WTF, is Portland’s homie Emancipator. Producing worldly chillwave music at a high level, he mixes in a variety of live instrumentation, which should be highly showcased at this festival as he will be backed by his band, the Emancipator Ensamble.

Another well known local name on the bill is Natasha Kmeto, who has steadily been on the rise with four albums and a strong national following. Her R&B voice matches well with the dark and laid-back beats that she sings over. WTF is just one of many festivals she will be playing at this summer.

Local producers Solovox (who is currently featured in the Deli Portland's Artist of the Month poll)and Manoj will deliver energetic dancy sets. Solovox is a live mixer and synth wizard. His music will take you on a funk driven ride that will result in you losing your sunglasses. Manoj mixes bouncy beats that have made him a master at the art of dance music. Other notable Oregon acts are the bass heavy Mr. Wu and Octoban.

It can be easy for larger-scale festivals to neglect local influence. But with a packed lineup of local DJs and surrounded by spectacular scenery, What The Festival Is staying true to it’s Oregon colors. Get tickets to WTF here.

- Colin Hudson

Through smooth production and a next level sound, Natasha Kmeto has quickly risen to the top of Portland’s music scene as a DJ, singer and producer. Her sound is backed with a heavy soul influence but stands out by the dreamy, electronic beats that can send any listener into an alternate dimension. Think Alisha Keys behind a chilwave trance synched to your own heartbeat. Natasha Kmeto comes from a fine line of Northwest producers from Portland’s label Dropping Gems. She is the shining jewel of this label and recently dropped her LP Crisis last month. She will be showcasing some of these songs and more tonight on the main stage at PDX Pop Now! Her slate begins at 10:30. -Colin Hudson