What a great night yesterday! I didn’t really know what to expect from Courtney Barnett and for some reason I had it in my head that it was going to be a little more folk-y, but I was very wrong and I’m not mad about it at all. I also caught a bit of Built to Spill, which was a nice bonus, so I’d say the Square treated me pretty well.

For today’s giveaway, we’re heading to Middle-earth. Enter for a chance to win tickets to The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) at Whitsell Auditorium on Sunday, Aug. 30th.

JUST ANNOUNCED

• After a few years away, WAAX are back with a new album and a return to the U.S. Catch the Australian band at Show Bar on Thursday, Nov. 19th for their Angel’s Mess Tour.

• Radel Ortiz turned years of viral sketches into a 60-show comedy tour and a sold-out hometown show in New York. Now he’s bringing his stand-up to Helium Comedy Club on Tuesday, Sept. 29th.

• Three bands for $10 at Twilight Cafe and Bar. Crashing Wayward plays Thursday, Oct. 22nd, with Drop The Star and Purusa joining the lineup.

• Dennett brings the Back to the Roadhouse Tour to REALM PDX on Wednesday, Nov. 25th. The 21+ show starts at 9PM, with tickets running $10–$20.

• Plus just announced from Space 92, Hoagie, and more!

PORTLAND’S BOBA HIT LIST

Boba is basically a choose-your-own-adventure in drink form, and Portland has no shortage of options. Brown sugar, ube, fruit tea, cheese foam, an unreasonable amount of toppings — whatever your order is, we’ve got a spot for it.

THIS WEEKEND

LOCALS ONLY

• Zoo members can get a head start on the day with Early Member Mornings on Saturday, Aug. 22nd. Grab a coffee, wander the grounds before the gates open to everyone else, and bring one guest along for free.

• No Quiet Hours is documenting 50 years of Oregon’s DIY music scene, from the people who built it to the ones keeping it going now. They’re throwing a fundraiser for the film at the Crystal Ballroom on Friday, August 28th.

WIN STUFF