Who throws the biggest ball of them all? You know it’s Portland. We have several ballrooms to spin and bounce in and we revel in our abounding culture of local music and amazing breweries. What better way to celebrate than at the 2nd Annual Malt Ball within The Wonder Ballroom? It’s an all day thing if you can handle it, with a whopping performance of 12 bands and 26 participating breweries. Or you can split it up into two sessions (2pm-7pm, 7:30-Midnight) if you’re like, a wussy, or have a job or something. There is a barrel aged, Belgian sour from Old Market Pub and Brewery, sweetened up with some cherries to taste with the "Exotic Cakes" of Minden. Or how about a black bock (6.66 percent ABV) from Gigantic Brewing, paired with Suns of Huns? A fuzzy sunny citrus ale from The Commons accompanying the psychedelic rock of Wooden Indian Burial Ground?  Dancing? Get on it…. – Brandy Crowe

Aside from having a clever name, Mufassa knows how to make some throw-back thrashing rock and roll. Their raw sound is developed by influences in the garage rock revival as well waves of early psychedelic tones that trap the listener into their songs. There is a Zeppelin-esque driving force behind the rhythms they produce that crash into the chorus filled with spacey and dreamy vocals. Mufassa also has the ability to slow things down and harmonize the singing and echoing guitar without losing their stone cold classic rock sound. If you were one to believe you belonged in the 70s, then you should join them tonight at Kelly’s Olympian. – Colin Hudson

There’s a vicious edge to Summer Cannibals’ enticing brand of garage rock. Their songs bait the listener with ethereal vocals and fluid bass lines to establish a sense of security which sharp guitar tones and aggressive rhythms prove to be false. The dynamics shift and swell though kinetic attacks of distortion and eerie waves of vocal melody that serve to tie the tracks together with sublime dexterity as can be heard on their self-titled release. I’m not sure if they change their cannibalistic behavior in the winter, but if you’re willing to risk it I’d highly recommend being at Mississippi Studios on Thursday night to experience their lively performance for yourself. – Benjamin Toledo

If Portland’s music city is known for taking vintage sounds and making them contemporary, then the Parson Red Heads should be crowned as royalty. Rarely do you see songs executed based purely on phenomenal songwriting through the traditional sounds of folk, country, and pop. But the result from what the Parson Red Heads bring to the music world is a timeless quality with the ability to rock out like there’s no tomorrow. The Parson Red Heads will be releasing a deluxe version of 2011’s Yearling at Mississippi Studios on Thursday. This is an album that brings together the very best elements within a spectrum of genres. The slide guitar makes it country, the vocal harmonies make it pop the way it was meant to, and their easy going chord progressions are the essence of folk. Top this off with lyrics that represent that the message that the band wants to bring; to grow old and have fun doing so, and you’ve got the All-American band. – Colin Hudson

Pure Bathing Culture and their dreamy pop ballads have earned praise from the Portland music community over the past year and it’s no wonder as to why. Their hazy, lighthearted songs perpetuate feelings of exuberance through warm guitar tones and endearing vocal melodies that can bring warmth to the dreariest overcast day. Congratulations on placing second in our Band of the Year poll, your soothing sounds deserve the recognition. – Benjamin Toledo

I don’t think there’s a band in town with as much groove and electronic sensibility as Onuinu. His songs are rich with driving rhythms, synthesized melodies and contagious vocal hooks that could bring most anyone to dance with a complete loss of inhibition. He’s garnered a significant amount of attention over the course of the past year, and with beats like his it’s obvious that his audience will continue to expand in 2013. Congrats on placing third in the polls, Onuinu, keep up the great work. – Benjamin Toledo  

As a part of the band Eskimo & Sons the clear, chiming voice of Danielle Sullivan was front and center. After the group disbanded, bandmate Thomas Himes didn’t want to give up making music and must have believed that Sullivan’s voice should be heard. He persuaded Sullivan to find the words to sing over new material and they continued on. They invited back another E&S member, Clayton Knapp, who took an electronic approach to the situation after playing bass for the former. Soon, old friends from bands that had toured with E&S came to play. The product of the group, eventually dubbed Wild Ones, is described as "math pop".  "Do the Right Thing" adds ultra-harmonized vocals, tight drums, and computerized whirls over perfectly metered keys and guitars. Sullivan hits the high notes on tracks like "Forever Jam", playing innocently inside of calculated boops and rhythmic complexity. Whatever they are doing, the equation works out. – Brandy Crowe

Brooks Robertson’s mastery of the guitar is apparent to anyone who listens to his music. He plays fluid, complex compositions that entrance the listener and have garnered him the support to come out on top of the viewer’s choice poll. He surely has a successful career ahead of him, and with the dedication he has shown to his craft he surely deserves it. – Benjamin Toledo

A Happy Death’s relentless gigging, unrestrained energy and vintage style has catapulted them through the past year and brought them some well-deserved attention in the Portland scene. Their songs are both catchy and chaotic; their style dark and riotous with a touch of noir. Keep an eye on these guys, their psychedelic sounds aren’t showing any signs of slowing down in 2013. – Benjamin Toledo

The Mormon Trannys are on a mission to save confused and oppressed souls through the gospel of punk rock and I love them for it. By combining a message of acceptance with a comedic and satirical presentation their performance is without a doubt one of the most unique in town and also one of the most enjoyable. Congratulations to these guys for placing 3rd in the viewer’s choice poll, keep up the good work. – Benjamin Toledo  

Once upon a time great rock and roll was derived from thriving pianos. Fortunately for many, this trend made its return in the middle of last decade during the indie rock revival. Pigeons rely heavily on the same acoustic instruments that gave indie rock prominent place in modern music. They have a very diverse sound that consists of guitars, drums, bass, and a piano; all topped off with a sweet violin. Each song brings something unique as they go from slow and very harmonic to thrashing noise that somehow manages to stay together, which can be heard throughout their 2010 album The Talking Wire. Pigeons have the rare ability to play the softest instruments in the hardest way possible. It’s sweet, smooth, raw and everything in between. – Colin Hudson

The second annual Big Ass Boombox Festival is this weekend, and you should probably go. You really have no reason not to. There are over 40 bands at 4 different venues in 2 days and it costs nothing, except maybe max rides and PBR. Shows are going to be downtown at Someday Lounge, Backspace, Kelly’s Olympian, and Floating World Comics (awesome!). There are going to be so many rad bands, like Wooden Indian Burial Ground (Friday, Someday), Father Figure (Saturday, Kelly’s) and Tiananmen Bear (Saturday, Someday). Check out the lineup and set times at www.bigassboombox.com. It is going to be great and you don’t even have to walk far. – Annie Wheeler