The lack of all ages spaces in Portland is an obvious problem. Sure, we’ve got Anarres Infoshop and the select house show venues that will host an all ages show every once in awhile, but with the wealth of youth seeking to engage in the city’s music community the present options just aren’t enough. That’s why Friends of Noise, a group of music community members with all sorts of knowledge and experience in the music game, are acting to change that.
The group was built by a collection of non-profits and leaders in the music community, including participation from the likes of Music in the Schools, PDX Pop Now!, XRAY.FM, KBOO and My Voice Music to name a few, with growing support. Members are collaborating all efforts in attempts to maintain Portland’s ecclectic and special artistic community through finding opportunities to integrate youth into producing, performing and being able to safely gather at music and art spaces and events.
In the quest to create a permanent space, Friends of Noise will be hosting four satellite shows held in each sector of the city. The first one, on Sunday, May 22nd at Los Prados Event Hall in St. Johns, is a hip hop show with some of Portland’s finest underlying acts. Gem Dynasty, Drex Porter, Neo G Yo and the Doo Doo Funk All Stars will all be playing the kick off event. Tickets are $5 for youths (or $8 for two young’ns) and $10 for adults, with music beginning at 6:30pm.
Friends of Noise recognizes the kids in this town are the only hope we have of keeping our creativity alive and by trying their best to make sure arts and music can thrive despite the changing atmosphere in Portland, we just may have hope.