a friendly spot
to lose yr
mind

Since 2014, The Thesis has served as a launchpad for Portland’s most exciting hip-hop talent. Join us for another unforgettable night as the city’s best take the stage. September marks a major moment: Majik9 steps into her first-ever headlining set at The Thesis. Known for her playful energy and serious skills, she’s ready to own the spotlight. She’ll be joined by Thesis legend Wavy Josef, [E]mpress, plus, the debut of Dissimilar, a collective led by Majik9 and her crew.

Shawn Brown Band is quickly becoming one of Portland’s fastest rising and most beloved rock & roll acts. Steeped in americana, roots rock and soul, SBB is poised to deliver yet another dynamic hometown show at Lollipop Shoppe. Their exectional lineup includes Ben Landsverk, Ned Failing, Jeff Langston, and AG Donnaloia. SBB are more than chuffed to be co-headlining this show with the incredible Nathan Earle Band as well as the unforgettable Karyn Ann. 

They have a dynamic sound that is best felt in the room. Their aim is darker textures with nostalgic undertones. Tile Blue. They are joinend by Auradev and Crystal Canopy.

Chipped Nail Polish draws from indie rock, lo-fi pop, and surf punk, blending jagged energy with a softer edge. The songs are raw and personal, shaped by sharp lyrics, emotional honesty, and an understated sense of humor. Come celebrate the debut album, After Ankeny, marking a new era of change, movement, and the bittersweet process of growing into yourself. Joined by Mary Eliza and Mister Heavy.

Pigeon Milk strips the soundtracks from forgotten art films and performs new scores live as the movies unfold on screen. What emerges is pure audiovisual alchemy – vintage cinema colliding with modern synths, bass guitars, and driving electro-acoustic rhythms. This isn't background music. It's live soundtrack surgery. The band inhabits these films, transforming dusty celluloid into hypnotic dreamscapes through layers of electronic textures and thunderous drums.

Blackwater Railroad Company is celebrating over 10 years of making music in Alaska. BWRR's high-energy live shows were born out of wild, blurry, Alaskan winter nights. Through the years, Blackwater has had the privilege of gaining the love of Alaska and sharing their music all over the 49th State. Playing on the top of mountains, next to towering glaciers, and afloat out in the Gulf of Alaska. They're joined by Supernatural Beavers and Eel Salad. 

Combining mid-century pop with alt-country sensibilities, Rodeo Wilson creates hazy, technicolor tunes of love and pain, drawing musical inspiration from his Southwestern roots. Now based in Portland OR, Rodeo Wilson released his debut album Mild West on June 14th, 2024. He's joined by Lena Rich (Montana) and Lynna Corinne.

Niis—pronounced “Nice”—synthesizes the sounds of punk, hardcore, lo-fi garage, and early grunge to craft a raw, undefinable noise all their own. Hailing from Los Angeles, this four-piece channels the spirit of rebellion through blistering riffs and Mimi’s visceral screams, delivering biting commentary on capitalism, misogyny, and the constructs that seek to confine us. With influences like Rudimentary Peni, Crass, and Hole, Niis fuses rage and reflection into songs that confront and provoke. 

This year's Halloween special is a pre-crash bunker wave grass-fed post-ego brown noise premeditated jazz hands bass core band from the city of roses. A strict regimen of wildebeest stage antics, pummeling alt-rhythms, and double-stacked bass distortion, soaring higher and higher into octo-reverb feedback. Three bozos. Two basses. One drum kit. Zero guitars. Always. Loud, fast, and odd. Ogre must be seen to be believed. They are joined by Zookraught (Seattle) and Kerosel.

Spacey Slacker Pop, Galactic Om, Cosmic Sway…what ever you wanna call it, turn down your mind, relax your shoulders, and sway. Blissed out bass lines and swooning, crooning vocals from Californian Maddy Myers paired with bodacious, groovin’ guitar from Danish Gustav Moltke. Joined by their great friend on drums, coming from LA, Josh Cabitac, and on synth and guitar, British born George Godwin.