You’re walking through the South Park Blocks on a warm summer evening when the strains of lively music reach your ears. Where’s it coming from, you wonder, as your feet carry you closer. Rounding a corner, a sign bearing “PORTLAND” in vertical lettering fills your line of sight; dozens of people gather in the street below, enjoying Music on Main.
The free concert series presented by Portland’5 Centers for the Arts is ready to rock its 17th year. Every Wednesday, July 10 to Aug. 28, local musicians will serenade all ages under the summer sky on Main Street between Southwest Broadway and Park Avenue.
Each show starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
July 10 — LaRhonda Steele Family Band | The Oregon Music Hall of Fame group demonstrates their soulful style fresh off the Waterfront Blues Festival.
July 17 — SOS - A Tribute to The Police | Dance to classic rock hits like “Every Breath You Take.”
July 24 — Garcia Birthday Band | Known as “the beating heart of the Pacific Northwest’s [Grateful Dead] community,” this cover band strives to surprise in unique ways.
July 31 — Dreckig | Throw some trippy electronic music into your life with this husband-wife duo who mix Latin dance rhythms with Spanish, English, and German vocals.
Aug. 7 — Too Loose Cajun Band | Southwestern Louisiana tunes carried by fiddles, an accordion, electric and acoustic guitars, piano, and a rub-board? Be ready to dance.
Aug. 14 — DJ Anjali and the Incredible Kid | Enjoy Portland’5 Department of Culture & Community’s takeover featuring The Gulabi Gang Dancers. This show runs 5-8 p.m.
Aug. 21 — Melao de Cuba | Groove to salsa music inspired by Afro-Cuban and Spanish sounds.
Aug. 28 — Aaron Nigel Smith | This reggae rock band shares “timeless messages of hope, unity, and social justice.”