Rare Alchemy as The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis Take the Stage

Portland hosts a week of eclectic music performances, from jazz-punk fusion to cosmic country

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:18am by

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract close-up image of shattered, glittering glass fragments reflecting colorful stage lights, conveying the energy and fusion of genres present in the week's musical performances.The diverse musical lineup this week in Portland promises to deliver a rare alchemy of sounds and styles.Portland Today

This week in Portland, the rhythm section of post-hardcore band Fugazi teams up with a loop-happy guitarist and a jazz saxophonist for a rare performance blending punk and jazz, while a pair of underground dance music producers spin a back-to-back set, and a benefit show raises funds for a local cosmic country singer-songwriter recovering from a medical emergency.

Why it matters

The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis collaboration offers a unique fusion of genres, while the Loidis and Bart Budwig events showcase Portland's vibrant underground music scenes, from electronic to country. These diverse shows highlight the city's reputation as a hub for experimental and community-driven music.

The details

On Friday, April 17, Fugazi's Brendan Canty and Joe Lally team up with guitarist Anthony Pirog and saxophonist James Brandon Lewis for a performance blending post-hardcore and jazz at the Star Theater. The following night, April 18, former roommates and radio co-hosts Brian Piñeyro (DJ Python) and Brian Leeds (Huerco S.) will spin a six-hour back-to-back set as Loidis at Barn Radio. Then on Tuesday, April 21, a benefit show at Mississippi Studios will support local cosmic country artist Bart Budwig, who is recovering from a life-threatening medical emergency, with performances by John Craigie, Graham Farrow, and Margo Cilker.

  • The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis perform on Friday, April 17.
  • Loidis (Brian Piñeyro and Brian Leeds) perform on Saturday, April 18.
  • The Bart Budwig benefit show takes place on Tuesday, April 21.

The players

The Messthetics

A musical group featuring the rhythm section of the post-hardcore band Fugazi - Brendan Canty on drums and Joe Lally on bass - along with guitarist Anthony Pirog.

James Brandon Lewis

A jazz saxophonist who is collaborating with The Messthetics for a rare performance blending punk and jazz.

Loidis

The collaborative project of underground dance music producers Brian Piñeyro (DJ Python) and Brian Leeds (Huerco S.), who will perform a six-hour back-to-back DJ set.

Bart Budwig

A local Portland artist who is part of the city's cosmic country music scene, and is recovering from a life-threatening medical emergency.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Rarely has jazz sounded more like punk rock, or vice versa.”

— Daniel Bromfield, Author

What’s next

The Bart Budwig benefit show on April 21 aims to raise funds to cover the singer-songwriter's medical expenses and lost income during his recovery.

The takeaway

Portland's diverse music scene is on full display this week, from the experimental fusion of The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis to the underground dance sounds of Loidis, as well as the community coming together to support a local artist in need. These events showcase the city's reputation as a hub for innovative and genre-blending music.