There's an unnecessary push to party sometimes. During certain holidays, people expect you to GET OUT THERE and UNLEASH THE BEAST. Well, now there's an appropriate reason to do both of those things at the very least this upcoming weekend.

If two Portland bands were born to play shows together, it would be these two. And not because they sound like twin lineups, rather their matching energy and pazazz that pair alongside both bands’ strong, soulful undertones that can give any righteous hipster something to smile about. Minden will start off the night as their soft keyboard, smooth rhythm section, and harmonious back and forth vocals come together with an intriguing complexity that always ends on the right note. Following this, is the root driven rock stars, Magic Mouth. They play funk music with punk attitude and screeching soul-filled vocals with an ability to speak to a crowd through their high energy, fun-filled songs. Both Magic Mouth and Minden are set to have huge years in 2014 plus they both start with “m” so that’s kinda rad too. - Colin Hudson

Christmas will be arriving five days early in North Portland this Friday. Three of Portland’s biggest acts of 2013 will be hosting a yuletide celebration that will make your office Christmas party look like… well, an office Christmas party. Sorry, no time for fancy rhetoric, here’s the skinny: Tango Alpha Tango will go on first. Their guitar-driven rock makes them one of the bluesiest bands this city has in its books and they play in such a raw way that you can’t help but move to the fine-tone rhythms and fuzzy keyboard that gives them a funky edge. And not slacking in the funk category is the soulful six-piece, Minden. Whether you like their melodic keyboards, smooth bass, or harmonizing vocals, you will surely get your fix when Minden takes the stage. Finally, the hosts, The Lower 48 will headline the bill. The vintage-pop sounds laden with folk songwriting has built quite the name for this band in the local scene. The past six months touring all over the west coast, east coast, and the Midwest and finally make it back to Portland just in time for a holiday extravaganza. This Friday, the triumphant bells will ring sounds of joy for one more concert 2013 won’t forget. - Colin Hudson

Just when I was starting to think Portland music was winding down after an eventful summer, our friends at KZME put together an amazing Portland-infused lineup for the inaugural Stumptown Music Fest. This Saturday, Alhambra Theatre (formerly Mt. Tabor) will showcase 8 bands that have all had incredible past years and have made a sincere impact on the Portland scene. The mainly folky lineup starts 5PM and is slated to go on until 12:30, giving you a full night of amazing sets. Beginning acts will include the avant garde sounds of Billy Goat and Like a Villain. Sets by Portland’s vintage-pop heroes, the Lower 48 will be featured as well as PDX pop queen Sara Jackson Holman. The neo-folk sounds this city is known for will be diligently represented by the likes of Alameda and Bike Thief and the night will end back with the soulful rhythms laid down by Minden and the dance rock duo, Dresses. All of these bands had amazing accomplishments in 2013 and will mostly likely follow the trend in this next year. So come on out to support a night of Portland rock. - Colin Hudson