*photo by Dawn Riddle

Portland felt #blessed in its own little way when Explode Into Colors reunited last year. There've been bursts of excitement on their end by way of a couple shows here and there since their reunion, but the next two nights are where the real party is going to be at.

The New Year's Eve weekend is going to be lit with two nights of colorful sets by them, as presented by XRAY.fm, but the supporting acts of each night are sure to provide some turn up as well. The bill for the 12.30 show includes the experimental cumbia of Sávila and grooves spun by Daniela Karina. NYE itself is tinged with r&b and hip hop, with soulful vocals and dancing from vocal and producer collaborators Maarquii + Jvnitor and a guaranteed sultry set from songstress Blossom.

Tickets are still available, so add one or both of these shows to your NYE itenerary. 

Comparatively speaking in regards to the rest of the west coast, it's cold as shit outside. Since most of us have been schlepping around our respective abodes in snow day sweatpants attire, it's time to put on our finest doodads for a night that's sure to be less dramatic than the ones back in grade school. Say hello to yet another year of Tender Loving Empire's Winter Formal.

TLE doesn't disappoint, and this year's lineup continues in their good holiday faith. Rap Class will be up first, setting a lasting ambiance with his moody yet movement-inducing electronic sounds. With the voice of a soulful angel and enough rhythm to make anyone scream "okurrr!," Maarquii will be giving everyone some much needed life before that cumbia kicks in and gets everyone all sweaty, thanks to Orquestra Pacifico Tropical.

We're all in need of dancing away this shitty year and TLE's Winter Formal allows us to do so while still spreading some Christmas spirit. The dance is a toy drive for the Portland Fire & Rescue Toy & Joy Makers, so come out this Saturday with $10 and a toy (or $20 and no toy, as half of that will serve as donation). Come dressed at least mildly to impress, hit up the onsite photobooth and turn up for the season!