Stumptown Soundcheck

If you’ve tried to buy a concert ticket lately, you know how frustrating it’s become. Oregon is stepping in with new laws aimed at bots, deceptive practices, and speculative ticketing—but will they actually change the experience for fans, artists, and venues? Host Anthony Messano is joined by Jimi Biron and Kevin Erickson to explore what these reforms get right, where they fall short, and what it might really take to fix the system.

Music festivals don’t just happen—they’re built. We talk with Chad Colwell (Jackalope Jamboree) and Christina Fuller (Waterfront Blues Festival) about what it really takes to create festivals in the Pacific Northwest.

This episode of Stumptown Soundcheck unpacks the merger between MusicPortland and MusicOregon — what changed, what didn’t, and why it matters to everyone in the music ecosystem. Host Anthony Messano talks with Music Oregon Board President Tim Wilson and Music Portland board member (and former president) Kate O’Brien about advocacy, statewide expansion, and the real impact these organizations have behind the scenes. From policy wins to artist investment and membership changes, they clarify the biggest misconceptions and explain who should be paying attention now. If you’re an artist, venue, or industry worker wondering who’s fighting for music in Oregon, this conversation is for you.

Portland is in the middle of another transition, and conversations about safety, culture, and identity often blur together. On this episode of Stumptown Soundcheck, host Anthony Messano is joined by Marshall Runkel, political strategist and longtime Portland civic advocate, to talk through how music and cultural policy intersect with the city’s future. The conversation touches on public investment in arts and entertainment, statewide support for cultural infrastructure, and why music venues matter beyond nightlife. Rather than revisiting what’s been lost, the episode looks toward what could be built next.

With new host Anthony Messano at the helm, Stumptown Soundcheck digs into one of the most universal — and maddening — parts of Portland’s live-music experience: parking. Joined by venue leaders Cheri Jamison (Alberta Abbey) and Jimi Byron (McMenamins/Crystal Ballroom), the conversation explores how parking availability influences ticket sales, audience turnout, artist load-ins, neighborhood relations, and overall venue operation

In this special episode, Stumptown Soundcheck brings you inside the Arts & Economy Committee meeting of August 12 2025. Councilor Jamie Dunphy introduces “The State of Portland’s Music Economy,” a presentation that examines the scale, significance and vulnerability of the city’s independent music sectorportland.gov. You’ll hear from Grammy‑winning artist Esperanza Spalding, who reflects on the importance of community music programs; Mara McLaughlin of Music Portland, who presents economic data showing how Portland’s music scene outpaces many other industries; and venue operator Jim Brunberg, who explains why independent venues are cultural and economic anchors. The meeting also features policy proposals—ranging from agent‑of‑change development guidelines to noise‑code reforms—and public testimony highlighting the need for living wages and more rehearsal space. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a policymaker or someone curious about how music shapes Portland’s identity, this episode offers a front‑row seat to a pivotal discussion about the future of the city’s music ecosystemportland.gov.

Portland’s indie heartbeat is loud—but can it keep tempo as the city leans harder into big-league sports? Host Jamie Dunphy sits down with two insiders who live at that intersection: DJ OG One (official DJ of the Portland Trail Blazers) and Jami Duffy (Executive Director, Youth on Record; Co‑Manager, Underground Music Showcase; Denver Cultural Affairs Commissioner). Together they unpack how arena culture, public policy, and grassroots scenes collide— from the WNBA’s return to Rip City to Denver’s stadium districts and community benefit agreements. OG One shares how he’s turned the Moda Center into a platform for local artists—slotting indie tracks into game ops, building halftime/concourse showcases, and creating a pipeline that trains young DJs for pro teams. Duffy offers a playbook from a championship sports town: treating music and sports as one entertainment ecosystem, getting artists at the table early, and safeguarding independent venues when shiny new stadiums add concerts to their calendars. In this episode: Sports investment vs. arts investment—and where policy actually moves the needle Practical ways teams can platform local musicians (and why intention matters) Stadium districts, noise, and CBAs: protecting neighbors and nightlife How music and sports fans can learn from each other to build a more inclusive scene A candid, actionable conversation about identity, equity, and the future of Portland’s culture. Press play and join the huddle.

For most Portlanders, the city doesn’t start until the workday ends—yet the only municipal employees reliably clocking in after 5 p.m. are cops, firefighters, and 911 operators. Could a dedicated advocate for nightlife, culture, and after-hours small business help the Rose City feel vibrant and safe again? Host Jamie Dunphy sits down with two of America’s leading nighttime-economy strategists: Scott Plusquellec – Nightlife Business Advocate, City of Seattle Julia Heath – Policy & Outreach Manager, Office of Nighttime Economy, City of New Orleans Together they unpack what a “night mayor” really does (and why that title makes them cringe), how COVID reshaped urban after-hours life, and what Portland should consider before launching its own program. If you care about music venues, late-night jobs, or simply being able to grab a taco and hear a band at midnight without stepping over red tape, this episode is for you.

Forget the tired “Keep Portland Weird” bumper-sticker: the real action is happening in the neighborhoods you keep cruising past on the MAX. In this month’s Stumptown Soundcheck, host Jamie Dunphy drags the spotlight off downtown and plants it firmly on Portland’s orbital music hubs—Beaverton, Vancouver, and beyond—where guitars are repaired faster than city councils can file another noise-ordinance memo. Geoff Metts, co-owner of Five Star Guitars, reveals how a suburban shop morphed into a West-Coast gear mecca, why NAMM has him testifying on Capitol Hill, and which of his former guitar students now teach him a lesson or two. Sheri Jamison, opera-singer-turned-arts-power-broker, dishes on Vancouver’s shiny new 0.1% cultural-access tax, brewing plans for a 1,200-seat performing-arts center, and the secret to coaxing city hall into funding mosh pits. Plus: post-pandemic venue survival hacks, Live Nation shade, commute-induced existential dread on the I-205 bridge, and a love letter (with scorch marks) to Dante’s at 3rd & Burnside. Whether you’re a policy wonk hunting economic-impact numbers, a suburban parent praying for a hometown date-night gig, or a jealous downtown club rat wondering where the crowd went—this episode lays out the dollars, decibels, and drama driving the greater-Portland music engine.

In this episode of Stumptown Soundcheck, host Jamie Dunphy sits down with Michael Bracy, co-founder of the Music Policy Forum, to explore the intricate relationship between music, policy, and community-building. Michael recounts his early experiences advocating for artists’ rights with the Future of Music Coalition, sheds light on how policy can both challenge and enhance local music ecosystems, and discusses the importance of collaborative efforts like the Music Policy Forum. He also highlights the unique cultural dynamics and geographic considerations shaping Cascadia’s music scene—from Portland to Boise to Seattle. Join us for an insightful conversation about how public policy and community collaboration can foster a thriving, equitable, and resilient music industry.

In Episode 22 of Stumptown Soundcheck, we tune in to the raw, unfiltered passion that Kate Becker brings to building and sustaining Seattle-area arts. Once a scrappy rabble-rouser, she’s now the head honcho at the King County Office of Economic Opportunity and Creative Economy. (Yes, that’s a mouthful.) Host Jamie Dunphy teases out how Seattle’s music ecosystem rose from sweaty teen all-ages shows to major government investment—and what that could mean for arts advocates in Portland. Hear about the joys, the tears, and the policy dramas that shape one of the West Coast’s most dynamic creative economies.

In this episode, host and city councilor Jamie Dunphy sits down with Music Policy Council rock star Jesse Valencia to survey the big question: “How can Portland become a true music city?” Listeners chime in on everything from parking solutions to city-led agencies that cut through red tape. They discuss a new all-ages venue project (Friends of Noise FTW!), policy changes (bye-bye, archaic noise code?), and the constant tug-of-war with corporate giants like Live Nation. The final verdict? Portland’s music ecosystem has the passion, but it needs your help to make the dream real—whether that means volunteering at Music Portland, serving on new committees, or just showing up to local gigs. Expect an optimistic call to arms, witty banter, and plenty of real talk about building a vibrant, diverse, safe city where music thrives.

In this episode, host Jamie Dunphy engages with newly elected Portland City Councilors Sameer Kanal and Olivia Clark to explore the pivotal role of music in shaping public policy. They discuss strategies to support the local music industry, address subjective law enforcement issues related to noise codes, and navigate the impact of major players like Live Nation on Portland’s vibrant music scene. Discover how Portland is fostering a pro-music environment through thoughtful governance.

In this enlightening episode of Stumptown Soundcheck, special guest host Jesse Valencia welcomes back Music Portland's founder and executive director, Mara McLaughlin. Together, they delve into the pivotal role of Portland's independent music industry in the city's economy and culture, especially in light of the upcoming governmental changes. With Portland's government transitioning to a new structure—electing a new mayor and a 12-person city council representing different districts—over 100 candidates are vying for positions. Jesse and Mara discuss how Music Portland reached out to 65 of these candidates with a comprehensive survey to gauge their commitment to supporting the local music scene. More than half responded thoughtfully, highlighting the growing recognition of music as an economic and cultural asset. They share insightful excerpts from candidates across various districts, emphasizing their plans to promote Portland as a top independent music city, protect local venues from monopolistic entities, and invest in the music economy. The conversation underscores the interconnectedness of music policy with broader city issues like economic development, tourism, and community vitality. Jesse and Mara also touch on the importance of understanding the candidates' positions on music-related policies, encouraging listeners to consider these factors in their voting decisions. They address common misconceptions about the music community, emphasizing that it's a complex ecosystem involving small businesses, entrepreneurs, and educators—not just performers. The episode serves as a call to action for the community to recognize and support the music industry's role in shaping Portland's identity and future. By highlighting the candidates who are champions for music, Jesse and Mara aim to inspire informed voting and continued advocacy for a thriving, resilient music scene in Portland. Tune in to gain valuable insights into how music and public policy intersect in Portland's evolving political landscape, and discover how you can contribute to fostering a vibrant cultural community.

In Episode 18 of Stumptown Soundcheck, host Jamie Dunphy welcomes Jesse Valencia, the newest member of the Music Policy Council, for an in-depth discussion on the vital intersection of music and public policy in Portland. They explore tangible ways policy can support the city's thriving independent music scene, from practical solutions like designating loading zones for musicians at venues to implementing the "Agent of Change" principle that protects existing venues from the impact of new developments. Jesse shares insights from his background as a musician and lobbyist, emphasizing the need for intentional policies to address challenges like downtown revitalization and affordable live-work spaces for artists. They delve into the recent shifts in public art funding, highlighting how Music Portland is now distributing grants directly to musicians through the Echo Fund, marking a significant change in how the city supports its artists. The conversation also tackles the cultural value of music, advocating for fair compensation for musicians and recognizing their contributions to the local economy—an industry generating $4 billion annually in Oregon, with 80% centered in Portland. Jesse proposes the idea of establishing a Portland Music, Entertainment, and Arts Authority to unify efforts and foster collaboration among various stakeholders. Tune in to discover how thoughtful, intentional policy can help Portland embrace its identity as one of America's leading music cities and ensure a vibrant future for its artists and communities.

Despite having more live music venues than other “music cities”, Portland has long been bypassed by tours due to a significant gap in venue sizes. The tide is turning with three new performance venues currently in various stages of planning. But at what price to our music community? Host Jamie Dunphy, Chair of Music Portland's Policy Council, unravels the specifics with co-host Veronica Bisesti, Executive Director of the PRP. Join us in this engaging conversation to understand the future of Portland’s music venues, hear the behind-the-scenes efforts of Music Portland and learn how you can be part of the movement to preserve our city's unique musical heritage.

Episode 16: Finding Portland’s Queer Music Scene Host Jamie Dunphy and guest Co-Host Renée Muzquiz delve into Portland's queer music scene. Joining the conversation are dynamic queer performers Karma Rivera and Shrista, who share their personal journeys and struggles as musicians in the hip-hop and comedy scenes. The episode explores the challenges of finding queer-friendly venues and the need for greater support and acceptance within the music community. It also highlights how queer artists are carving out their own spaces and pushing for more visibility and representation. Tune in for an insightful discussion on making music inclusive for all.

In this episode, Jamie Dunphy sits down with Mont Chris Hubbard of AFM Local 99 to discuss the new FTC rule banning non-compete agreements and its implications for musicians. Learn how this new regulation compares to Oregon laws, the specifics of radius clauses, and how it could shape the future landscape for music workers. Tune in for an in-depth look at the intersection of music and public policy, and discover what these legal changes mean for the livelihood of musicians across Oregon and beyond. Special thanks to Portland Radio Project for making us sound great every month.

Join us on this month’s episode of Stumptown Soundcheck as host Jamie Dunphy sits down with Shain Shapiro, the author of "This Must Be The Place: How Music Can Make Your Cities Better" and founder of Sound Diplomacy. Tune in to hear about Shain's insights from his global book tour, and how Portland can integrate music into policy to fuel economic development and community building. You won't want to miss this enlightening conversation!

In this stirring episode of Stumptown Soundcheck, host Jamie Dunphy delves into the growing influence of Live Nation in Portland's local music scene and how it could reshape the cultural and economic landscape of this independent music haven. With insights from Amy Maxwell, the seasoned founder of Ticket Tomato, and Kyle O'Quinn, a musician with decades of experience in bands like Portugal the Man, this conversation shines a light on the crucial intersection of music and public policy in Portland. Discover firsthand accounts of Live Nation's business practices, the challenges and changes in the music industry for 2024, and the fight for transparency and fairness in an industry that's rapidly evolving. Learn about the vital role of local clubs, the impact of corporate consolidation on musicians and venues, and the community's vocal response to safeguard Portland's unique musical identity. This episode of Stumptown Soundcheck isn't just about music. It's a clarion call for artists, policymakers, and music lovers to band together in support of the local scene against the backdrop of Live Nation's expanding influence. Whether you're deeply embedded in the fabric of Portland's music community or an avid supporter from afar, this episode is a must-listen. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of what the future holds for Portland's music scene and how collective action can make a difference.