Gangstagrass ft. Speaker Minds
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Conceived as a studio endeavor 15 years ago by Rench, a Brooklyn-based producer handling vocals, guitar, and beats, Gangstagrass has evolved into a vibrant and improvisational band, forging camaraderie from the most unexpected of origins. The group harmonizes the unwavering array of skills from Rench, R-SON the Voice of Reason (MC), and Dolio the Sleuth (MC, Vocals), in addition to featuring other brilliant instrumentalists, most recently Jim Jimmerson (Banjo, Vocals), Jeremy Aaron (Fiddle, Vocals), Dan Whitener (Banjo, Dobro, Mandolin, Harmonica, Vocals), and Joe Campanella (Fiddle, Vocals).
With roots across the country, the ensemble has skillfully blended the traditional sounds of fiddles and banjos with contemporary hip-hop beats. This unique synergy and creative innovation have propelled the band to worldwide success. As the pioneers who made history as the first-ever band to bring real hip-hop MCs to the #1 spot on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart, Gangstagrass is well-acquainted with challenging norms. Their groundbreaking work led to them receiving UNESCO's "International Innovator Award. Particularly noteworthy is their creation of the iconic Long Hard Times to Come, which served as the opening theme song for every episode of the hit FX show Justified, earning Gangstagrass a 2010 Primetime Emmy nomination in the "Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music" category.
The group also saw recognition on America's Got Talent in 2021, as judge Howie Mandel praised Gangstagrass as "the recipe that America has been looking for until 10₩, ultimately reaching the quarter-finals. Their educational outreach and the vast diversity of people in their live audiences all dancing together garnered Gangstagrass The New York Times headline "This Is the Music America Needs."
Speaker Minds is creeping on a comeback. Before their 5-year hiatus, the band, recognized as high-energy, supremely talented artists, had been consistently blazing microphones and stages throughout the Northwest. They’re on a new mission to re-establish their reputation as a highly sought-after, crowd-rockin’ hip-hop band with a style that gets even the sleepiest of crowds on their feet. And right quick.
Buy 4 or more tickets and get $5 off per ticket.
Tickets: $32
All Ages | Tickets are non-refundable.
Date / time Wed, August 20, 2025 Doors open: 7:30 pm Event begins: 8:00 pm Buy Tickets
Venue info The Heights Lounge and Event Space
8000 SE Foster Rd
Portland
,
OR, 97206