What’s New at The Numberz FM
Happy August everyone!
Its been quite a busy summer, and we at The Numberz FM are excited to share what's ahead this upcoming month with events, news, updates and things to look forward to!
We continuously thank our community, our readers, listeners, supporters, sponsors, viewers and collaborators for all the love that we receive, as we could not do this without you all!
EVENTS
EVERY WEDNESDAY WITH 2 LOCATIONS!
The Numberz FM has teamed up with Here For Portland as well as Prosper Portland, to bring the city weekly free pop up events for all to enjoy!
Each Wednesday from 11AM-1PM, we host Local Vendors who provide free food, or treats as giveaways, while also providing live music or performances!
We will be doing these for several more weeks leading up to the Fall, so come enjoy your lunch break with us, or simply come on down with your family for these friendly events!
The Cart Blocks SW Park AVE & Burnside ST
Director Park 815 SW Park AVE
The Rebound Kiki Ball continues to bring monthly events at their newest location, The Get Down PDX. We at The Numberz continue to be proud sponsors for these events that cater to such talented, diverse POC & LGBTQIA+ community members that get to showcase their amazing talents within such a fun event and atmosphere.
The next Kiki Ball happens Friday August 18th!
Catch the latest updates and event details on The Rebound PDX Instagram Account!
This month, The Rebound PDX celebrates and honors the lives of Carmen Xtravaganza, as well as O’Shae Sibley.
Throughout the 80’s, Carmen Xtravaganza reigned on the runways as one of the House Of Xtravaganza’s impossible beauties. Her presence and talent left an undeniable mark on the House Ballroom Culture. Her contribution to the community and artistry will forever be remembered as her bravery and openness helped pave the way for others, leaving an enduring legacy of acceptance and love.
O’Shae Sibley was a young, Black, Queer community member and artist that was a passionate dancer, teacher and representative of the Ballroom Culture. He unfortunately lost his life near a NYC gas station, when a horrific hate crime for his openness ended his life. He was known to be vibrant, loving, and passionate for his art form of using dance as an expressive outlet. He would vogue everywhere always, until someone sadly murdered him for doing so.
This Friday, The Rebound PDX will dance, celebrate, and come together to respectfully embrace the joy of these two precious lives that were such important participants within the LGBTQIA+ community.
May they Rest In Power.
Pallet x The Numberz team up for another Market!
The Numberz FM is partnering up with Pallet Portland to bring you another FREE vendor market at The Lloyd Center Mall, held within the old H&M!
There will be live music from Numberz DJs, a NUMZ Bodega Pop-Up Shop, Community Engagement Center, and tons of Local Vendors.
This is the next of three upcoming markets left to the year, so come out and join us, Saturday August 26th from 11AM-7PM!
HIGHLIGHTS
EQUITABLE GIVING CIRCLE PRESENTS: SHARING CULTURE
Launched on July 5th, 2023, Sharing Culture is a Bi-Monthly Podcast infused with laughter, love and tips on community building. This season your host is EGC Co-Founder & Executive Director, AJ McCreary, will be interviewing other community organizers each episode. You will get a book recommendation and a sharing homework assignment to strengthen your own sharing practice!
PICKATHON
This past August, THE NUMBERZ FM was invited to the renowned Portland music festival Pickathon. Staff included Executive Director DJ Ambush and the Music Department’s lead Taiyah Simone. The team enjoyed the Pickathon experience over the course of a three day period (Friday-Sunday) and were ecstatic to watch such a wide range of performers.
“First off , the immersive environment Pickathon has created is thoroughly Impressive, unique and refreshing. Throughout the entire weekend I rarely saw festival goer’s on their phones. With the exception of a few, I mainly saw concert attendees who were present and excited to experience the various bands, artists, and DJ’s!- a rare feat in 2023. For those who may be unfamiliar or need more context, Pickathon is hosted in Happy Valley Oregon on the Pendarvis Farm just 30 minutes outside of Portland. Once you arrive, you will be directed to a variety of different stages and venues- via staff members, on various trails where the fun begins. Stage design was huge part of the festival experience with nine different locations, each which served Its purpose in the greater whole.
Some of my most notable and favorite stages include The Windmill, The Lucky Barn, The Woods and The Grove. DJ Ambush had the opportunity to interview Larry and Joe, throughout their performance At the Lucky Barn, while providing a very heartwarming and amazing performance. The duo would came together during the height of the pandemic in 2020, blending Venezuelan music with Bluegrass and Folk from the Appalachian region. This write up alone does not do justice to personally experiencing Larry & Joe’s music, and I highly recommend readers tap into their world.
Additional performance highlights over the weekend include a powerful performance from Lee Fields and The Expressionists, Amazing sounds from Patchyman, great selections from Dj Bobby D as well as an ethereal performance from the Whimz. While traveling throughout the festival you will also be able to choose from a good selection of food venders. This was yet another addition to the weekend, with the entire food and beverage experience being so seamless and sustainable. Additionally, I encourage future festival goers to enjoy a cider in a hammock with great music in the distance.
Furthermore, I can’t forget to mention the performance I caught from They Hate Change, a rap duo from Tampa Florida that left me astonished. The sheer energy and stage presence of these two left me speechless. The group possesses two dynamic performers, that gave the audience The Gulf Coast music experience. From hard hitting 808s and percussive sounds, the music can be described as Cloud Trap, Electronic, Alternative Hip-Hop, and soon our listeners will be able to hear them on our station!
To close out I would like to thank all the Pickathon Staff and performers for providing a magnificent weekend! I’ll speak for the team when I say it was such a joy to be have been present at Pickathon 2023. Watching performances, buying artist’s music and merch was such an experience, and I know moving forward as an organization, THE NUMBERZ FM wants to be more involved in the Pickathon experience in any capacity.”
Written by Taiyah Simone
NUMZ BODEGA
NUMZ BODEGA SALE!
The NUMZ BODEGA continues with its Summer Sale, offering 50% OFF on select clearance T-Shirts! Browse various designs and visit our website!
HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT OUR LIVE FROM THE BODEGA SERIES?
Live From The Bodega was a series of interviews that were created to highlight the many BIPOC artists, and businesses that have collaborated with us at our NUMZ BODEGA gift shop. Listen back to some of the previous episodes, while checking out this one featuring Itchelle & Paul, founders of Zero8one5!
Zero8one5 specializes in street/skate wear creating products such as Skullys, Skate Decks, Tee’s and more. Community is at the center of their brand, and you will see Zero8one5 promoting and platforming those around them at every opportunity. Be sure to support them online at (https://www.zero8one5.com/store) and out in Portland where they consistently are throwing pop-up events.
We want to take this moment to thank all of our subscribers, supporters, viewers, listeners, sponsors, collaborators and community members for all the support we receive here at The Numberz FM. We could not do this without all the love from all of you, and look forward to connecting with you furthermore, be it through events, programming, and sharing ourselves with you in our city of Portland.
Stay tuned for next months newsletter with more news, updates, and follow ups on recaps with what's currently in stores!
What’s happening this June!
Thank you to all of our subscribers, members, donors, partners, readers, listeners and community members! We could’nt be here without you all!It’s June, and the weather is here to remind us that it's almost Summer time! We have some big dates to look forward to with important upcoming holidays, as well as many fun events to attend!
UPCOMING EVENTS
McMenamins History Department, Poison Waters, local Black Drag Queens and sponsoring community partners are teaming up for a second year to present intersectional Pride and Juneteenth events!
These evnts will explore the history and contemporary experience of Black Drag in Portland, Oregon. This two-nightevent features an all-star panel of Local Drag Queens, followed by fabulous Drag performances. These events are in an effort to close the gap between our BIPOC and QTBIPOC communities.
We at The Numberz will be live streaming this event on Thursday June 15th through our Twitch channel.
Congratulations to The Rebound Kiki Ball happening Friday June 16th over at The Getdown here in PDX for a SOLD OUT show! There will be limited door tickets availble, so get there early if you’d like to experience Portlands Ballroom scene! 21+ over event from 9:30PM- late. This months theme: The Elements Ball.
We at the Numberz are happy to be proud sponsors for The Rebound!
Stay in touch with The Rebound through their instagram account below.
Here is a great event put on by BNO Entertainment to attend and support as the perfect kick off to our Juneteenth Weekend. Free for all ages, so bring your friends and family out for a night of fun. There will be activities for all ages!
Portland Events and Film is a proud sponsor in supporting events that celebrate our city, build community, and represent the diversity of Portland’s creative talent, businesses, and people.
Join us this Saturday, June 17th over at the LLoyd Center Mall for Pallet’s Pop Up Market!. Event will be held within the old H&M, and will have several vendors, food, drinks, and of course live music provided by us! We’ll also be hosting a Street Fighter video game tournament with prizes for winners. The NUMZ Bodega will also have a booth set up with merch, including sale items! Follow us on instagram to stay in the loop with any updates for this event!
We want to congratulate the Eight Seconds: Juneteenth Rodeo, happening this Saturday June 17th at the Portland Expo Center for their SOLD OUT event!
Ivan McClellan has been documenting Black Rodeo Culture for a long time and on this day brings history to Oregon. The invitational Rodeo will gather some of the top competitors from across the country, emphasizing support for Black Western Athletes. We sat down with Ivan to learn more about the Rodeo, as well as what brought him to the scene in the first place.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Numberz FM just celebrated the success of our second Black Podcast Festival: Spring Edition which was held over at the Lloyd Center Mall. This festival highlighted many important topics of conversations, curated through empowered, local Black and Brown hosts and guests. Topics ranged from Black Mental Health, City changes, Culture, Music, the Arts, and much more.
A big thank you to our food vendor A&A, The NUMZ Bodega, our moderators, guest speakers, and attendees.
Also, a huge thank you to our sponsors:
Equitable Giving Circle
Pallet
Multco REACH
The Portland Art Museum,
As well as the talented Jason Hill for this video Re-cap!
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHT
Friends of Noise
We've had the pleasure of collaborating with FON on several occasions and it never ceases to amaze me how knowledgeable the youth staff is. The level at which they execute speaks for itself. Andre Middleton's emphasis on prioritizing safe spaces for our youth to express their creativity in front of an all ages crowd is absolutely phenomenal.
“Friends of Noise is a non-profit organization built on the values of collectivism and restorative justice. We seek to transform the culture of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth access to the music industry. We foster a healthy ecosystem for all ages to thrive by providing youth-focused programs, teaching industry skills, developing resources, mentorship and professional development. We meet young people where they are by facilitating opportunities for immersion into a safer arts community while uplifting youth voices.”
Find out more about Friends Of Noise right here!
For your continuous amounts of love, support, and contributions to The Numberz FM. It is our pleasure to continue to bring our community together, and uplift the magic residing within our city. Stay tuned for next months newsletter!
What's New at The Numberz for May!
Welcome everyone, and thank you for checking out this months newsletter!
Many thanks to our continuous members, subscribers, readers, listeners and community members!
We're gearing towards enjoying more warm weather to come, our 5 year anniversary happening later this year, and are excited to keep you all posted with great things leading up to that date.
UPCOMING EVENTS
We're getting ready for our Spring Edition of The PDX Black Podcast Fest happening May 27th. This time, it will will take place at Lloyd Center Mall within the old Victorias Secret, with doors opening at 1PM and ending the full day at 9:30 PM.
The last time we held our Black Podcast Fest, we hosted several important conversations from powerful voices within our community, ranging from topics of Black Mental Health/Sexual Health, Community, City Representatives & the importance of familiarizing ourselves with other empowered Black voices, and various talks on the impacts to our POC community. This year, we are equally excited to host more of these important conversations yet again.
Our Spring Podcast Fest will be hosted by Jamila Singleton with the following schedule of listed participants.
2pm - The Bruce Poinsette Show
3:30pm - PDX BIZ TALK
5pm - Sharing Culture Podcast
6:30pm - The Dirty Rose Podcast
8:00pm - The Unrefined Sophisticates
The festival will also feature DJ performances by ALoSo, Simone the Waterbearer and Ambush.
Vendors will be onsite providing food and beverages along with other locally produced products including the Numz Bodega pop up shop. Follow us on Instagram for updates!
We'll also be live-streaming portions of the festival on our Twitch channel
Here we share a recap video from our Fall edition of the Black Podcast Fest produced by local artist, Jason Hill
MY PEOPLES MARKET
My Peoples Market is Back with their 12th annual market! Join us, as we provide music for the event on June 3rd & 4th from 12- 6PM, as well as have a NUMZ BODEGA booth on site!
We love partnering with our friends over at My Peoples Market, and sharing space with other local members and POC businesses from throughout the City.
This FREE event will take place over at The Redd on Salmon. There will be food trucks onsite within the closed off street, family friendly vibes, music, with indoor & outdoor vendors to shop from.
THE REBOUND KIKI BALL
The Numberz FM is proud to announce, that we are newly sponsors to The Rebound Kiki Ball here in Portland.
The Rebound was on a short break, and returns to their normally scheduled programming this June 16th. This event, produced by Papi Ada (Legendary Father of the House of Ada, most recently seen on HBO’s Legendary Show Season 3) as well as Sumi Malik (Local PDX Urban Planner), with Host/MC Sophora The Aura (from The House Of Ada), along with DJ SLTWTR & The Numberz own DJ ALoSo-has become a new addition to the POC & LGBTQIA+ nightlife scene here in Portland since November of 2022.
These Kiki Balls highlight the artistry, talents & competitive skill of community members within OTA (Open To All) categories/opportunities for competitors to engage in a runway styled face off for cash prizes. Originally an underground scene within the 80’s in NYC, Vouge Balls have always been a huge part of POC and Queer culture. They have remained safe spaces throughout many cities across the world for these communities to live openly and freely to showcase their artistry, creativity, talents and dancing abilities. Categories range from Vouging (a unique dance form that blends a sort of ballet & break dancing fusion), Face categories, Runway + more. To learn more about the culture of the Ballroom scene, watch documentaries such as “Paris Is Burning”, or shows like “Legendary” & “POSE”
Here is a Recap from the last Rebound Kiki ball which took place back in February, for its Black History Month showcase over at the Crystal Ballroom.
PALLET POP UP MARKET
This Juneteenth weekend, June 17th from 11-7 PM, we will be rejoining the Pallet Pop Up market at the Lloyd Center Mall again. The event takes place at the old H&M, on both floors with several other vendors, as we host downstairs with our NUMZ BODEGA lounge. The last one was much fun, (with photos down below), as we got to play music provided by local DJs, and brought out our latest in merch & sales!
This time, we’re even more excited to connect more with you all, and will be hosting a Street Fighter Video game tournament!
Come Hang out with us while you shop, enjoy music, compete for a friendly video game tournament, & enjoy food and drinks!
COMMUNIT ENGAGMENT HIGHLIGHT
Meet Duronte, Founder of Nite Owlz. He’s a Portland Born local artist, community member/visionary, & business owner. Duronte shares with us in an interview how he was inspired to create something productive out of the fluxes in life which can bring restlessness at times. He wanted to also help share this intention for community by starting his own non profit, and business that could help give back to community as well by working with the youth in helping provide work opportunities for those who may feel uninspired in any restlessness of their own, hint the idea of Nite Owlz.
He and his teams own lifestyle are reflective of his inspiration to utilize energy, care and attention to detail within establishing a 24 hour cleaning service available to the city, businesses and local residents of the Portland Metro area. This then lead to other ideas blossoming to different extensions of Nite Owlz such as a clothing brand line, and other endeavors.
Listen back to the interview here to learn more on ways to help support and follow the Nite Owlz journey.
FEATURED ADVERTISER/ PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHT
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Bobby DiMarco is a local queer artist in PDX. Also a Graphic Designer, Bobby continues to find passion in creating music. His previous work can be streamed on platforms such a Spotify, but his latest Single- “Fast/Slow” can also be heard weekly in our “Top 200” and “PDX Hour” radio segments.
COMMUNITY PLAYLIST HIGHLIGHT
DJ LAFLOR is a first-generation Colombian-Miami based artist in Portland, OR, who fell into DJing through curiosity and an interest for connecting with family back home. Inspired by the Salsa, Cumbia, and Boleros that she grew up listening to while cleaning on Sundays – she started collecting spanish vinyl in hopes to preserve records for the next generation to come. When feeling homesick for Miami, you’ll catch her switch over to digital to play out Throwback Puro Reggaeton and Quinceañera classics.
We got to hang out with DJ LAFLOR at the last Pallet Pop up within Lloyd Center Mall, as she DJ’d for us and provided the tunes! We got to catch up afterward and get her to share a community playlist.
Click Here to stay onto of the latest with LAFLOR and her endeavors.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Numberz FM, Double Tee Concerts, Mammoth NW, and Soul'd Out Productions are coming together to bring you Jidenna's On The Silk Road Tour happening at The Rosaland This July!
Follow us on Instagram and watch out for our stories as we share upcoming ticket giveaways leading up to the event!
The Numberz FM thanks:
Soul'd Out Productions
Double Tee Concerts
Mammoth Northwest
Roseland Theater
for their partnerships and continuous support with sharing lasting experiences with our community!
“Jidenna is a popular American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. Born to a Nigerian father and American mother, he spent the first six years of his life in Nigeria where his father was a professor. They returned to the US after they were abducted at gunpoint while traveling in a bus in Nigeria. Showing an early interest in music, Jidenna decided to become a rapper in the seventh grade, but continued his studies. He joined Stanford University at the age 18 to study sound engineering. Later he switched his major and eventually earned his BA degree in ritualistic arts at the age of 23. Thereafter, he moved to New York City to start a career in music, but lack of funds forced him to take up a teaching job. He released his first song, ‘Classic Man,’ when he was 29 years old, and his debut album, ‘The Chief’, two years later. He is also socially very conscious, being actively involved in the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement. Proud of his Nigerian heritage, he returns to his father’s country, contributing to its development.”
-sourced from www.thefamouspeople.com
TALK CONTENT
With Black Maternal Health Week having been April 11-17th, a newly nationally recognized week centered on education and advocacy around Black women, families, communities around the birthing experience.
“Not every Black pregnant women is fortunate enough to live to watch their child grow. Leaving behind motherless children and single fathers. Stories such as Amber Rose Issac and Kira Johnson are just a few. In a world in which Black women have to fear for their safety and lives before, during and after pregnancy due to factors such as institutionalized racism playing a major role- Black women matter and need to be protected as they are the backbone of the Black community.”- Binna
We had the chance of having chatted with Michelle Smith , Portland based former Dula and a Program Manager for Black Parent Initiative’s (BPI) Doula & Mobile Lactation Program. Our host Binna had a chance to speak with Michelle where she shares some of her own personal experiences, Black Maternal Health Week, the value of a Doula, advocacy in the birthing room and various aspects surrounding Black women and the birthing experience.
Watch the full interview here
NUMZ BODEGA
NumzBODEGA’s first Pop-Up of the year happened recently at the Lloyd Center Mall within the Pallet Pop-Up Market! We were able to see our mockup come to life, and are excited for other more upcoming events, sales, and pop ups happening here in PDX.
Our next pop up appearances will happen at the upcoming Black Podcast Fest as well as at My Peoples Market, June 3rd & 4th, as well as at the Pallet Pop up Market happening again this Juneteenth weekend,June 17th!
(event details at the top of this blog!
In the meantime, our site still has several sales happening with original T-shirts being sold at 50% off.
Currently on our website, NumzBODEGA is having a Spring Clearance Sale on our Original Collection T-Shirts for 50% off!
LIVE FROM THE BODEGA
Our Live From The Bodega series continues, and here we have an interview with Kan Jones
Founder of The IX Brand
Kan is a Creative at heart and has numerous talents such as photography, podcasting, craftsmanship and more. Kan is part of the NUMBERZ.FM family and The IX Brand has been around since the opening of NumzBODEGA. The IX Brand celebrates YOU the supporter and encourages you to live life authentically and full daily, making the mantra, “do it to the nines”, personal and unique. Be sure to check out the website to support Kan and stay up to date!
Learn more about this designer and his brand, and stay tuned for new merch drops, as well as new Episodes from his Podcast with Morgan Jones,
The Unrefined Sophisticates.
A BIG THANK YOU to all our community, our newest subscribers/members, donors, community partners, viewers, readers & listeners.
We couldn't do this without you, and look forward to next months blog!
What's new at The Numberz FM
Happy April everyone! And a huge thank you to all our subscribers, members, followers, partnerships, listeners and readers!
With our 5 year anniversary happening later this year, we look forward to sharing all the new updates, projects and plans that have occurred, and will continue to occur in the months to come with you all!
UPCOMING EVENTS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS
*MARKET BY PALLET- APRIL 15TH, 11AM-7 PM AT LLOYD CENTER MALL
Join The Numz Bodega at the Pallet pop up Market happening at the Lloyd Center Mall! We will be a participating booth at this event, with our latest in merchandise, in addition to items from our clearance sale selections. There will also be music for the event, with local Numberz affiliated DJs. We will be on the first floor of the old H&M, near the bar, with other local businesses and food vendors on site. Support local businesses, shop, eat, drink and come hang with us Saturday the 15th at Lloyd Center Mall.
This is a free event, and we hope to see many of you there!
SUBMIT YOUR VOTES!
With your help, The Numberz FM can be nominated for best radio station of 2023 within “Willamette Weekly’s Best Of 2023“!
Every year, Willamette Weekly puts out several categories of “Best Of”, as a way for local Portlanders to nominate, submit and cast their votes of who they think should be considered the best, within each category.
With us reaching our 5th year anniversary at the end of the year, we’d love to see the ability to potentially win this nomination with your support!
It has truly been an honor to be a radio station for our community, and look forward to continue to serve you all and build on our networks! Thank you all for your continuous support and participation
Click here to cast your vote, and write in “The Numberz FM” to nominate us!
DID YOU KNOW?
The Numberz’ own DJ Ambush & DJ Klyph have a new monthly happening every 4th Sunday of the month! Yup, and this new event is for the hip hop lovers. No requests happens at White Eagle Saloon, 836 N Russel ST once a month.
It’s been a different theme each month, but still focused on the straight boom bap, 90’s era and inspired hip hop vibes that these two amazing DJs collaborate on sharing out! So far, there has been a J Dilla tribute themed night, a Women’s history month tribute night, highlighting the music of powerful women throughout the hip hop ages, as well as opportune moments for vinyl record exchanges.
This is a free event, held at a 21+over bar, from 6-9 PM, 4th Sundays of the month.
FEATURED ADVERTISER & PARTERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
"Community partnerships are extremely important for the type of work that we do at The Numberz FM. We’ve been fortunate to have some of the partnerships that were essential to the early stages of our growth, still be a part of what we do today. As the station has grown into several different facets of media, we’ve been able to forge new alliances and have picked up some truly inspiring partnerships along the way.
Imagine Black's work here in Portland has been a shining example to our team. By prioritizing the political and social concerns of the Black community and organizing on behalf of us. They've been working tirelessly to increase Black voter engagement, making sure we have well informed participants. We had the pleasure of sitting down with their team last year, and hosted their executive director Joy Elise-Davis in our studio as a guest on the Bruce Poinsette Show, resulting in a partnership that led to members of Imagine Black leading a couple of sessions during the fall edition of our Black Podcast Festival at Alberta Abbey.
Being mission aligned will always be prioritized over any financial relationships that might be laid before us. The gratitude that we have for the blessing of being able to work with Imagine Black is immeasurable. Find out more about this amazing organization by visiting imagineblack.org"
-Ambush
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
There are a lot of new shows that have been added into our weekly programming that we are excited to share with you all. Currently, we have two new segments we’d love to highlight!
The First, is a show that takes place Monday-Thursday from 4-5PM, and its called Traffic Jam, curated by Portlands own Trailblazers DJ, O.G. One.
Outside of DJing for The Portland Trailblazers, DJ O.G. One is a Music Producer | VP of PNW Recording Academy | Founder/Speaker/Coach of Leadertainment & Co-Founder of PDX Hip Hop Week/PBME
Tune in during your drive home from work, with or without the traffic- to enjoy one of our city’s amazing DJs as he gives you the fun tunes & blends to help pass the time.
Click here to also stay on top of DJ O.G.Ones events, collaborations, and upcoming projects.
STAFF PICKS is another new segment added to our weekly schedule. It takes place Monday-Fridays from 12-1PM.
Tune in to hear some of the top picks from The Numberz FM team. We’ll be highlighting some of our favorite tracks that we are currently vibing to. You may hear a combination on New Singles, as well as old favorites from each of us, all within a combined rotating playlist.
PREVIOUS HIGHLIGHTS
We recently had some important holiday months in which we had the opportunity to highlight some amazing people. For Black History Month, we had the opportunity to share out an amazing playlist, curated by Lauren McKnight (she/her/hers)
Lauren is a Brooklyn-based, DC/Maryland raised creative, former makeup artist, and current podcast host for treasurehunterspodcast, who hopes to create a space that feels warm, non judgmental, and encourages curiosity to explore all the twists, turns, ups and downs of growth and the human experience. Self-proclaimed extroverted / introvert, she's alwavs been someone who is in constant reflection of an experience, interaction, and moment. In 2017, after experiencing extreme burn out and navigating a mental health crisis, she was forced to, for the first time in her life-take a step back to ask different questions, slow down, and seek different tools to navigate a life and healing journey authentic to her needs. Inspired by many professionals in the realm of mental health and wellness - specifically those catering to the lens of Black, Brown, and Indigenous folx; who are often left out of the conversation of exploring these tools, she started this podcast to add another space for revelations, healing, and continued growth.
Treasure Hunters is named as such, inspired in honor of her beloved maternal grandparents, Nana and Poppy, who always seemed to have a pearl of wisdom, story, or treasure to share, for it seems just about EVERY human experience. They also happened to call the occasional trip to the thrift store, or drives to pick up old furniture to face lift for fun-
"treasure hunts".
Listen to her playlist here!
FOR OTHER CURATED PLAYLISTS
We have community playlist segments played several times throughout the weeks, but now have a Mixcloud account- that archives all the previous playlists, curated by our community members.
Community playlists are the heart of The Numberz FM history. It was one of the segments that helped create the foundation on which this station is built on. These playlists are curated and helped put together from song choices our POC community members select themselves. They range in genres & vibes, but are true to the diversity of what we enjoy sharing out on the airwaves. They are a wonderful way of learning new music, reminiscing on nostalgic track selections, and a great way to get to know each community member through the selection of their choices.
To hear back on some of the previous submitted playlist click here!
Learn how to submit a playlist of your own by clicking here!
TALK CONTENT
The Bruce Poinsette Show is back!
It airs on Wednesdays, 7PM on The Numberz FM Twitch channel. This witty, fun, and diverse show combines in-depth interviews and commentary for a unique experience that can only be described as the world’s most dangerous infomercial.
Portland Metro-based writer Bruce Poinsette talks with the people that shaping Portland and the state of Oregon, by exploring equal parts important news and big ideas, while also taking time to have fun with the latest in pop and nerd culture, along with producer Edo, within the Numberz FM studio at the Portland Art Museum.
Many episode snippets from the last season are up and available to watch on our Youtube Channel.
THE NUMBERZ FM ON YOUTUBE/TWITCH
Our Youtube Channel is perfect for catching up on amazing archived episodes from several associated to our Talk Content shows, such as:
Our Twitch Channel is where you can catch live streams of some of these shows as they are happening, and a great way to tune into our upcoming ticket giveaway to different events, concerts, and more!
NUMZ BODEGA
The Numberz Bodega, also known as, “NumzBODEGA'', has been through many different iterations since inception. Originally an accompanying gift shop (featuring various Portland BIPOC artists, businesses, merch and art)- to the “AUX/MUTE Gallery” on what was the 4th floor of the Portland Art Museum, NumzBODEGA now serves primarily as an online store. Since then, the 4th floor of the museum has now been closed for construction currently happening within The Portland Art Museum until further notice.
We do still participate in pop up events throughout the city with our latest in merchandise for sale, as well as sell art from affiliated artists on our website. Our upcoming event will be in participation of Pallet Portland’s Market, held within Lloyd Center Mall, Saturday April 15. (Details at the top of the page)
Browse our site to see the latest in apparel, art, and more.
Our newest designs feature beautifully colored roses, featuring images of roses captured at Peninsula Park right here in Portland. These fun designs come in Tees, Crew & Hooded sweat shirts.
We currently also have a Spring Clearance Sale on our Original Collection T-Shirts with various designs to choose from for 50% off!
Separate from our online store and occasional pop up events, The Numz Bodega has featured archived video interviews with the artists and business owners featured in Bodega.
This fun interview series gives the viewer insight on the local businesses that reside here within our city, and highlight the amazing artists behind those businesses. This fun interview series is known as “Live from the Bodega'‘ and can be viewed on our YouTube Channel.
For this months highlights, we wanted to share with you PDX artist Rob-O, owner of RootsnRooftops
ROB O from ROOTS N ROOFTOPS
PDX artist Rob-O is the master mind behind RootsnRooftops.
Rob-O has been a part of NumzBODEGA since the beginning and has collaborated with THENUMBERZ.FM and the Portland Art Museum (PAM) on many events and projects such as the 2022 Juneteenth Celebration, the Rooftop Display Exhibit, and the Black Lives Matter tote bags. Rob-O is a wonderfully talented artist specializing in handcrafted goods and indigo dyeing. Please check out the Roots N Rooftops collection whithin the Numz Bodega to support Rob-O, and to learn more about the brand by checking out his personal website!
Watch his “Live from The Bodega Interview” here!
THANK YOU ALL-
For your continuous amounts of love and support.
A HUGE thank you, from The Numberz Team to:
Robin Beavers
Forest Healy
Melinda Kowalska
Eric Ward
Jonna Papaefthimiou
Jess Morgan
For being our newest subscribers. We appreciate you all very much!
Stay tuned for our next newsletter in May, to learn more about upcoming events, projects and collaborations!
APRIL 2021
Welcome!!
Portland Voices: VALERIE YVETTE PETERSON
Valerie Yvette Peterson has been performing for over 30 years here in her hometown of Portland, Oregon and has written countless plays, short stories and has performed her poetry in various theaters across the country. Her latest chapbook titled, Fruits Of Our Labor- My Words, My Harvest; A Compilation Of Poetry and Prose, can be found at most media outlets. This extraordinary debut collection of poetry and prose, chronicles the realities and disparities of divorce, relationships, abortion and mental illness, within communities of color. Each poem and story is complete in itself; collectively they create a tapestry as intricate, defined and colorful as the people they represent.
Valerie Yvette Peterson hosts a social media, Video Vlog show each Monday Night on Youtube, where she performs and shares originally written pieces of poetry and invites local guest poets to participate and share their love of poetry. Valerie Yvette Peterson is the member of Poetry Society of New York’s Advisory Council for BIPOC Artists, where she and other members help to create a shift toward equity and inclusion in aspects of BIPOC Artistry within the Poetry Society of New York.
Valerie Yvette Peterson is an Associate Producer for World Arts Foundation Inc. in Portland, Oregon, which produces the 2nd largest Tribute Celebration in the Nation for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Her most recent production titled When WE Cry, sponsored by Fertile Ground Festival of New Works and Portland Area Theater Alliance, is a play that takes a look into the pain of a black woman; and the perils that exist when truths of pain remain silent. She has also just completed her show titled SADIE and MYRTLE, for the 12th Annual Fertile Ground Festival of New Work. Her written and performed work has been featured in Kontrol Magazine, Stereotypeco.com, Dr. Melinda Silva’s Podcast for Mental Health, Festival for Poetry.com, Wild Sound Festival Review, Ethically Immoral Podcast, Portland
Observer Magazine, Fertile Ground Festival of New Work and many others. Her work was recently selected to appear in the Anthology: Voices for Justice, published by the Los Angeles Poets Society Press and will be a featured, curated poet for the BIPOC Reading Series with Literary Arts.
Valerie Yvette Peterson’s work is crucially important to our literary landscape for many reasons: She hones in on a unique perspective by using her experiences as a black woman and highlighting the interconnectedness of ALL women. She seeks to show how unity is just a heartbeat away. Valerie Yvette Peterson uses her artistic platform to creatively amplify all women's voices through the footsteps of the black woman’s experience.
Partnership highlight: Forge Hot Yoga
Now that The Numberz has spent some time being your favorite radio station, it's hard to imagine Portlands airwaves without us right? But, understand that establishing a media vehicle with the purpose of uplifting our communities marginalized voices in a place that has actively silenced or disregarded those voices wasn’t an easy endeavor. It takes support from the community at large to first recognize the need for this project, especially in its inception and then to follow through by getting involved as an early supporter. As one of our very first underwriters Forge Hot Yoga applied their philosophy of healing and transformation into their support for The Numberz.
Founders Angela Patrick and Ryan Smith explain their philosophy as a belief that yoga is medicine and “we aim to improve your flexibility, range-of-motion, strength, balance, perseverance, stamina, attitude, mental health and many other benefits by offering high quality instruction and providing a safe, simple and healing space. We are here to help you achieve your goals!”
With locations in the Alberta District, West Linn & Happy Valley offering a variety of classes not limited to yoga but also including pilates and guided breathing meditations. Find the location and class that works for both in person and virtual classes. You can find more info at www.forgehotyoga.com
Featured Talk Show: Box To Row
Host Donal Ware talks with the newsmakers in the world of sports and entertainment and about relevant issues of the day. One of the rare shows to air on both SiriusXM Satellite Radio and terrestrial/traditional radio, BOXTOROW began airing August 20, 2005. BOXTOROW is also on-site, broadcasting from well-known events. BOXTOROW is current, relevant and fresh! Appointment Radio! You can catch Box to Row airing every Saturday at Noon on the Numberz.
A curator of the Portland hip-hop scene, DJ Klyph uses platforms to represent the underrepresented. For over a decade he's promoted and supported the scene through radio, producer, curator and host of live events and podcaster. The foundation of this work has been local hip- hop, funk, soul and R&B.
In 2007 Klyph hosted “three7 MUSIC” on the Portland based internet station The Portland Radio Authority. The show was tagged as positive hip hop, conscious music featuring tracks from local artist Acts 29, Lightheaded & Lifesavas and leaning heavily into CHH and Gospel rap. Due to his early years living in Jersey, his playlists most often held a golden era east coast vibe.
In 2009 Klyph was picked up by local FM radio station KZME who's tag line was “Music Where You Live”. The goal of the station was to support the local music scene and Klyph created “Welcome to the Neighborhood” [WTTN], a show that would feature music from the local scene. Aside from playing music, he would invite MC’s in for live rhyme sessions on air, DJ’s to come through for live mix sessions, giveaway concert tickets and facilitate station support of local events.
The popularity of WTTN grew and guest interviews from outside of the region became a regular occurrence. In 2014 the “Klyph Notes” podcast was created, a chance to go deeper into long form interviews with artists and individuals making an impact on their communities.
Building with the local community led to a relationship with McMenamins and Klyph helped curate and later host the local hip-hop showcase Mic Check PDX with local promoter StarChile [R.I.P.]. The night initially gave local artists a live stage to perform with producer Trox as resident DJ and later the addition of DJ O.G. One, then grew to host performers from outside the region and build relationships with brands like Team Backpack.
“Now with ‘The Rhythm’ on The Numberz FM I have a place that allows me to combine years of being a curator of the music scene, building relationships with artists but also simply being a fan of the artand sharing with the listeners great music that should be on their radar.”
Brianna Balogun is a DJ and creative, who at the young age of 14 is making a name for herself through her gigs and radio presence. After watching her father communicate his love for music through djing she became curious about his passion and she started learning. Since then she's done numerous gigs from birthday parties to protests. While the main genres that she spins are Hiphop, R&B and Pop she enjoys playing genres out of her comfort zone and finding lesser known artists. Brianna currently has a monthly show on KBOO (Culture Light Beams Radio) with her father Dj Ambush and is working on improving her craft.
Take a listen to her Community Playlist that’ll be in rotation next month, but you’ll get it here first!
Our sister station XRAY.FM is in the middle of their spring fund drive. Click on the image below to see how you can get involved!
They are also looking for a new executive director so take a look and pass the link along to anyone you think might be interested!
XRAY is seeking a transformational, visionary leader to help the organization write the next chapter of its story. You can be a part of this hiring process! Share the job posting and helping us search for candidates suited for the Executive Director role.
The new Executive Director will be joining a community that includes an active volunteer board, 7-person staff, and over 100 volunteer DJs. We are accepting applications via email until midnight on Friday, 04/30.
VIEW THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION HERE
Womens History Month!
The Numberz will be taking this month to feature some of the amazing women that are out here doing their thing on our air waves. Monday's will focus on local women artist/ DJ's. Wednesday will focus on our women talk content creators. And on Tuesday's and Thursday's will focus on airing playlist from some of our friends. The women that are making moves in our community!
March 8 Music Monday: MPC
March 10 Womens Wednesday: Morgan Jones
March 11 Community Playlist: Kayla Jo
March 15 Music Monday: Kayela J
March 17 Womens Wednesday: Jonicia Henderson
March 21 Music Monday: Micah the Rapper
March 24 Womens Wednesday: Charlissa Chadowboxx
March 29 Music Monday: DJ Chuckk Pasta
March 31 Womens Wednesday: Arya Morman
“Acknowledge Us!” Black Womens History Event Recap
“Acknowledge Us” took place on a sunny yet brisk Saturday afternoon on March 6th at Victory Outreach Church. The program presented by Women First Transitional and Referral Center featured tributes to notable Black women throughout American history. Hosted by the organizations board president Shannon Olive the tributes included portrayals of Harriet Tubman, Maya Angelou, Sojourner Truth, Bertha Carter, Madame C.J. Walker and Michelle Obama. With performances from local artists Swego and Face King.
The event also included empowering and uplifting words from community activists Laurie Palmer, Libra Forde and Councilor Vince Jones-Dixon. We were grateful to be invited out to broadcast live, check back with us for the rebroadcast of the days events.
Partnership Highlight: Equal Exchange
Equal Exchange is building a democratic food system that belongs to the people not corporations. The is co-op is home to 130 worker-owners each with an equal stake and an equal vote in the business. Check out their incredible selection of coffee, tea, chocolates and other items found in their new grocery. Take a look!
In the spirit of Women’s History Month check out their blog post highlighting women farmers! Power to the Women Farmers. Also check out their podcast episode discussing the Future of Black Farmers.
Featured Talk Show/Podcast: The Unrefined Sophisticates
Brother and sister from another mother and mister, Kan Jones and Morgan Jones are two friends turned family sharing their takes on life, in this weekly podcast. Morgan, a political analyst, born and raised in NE Portland and Kan, a multi hyphenate content creator, originated in San Diego, California.
The duo goes over the week's news, pop topics, and welcoms guests ranging from music artists to mortgage lenders. Evolving, learning and laughing, in a way only they can. Bring ya red cup and listen up every Tuesday at 10am on the Numberz!
Featured DJ: DJ MPC
Who is DJ MPC? Upcoming DJ and tech nerd who lives for bringing people of all cultures together through music. Born and raised in Washington, DC where GO-GO music was birthed, hearing different sounds was a standard. Growing up, she would wake up to the sound of George Clinton and the Funkadelics, Stevie Wonder, and Earth, Wind, & Fire. Commutes to school and daily activities would consist of hearing Janet Jackson, Zap & Roger, Prince, ACDC, and that golden 90's hip-hop and R&B era. Marvin Gaye, Atlantic Star, Queen, Teena Marie, and many more would be the nighttime cap.
"Music is the connective tissue that produces different feelings, emotions, and can sometimes make you remember moments in time. For that reason, I love to discover content that is new to me very often."
She loves traveling the world, when time allows, to hear different sounds and connect to people of different cultures through music.
“I can recall walking into a karaoke bar in Taiwan, and having a hard time ordering a drink or speaking to other patrons because I didn't speak much mandarin. A few minutes later, someone requested PYT ( pretty young thing) by Michael Jackson and the majority of the crowd was singing word for word while dancing! To look around and witness many people of different backgrounds get their WHOLE LIFE is a reason why I'm in love with music. It’s communion yah know?"
Featured Community Playlist:
Marissa Ellberger
Missa works at Pensole Footwear Academy as a Brand Coordinator and is also a member of the Numberz team running our social media & marketing. Founder of the Leaves x Laces, instagram blog that will also debut as an art event August 5th, during Sneakerweek. Celebrating the emergence of plants in the sneaker aesthetic.
SHOUT OUT TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS!!
Jacob Strawn
Cliff Stanford
Kate Simrell
Rob Metnick
Ingrid Turner
Christopher Ward
Rob Metnick
Annie Ostrowski
Moira Farnsworth
Aaron Young
Jennifer Thelander
Eddie Barnhart
Mel George
Welcome to our blog!
Welcome to the Numz Blog
Behind the scenes with the Numberz crew at Cobalt Studios with photographer Jason Hill.
L to R: Maria, DJ MPC, Marissa, Morgan, Brittain, Kan and Claudia.
Partnership Highlight: The Numz @ Portland Art Museum
Innovation resulting in the perfect collaboration!
For those that may not be aware the Portland Art Museum has opened its doors to The Numberz providing us with the perfect creative office space.
What started out as a 2 week residency to capture interviews with our cities creatives has since developed into a more long term solution to us out growing our home at the XRAY FM offices.
With the challenges presented by Covid-19 the bulk of our operations are remote much like many other organizations. However through this relationship we’ve been able to safely engage in interviews and performances both inside and outside the museum. We’re encouraged by this partnership and truly excited for what the future holds!
Once the world opens back up, we look forward to hosting you at events in our new home. Be sure to follow the Portland Art Museum on social media for updates as they return to their newly adjusted schedule.
Featured Talk Show/Podcast: U.M.B.E.R.
Restorative justice student and advocate Nikky Lal. The Distinguished Delinquent, Statik and Director of Business Operations of Kaleb come together and bring to you UMBER which is an acronym for Unapologetically Making Black Excellence Realized.
We know conversations are hard. We make it easier by providing the space, the stage and the support young people need to voice their thoughts effectively...
From world issues such as Global Warming and Politics to more sensitive topics like Race and Identity. We talk about it all... Catch this podcast Friday’s at 5pm and again on Saturdays at 11am beginning in March! Check out the links below for their appearance on Unrefined Sophisticates Podcast and the first episode of PDX Whistleblowers
Featured DJ: DJ Deli
Chandeli BonAmi, known as “DJ Deli” offers a refreshing take on DJing. Growing up, music was a great influence in his life starting with his Haitian roots. Saturday morning’s were filled will rhythm and sounds, partnered with the joyous vocalizations from his mother—ranging from Haitian Kompa (haitian dance music), to reggae. Bob Marley was always the “go-to”. At a young age he found interest in both music and dance, learning how to krump, and keeping a focus on hip hop style dancing and sound.
By 16, Deli was learning the ins- and outs of the industry; promoting for venue 126 (owned by concept entertainment.) At 19 is when he narrowed in on DJing, and by the time he hit 22, Deli was in major local venues. Traveling and performing in San Diego and Tampa is just the start for this local DJ. Sponsored by Parlaé Vodka, and contributing majorly to the Numberz, Deli is bringing the community together with music and good vibes only.
Featured Community Playlist: Edo Mbenza Ngoma
Grand Rising Readers!
I want to introduce you all to an amazingly gifted artist who has contributed greatly to the Numberz and the community. Edo, thank you for your positivity and grace, professionalism and poise, talent and swag! You are an invaluable member of the Numberz team. We celebrate you today and always.
Please enjoy the playlist Edo has crafted specially for this month's Newsletter, and thank you all for supporting the Numberz FM. - Brittain Jackson