By Estefany Gonzalez
Chances are you’ve heard “Feel It Still” by Portugal. The Man (yes, spelled Portugal period The Man) over the past few months.
Maybe you listened to the song during an Apple iPad commercial, caught the band perform the song at the 2017 American Music Awards or saw Miley Cyrus dance to the tune in a lip sync battle against Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show” last month.
The track is catchy, danceable and singer John Gourley’s distinct high pitched voice rivals those of Steven Tyler and Axel Rose in a way that stand out amongst others on the radio.
Following the release of the band’s newest album, “Woodstock,” earlier this year, the group hit the top five of Billboard’s Hot 100 and played at big arenas like the Hearst Greek Theatre in Berkeley a few months ago.
After gaining so much popularity within the mainstream culture, it seemed unlikely the Portland band would get to “kick it like it’s” 2013, back when Portugal. The Man played at The Mystic Theater in Petaluma. Yet, The 2017 Emerald Cup is bringing was brought Portugal. The Man back to Sonoma County for a performance on Sunday, Dec. 10.
While the band’s new record is impressive let’s not forget the tunes you might have rocked out to at the 2015 BottleRock Music Festival.
Despite the name, the band is by no means just a one-man project. The group has a unique psychedelic sound with a gritty punk vibe that’s rounded out by bassist Zach Carothers, keyboard player Kyle O’Quin, drummer Jason Sechrist and guitarist Eric Howk.
Songs like “Creep in a T-shirt” and “Purple Yellow Red and Blue” off the band’s 2013 record “Evil Friends” are just as infectious. Classics like “Got It All (This Can’t Be Living Now)” off 2011’s “In The Mountain in the Cloud” are feel-good singalong anthems too.
Live performances are a must-see because of the Portugal. The Man’s contagious rock n’ roll attitude and epic light shows that entrance you from the first song to the last.
Other performers at this year’s Emerald Cup include The Roots, Hieroglyphics, Pimps of Joytime, Chali 2na, Thrive and Gramatik, make sure to log on to The Emerald Cup website for performance times closer to the date.
When: Starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec.9 and Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd. Santa Rosa.
Admission: $70-$400; age 18 and over only.
