A birthday celebration
Not a private event and free entry.
Evan Toutz and Matt Mitchell will be celebrating their birthday with us on March 19th. Chilling out earlier for good conversations and picking up the pace with some Techno later on. Everyone invited to DJ are longtime record collectors with amazing taste in music. We'd love to see you and we need you on the dance floor!
Chicago’s Very Own: K’ Alexi Shelby with local support by ac$ and DJ TK
K’Alexi Shelby
DJ and producer, K’Alexi, is one of Chicago's true dance music heroes. Originator, and long-time pioneer of the city's sound, few have contributed, & continued to do so like he has. Beginning with one of his earliest releases, ‘Essence Of A Dream’ that kicked it all off, as it is widely regarded as a true classic to this day. Soon thereafter, multiple huge releases on labels like Trax, DJ International, & Detroit’s seminal techno label, Transmat would make him forever cemented within House AND Techno communities globally. Acid House? Yeah, that goes without saying.
At the age of 12 he was already moving in the right circles, befriending Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy whilst frequenting the famous Warehouse. His upbringing in Chicago in the 70s and 80s meant that he was exposed to a range of genres and different styles of music including Stevie Wonder, Prince, Curtis Mayfield and David Huff. These same names would prove to be the roots of his influences.
A tally of successful hit records, remixing and collaborations resulted in his talents being sought by artists like The Pet Shop Boys, Derrick May, Angel Abi, Paul Johnson and Mr Lee. He has also worked with Larry Heard & Robert Owens, Dave Angel, Tjen Tjen, Felix Da Housecat and Will Smith.
He is one of those rare talents to proliferate art across multiple genres & disciplines; sought after as much for his skills as a DJ, beyond his extensive discography. Every true techno head knows his records well, aside from being revered amongst his House contemporaries at the highest level. He remains a vital and active voice in the global dance music community and beyond, as his newest release on Shelter Records (NYC) proclaims…..we must “RISE” has something to say…..especially right now.
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ALIASES: Beat Junkies, The, Club MCM, Count Cool, D.J. Long Dong, K.A. Posse, K.Kool, Mind Control Music
SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY:
1987 Risque III - Essence Of A Dream (Stride Records)
1987 Risque III - Don't You Know (Stride Records)
1989 K Alexi Shelby - All For Lee-Sah (Transmat)
1989 K Alexi Shelby - Dig This (Underground)
1990 K Alexi Shelby - Do It For Me (Underground)
1990 K Alexi Shelby - Don't Cha Want It (DJ International)
1992 Pump It Like This (Rhythm Beat)
1992 3 Men And A Loft (12") Djax-Up-Beats
1993 Ho's In The House (Rhythm Beat)
1993 Sex-N-R-001(Djax-Up-Beats)
1994 Kaay Alexi Shelby* & Brazil 94 (Trax Records)
1994 Thee X Files EP (Radikal Fear)
1994 2 Girls & A Guy (LP) (Trax Records)
1995 Something For The Pain (Maad)
1995 Styles Of Many Vol. II (Delirium USA)
1995 Styles Of Many Vol. 1 (Delirium USA)
1995 Welcome To The Club (Power Records)
1996 Flawless Victory (ACV)
1996 Medusa '96 Remixes (Ugly Cutz)
1997 Brings You Absolute Power (Nepenta)
1997 K. Alexi Shelby* & Beat Junkies, The - Return Of The Beat Junkies (Nepenta)
1998 A Thing Of Beauty (Dust Traxx)
1998 From The Front Or From The Back (Nepenta)
1999 Robert Armani - Gene Hunt - K.Alexi* - Chicago Triple Threat (3xCD, Album, Mixed) (Brooklyn Music Limited)
1999 Essence Of Dream '99 (Nepenta)
1999 Got To Be Motivated (Elypsia)
1999 Feel Alright (Elypsia)
2000 Solid Soul (Moody Recordings)
2002 312 EP (Kickin Records)
2002 DJ K-Alexi* & DJ Abigail - Don't Push Too Deep / Hello (DJP Records)
2003 Robert Armani / DJ K-Alexi* - Beat Trax Vol. 1 (Audio Textures)
2003 The Classic K. (Trax Records)
2004 Klassic K2 (Trax Records)
2006 Back To The Future (House Music Records)
2006 K-Alexi / Jivaro - Twisted House EP (Rucksack)
2006 Pop N Puss / Gas Face / Cyber Sex (Catwash)
2006 Don't You Know (Dopewax)
2006 Back To The Future (Deeply Rooted House)
2007 That Is The Way (Mouth To Mouth)
2007 Funky Soldiers Feat K Alexi* - Deep In Chicago (Barcoda)
2007 Peek Time (Superb)
2008 Monument Of The King E.P.(Grasswaxx Recordings)
2008 Jack Of The Dragon E.P. (Grasswaxx Recordings)
2009 Club MCM (Paul Johnson Club Mix) / Do You Remember The Peek Time? (Superb)
2010 Jamie Anderson Feat. Mr K-Alexi* - Cyclone (Artform)
2010 You Are (Divine Records)
2010 I Can Go / Vol. 1 (Detelefunk)
Soul Searchin’ : A documentary on rare soul record collectors
Join us for a night of films & vinyl record DJ's. Featuring the award winning documentary, Soul Searchin'.
Soul Searchin' is an award winning feature length documentary by filmmakers Jesus Cruz and Alex Vigano.
Join us Saturday April 11th 2026 at The Sonder Bar in Portland, OR for a special evening of films and vinyl. This is event is 21+.
AGENDA:
7pm - Doors open with vinyl sets by
Misterxbubbles (Anacortes, WA), Waxvillain (Seattle, WA), Soulero4533 (Portland, OR), Laughing Boy (Stocktone, CA), Selector - T (Long Beach, CA), Ruben Molina (Los Angeles, CA).
8pm - Film Screenings + Filmmaker Q&A - Jesus Cruz and Alex Vigano (Soul Searchin') Shontel Horne (Why I Love You: Meet The Ultimates).
10pm to Close - More vinyl sets.
The Films -
Tommy Siquerio: El Mero Mero Viejo Soulero (8 min) - Tommy Siqueiro was a long time record collector from San Jose, CA. This film reflects on Tommy's life and his passion for rare soul oldies which inspired a generation of collectors.
Why I Love You: Meet The Ultimates (17 min) - The West Philly teenage group The Ultimates recorded a sweet, heartfelt song called "Why I Love You" that got little attention when it was released. But now, the song has been rediscovered as a lost soul music classic. And it's giving the trio of Monica Thornton, Debra Herbin and Shirley Carter - now in their 60's - a new audience, half a century later.
Soul Searchin' (68 minutes) - Soul Searchin’ explores the passionate world of rare soul record collectors who devote their lives to finding, preserving, and sharing forgotten music. More than a film about collecting, it is a story of cultural preservation, community, and obsession, following a small group of collectors as they rescue neglected recordings by Black and Chicano soul artists and transform forgotten songs into living history—from California to the world.
The Function
Featuring:
DJ Screendoor - We are thrilled to have this 25+ year veteran DJ, label owner, producer and one of the U.S.’s most revered vinyl selectors join us for his first appearance at The Function.
Kala- a true PDX hidden gem, Kala is a longtime house and techno DJ who has built a massive online following via his Grove Lantern mix series, racking up tens of thousands of views every episode.
Brandy Gray- March birthday girl and a true friend to the techno community, Brandy’s not just a great VJ, she’s also a bad-ass DJ! Come early to catch her slick techy selections and wish her a happy birthday!
Tracy Why- The Function resident and co-founder will close things out with depth, style, and hopefully a touch of weird.
Join us for a night of techno and adjacent sounds. Sliding scale recommended donation: $5-$10 from 9pm-2:30am. Come early and stay late.
Double Feature: Roy Davis Jr. & Ellery Cowles
Sonder Bar & Undaground Therapy Muzic presents:
We’re proud to announce the return of Roy Davis Jr (Chicago - Undaground Therapy) to Sonder, along with long-time friend, music colleague, & label artist; Ellery Cowles (Chicago). Those of you in attendance last time, and self-admitted House heads, already know Roy needs no reintroduction. Many will also be familiar with Ellery, as someone who’s been doing it at the highest level for a very long time, albeit you’re probably wondering where he’s been in recent years? The important thing is….he’s back & the gloves are off! It’s time for the younger folks to hear what they’ve been missing. **Please see ticket link for bio information if you’d like to know more about these gents.**
Community + Dance with Chixy Guap, Freaky Outty & Illordess, db.cyber and visuals by lunasea
Roses are red, violets are blue, ten years ago they said I do. Join us for a free event and celebration of love, community and dance.
Featuring
Chixy Guap
Freaky Outty & illordess
Db.cyber
And visuals stylings by lunasea
50 Orbits
Free entry. Join DLyte, Bliss, Michael Mitchell, Knob, and Tyson for a night of music and dancing..
23l3Ctro
23L3CTRO is back and we have a stacked lineup for you in early February! Super stoked for everyone on this lineup and beyond excited for Chris Roman aka 214 to come down for this. We are starting early at 8pm, and the music will be fantastic all night
214 (Frustrated Funk, Klakson, 20/20 Vision)
D.Vices (SubSensory)
Øbsrvr (Tarantella)
Residents:
Camino Acid (Pyramid Transmissions) B2B DJ set
Centrikal (Particle Music, SubSensory) B2B b0t23 (Patterned Media)
Sonder Listening Bar
1925 NE 42nd Ave
Friday Feb 6th
8pm-2:30am
$10 Donation at the door
Art by Jerry Abstract
Music Fans First
WED 2.4
6pm- 80’s POST PUNK TO FUNK W/@DJ.DANDALION
6:30pm-CUTS WITH @ov1cutz
7pm-GLOBAL BASS SOUNDS W/ @W33DKOFFZ
7:30pm-SYNTH POP, ITALO, GITY POP, BALEARIC W/ @CORYPLAYSRECORDS
8pm- HOUSE, ELECTRONICA, JAZZ, AMBIENT
W/ @SUNSHINEANDRAVIOLI
8:30pm- OLD SCHOOL HIP HOP W/ @CHEFMARCOMORILLO
9pm- RARE GROOVES W/
@UNIQUESOULADVENTURES
9:30pm -JAZZ BALLADS FOR LOVERS W/@SOUNDS.BY.ABADJ
10pm - ATMOSPHERIC DnB, BREAKBEAT HARDCORE W/ @PROFESSOR_Beats1
10:30pm- TRIP HOP W/ @CXHANSEN
11pm - EARLY 90'5 DnB W/ @ATE21_DJMOM
11:30pm -HOUSE
François K
Hawk Events is proud to welcome François K back to Sonder Listening Bar for another extended night of deep, patient, and beautifully crafted music.
François recently played a sold out night at Sonder, and the combination of his approach and the room itself made it something truly special. With its small capacity, living room feel, and exceptional sound, Sonder is the kind of space where long sets can unfold naturally, without rush or distraction.
This time, François will be joined by Krista Basis and Phæjay (Jeff Winograd), setting the tone for the evening before handing things over for a full François K journey.
Schedule:
Krista Basis + Phæjay: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
François K: 9:00 pm – 2:00 am
This show is part of an ongoing series of intimate nights at Sonder presented by Hawk Events, including the upcoming Alton Miller appearance. Each night stands on its own, offering something distinct, personal, and worth showing up for.
Tickets go on sale Sunday morning, January 4th.
Capacity is limited, and the last François K night sold out quickly.
Come early. Stay present. Let the night unfold.
The Function
No Cover Event
Featuring:
Carly Barton- Low-key one of Portland’s most dangerous secret weapons behind the decks, Carly will serve up a special set of techno and related sounds.
Groshong- The NuHabitat co-founder, DJ and organizer, known for his deeper sounds, will close out the night with his techs and minimal grooves.
Dmux- The reclusive veteran DJ/ Producer returns to The Function on the heels of recent releases on Translucent Recordings out of Australia and Portland’s SubSensory Recordings.
Joel Mack- This longtime DJ and member of PDX Techno community will kick off the night with his sleek techno and house selections.
Join us for a night of techno and adjacent sounds.
Come early, stay late.
Alton Miller (Yoruba Soul Records / Detroit)
Krista Basis and Phaejay (Jeff Winograd) 8:00-10:00pm
Alton Miller 10:00pm to Close.
Limited capacity. Come early. Stay Late.
Hawk Events is excited to welcome Anton Miller, a Detroit house music legend, to Sonder for an extended 4+ hour set. A foundational figure in the Detroit sound with Chicago roots, Alton has spent more than three decades sharing deep, soulful, and emotionally grounded house music.
As both a producer and a DJ, he bridges classic influences with modern groove, drawing from soul, jazz, disco, and techno while remaining firmly rooted in Detroit’s musical lineage. His long form sets unfold patiently and reward trust in the arc.
Music Fans First
Music Fans First 1/14
5:30pm- TBD with @todaystheday
6pm- HipHop, Reggae, Afrobeats with @W33DOFFZ
6:30pm- Melancholic Vocals with @thwackmybonobo
7pm- Triphop with @cxhansen
7:30pm- HipHop with @robotrad
8pm- Chill Emo with @_cor.ey
8:30pm- Jazz with @sounds.by.abadj
9pm- Drum N Bass with @marble.rolls
9:30pm- House Music Classics / Modern with @Johnnyswoope
10pm- Soul, Funk, Disco with @djshaneco
10:30pm- House with @laboy_tony_
11pm- TBD with @ate21_djmom
11:30pm- DnB & Halfstep
Music Fans First
Music Fans First 1/7
5:30pm- Dub
6pm- Ambient Techno with @umryan
6:30pm- HipHop with @thehopnarrator
7pm- Strictly Bangers with @w33doffz
7:30pm- RnB & Soul with @plskeggs / @dj.outer.limits.pdx
8pm- Acoustic Rock
8:30pm- Modern Funk / Electronic
9pm- Indie Electronic / Nu Disco with @ear_jordan82
9:30pm- Electronic, Ambient, Jazz with @M_I_A_H
10pm- Soul, RnB, Jazz, Funk @cutterup
10:30pm- Soul, RnB, Funk with @robotrad
11pm- TBD with @blackmilk_
11:30pm- Funk, Electro, RnB, HipHop with @kcastagnaro
Dj Mano Gil & DJ Mermaid
Global sounds all vinyl set with DJ Mano Gil joining us from San Jose, CA.
A night with Gene Hunt
GENE HUNT (Chicago) * 12-27-25
As someone who’s spent significant time touring the States and abroad, Gene is no stranger to the PNW, and has always been a Portland favorite. We plan on him, once again, bringing his infectious energy to the controls & subsequently, to a new dance floor of patrons new and old.
CHICAGO…..the birthplace of House Music, has had hundreds of producers/DJs who’ve played significant roles through the innovation of a sound(s), that would ultimately be the foundation of the entire aforementioned genre. Gene is no exception for his early pioneering contributions in the studio, or in the club behind the turntables. However, there were only a small handful of jocks that were regularly handpicked to open for the likes of both Frankie Knuckles at the Warehouse, or for Ron Hardy at US Studio & the Music Box. Recognizing Gene’s talents at an early age, he quickly became a protege of Ron’s; ultimately defining the direction he’d take stylistically, and forever carrying the historical, proverbial torch from that defining school of House Music.
Taking his education from those at the highest level, Gene was also able to help cement his place in history with the release of several consecutive classics, starting with the EP ‘Living in a Land’ (Housetime / Trax Records) in 1987, seeing a proper 12” release with additional production by Robert Owens & the late legend, Armando a couple years later. One of those records that remains timeless, and rinsed by many big name DJs to this day.
Aside from his early lineage, what truly sets Gene apart from most of his contemporaries making house records today, has been his willingness to visit other places musically; which is why he’s well known & respected amongst may techno & acid aficionados as well. He’s currently working on his newest album ‘Gene vs. Gene,’ set to be released this year, which will tell a similar story of his versatility & uncompromising approach to creativity; rather than whatever the current “trend” might be at the time. This list of clubs/festivals he’s headlined, productions, and other professional accolades are too numerous to list here; albeit relevant, one should really be looking forward to what’s next!
Join us as we work off some of the holiday indulgence…..for the 2nd to last party of the year @ Sonder! Cheers
Ticket Link - https://events.humanitix.com/mr-gene-hunt
Sunday Funday Celebration
DJ Dissolve, D. Lawrence, Gazin, Krista Basis, Tony LaBoy, Liam Malone
A Night with OSUNLADE
OSUNLADE - 12/20/25
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of the industry’s best producers & DJs in an intimate setting, for what is sure to be a very special evening & musical journey.
We are proud to announce the return of OSUNLADE back to Portland, and his inaugural appearance at Sonder. Probably best known for his talent & skills as a producer, musician, and founder / operator of the highly respected label - YORUBA RECORDS; but has garnered nearly the same type of enthusiasm as someone who’s helped propel the craft of DJing forward, the way it should be done, whilst maintaining a reverence for the history of dance music & those who help create the foundation of what we have today.
A true citizen of the earth, a world traveler, perpetually & relentlessly on tour with music gigs….he’s never forgot his roots and how impactful it’s been to his career. Originally hailing from St. Louis, MO - A city well known for its contributions in pioneering areas of jazz, blues, & ragtime….but, also for being a historical representation of a culturally rich & economically progressing major metropolitan US city, that has since endured its fair share of significant challenges since the early 1950s. This all-too-familiar pattern with the evolution of industry & economic decline in major American cities has always dramatically shaped the landscape of music on a global scale, and STL is no exception.
Few artists actually personify the “art” part of said title, the way Osunlade does. His passion for the music, and all that encompasses is emblematic in nearly everything he does. Whether that’s the curation of a new album, the artwork, the listener experience, A&R for the label, or up-and-coming artist development & mentorship…..he’s relentless in his creative pursuits and his humble spiritual role in the collective consciousness.
Although most will associate his (now legendary) extended DJ sets with some variation of House / Dance Music; his label - YORUBA RECORDS (Est 1999), is well known for simply just releasing quality music to fans of jazz, funk, soul, world, experimental electronic, ambient…..and, of course, dance music that utilizes a wide variety of rhythms & time signatures. With well over 300 releases in its catalog, it shows no sign of slowing down or stagnation; something incredibly rare in dance music today, and yet another reason why it is widely regarded as one of the most important dance music labels worldwide.
Dark Territory
Breakbeat - Hardcore - Jungle (No Cover)
Featuring Jon AD, Thwackmybonobo, Samizdat, and Maria La Neta
Celebration! With Mike Kirkelie, Gabriel Dellous, & Kevin Davis
Details to be updated. Stay tuned.
Music Fans First
Music Fans First: 1st and 2nd Wednesdays every month
Sign-ups went quick this month so we opened up the third Wednesday of October for new sign-ups. You can signup through our website at thesonderbar.com/sign-up - also linked in our bio.
Bring some records or a crate and get an allotted time to play your favorite tracks. No need to blend- you can just rock one after another. This is for all you DJs and non-DJs out there that just want a chance to present music on a proper sound system. Come play with us.
P.S. - If you are a new participant please note these rules of engagement: you need to bring your own records and your own headphones. There are no “house records”. This event is specifically for playing vinyl. We will not have the CDJs available. In signing up please only take one time slot. Once you arrive, please check in with the bar and we will help you settle in before you play.
The Deep
Night of endless movement.
Another night of house, grooves, and more. This lineup was curated to provide a span of classic soulful house to deep disco inspired tunes.
Free event! Donations to Samewave Radio are highly encouraged.
Lineup:
Sittinonturtles
Francis Mxs
Mintwhisper
Music Fans First
Music Fans First: 1st and 2nd Wednesdays every month
Sign-ups went quick this month so we opened up the third Wednesday of October for new sign-ups. You can signup through our website at thesonderbar.com/sign-up - also linked in our bio.
Bring some records or a crate and get an allotted time to play your favorite tracks. No need to blend- you can just rock one after another. This is for all you DJs and non-DJs out there that just want a chance to present music on a proper sound system. Come play with us.
P.S. - If you are a new participant please note these rules of engagement: you need to bring your own records and your own headphones. There are no “house records”. This event is specifically for playing vinyl. We will not have the CDJs available. In signing up please only take one time slot. Once you arrive, please check in with the bar and we will help you settle in before you play.
