Swatkins is a joyful prophet of positivity. Together with his band, The Positive Agenda, he plays feel-good funk made by and for real human beings. Steve Swatkins is part of the new generation of performers making raw, fresh soulful music without relying on computers or backing tracks. This multi-instrumentalist is a master of the talkbox, an old-school analog effect using his larynx to shape the sound of his keyboard synthesizer sent through a vinyl tube. Think of the funky robot voice from "California Love" or the hair-raising harmony intro to "24 Karat Magic." Now picture a throwback dance party with a killer live band playing the deepest grooves imaginable, and you've got a taste of what The Positive Agenda is all about. 


Swatkins has long been a fixture on the touring scene in his capacity as a sideman and guest artist. As a fulltime member of Excellent Gentlemen and Juno What?! he's spread his irresistible signature style on stages across the US and Canada. Since joining Allen Stone's band in 2013, he's been around the world several times, becoming an indispensable part of the live show and co-writing several of Allen's songs, including the lead single "Upside" from Stone's last album Radius and also the lead single "Brown Eyed Lover" from the yet-unreleased next record. Most recently, he's guest-starred with Brooklyn's Turkuaz at their debut Red Rocks performance, sat in with Vulfpeck at their biggest NYC show to date in Central Park, and has toured subbing on keyboards with modern funk legends Lettuce. Now with Steve's new original project, The Positive Agenda, his dedicated fans can see the Swatkins they know and love in a brand new setting, bringing high-energy performances to dancefloors everywhere.

ABOUT MUSIC ON MAIN

The Portland’5 Centers for the Arts and the ArtBar & Bistro are proud to present the 14th Annual Music on Main outdoor concert series from July 10 to August 28, 2019. The free concerts are held in downtown Portland on Main Street, between Southwest Broadway & Park Avenue, next to Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

On Wednesday evenings starting in July, Portland’5 takes advantage of the lovely summer weather in Portland to present the free outdoor concert series. The concerts feature popular local and regional musicians playing a diverse collection of music.

The free concerts are open to the public and run from 5pm to 7pm—tickets are not required.

FOOD & DRINKS AVAILABLE FROM THE ARTBAR & BISTRO

The ArtBar & Bistro will be serving seasonal fare and delicious libations starting at 4:00pm. Tables are for food and beverage patrons only and are available on a first come, first-served basis.

ArtBar Food Menu

ArtBar Drink Menu

*Performers subject to change. In case of rain or extreme heat, Music on Main concerts will be held in the rotunda lobby of Antoinette Hatfield Hall, located next to Main Street at 1111 SW Broadway Ave., Portland, Oregon 97205.

Music on Main is made possible through the generous support of: OnPoint Community Credit Union, Trinchero Family Estates, Union Wine Company, Palm Bay International, Foley Family Wines, Tullamore Dew, Larceny Bourbon, Old Forester, Wild Roots, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Full Sail Brewing, Deschutes Brewery, the Portland’5 Foundation, Willamette Week, and Portland Radio Project.