John Lensing and Mary Eliza

John Lensing plays Artichoke Music on Sunday, October 11, as part of the Live Music @ Artichoke! series. He's sharing the bill with Mary Eliza, and they'll be joined by Merle Law, Ian 'Yuck' Lindsay, and Keenan Dorn. The show is put on by Artichoke Community Music, a non-profit that runs classes celebrating the folk tradition in its store and venue.

Lensing is a Portland singer-songwriter whose songs have been streamed over a million times. He draws on his early years busking on street corners to connect with strangers, and his raspy, world-worn vocals anchor the emotional Layers. Mary Eliza also started as a busker before moving to the stage; she balances heartbreak and hope on her yearning folk-rock debut Spider, a sound that's been compared to indie singer-songwriter Samia.

Lensing has toured North America and Europe, playing festivals like Sommer in Altona in Hamburg and the Underground Music Showcase in Denver. His 2024 debut album, The Weight of the Love, was produced by Andy D. Park and William IV Smith and explores love, masculinity, queerness, and healing.

The show starts at 6 PM, with doors opening at 5:30 PM, at Artichoke Music, 2007 SE Powell Blvd. Tickets are $18.11.